Blackout blinds are a practical solution and window decoration in one. What blinds to choose?

Not all blinds effectively restrict the sun's access to a room. Sometimes a purchase fails only after installation, when a return is often no longer possible. To provide good protection from light, it is worth investing in special blackout blinds. How to choose the best?

What to choose: internal blackout or external roller blinds?

The first thing you need to pay attention to is which side you want to install the blinds. The highest efficiency and, in principle, XNUMX% protection against UV rays are guaranteed by outdoor models. Although for some they look too heavy and armored, it must be admitted that in addition to perfect light isolation, they also provide thermal comfort by maintaining the same temperature in the house, regardless of whether it is hot or cold outside. Unfortunately, they are expensive, and their installation should be considered when building a house.

Some interior blinds do not provide complete sun protection, but many models absorb up to 95% of UV rays. First of all, we should mention the Blackout models and those that are covered with a special coating on the side of the window. Regardless of the model chosen, interior blinds are also cheaper and can very often be installed on your own. In addition, many appreciate them for their aesthetic value - in themselves they can be an interesting addition and change the expression of peace.

What are the ways to install blackout blinds?

In addition to the location and model, blinds also differ in the way they are attached. There are invasive and various non-invasive methods.

• Invasive roller blinds - to install them, it is necessary to pre-drill holes, most often in the window trim. The entire frame is mounted on them, on which the roller shutter itself is then hung. Considered by many to be the most durable mounting method, however, its effectiveness in sun protection is the same as in other cases.
• Non-invasive roller shutters mounted on handles - instead of drilling special holes of a similar design, the structure is glued to the frame or, for example, in a special window opening using strong double-sided tape. This allows you to peel it all off, such as when the apartment has been rented out and needs to be restored to its unfinished state.
• Blackout blinds in a cassette are mounted in the same way as the previous ones, but unlike their open design, in this case the entire mechanism is hidden under the cover, i.e. cassette. Models with additional rails that hold the curtain in place are most common, but free-hanging blackout curtains are also widespread.

Pleated curtains Blackout - simple but effective

Blackout folds are a model that is very popular due to its simplicity, which allows it to be adapted to many rooms. Usually they come in one muted color, although in stores you can also find folds in bright colors and with various motifs, including children's ones. Roller blinds of this type are easy to use as they can be adjusted to open or close more windows thanks to the easy adjustment.

Folds can be installed both outside and inside the house. Outdoor use is usually made from durable, weather-resistant plastic. Models intended for indoor use are made of polyester or paper. The former are usually more durable, although you should not be afraid that paper ones will tear easily. It's just that they can last less than textile ones.

Roman blinds blackout - the elegance of curtains and the practicality of roller blinds in one

While the folds are directly adjacent to the window, Roman blinds can often stand out from it. They consist of a large strip of material that folds into several folds when folded. The bones are unwound with a rope, and thus the window is closed. Some people worry that the sun can get through the cracks, but most often it's not the distance between the curtain and the window, but the type of material used.

Special blackout blinds are usually made of polyester, since this material is the most airtight. Some of them also have a special Blackout technology that blocks the sun's rays extremely effectively. Others are coated with UV reflective material. And if you need ordinary curtains that effectively protect against too harsh sun, choose from a dark and fairly dense material, such as cotton. Linen or silk curtains, although very beautiful, will not work.

Blinds "day-night" - modernity combined with ease of use

While pleated blinds and roman blinds are great at blocking out light, they often lack the ability to fully close or open a window. Such a solution is offered by day and night blackout blinds. They consist of a single strip of material dyed in stripes of varying degrees of transparency - some very dark, others almost transparent. When properly installed, they allow the sun to fully open, the sun shines a little, and the window is fully closed.

Proponents of this type of solution emphasize greater flexibility in adapting to one's own needs at the moment. In addition, day-night blinds are quite minimalistic in appearance, so they can be combined with various accessories and interior decoration styles. However, it should be emphasized that not all models can cover the window in the same way as, for example, Blackout roller blinds. Therefore, some people do not install them in places where there is a lot of sunlight.

You can find more tips in our section I decorate and decorate.

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