Blackout blinds are a popular choice for many homeowners looking to create a darker, more restful space. Whether you need complete darkness in a bedroom or want to reduce glare in a home theater, dark out blinds provide excellent light control. But while they offer many benefits, there are some disadvantages of blackout blinds.
If you’re considering blackout blinds for windows, it’s essential to weigh both the pros and cons. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the key disadvantages of blackout window treatments to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your space.
Photo by @huisintilburg: No-Drill Coastal Roman Shades in Shoreline
1. They Can Make a Room Too Dark
The primary function of blackout blinds is to block out nearly all external light, which can sometimes be a downside. During the daytime, rooms with window shades black out can feel dim and enclosed, making it difficult to enjoy natural light, unless you completely raise them. However, then you may lose some of the privacy you valued. One solution is to use blackout shades with a Top-Down Bottom-Up lift style, so you can lower the top and get natural light while having privacy.
For spaces like living rooms or kitchens, where brightness is essential, you may want to consider window blinds or window shades that offer adjustable light filtering instead.
2. Limited Natural Light Can Affect Your Mood
Exposure to natural light plays a crucial role in regulating your circadian rhythm and boosting your mood. While shades black out can help with better sleep, they may also contribute to grogginess during the day if your body doesn’t get enough exposure to sunlight.
To avoid this issue, some people choose blackout roller shades with dual layers — one for room darkening and another for light filtering. This way, you can enjoy natural light when needed and block it out when necessary.
3. Blackout Blinds Can Trap Heat
Because blackout blinds are designed to block light, they also tend to trap heat, especially in rooms with direct sunlight. This can be beneficial in colder months but may make a space feel stuffy during the summer.
For better temperature control, consider pairing regular or blackout curtains with window blinds that allow more airflow or choosing energy-efficient fabrics. You can move the blackout fabrics off to the side in the hotter months instead.
4. Installation Gaps May Let in Light
While blackout roller shades effectively block light, slight gaps on the sides or bottom of the shade can still let in slivers of brightness.
For a complete blackout effect, consider layering curtains with blackout blinds or using side channels to minimize light leaks. The No-Drill Cordless Complete Blackout Cellulars offer side tracks that help it block 100% of light.
5. They Require Frequent Cleaning
Dark-colored blackout blinds tend to show dust and fingerprints more easily than lighter shades. This means you’ll need to clean them more frequently to keep them looking fresh.
Luckily, most blackout roller shades are easy to wipe down with a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment, making maintenance simple.
6. Not Ideal for Every Room
While blackout blinds are perfect for bedrooms and nurseries, they may not be the best fit for all areas of the home. Spaces like offices, kitchens, or living rooms typically benefit from a balance of light control and privacy, which trishades, window blinds or light-filtering shades can provide.
Final Thoughts: Are Blackout Blinds Right for You?
While blackout blinds offer excellent light-blocking benefits, they also come with a few drawbacks. If you’re looking for total darkness and privacy, they’re a great option, but if you prefer adjustable lighting, you may want to consider window shades with dual-function fabrics or a layering effect.
Still unsure? Browse SelectBlinds’ collection of blackout roller shades and other blackout blinds for windows to find the perfect fit for your home.
