Blackout Window Treatments Tips

Blackout Shades & Blinds For The Bedroom

Window treatments in your home can be selected to match your lifestyle. The bedroom is one of the most important rooms to “dress” with the proper type of blinds. If you are a morning person and like to awake in light filled room then you may want to consider blinds that allow some light into your bedroom. Natural light can be a welcoming wake-up call in the morning. You can also opt for a remote control or timer on your blinds so they open in the morning to let the sun in your room. The light filtering or semi opaque shades allow for some outside light to enter the room (even when they are closed) to create soft glow and a warm atmosphere. These blinds and shades are the perfect choice for people who love to wake up to natural light and do not like their room totally dark.

For those who like to sleep in complete darkness and prefer to wake up to a traditional alarm clock then blackout blinds may be the best choice. These blinds block out all light and keep the room in complete darkness until you decide you would like to “let the light in”. Room darkening shades are a good choice to people who have to sleep during the day or those who do not like to sleep with light trickling into their bedroom.

Whether you choose a light filtering window blind or a blackout blind your window treatments in your bedroom should represent your personal preference and style.

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Nighttime During the Daytime

Blackout blinds, or room-darkening blinds, are some of the most common types of shades used to filter sunlight and natural light. These types of blinds eliminate 98-100% of light and are a great alternative to slats or louvers. Many of these types of blinds also block UV rays; be sure to check the item description to make sure the blinds you select have this feature. Blinds that block these harmful rays will help eliminate or reduce fading on carpet, paint and upholstery. You can find the room darkening or blackout blinds in almost any style, shape and color.

Roller shades are a common type of blackout blinds with their heavy fabric and easy operation they can add appeal to almost any room. You can purchase roller shades with light filtering and blackout materials for superior light filtering traits.

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Window Coverings for Privacy

If you are concerned about privacy in your home then you should select window coverings that will create a private setting. Privacy window coverings typically have a complete opaque covering. Some window covering choices that offer privacy are coverings like fabric and roller shades. These shades are made of vinyl or fabric that is typically opaque for complete coverage. Curtains and draperies when closed will block out the view into your home. Pleated and cellular shades can also help with privacy. Some of these shades have a top down option so the bottom of the window is covered while the top can allow light to enter your house. Mini blinds, wood blinds and shutters are a fairly good choice for privacy shades, although you may be able to see through the slats at certain angles. There are several choices for privacy window coverings. Many shades that have a privacy lining also are made to keep the room dark and block out any outside light.

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Blackout Sheer Draperies

New drapery fabrics offer the look of a lightweight sheer with the blocking power of a blackout curtain. The Opaque Crinkle Sheer has an airy, sheen appearance without the see though qualities. This drape can be used for room darkening purposed and comes in a wide material for ultimate window coverage. These types of draperies are perfect for a living room or front room window. They can also add some elegance to your bedroom décor.

You can use almost any type of fabric for blackout curtains if you have the proper type of lining. Most materials can be interlined with a blackout fabric. Blackout curtains typically have 4-5 layers (face fabric, interlining, black lining and lining). Thick, dark fabric generally works best for interlining blackout curtains.

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Decorative Shutters Inside

There are window treatments and window dressings. Window treatments are blinds and shades, which offer privacy and light control. Window dressings are typically drapes, curtains and valances that decorate your windows and can be used in conjunction with your window coverings. Interior shutters have both function and frill. Shutters will block out light when closed and even act as an insulator against hot and cold weather. But shutters are also quite decorative. Shutters are made of many different kinds of materials; the most common are wood and PVC. They act just as a metal or wooden blinds, but add a unique flair to your window that blinds and shades do not.

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Window Blinds vs. Window Shades

Distinguishing between blinds and shades can be difficult if you are not familiar with “window covering lingo”.

Blinds have horizontal or vertical slates that can be rotated for maximum privacy and light control. These slats can be made from wood, fabric or aluminum, thus explaining wood blinds, faux wood blinds, roman blinds (fabric) and metal or aluminum blinds and mini blinds. Vertical blinds are operated similar to draperies; stacking on both sides with an opening in the middle or drawing on one side, stacking as a panel. Horizontal blinds are drawn up from top to bottom and can be hidden under a valance or cornice box.

Shades are typically made of material or fabric with permanent pleats like that of cellular or pleated shades. Shades are raised and lowered to control the light in your room. They stack at the top of the window and can be stopped at any level for an attractive window decoration.

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