They are blinds that are designed to eliminate light penetrating a room via the windows or French doors. Predominantly, they are a type of roller blind with an opaque fabric. Within the building industry, some call them dim out blinds as often they’re unable to prevent 100% of light entering the room. They cannot guarantee 100% of light is eliminated due to the way they hang, normally from a top roller. The blind will hang, either on the inside or the outside of the window (or door) frame, and as there isn’t normally a side or bottom panel, the light will shine through the recesses around the blind. However, they can provide enough of a darkened effect for some people to be able to sleep or relax.

Creating the sanctuary you need doesn’t need to be difficult; it’s just about doing a little research before you buy. There are many solutions out there. They include using a roller blind with blackout curtains over it or obtaining a blackout covering to place directly over the window. These are good ideas but expensive and fiddly. Using more than one blackout covering on a window can restrict precious natural light entering the room throughout the day, increase dust levels, and also appear cluttered.

At IMEKO Blinds research has shown us that the most efficient blackout blinds have side panels and a bottom seal, so the opaque material is flush to the sides of any window or door recess. Measured to fit perfectly and easily, this type of fitting (rather than the more traditional top roller fitting) means the light which would normally come through the sides of the windows is eliminated by the tracks along the side.

Unless properly measured and maintained some traditional roller blind chain systems can become loose and difficult to operate. The Acmeda™ operating system with side panels prevents this wear and tear.

Whatever your choice of blind, we can help you resolve the best blackout blinds solution for your specific windows. Call our free no-obligation helpline on 1300 366 765 for more information.