Choosing a blind for the bedroom or other light sensitive rooms can be difficult given the choice now available. We've put together this quick comparison for you to help decide which style of blind is more suitable for you.
The blinds shown above are specifically designed for reducing light in rooms. A similar effect can be created with other blind types also. We have put together a short list below to help you. For any product that you are interested in other than roller blind, please see the specific section of our website by click one of the links on the left.
For VELUX blinds, please click here
| Effectiveness as Dimout: |
When used with an opaque (no light coming through) fabric, roller blinds are very effective at keeping light out. The reason is that because there is only one sheet of fabric, there's no light breaking through anywhere other than at the edges of the blind.
A roller blind fitted to the outside of a recess, with an overlap of at least 50mm (2") each side is the best blind for sensitive rooms such as babies' bedrooms. |
| Our overall rating: |
10/10 when used with opaque fabric |
| Effectiveness as Dimout: |
Vertical blinds are also good at creating a dimout effect. There are only a limited range of opaque fabrics available, and these are mainly made of soft pvc. There will be light penetrating between each louvre, and at the edges of the blinds, and so this blind isn't as highly rated as the roller blind. |
| Our overall rating: |
7/10 when used with an opaque fabric |
| Effectiveness as Dimout: |
Aluminium blinds have not traditionally been used for the purpose of dimout, however, as the popularity of blind has grown in recent years, more and more customers are using venetian blinds for there bedrooms. A new privacy slat has been introduced, to eliminate the holes that are punched in the blind altogether. This helps create a dimout effect. |
| Our overall rating: |
6/10 (standard blind) 7/10 (privacy blind) |
| Effectiveness as Dimout: |
Whilst you may think that a wooden blind performs as well as a standard venetian, you'd be wrong. Wooden blind slats do not close as tightly as aluminium slat blinds, and so let much more light through. Most people find the effect acceptable though, especially as it's such a good looking blind!
A slightly better dimout had be achieved if the blinds are ordered with woven ladder tapes. |
| Our overall rating: |
5/10 |
| Effectiveness as Dimout: |
Woven wood blinds are only useful as a dimout blind if used with a wood weave fabric that has a blackout lining, or a really tight weave. There are currently only 2 fabrics with this lining, and approx 4 with a really tight weave, so you are limited for choice. |
| Our overall rating: |
6/10 with blackout lining |
| Effectiveness as Dimout: |
Since the demand for opaque materials in conservatories has massively increased, so too has the available fabrics. The energy saver range is particulary useful for creating a dimout effect, although it still can't out-perform a roller blind. |
| Our overall rating: |
6/10 with energy saver fabrics |
| Effectiveness as Dimout: |
Extremely effective at reducing the light in a room. Most shutters are fitted within a framework, which is in turn fixing to a wall of frame, which creates a really good seal. The only downside to this product is the price, when compared to other window coverings. If you're in the market for shutters though, you can be sure that this will do the trick! |
| Our overall rating: |
10/10 |
| Effectiveness as Dimout: |
When used with a dimout lining, roman blinds are good dimout blinds. There's a good selection of fabrics, and any of them can be lined. These blinds are very popular fitted inside the recess, although a better dimout can be achieved if they are mounted outside the recess with an overlap of at least 50mm (2") each side. |
| Our overall rating: |
8/10 with dimout lining |
| Effectiveness as Dimout: |
Voile vertical blinds are relatively new, and so far we've seen them mainly installed into the downstairs living areas. Of the blinds we've seen fitted in bedrooms, we find them to be very effective at keeping back the light, since the Pvc insert is opaque. There's still a gap between each louvre which allows light to pass, so it's still not as effective as a roller blind or plantation shutter. |
| Our overall rating: |
6/10 |