What is blackout or how to choose blackout curtains

Pros and cons of blackout roller blinds

Main advantages:

• effective dimming;
• the ability to conveniently adjust the flow of light;
• fire safety (in case of fire they do not burn, but melt);
• practicality, wear resistance (the curtain does not fade, does not fade, does not deteriorate over time);
• environmentally friendly, no toxic substances are released at high temperatures;
• an effective addition to the interior;
• Possibility of use in any room;
• variety of assortment and the ability to match any interior;
• the ability to close only part of the glass without completely blocking access to sunlight;
• significant cost savings (when decorating a large window with curtains, you need to buy significantly more fabric to create folds);
• variety of types: cassette UNI, Mini, MGS and others;
• no special care is required (during production, the fabrics are impregnated with a special composition).

In addition to controlling light, window coverings play an important role in maintaining the comfort of your home.
Main disadvantages:

• limited choice in color, pattern and size (the largest width is 280-300 cm);
• synthetic materials;
• the cost is slightly higher than other window accessories.

There are significantly more advantages, and where protection and darkening of windows is important, the disadvantages seem insignificant.

Blackout roller blinds are made of special light-proof material.

Blackout fabrics

Blackout fabric is a light-transmitting fabric with one hundred percent shading of 100%. There is also dimout fabric - it shades by 70% - 80%. Please note that the color of the fabric does not have to be black. Externally, this blackout fabric for roller blinds can be of any color, even white or with some kind of patterns, texture, or embossing. Those companies that produce blackout blinds have many fabrics with such properties. They can be from different manufacturers and, as a result, different price categories. There are also cheap Chinese options, some of which look very decent, but there are also canvases from European manufacturers. These are already designer canvases, very expensive, especially with today’s exchange rate between the ruble and the dollar or euro.

Functionality of roller blinds

Main functions:

• darkening windows at any time of the day;
• completely cover the room from prying eyes;
• help maintain the indoor microclimate;
• will help provide high-quality thermal insulation and slightly reduce heat loss;
• will help protect against extraneous noise;
• provide comfort while sleeping;
• will help protect furniture and interior items from fading;
• decorative function - if selected correctly, they will perfectly decorate the interior of the room.

In the children's room, they will protect the window from the sun's rays in the early morning and during the day during sleep. The bedroom will create a comfortable environment for sleeping during the day. In the hall, living room and office, interior items are protected from fading, TV screens and computer screens from the sun. Kitchen curtains are usually chosen in light colors or you can choose bright ones.

It is already difficult to imagine modern buildings without roller blinds. The design and color palette change and improve every year, pleasing more than surprising.

Accessories perform darkening and decorative functions in cafes, bars, photo salons, cinemas, shopping centers and hotels. The company logo can be applied to roller blinds or sent to customers as advertising for the company.

Thanks to the use of modern technologies, the level of comfort in our homes increases.

They are used in kindergartens, schools, and public institutions. In each place, curtains perform a specific function.

Reviews about roller blinds

The power of tradition is palpable, but new trends and ideas are penetrating an increasing number of apartments, houses and offices. High-tech roller blinds and amazing light-proof blackout fabric are no longer considered a curiosity. Reviews about this type of interior textiles are mostly positive:

• Blackout provides excellent protection from light at any time of the year. You can simply close the curtains and night falls - ideal for daytime relaxation.
• Blackout roller blinds are indispensable for people who work night shifts and sleep during the day. Due to natural light, it is difficult for the brain to get used to the idea that it is necessary to sleep. This is where blackout comes in handy.
• Roller blinds are very convenient for kitchens - there are no folds in which dirt and dust collect, they can be easily lowered and raised, do not take up much space, and flowers do not touch them.
• Impenetrable roller blinds provide very reliable protection from prying eyes. One movement of the hand, the mechanism comes into action, and not a single curious glance will disturb it.
• Products of this type look impressive precisely because of their simplicity. There is something oriental and elegant about roller blinds. They take up virtually no space, they simply cover the glass, so the room becomes more spacious.

Blackout - special fabrics that protect houses from light, noise and prying eyes. This is a dense, reliable, durable material, it is beautiful and easy to care for. Lightproof fabrics are also used to create roller blinds - laconic products that roll up into a convenient roller blind. Curtains of this type can replace blinds, which are difficult to clean due to the abundance of parts. They easily fit into any interior - both classic and ultra-modern.

What are roller blinds made of?

The material from which the curtains are made has a special structure.

The fabric consists of several layers:

• the first outer layer is opaque and reflective of sunlight, most often thick polyester is used (the fabric does not wrinkle);
• the second dense layer retains heat and diffuses light;
• the last layer is the decorative front layer; it can be of various colors and textures.

Note! There is a special type of Black Out fabric - with a “mirror” side facing the street. It is able to protect even from the extreme southern sun, and also helps reduce room temperature by 20%.

The color palette of fabrics is very rich. Daylight emphasizes the beauty and purity of white curtains and visually increases the volume of the room. Beige color is the most popular; it goes well with any interior colors. Blue color brings lightness, peace and carefreeness to the atmosphere of the room.

Blackout roller blinds mean privacy and comfort. They give you the right to decide what can go through your windows.

Additional Information! The black color on the window looks elegant and sophisticated. However, designers do not recommend using it; it is still a depressing color.

Description of blackout blinds

Let me clarify one important point: the prefix Blackout to roller blinds, pleated blinds or vertical blinds only means that this type of blind uses opaque fabric or other material, like, for example, plastic or aluminum blinds. This is not a separate blind system. Any type of blinds can be made into a blackout. It makes no difference whether you buy ready-made products in a shopping center, order on AliExpress, or contact the manufacturer so that he can make products to your sizes. Now let's look at systems on which blackout fabric can be installed.

How to choose the right opacity

The opacity of blackout fabric is affected by:

• material structure;
• condition of the outer layer;
• density and thickness of layers.

A unique solution for windows that improves lighting, interior, and comfort issues.
The denser and thicker the fabric, the less light it can let into the room.

Tips for choosing

When purchasing Blackout roller blinds, you need to consider several important points in order to choose the right model:

When going to the store, you should take with you a piece of paper with the dimensions of the window. You need to find out the width and height of the window opening and sashes, the dimensions of the glass themselves and the distance between the handle on the sash and the glass. Precisely sized curtains will provide the most effective darkening.

When choosing curtains for curtains, you need to take into account some of the nuances of the room's interior . The chosen color can harmoniously combine with the upholstery of upholstered furniture - or play in contrast with the curtains on the window. With the help of stripes and color effects, you can visually expand the room or increase the ceilings, as well as make the room warmer or colder.

The density of the fabric and the use of spraying affect the performance of blackout curtains. Denser matter is better able to protect against the penetration of sunlight. The presence of a metallized coating on the material helps to reflect light, and the vinyl layer protects the product from excess moisture.

When choosing Blackout products, you should give preference only to trusted companies that have proven themselves due to the high quality of their products. This technology was created by Finnish blind manufacturers, but other European companies also strive to maintain their brand and produce materials of excellent quality.

To avoid getting a fake, you can look through the material at a light bulb or other light source. A true Blackout will not allow even the slightest hint of light to be seen.

Roller blinds with box

A large selection can confuse a potential buyer, but a simple algorithm will help you choose a worthy canvas:

1. Determine the density of the material . The denser it is, the better it will block sunlight. For the southern bedroom, choose thick fabric; for the northern one, you can take lighter material. Fabric light curtains do not block light almost 100%, but even they “work” in a room on the north side of the room;
2. The color and pattern on the canvas should match the style of the room . So, a print with balloons would be appropriate in a nursery, while a plain version would be suitable for an adult classic bedroom;
3. Sputtering . Japanese manufacturers are famous for their metallized coating on the street side, which reflects up to 90% of sunlight. For the bathroom, it is better to choose blinds with vinyl, which repels moisture;
4. The guides allow you to close the window tightly . They are located almost along the entire perimeter of the window (letter P) and do not provide any gaps on the sides.

Manufacturers . The concept of “Blackout blinds” was brought into fashion by the Finns - they were the ones who invented the material for opaque curtains, so it is better to give preference to them or choose any other European manufacturer, having first read reviews about the quality of their products.

How to attach roller blinds to plastic windows

Depending on the size and weight of the blackout roller blind, it can be mounted on windows with or without drilling fasteners. They can be attached directly to the doors using special hooks or Velcro, or using self-tapping screws. Lightweight plastic, pleated and fabric curtains usually attach without drilling. And horizontal wooden or heavy fabric roller blinds need to be fastened with self-tapping screws or the walls must be drilled to install brackets. Heavy curtains with cornices need to be mounted on brackets to the wall, like regular curtains.

The material is called "blackout" because it blocks 100% of incoming light.

Note! When choosing fasteners, it is important to clarify for what type of windows they are intended - for opening sashes or fixed ones.

Zebra

Zebra blackout

Watch the video with Zebra striped fabric.
Video: Zebra MGS (video from the ZHALYUZNIK online store)

Zebra blackout roller blinds are an interesting system. The fabric on it consists of two layers, moreover, it is made of strips, one translucent and the other opaque, blackout. Can be installed on any roller blind system. It can also be equipped with an electric drive. The only thing is that a spring-inertial mechanism cannot be installed on it, since the plumb line of the fabric is not static, but rolls between two sheets of fabric, and there will be nothing to attach the handle to. Watch the video of how zebra roller blinds work for a more precise understanding.

All other properties are the same as for roller blinds with one layer of blackout fabric.

How to attach blackout roller blinds to plastic windows without drilling

Usually, the curtain kit for fastening includes screws, fasteners, fishing line for guides, and tensioners. They come immediately complete with curtains for free.

This applies not only to black, but white, pink, colored, any - they are all light-protective.

Important! You can install a blackout roller blind with your own hands. You don't have to be a master to do this. All you need is a tool and you need to read the instructions carefully. When working, be careful not to damage the plastic.

As a rule, lightweight curtains are hung at home, which are hung using special fasteners directly on the frame without drilling.

Blackout roller blinds regulate the natural outside light entering the home.

If you have a not very heavy curtain up to 1 m wide, then it can be secured without drilling. It is better to mount roller blinds with tubes with a diameter of 25 mm on self-tapping screws directly into the window opening or above it.

Not too heavy curtains are secured using special fasteners with Velcro, this is done as follows:

• degrease the surfaces, apply Velcro or special sticky plastic fasteners for curtains;
• snap fasteners;
• insert the chain mechanism of the curtains and the plugs into the pipe, placing the control mechanism for lifting the roller blinds on the side convenient for you;
• check that the open part of the tube is pointing straight down;
• connect the curtain tube fastenings to the fastening mechanism on the window;
• check that everything is working properly and remove the curtain, allowing the adhesive fasteners to grip well without loading;
• then after a few hours, finally install the curtain.

The added insulation helps insulate the windows, potentially lowering your heating bill.
If you have a window with opening swing doors, it is better to hang the curtain on brackets. The most convenient way to do this is with the help of special plastic brackets for roller blinds. The mounting sequence is similar to that described above - first attach the brackets and click them, then install the curtain.

Such curtains serve as a filter for external light and create a comfortable feeling in the room.

Blackout blinds

Blackout blinds can be either roller, vertical or pleated. Lightproof roller blinds are most often installed in apartments, private houses and cottages, i.e. to where a person feels at home. They are more suitable for home interiors than for public reception areas. For the latter, vertical blinds with blackout fabric are used. They are cheaper in price, and with the help of this type of blinds you can close large openings in the room. Let's look at each of these types of blackout blinds.

How to attach a roller blind with drilling

For fastening with drilling, you will need a tool: drill, level, screwdriver/screwdriver.

Important! There are several options for mounting with drilling - to a window opening or walls, or to the ceiling. It is necessary to determine as accurately as possible the location of drilling holes for the subsequent screwing in of screws.

On hot days, thick curtains will provide the desired coolness in any room.

Sequence of fastening with drilling holes:

• Check the installation location of the fastening parts. To do this, you will need to stick double-sided tape on the back of the fasteners. Then assemble the structure and attach it to the window frame in the same way that it will be secured. Glue the mounted elements with tape and remove the tube with the curtain.
• Install the guide lines, secure the ends of the guide threads. Thread the end of the fishing line into the hole and carefully secure it with a knot.
• Drill holes with a drill and install brackets.
• Install the tube with the curtain, check the ease of operation of the curtain folding mechanism.

They are easy to install and use, making them a reliable, stylish way to control room lighting in your home.

Varieties

Roller blinds are attached to the wall above the window or in the window opening. There are three types of products.

Classic blackout curtains have an affordable price, depending only on the size of the product. They can be attached at any height, which allows you to protect the fabric from the claws of animals and protect it from children's pranks, and do not collect dust. However, this option requires more maintenance than others.

Cassette roller blinds require special fastening. For these purposes, a plastic box is used, which is selected to match the color of the frames. The curtains are rolled up and placed directly in the box. If necessary, they unfold.

With this design, less dust accumulates on the roller blinds, and damage is unlikely. This option is suitable for rare use. The cost of cassette curtains is higher than classic ones.

Mini roller blinds are easily installed inside the frames and cover the glass. Drilling into walls is excluded. For fixation, staples or Velcro are used.

Controlling blackout roller blinds

The curtain control mechanism is simple and convenient. To fix roller blinds in any position, raise or lower, you need to pull the cord or chain.

The reflective coating of the Blackout curtain allows you to achieve the required level of shading.

Remote control from the remote control is possible. Such systems use an electric drive and a built-in battery. No expensive cable required. This type of control is chosen for panoramic windows or in rooms with a large number of windows.

Video

Reflective

The properties of fabrics can also be different. There is a line of fabrics that not only is blackout, but also has a reflective back side - this is the side of the fabric that goes outside and absorbs all the energy of the sun. A special metallized coating is applied to the canvas on the reverse side. The advantage of this fabric is that it reflects a significant portion of solar energy rather than absorbing it. This property allows the fabric to heat up less, and as a result, less heat passes into the room. This is especially true for window openings that face the sunny side or have large stained glass glazing areas. Shading windows with fabric that reflects solar energy allows you to significantly save on air conditioning in the summer.

Energy saving

In addition, dense fabric installed on windows, especially in cassette roller blind systems, where the canvas is hidden in guides, in winter also reduces the cooling of the room that comes from the double-glazed window. The thing is that between the thick fabric and the glass unit, another air chamber is created, which makes it difficult to exchange temperatures between the warm air in the room and the cold air that comes from the glass.

The same effect can be achieved with energy-saving pleated blinds, on which a special two-layer energy-saving pleated fabric . In this case, even two air chambers are created, one in the fabric itself, between two layers, and the other between the fabric and the glass unit.

From which manufacturer is it better to buy roller blinds?

The difference between brands and production is significant. The quality of the lifting mechanism is important, whether it will work for a long time and whether the lifting of the curtain will be silent. The quality of the curtain material is also very important.

According to the rating, the following manufacturers are noted:

• Garden – high quality products with original design, large sizes available, low prices;
• Isotra – especially large assortment, LED lighting, easy installation;
• Comfort – high quality products, practical and easy to use, very low prices;
• Escar is an excellent option for decor connoisseurs, a variety of fabric colors, convenient fastening;
• Delfa - will delight aesthetes, large assortment, easy installation, rich color palette, cheaper than analogues.

For those who want to combine an attractive window design with the ability to completely block out natural light, fabric blinds are the ideal solution.
Also leaders in the production of blackout curtains are manufacturers from Germany, Holland, Sweden, and Belgium.

Blackout roller blinds are an ideal choice for darkening windows and decorating the interior. A huge selection of materials differing in density, color, pattern and texture allows you to choose blooming opaque and impenetrable roller blinds taking into account your preferences. They are the most modern window accessories to protect from light and go well with different interiors.

Blackouts are suitable for absolutely all rooms of the house. Curtains will decorate the interior of any room; it is important to choose the right one.

Where to install?

Blackout blinds are suitable for absolutely any room:

• Bedroom;
• Children's;
• Living room;
• Kitchen;
• Balcony;
• Bathroom with window;

Successfully combined in:

• office premises;
• conference rooms;
• restaurants, cafes;
• hotels, inns.

The external design is determined taking into account the style of the room, but most buyers prefer light, plain blinds with a “night” function.

Let's get acquainted: where and why?

Why blackout? This term refers to light-proof textiles of a special design, made using special innovative technologies. The material is made from fire-retardant polyester fiber. The main area of ​​use of the fabric is as a material for sewing curtains that do not allow sunlight to pass through and are able to darken the space to the maximum (almost 100%).

Read about: bamboo curtains on windows: the usual exotic.

The ancestor country of blackout curtains is Finland, and this is no coincidence. It is the Finns who are in dire need of shade, because white nights are a standard occurrence in Finland. Therefore, creating favorable conditions for sound sleep is a primary task for them.

Presented with a black canvas? The associations with the name are wrong. Lightproof curtains have a wide decorative component. Therefore, public, home and office interior design can be delicately accentuated with products made from this fiber.

Blackout roller blind fabric is a symbiosis of acrylic foam and chemicals located in a triple base. It is believed that such curtains, both in classic and ultra-modern versions, are an ideal option for decorating residential premises.

Selection summary

To select curtains according to the size of the window, you need to know the following parameters:

• width and height of the opening;
• width and height of the sashes;
• glass size;
• the distance between the handles of the sashes and the glass.

To make an interior with blackout fabric roller blinds look harmonious, you should consider some design tricks:

• the design of the curtains should match some elements that are already present in the room - furniture upholstery, paintings, the color of furniture, walls or carpet;
• curtains can contrast with other textiles;
• a vertical stripe on roller blinds will help visually raise the ceilings;
• horizontal stripes “expand” the room;
• white curtains traditionally “open up” a small space; in addition, it is a universal color that fits perfectly with any interior;
• warm shades of roller blinds will “warm” the northern room (colors of gold, orange, cream and red shades, yellow are suitable);
• cool colors will “refresh” southern sunny rooms (use blue, green, gray, purple fabrics);
• when creating a “rustic” style (country, Provence or others), it is better to combine roller blinds with tulle, light curtains or lambrequin.

Blackout fabrics are in demand and popular, they are available in various colors, decorated with embossing, patterns, special weaving of the front side, and the use of patterns with pile. Thanks to such a wide selection, you can easily decorate any interior and purchase exactly the textiles that will highlight the beauty of the room and the soul of the house as a whole.