Blackout Blinds

Collection: Buy Blackout Blinds on Sale

A blackout blind works by using a tightly woven, opaque fabric that stops light passing through the material itself. What it cannot control is the gap between the blind and the window frame, which is where most light leakage actually occurs in practice. For maximum darkness, look for blinds that mount inside the window recess as close to the glass as possible, or use a blind with side channels that seal the edges. Blackout roller blinds are the most common format because they take up minimal space when raised, they're straightforward to measure and fit, and they work in rooms where curtains are impractical, such as small windows, skylights, or awkwardly placed openings. Many shoppers pair blackout blinds with curtains for a layered look, using the blind for light control and the curtains for style and insulation. Our blackout curtains and bedroom curtains are worth browsing if you want to combine both.

How do I measure for blackout blinds?

For an inside recess fit, measure the width of the recess at three points (top, middle, and bottom) and use the smallest measurement, then subtract 10mm each side to allow for the brackets. For drop, measure from the top of the recess to the sill. For an outside recess fit, add at least 5cm to each side of the window width and extend the drop above and below the frame to prevent light bleed at the edges. Shoppers also commonly ask whether blackout roller blinds can be cut to size, and most cannot be trimmed without damaging the fabric or the side hem, which is why getting the measurement right before ordering matters. Blackout blinds for a bedroom are particularly popular for children's rooms, so if you're shopping for a child's room our kids bedroom curtains and wider roller blinds range are worth a look alongside.