Do Blackout Shades Work?

Blackout shades are designed specifically to keep light out of a room. There are varieties of fabric and styles to choose from, but most of them perform the same. Most people who are looking to block natural light or want to install window shades for privacy concerns use blackout shades, or some type of privacy shade.

Depending on your want or need (completely eliminating light, block UV rays or both), you can choose which type of blackout shade is right for you. Blackout shades are thicker than your traditional window shades and some require a blackout liner. Roman shades, cellular or honeycomb shades are often made with blockout material and can perform as blackout shades. Other window shades such as woven wood shades require a blackout liner. Each material is different and will have different effects depending on how it’s treated.

Blackout shades also serve as solar control and can help save energy and reduce your heating and cooling costs. Since sunlight passes through windows, by having blackout shades installed during the winter, you can keep in the heat (and keep the heat out during the summer). During both seasons, blackout shades can serve as insulators.

Since blackout shades are pretty standard, you can customize the color and fabric. They offer a sleek look to your window, but if you want to decorate your window even more, consider adding draperies or a valence. All in all, blackout shades are effective. If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep on Madison Avenue with all the commotion, blackout shades can surely help you achieve that. If you’re looking for a dark living room to watch your favorite movie, consider installed blackout shades.