Before diving into the different blackout options available for vertical blinds, it is essential to understand why you might need them in the first place. There are several reasons why homeowners may want to darken a room using their window treatments:
- Light control: Blocking out excessive sunlight can help regulate the temperature of a room and prevent glare on screens or television. This is particularly important in spaces such as bedrooms, home theaters, or offices where a controlled lighting environment is desired.
- Privacy: Blackout blinds offer an increased level of privacy by preventing outsiders from seeing inside your home. This is especially valuable for ground floor windows or windows facing heavily trafficked areas.
- Better sleep: Bedrooms benefit greatly from blackout options, as they can create a tranquil sleeping environment by blocking out unwanted light. This can be especially beneficial for people who work night shifts or have difficulty falling asleep in the presence of ambient light.
Now that we understand the significance of blackout options, let’s explore the different ways to achieve this with vertical blinds.
1. Blackout vertical blind slats:
One option for achieving blackout capabilities with vertical blinds is to select slats specifically designed to block out light. These blackout slats are typically made of thicker materials, such as PVC or fabric with a blackout backing, which helps prevent light from seeping through the slats.
These blackout slats can be purchased as an upgrade for your existing vertical blinds or can be chosen when ordering custom-made vertical blinds. They not only provide excellent light control but also offer enhanced privacy due to their opaque nature. However, it’s important to note that even blackout slats may not completely eliminate all light, as some light leakage may occur around the sides of the slats or through any gaps between them.
2. Add a blackout liner:
Another way to achieve blackout capabilities with vertical blinds is by adding a blackout liner to the blinds. A blackout liner is a separate fabric layer that attaches to the vertical blinds and provides an additional barrier against light penetration.
The liner is typically made of heavyweight fabric, such as blackout cloth or thick polyester, which is specifically designed to block out light. The liner attaches to the backside of the vertical blinds and can be easily raised or lowered along with the blinds themselves. This option offers maximum light control and privacy, as the liners are custom-made to fit the exact dimensions of your vertical blinds.
3. Layering with curtains or drapes:
For those who prefer a more decorative touch, layering vertical blinds with curtains or drapes can achieve both blackout capabilities and added style. By combining the practicality of vertical blinds with the elegance of curtains or drapes, you can create a truly customized look while still enjoying complete light control and privacy.
To achieve blackout capabilities, it’s important to select curtains or drapes with blackout lining. The blackout lining is a special fabric layer that is attached to the back of the curtains and effectively blocks out light. When the curtains are closed, they can be adjusted to completely cover the vertical blinds, ensuring no light seeps through the sides.
In addition to blackout lining, selecting thicker and heavier fabrics for curtains or drapes will also contribute to improved light control. Opting for fabrics such as velvet or textured weaves will not only enhance the room’s aesthetics but also help block out light more effectively.
Blackout options are indeed available for vertical blinds, allowing homeowners to have better light control, increased privacy, and improved sleep quality. Whether it’s choosing blackout slats, adding a blackout liner, or layering with curtains or drapes, there are various options to achieve the desired darkness and functionality for any room in the house. With these blackout options, homeowners can customize their vertical blinds to suit their unique needs while also adding style and elegance to their windows.