Choosing the right blackout blinds (or the best blinds for gable windows) for your house can be simple, providing you know what to look for.

The proper selection and installation of blackout blinds is key to getting that true ‘blackout’ look. Most blinds are available in blackout fabric however that doesn’t necessarily mean it will give you a 100% blackout screening as light leakage from gaps around the blind is a common issue.

See our top 3 common mistakes buyers make when purchasing blackout blinds.

3 Top Blunders in Buying Blackout Blinds

1. Buying ‘off the shelf’

Walking in and selecting readily available blinds either online or from a store can sound like the best accessible and the most cost effective option. However, by trying to make an off the shelf solution fit your bespoke recess is not a good idea in our opinion. In most cases the pre-manufactured blinds which are produced to set standard sizes will have to be fitted on the face of the recess (not inside) and this can produce a lot of light ‘leakage’ coming through the perimeter of the blind which defeats its blackout purpose. We highly recommend buying bespoke to get the tightest fit possible.

2. Choosing Roller Blinds

Roller blinds in reality are widely available and easy to fit, however you need to bear in mind when choosing roller blinds is that there is normally a 10mm allowance on either side of the fabric as this is the way the blind sits on the tube and has to account for the plastic ends. These gaps on either side of the fabric create light ‘leakage’ which is not ideal for situation where you require blackout blinds (see everything you need to know about blackout blinds in 2022). An alternative to this using our SonaCell blinds which can also be incorporated in a Perfect Fit Framework which provides the ultimate snug fit to your windows.

3. Choosing Vertical Blinds

Blackout vertical blinds are also prone to light leakage, the louvres which sit flat against one another are not effective in blocking out adequate light. Vertical blinds are traditional used in rooms where they require some partial ‘screening’ but also allowing light to enter the space e.g. For offices or rooms that are overlooked. We highly recommend staying clear of vertical blinds if the blackout effect is what you are after. You can view some of our blackout blinds here: https://sonashades.com/sona-products/motorised-blinds/bedroom-blackout-blinds/