Blackout shades, also called blackout blinds, block 99% of all incoming light.  This is a popular feature for bedrooms and home theaters, or any room where you want to block out almost all light.  Since not all blinds and shades are equal when it comes to blackout, we've assembled the following selection of blackout blinds to make your selection even easier.  Blindsgalore offers the best selection of blackout shades and blinds available online.  Save with discount prices, free shipping & samples.

Blindsgalore makes shopping for blackout roller shades and curtains easy and very affordable.  No need to leave your home.  Simply pick your blackout shades for your windows and get them delivered right to your door.  Choose from all the major brands including: Bali, Levolor, Comfortex, Graber as well as our own signature line. 

Blackout blinds?

It should be noted, that technically there's no such thing as blackout blinds.  True blackout can only be achieved with window shades and, to a lesser extent, curtains.  Blinds simply have too many gaps between all those slats and vanes to effectively blackout a room.

Blackout vs.  Room Darkening

There is a difference.  Blackout cannot be achieved with any opaque window shade.  It is the combination of two factors: an inside-mounted, opaque window shade, coupled with a tight-fit within the window casing to cut back on light seepage.  The definition of room darkening is more broad and may not mean the same thing between one person and another.  Blackout is specific and means to block almost all incoming light.

Best choices

Blackout can be achieved with a number of different styles to satisfy your design needs as well.  Some shades, such as cellular shades and roman shades, are made from a blackout material to block light, while woven wood shades require an attached blackout liner.  We have carefully chosen this selection of products and styles that will provide the best blackout experience for you.  There are even options for panel tracks and skylights.

things to consider:

Keep in mind that the blackout property of a window covering applies only to light trying to pass through the shade - you will also need to consider light going around the shade.  For blinds ordered as inside mount, a small deduction will be taken from your ordered size by the manufacturer so that the blind will fit inside the window; depending on your window depth and construction, light may creep around the side of the blind.  A drapery or side panel can help cover up this light seepage.

Why custom is important to blackout?

Custom shades fit better within your window casing and is therefore and important component of achieving blackout.  Custom blackout shades have minimal light gaps between the shade and window casing.  This precise fit, coupled with opaque shades makes for the best blackout shades.

Other options

Another option is an outside mount shade - just remember to add enough width and length to fully cover the window plus part of the wall to prevent light from going around the shade.  Although there may still be a soft glow around the edges of the shade, no direct sunlight will pass through the shade material.