Best Blackout Blinds in the UK – Our Top 5 Picks
Our top picks for the best blackout blinds
Before we go into the science of what makes blackout blinds good or bad, we're going to throw out a few suggestions. So, if you see anything you like, feel free to skip all the mumbo-jumbo!
Blackout Curtains
1
Best Overall
Blackout Curtains
2
Best Value
Blackout Curtains
3
Best Temporary
Blackout Curtains
4
Best Roman Blinds
Blackout Curtains
5
Best Skylight
Best Overall: Astrid Made to Measure Roman Blind
For our number one pick, we had to go with the Astrid Made to Measure Roman Blind, as it will suit just about everyone.
Best Overall
We say that this blackout blind will be the best option for a lot of people simply because of how customisable it is!
For one, as the name suggests, it's made to measure. So, even if you have the weirdest windows in the UK, you can get the appropriate blackout blinds.
But that's not where it ends! You can also pick whether you want an inside or an outside window recess model. And whether you want the chain to be on the left or right side.
Lastly, and this is a big one, you can pick which backing you'd want and in which colour. Of course, we'll assume that you want the blackout backing but it's nice to know that there are other options as well.
So, while it's a bit more pricey than some other blackout blinds, we'd say it's worth it!
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Roman
- Size: Custom
- Colour: 4 options
Advantages
Fully adjustable
These blinds are made to measure.
Different options
You can choose the backing type.
4 colours
These blinds come in 4 colours/designs.
Disadvantages
A bit pricey
There are cheaper blackout blinds on the market.
A bit more work
It's definitely faster to get premade blackout blinds.
Best Value: Lilypad Blackout Roller Blind
When it comes to getting good cheap blackout blinds, a roller blind will always be your best friend. And this one is extra special!
Best Value
At a glance, these are pretty standard blinds. They're monochromatic, fit in with most interior design schemes, and have a roller blind mechanism.
They're also rather inexpensive and seem to block out a decent amount of light.
But what makes them special is that they're also moisture-resistant.
This little added bit of durability makes them a great value pick.
Plus, it means that you can put up these roller blinds in your bathroom or kitchen without having to worry that the moisture might damage them.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Roller
- Size: 61 – 183cm x 162cm
- Colour: Lillypad
Advantages
Good value
The blinds are inexpensive and pretty high quality.
Added durability
The blinds are moisture-resistant.
Will suit most people
These blinds should keep most people satisfied.
Disadvantages
A bit dull
Some people might want a more interesting design.
Limited sizes available
Make sure to get the correct size.
Best Temporary: Tommee Tippee Sleeptight Portable Blackout Blind
If you don't need to block out light 24/7 all year round, these temporary blinds are perfect for you!
Best Temporary
For one, these blinds are incredibly easy to set up and use!
They come with suction cups so you just have to stick them to the window and you're done.
And the suction cups are rather strong, so, you shouldn't have any issues with the blinds falling off.
Plus, in terms of design, these black blinds are perfectly suited for a child's bedroom as they have a very fun design. And if you run into any troubles, it's not the end of the world.
These blinds are adjustable (to a degree) and are rather inexpensive.
So, you don't have to stress over the purchase all that much.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Temporary
- Size: Regular and Large
- Colour: Black and White
Advantages
Adjustable
The blinds can be adjusted to a degree.
Easy to fit
You just stick the blinds onto your window.
Great for children
The blinds have a very fun design.
Disadvantages
Likely not as durable as other blinds
These blinds weren't made to stick around for long.
Best Roman Blinds: Tatton Made to Measure Roman Blind
If keeping your room stylish is just as important as keeping your room dark, Roman blinds are the way to go!
Best Roman Blinds
And while there are hundreds of different Roman blinds, we decided to go with this model.
For one, in terms of the design, it's relatively simplistic yet elegant.
And it definitely stands out more than the monochromatic blinds we've had so far.
Plus, since this is another one the of Dunelm blackout blinds, you get a high level of adjustability! So, getting a perfect fit is a lot easier.
And while it's not exactly a cheap blackout blind, we'd say it's reasonably priced all things considered.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Roman
- Size: Custom
- Colour: Tatton Autumn
Advantages
Modern design
These blinds are a lot more elegant than most monochromatic blinds.
Adjustability
These blinds are made to measure.
Decent value
For a Roman blind, the price is rather reasonable.
Disadvantages
Not for everyone
Some people might want a more extravagant design.
Best Skylight: Bloc Skylight
If you have a skylight, getting blackout blinds is more or less necessary, as you're fully at the mercy of the Sun. And we think these skylight blinds are your best bet!
Best Skylight
If you have a skylight, we feel like it's a waste not to get a skylight blind with a star design.
Especially if the skylight is near your bed! However, the Block skylight does also come in different designs as well.
The blinds are also made in the UK so you likely won't have to wait long to get your hands on them. And they're rather easy to fit and install.
This is a great perk if you're not too handy with tools.
In terms of the price, they might seem a bit expensive.
However, as we've mentioned, getting good blackout blinds is extra important when you have a skylight. So, it's arguably still worth it.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Skylight
- Size: 31 options
- Colour: 6 options
Advantages
Cool design
The star design is very interesting and whimsical.
You have options
There are a few other designs you can choose.
Easy to install
You just need a few screws.
Disadvantages
Not for all windows
These blinds were made to fit Velux roof windows.
A bit pricey
There are probably cheaper models.
What to look for when getting the best blackout blinds
As you've probably noticed, there is no one single product we can call the best. We have our favourite pick that we think will suit most people but it's not an exact science. After all, it all depends on what kinds of blackout blinds you're looking for, the type of window frame you have, the design you're going for, etc.
So, this is where we break it all down! We're going to go through all the important decisions and distinctions you need to make to find a blackout blind that suits your needs perfectly.
And if you think there are any important factors that we might've overlooked, feel free to share in the comments. But for now, let's get into it.
The types of blackout blinds
There are different types of blackout blinds and depending on what you need, a different type might be better or worse suited for you. So, let's break down the three main subtypes of blackout blinds and see whether they fit what you're looking for.
As a heads up, we'll also go into other types of “darkening decor” a bit later on. For example, blackout blinds vs blackout shades vs blackout curtains. So, if that's what you're looking for, feel free to skip to that part.
Roller blackout blinds
Roller blinds are likely the subtype you're most familiar with. This is because they “roll up” as you pull the string, bunching up at the top. They're fixed to the top of the window frame and are among the best portable blackout blinds.
After all, if you want to take your roller blinds to a different room or house, you just roll them up and don't really have to worry about anything getting damaged. They're also usually easy to fit and easy to install as they can be cut to size as needed.
With that being said, it's questionable whether the amount of light blackout roller blinds can keep out is all that high. And in terms of aesthetics, some people might prefer one of the other subtypes.
However, it's worth mentioning that some roller blinds, namely cassette roller blinds do come with a headbox and sometimes even side tracks. So, if you're looking for blackout blinds with side tracks, roller blinds might be the best option after all.
Roman blackout blinds
A blackout Roman blind is basically a prettier version of roller blinds. Roman blinds are also fixed to the top of the window frame and are moved vertically by pulling a string on the side. However, unlike roller window blinds, Roman blinds come up in a specific square pattern.
This doesn't really affect their functionality. However, aesthetically, it's a better fit for some people. However, do note that Roman blinds can't be cut to size as easily as roller blackout blinds. So, you might need to have them made to measure or take extra care when picking among the sizes available.
Vertical blackout blinds
As the name suggests, blackout vertical blinds, are vertical. And unlike the previous two cases, this does actually affect how these blackout blinds are used. For example, if the sun is setting, you can just drop your blind a little bit to block the glare. Instead, it's more of an all-or-nothing situation.
Furthermore, vertical blinds are more common when it comes to bigger windows or even doors. So, even though they do come in a range of sizes, that's the context you'll often hear about vertical blinds.
With that being said, in terms of aesthetics, a vertical blackout blind is sure to blow some people away. And if you want to keep your room dark and stylish, it could be the option for you.
Venetian blackout blinds
Venetian blinds might sound exotic but you've probably seen them countless times before. In fact, you might already have Venetian blinds in your home! Fundamentally, they're like roller blinds in that you can pull them down and they are bunched up at the top.
However, they're made up of horizontal slats that you can then turn. This changes the angle of the slats and therefore controls how much light can come in. In this way, Venetian blinds arguably give you the most control. However, you'll find that Venetian blinds also tend to have gaps quite often.
Skylight blackout blinds
Not everyone needs skylight blinds since, well, not everyone has a skylight. However, if you do, it can feel like a no-brainer. After all, if you want to have a good night's sleep, you can't have the sun beaming directly into your face.
And because of how a skylight is angled, there's a lot more light to block out in this situation. So, you could say that skylight blinds are the most important bedroom blackout blinds – if you have a skylight.
Temporary blackout blinds
When it comes to temporary blackout blinds, their use is very niche. This is because they're, well, temporary and are supposed to be replaced at some point. With that being said, they're rather easy to use and can save you some trouble.
For example, if you plan on remodelling and can't put up your blackout Roman blinds for fear of getting pain on them. Well, simply put up some temporary blackout blinds and get on with your work! However, do note that, unlike the previous types, these are not adjustable blinds (at least that's usually the case).
Installation type
Not that you know what the blackout blind itself is all about, let's talk about installation types. Generally, there are only two distinct installation types when it comes to blackout blinds. You could potentially argue a separate type for skylight blinds but we're not going to go into it here.
And, honestly, most of the time we'd definitely suggest one type over the other. However, it might not be that simple. So, let's go into a bit more detail.
Inside mounts
In most cases, you want to try to get an inside mount for your blackout blinds. An inside mount basically means that the blinds are mounted within the window sill, right next to the glass. And this is a big benefit when it comes to blackout blinds as it minimises the amount of gaps that can be made.
And fewer gaps mean less light getting through overall. However, not every blackout blind is easy to install and not every window frame is easy to fit. So, sometimes you have to go for the other option.
Outside mounts
No, outside mounts aren't blackout blinds that are installed to the outside of your house. Rather, they're usually fixed to the wall right above your window frame. And this comes with some pros and some cons. On the one hand, it makes for an interesting look and can bolster a more minimalistic design.
On the other hand, these types of blackout blinds can be more difficult to install and they leave more space for light to get through.
Added features
While it might seem like the only role of blackout blinds is to make sure your room stays nice and dark, there are a few added features that differentiate the best blackout blinds from the worst blackout blinds. So, if you want to make the best decision and really get your money's worth, consider these features before committing to a purchase.
Moisture resistant
Since blackout blinds have to be very close to the window to block light, they're rather susceptible to moisture buildup. This is especially true if you live in the UK or somewhere else where they're frequent rain and moisture in the air.
Said moisture can not only damage the blackout fabric but can even cause mildew in some cases. And if you're looking for nursery blackout blinds, you might not want to even consider that possibility. So, it might be worth it to get moisture-resistant roller blinds to keep everything in order.
Insulating backing
While all the blackout blinds we've featured will stop light flooding into your room, they won't all block the increased temperature that comes with it. And even if your room is in total darkness, you might not be able to sleep if you're sweating the entire night.
That's why it can be very useful to get a blackout blind with an insulating backing! However, do note that this works in reverse as well. AKA your room might feel colder during the autumn months.
Adjustability
Getting adjustable blinds just means less stress initially. This is because you don't have to stress about whether the sizes available on the website/in the store perfectly fit your window or not. After all, you can just adjust the blinds as if they were made to measure.
Getting a blackout roller blind is the most common way to achieve this as they can usually be cut down to size. However, you might find other blind types as well in this category.
Portability
Realistically, not everyone really needs a portable blackout blind. In fact, most people set up their blinds once and then don't touch them for the next few years. However, if you do move around quite a bit and want to take your best blackout blinds with you, portability is a nice added feature to have.
Suction cups
While this mostly just relates to temporary blackout blinds, it's still worth mentioning. Namely, some temporary or instant blackout blinds will come with suction cups to stick directly to the window. And, for some, this is going to be a lot more convenient than blackout blinds that only have adhesive.
Plus, while this is usually a feature of cheap blackout blinds, it's still nice that you can technically reuse them. Sure, it won't always be ideal to reuse blackout blinds but it's comforting to know that you do have that option.
A trial period
Lastly, we want to talk about trial periods. The fact is that the vast majority of blackout blinds don't have a trial. And if they do, it's usually limited to before you set them up. However, some brands do offer guarantees and pseudo-trials.
For example, if you go for Bloc blinds, you'll have the option to send back your blinds if the measurements are slightly off. So, do note that some brands have these kinds of features.
Blackout blinds vs blackout shades vs blackout curtains
Should you be choosing blackout blinds at all when it comes to blocking light or are there better options? Well, depending on what exactly you're looking for, different options might be better or worse.
We specifically differentiate blackout blinds, blackout shades, and blackout curtains.
However, do note that some places might use these interchangeably or even use a completely different term altogether.
But the goal is always the same – to block out as much light as you'd need!
So, let's get a general overview of these three dimming decorations and see how they stand apart from each other. And do note that these are just general trends and might not apply to every single model.
Blackout curtains
We're going to start off with blackout curtains as they're the most “real” competitor to blackout blinds. In fact, we've even ranked the best blackout curtains not so long ago! And that's because when it comes to achieving a total blackout, they're just as effective as blackout blinds.
However, there are still differences. For one, blackout curtains are a lot more susceptible to being blown away by wind. They can also be a lot heavier than most roller blinds. And, if you get thick blackout blinds, they are also a lot more insulating.
Of course, there's also the difference in design. Blackout curtains are bound to be a lot more appealing for people trying to achieve an elegant or royal look.
Blackout shades
Blackout shades are a bit odd. This is because they're often just black blinds or curtains. And when they are actual shades, they're not exactly “blackout”. This is because shades are usually made to dampen the light coming in but not necessarily block it out completely.
So, while you can probably find shades made from blackout fabrics, it's a bit odd overall. Therefore, we suggest paying less attention to the name and more attention to the materials, the brand, and the price.
Blackout blinds
Lastly, we have blackout blinds. They generally appeal to people looking for a more minimalistic or modern design. And perfect fit blackout blinds are likely going to be the most effective when it comes to completely blocking out any light from entering the room.
Advantages of having the best blackout blinds
Okay, now that you know everything there is to know about blackout blinds, one question remains – is getting blackout blinds that important?
Well, it's certainly not as crucial as getting the perfect mattress or the perfect pillow. However, you will definitely notice a few benefits.
For one, a completely dark room means it will be easier to fall asleep at night. And getting proper rest is associated with tons of health benefits. In fact, it's second only to giving up smoking in terms of how much it can improve your overall health.
Secondly, while design is subjective, we're sure that quite a few people are going to find Roman or Venetian blackout blinds to be a lot more stylish than just regular curtains. So, if you're an interior designer at heart, this could also be a big plus.
Lastly, with certain blackout blinds, there's also a level of added insulation. And if you tend to leave the AC on during the entirety of winter, you'll probably notice the difference this can make.
Tips for getting the best blackout blinds
The biggest tip we can give when it comes to getting the perfect fit blackout blinds is to measure everything multiple times. Blackout blinds need to be the perfect size in order to do their job so, even being a few centimetres off defeats the purpose of having blinds altogether.
Aside from that, it's also wise to take into account the added features some blackout blinds offer. For example, if you need a bit of added insulation or live somewhere where moisture is prevalent. Of course, these features aren't the defining factors and not everyone will need them but it makes for a nice little bonus.
Lastly, if you want to make sure that everything is perfect, look if the brand offers free samples. This is just so that you can see how the design of the blinds will mesh with the rest of the room. Or better yet, try to find blackout blinds that have a trial period or a generous return policy.
Conclusion
And that's all you need to know to get the best blackout blinds on the market! If you have any questions, feel free to ask away in the comments. You can also check out the FAQ section as we cover a few of the more niche questions down there as well.
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FAQs about blackout blinds
As promised, we're going to end things off by answering some of the FAQs we've found in regards to finding or using the best blackout blinds on the market.
Are blackout blinds good for sleep?
Yes! They help cut down on light pollution and thus help you fall asleep more easily.
Are blackout blinds thermal?
This depends on the blinds in question. Some have a thermal backing and some don't. It's best to check the product description.
Are blackout blinds or curtains better?
Both blackout curtains and blackout blinds can help keep your room dark. Some people might prefer blackout blinds since they can't be blown away by the wind as easily as curtains. Others might like the curtains more since they tend to look more elegant and flowy.
Can roller blinds be cut to size?
This can vary from model to model. Some can be custom-made from the get-go, some can be manually adjusted (to a degree), and some have to stay the way they are.
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