Room Darkening or Blackout? What’s the Difference?

Do you struggle with restless sleep? Are you curious about ways to achieve better sleep? You’ve come to the right place. Window coverings can have a huge effect on the quality of your sleep. Have you ever wondered about the difference between room darkening and blackout shades?

 

Both Options Are Perfect for Your Bedroom

Room Darkening means most of the sunlight will be blocked out and dimmed. The key wording here is “most”, as the room darkening feature does allow a slight amount, based on fabric and material selection.

Blackout means that light is entirely blacked out, using fabrics that are opaque. Most people use the terms interchangeably because both are capable of darkening your bedroom for the comfort and solitude of a good night’s sleep.  It really comes down to the look you want and the other functional capabilities that are important for your lifestyle.

 

Room Darkening + Energy Efficiency

Uniform Pleat with Clean Lines

Duette Honeycomb Shades have a reputation for energy efficiency. And, they should. These window coverings feature a cellular structure that insulates your windows to keep the temperature comfortable inside your home.

cellular room darkening shades in Cleveland bedroom
Duette® Honeycomb Shades

These window coverings can feature top/down, bottom/up operation for when you want the luxury of privacy and natural light at the same time. Available in multiple pleat sizes, the design choices are endless, all with options that allow you room darkening to improve your sleep. The latest innovations in the Duette collection introduces LightLock™ which seals off the light from the outdoors, making them truly a “blackout” shade.

 

 

Room Darkening + Energy Efficiency

Soft Fabrics that Waterfall

The only soft shades with cellular structure, Solera Soft Shades offer streamlined design options for affordable light control. The soft fabrics complement your decor, while also allowing for functional room darkening.

black leather chair and brown and solera roman shades
Solera® Soft Roman Shades

Pockets of air add insulation for levels of energy efficiency, while the operation of the shades can be chosen to suit each room differently. Able to create the ideal environment for sleep, the large pleats also stack nicely when open for full access to the natural light.

 

Blackout Shades + On/Off Light Control

Modern Design with Low Profile

Simplistic operation with modern appeal is offered through our collection of Designer Roller Shades. Like a light switch that turns on and off, these window coverings allow you to choose the natural light when it works for you, with the option to completely block it out when necessary. The contemporary colors, fabrics and patterns of Designer Roller Shades will add a striking look to your home.

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Designer Roller Shades

Adding the dual shades feature to your window shades is an ideal way to get the best of both worlds. Available in a number of our favorite shade styles, it allows you to have a front light filtering shade, with a blackout secondary shade that drops into place when you need it most.

 

Blackout Shades + Maximum View Through

Fabric Vanes with Sheer Backing

One of the most versatile window coverings on the market today is the innovation of Silhouette Window Shadings. Once only offering a range of light filtering to semi-opaque fabric, homes are being transformed even further with the addition of Duolite®. Like other dual shade systems, a separate blackout roller shades shares the headrail of your Silhouette Window Shade. They function independently.

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Silhouette® Window Shadings

Experience all of the benefits of a soft shutter with maximum view through, while at the same time, lowering your second shade to blackout the light. The contemporary design of these window coverings sets a beautiful backdrop for your home with levels of light control at your fingertips.

 

Room Darkening Compared to Blackout Shades…

It all depends on the functional qualities that are important to you. But, knowing that both of these features will create the darkened environment you’re looking for is a relief when it comes to sleep! Would you like to see more options for light control in your home? We would love to visit you for a free, in-home consultation. We will listen to your needs and concerns. It’s easy to take a look at your windows to help you decide which product will work best. And, we’re happy to show you design options to heighten the level of style in your home! Contact our team today!