Blackout Blinds

Tired of waking every morning with a stripe of blinding sunlight across your eyes? Or perhaps you need a way to dim the lights in the baby's room so he'll nap, or in a conference room so that you can project a presentation on a screen. No matter why you need to block the light from entering a room, you will need the right window blinds for the job.

If you're looking for a window covering option that will block out nearly all available light from your rooms, your best option is blackout blinds. Blackout blinds are generally roller blinds ? heavy fabric on a mechanical roller ? with a few differences designed to eliminate as much available light as possible.

The first difference is in the construction of the blind itself. Rather than rolling freely up and down over a roller that is attached at the top of the window frame, blackout blinds are fitted into side channels attached to the inside of the frame to hold the blind close to the glass and prevent light from entering along the sides.

The fabric itself ? or a special lightproof treatment ? is the second difference. There is no one particular fabric that's used universally. Different manufacturers swear by different combinations of acrylic, fiberglass, aluminum and other products to reduce light transmission and reflect heat away from the window and out of your room.

Blackout blinds come in a wide variety of colors and styles to suit almost any décor. The newest treatments don't count on color to reduce light leakage. It's all in the material of which the blinds are made. You can choose colors, patterns and prints that coordinate with any decorating style,

Maybe your need isn't for total light blockage. There are other options that are more suitable for dimming the light in a room and helping to keep it cooler in the heat or retaining heat during the winter. Often referred to as 'dim out blinds' they are usually made of similar fabric with some light blocking properties, but aren't fitted into channels to block all light. They come in the same range of colors, patterns and styles designed to coordinate with any room décor, so shop around to find window treatments that fit your rooms perfectly.

Another recent entry into the blackout blinds market is cellular blackout blinds. Cellular blackout blinds are not available from every manufacturer, and are often a custom order from others. Like blackout roller blinds, they come in both room darkening and light filtering colors. They offer many options that standard blackout blinds don't ? top down or bottom up raising and lowering, for example. The colors available range from white to lavender to sea green to rose, and can block as much as 80% of the light from entering your room.

If you're buying blackout blinds from an online dealers be sure to visit their web site to get detailed measuring instructions. Since blackout blinds of any kind must be cut to measure, you'll seldom get a refund if you make a mistake with the measurements or choose a color that doesn't suit your rooms.

Garry John has contributed many articles to home improvement sites including this article on blackout blinds.

---

Let Your Wall Art Define You

Wall art can be defined by family portraits or historical... Read More

Crafty Country Decorating Style Ideas

If you've ever seen Frank's decorations on TLC's Trading Spaces,... Read More

Gourmet Fruit Gift Baskets

Gourmet fruit baskets quickly emerged as a way to deliver... Read More

Home Decorating & The Smaller Place

"Big Things Come In Small Packages" We're all familiar with... Read More

Custom Slipcovers Can Give Your Furniture A Stylish New Look

If your furniture could do with a new look, then... Read More

Down Bedding Guide

Down, feathers, goose down, duck down, these can all be... Read More

Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!

If you are thinking about updating the look of a... Read More

Choosing Bathroom Vanity Lights

The basic bathroom vanity includes a mirror or medicine cabinet... Read More

Refinishing Hardwood Floors

The quality of the wear layer determines frequency of refinishing... Read More

Trash or Treasure: Assessing Your Possessions

One personal junk is another personal treasure. Never is that... Read More

How Curtains Can Change the Look of Your Home

The roles of curtains have changed. At one time they... Read More

Buying a Bakers Rack

Bakers racks are a perfect enhancement to any kitchen, whether... Read More

Creative Decorating Ideas Using Old Windows

A Room With A ViewHave you ever wished you had... Read More

Creating A Cozy Spot

Having a warm & cozy spot to snuggle up is... Read More

The Importance of Waterbed Sheets

Waterbeds provide a unique sleeping experience. They can be great... Read More

California King Bedding Cannot Be Interchanged With Standard King Bedding

If you are looking for a great selection of California... Read More

Amish Furniture For the Home

Amish Furniture makes a home warm and welcoming. Hard woods,... Read More

Do You Really Want The Ceiling Fan Above The Bed?

I love the decorative look of a ceiling fan as... Read More

Preserved Flower Candles

Putting flowers in your candle will add a unique look,... Read More

Faux Wood Mini Blinds

Though wood blinds and shutters are the most popular window... Read More

Heres Why Interior Decorating Makes A Statement About You

Interior decorating is that medium which can make your closed... Read More

The Benefits of Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Stainless steel has emerged as the most popular choice of... Read More

Dining Chair Slipcovers ? A Great Way to Impress Your Dinner Guests!

Planning a dinner party but worried what your guests will... Read More

Antiques, Collectibles, & Memorabilia: Do You Know the Difference?

The world of antiques can be confusing. What's the difference... Read More

Pass the Salt ? Its a Hot Collectible

Part of the attraction of any collectible is the story... Read More

The English Grandfather Clock Tradition

Like the storied countryside of England, grandfather clocks from that... Read More

Wall Clocks Tell Time and Decorate!

Clocks can be of any type - they could be... Read More

Why Posters are Great Gifts

Posters make great gifts. They are large but easy to... Read More

Tiffany Lamps - A Timeless Treasure

Among the varied accomplishments of it's inventor, the lamp was... Read More

An Introduction to Chess Sets

Chess is a popular board game across the world. While... Read More

Shabby Chic Bedding Can Add An Elegant Vintage Touch to Your Room!

Shabby Chic bedding is definitely the answer if you are... Read More

Inuit Stone Sculptures From The Arctic North

When most people think about stone sculptures, it's probably giant... Read More

Decorating a Bedroom for the Subconscious Mind - Psychology of Colors

Psychology of colors ? the bedroomColor can have an astounding... Read More