One of the most common questions regarding window coverings is room darkening or blackout? Here're the differences.
Room Darkening: Blinds, shades, shutters, or drapes that are made of material that doesn’t allow light through but still allows light to seep around it or between the slats in the case of blinds and shutters.
You can see what many in the window covering industry call the halo effect when light seeps around the edges of a room darkening shade.
Blackout: Shades, shutters, or drapes that are made of the same material as room darkening window coverings. The difference is that blackout window coverings block all light from entering through a window. This is a achieved with side and bottom U- channels or combining multiple window coverings. For example you can pair shutters with room darkening shade behind it or pair drapery panels with window shades.
So what do you choose? Room darkening or blackout window treatments? Well, Room Darkening blinds are less expensive because you don’t have to add on additional side channels and bottom channels or layer with additional window treatments. On the other hand, if you’re a light sleeper, or sleep during the day it may be worth the additional cost to add a blackout system.
Ask our specialists at Coeur Window Coverings what option is best for your home and budget!