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Room-Darkening vs. Blackout Window Treatments

Whether you're working the night shift and need a way to get a good night's sleep or recreate a movie theater experience in your living room, chances are that you've thought about the benefits of room-darkening and blackout window treatments. While these two types of window treatments sound like they would be the same, there are subtle differences between them. At Window Ware, we specialize in helping you find the perfect window treatment for your home, and we're here to help you understand the difference between a room-darkening and a blackout window treatment.

Room-darkening shades blocking some of the sunlight in the early morning at Window Ware near Wenonah, NJ

Understanding Room-Darkening Window Treatments

A room-darkening window treatment is a shade or blind that significantly reduces light but does not completely eliminate it. These shades use tightly woven fabrics or other special materials to accomplish this.

The best uses for a room-darkening window treatment are in the bedroom, a media room, or a home office, where reducing light is important, but you still desire some ambient light. While there aren't room-darkening blinds, here are some of our most popular room-darkening window shades:

Understanding Blackout Window Treatments

A blackout window treatment is a shade or blind designed to block out as much light as possible, typically 95-99%. Unfortunately, 100% light block isn't really a possibility, but blackout shades and blinds will get you as close as possible. Blackout shades cost a little more due to the extra materials required, such as multiple layers of fabric or extra linings.

A blackout treatment is best in places like nurseries, bedrooms for day sleepers, or any room where near-complete darkness is required. Our most popular product combination for achieving a blackout effect is our Duette® Cellular Shades with LightLock™. The addition of LightLock™ ensures that all extra light is absorbed in the unique U-shaped side channels. Another option for achieving a blackout effect would be to layer one of our room-darkening treatments with an additional window treatment.

Key Differences Between Room-Darkening and Blackout

The primary difference between room-darkening and blackout is that room-darkening shades will give you a cohesive darkening effect. They can't guarantee no light will filter through. On the other hand, blackout shades will leave only 5% of light or less and block up to 99% of the outside light from entering your room.

Both options are great for light control, energy efficiency, and privacy. You'll want to consider the cost, as blackout shades may cost slightly more due to the additional materials they require.

Choose the Right Option for Your Home with Window Ware

Only you, as a homeowner, can determine whether blackout or room-darkening window blinds are best for your living space needs. Thankfully, when you work with a professional team like ours at Window Ware, we can fully customize your window treatments to the needs of your home. Want two rooms with blackout and the rest room-darkening? No problem! We make your window coverings exactly to your home's specifications.

If you'd like to learn more about the difference between room-darkening window treatments and blackout, call Window Ware at (856) 292-3088 or request a consultation with us online. We have over 25 years of experience and look forward to answering your questions! Window Ware is in Wenonah, New Jersey. We proudly serve the greater Wenonah, New Jersey, areas, including Mullica Hill, Mickleton, Harrison Township, South Harrison Townships, Woolwich Township, Gloucester Township, Washington Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey, as well as locations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area.