Blackout vs. Light-Filtering Blinds: Choosing the Right Option for Your Bedroom

Choosing the right blinds for your bedroom is more than just a matter of decoration. The best blinds go beyond aesthetics and can add comfort, light control, and privacy to a room. With the vast array of options available, understanding the differences between blackout and light-filtering blinds becomes essential. Here at Total Look Blinds, we’ll break down the benefits of both and help you choose the perfect blind to turn your room into a sanctuary. 

 

Introduction to Blackout and Light Filtering Blinds

Light-filtering blinds and Blackout blinds have the opposite function which is why selecting the right one is so important. Light-filtering blinds are crafted from semi-opaque fabrics designed to allow a certain percentage of natural light to permeate through. While the fabric is thick enough to ensure privacy, it creates a soft, diffused interior ambiance making this a popular choice for open, modern spaces. 

On the other hand, Blackout blinds are crafted with a much denser fabric. Designed to block out all external light when closed, they ensure complete darkness. People who work graveyard shifts or like to sleep in often appreciate the serene environment that blackout blinds create. 

 

Benefits of Blackout Blinds

The most obvious benefit of blackout blinds is that they block out light completely, but this leads to many benefits beyond personal preference. Here are a few that you might want to consider: 

  • Better Sleep Quality: because the dark environment is so consistent, blackout blinds ensure optimal conditions for sleeping at any time of the day. Essentially, if you like to sleep in you’ll enjoy not being woken up by the sun’s rays. 
  • Noise Reduction: the thick materials used in blackout blinds not only help with privacy but also aid in reducing external noise. This creates a more peaceful environment which is perfect for light sleepers or those with loud neighbours. 
  • Insulation Properties: while it may sound too good to be true, blackout blinds can help save money. These blinds provide significant insulation properties, which maintain a consistent indoor temperature. This reduces heating costs and over time, can even lower your energy bills. 

 

Advantages of Light-Filtering Blinds

Blackout blinds have their fair share of advantages but it’s important to not overlook light-filtering blinds. While light-filtering blinds may not have the same intense effects as their counterpart, their subtle benefits and aesthetic look make them a go-to option for many. Some of their benefits include:  

  • Glare Protection: these blinds can filter UV rays, protecting furniture, flooring, and artwork from sun damage. This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy lightflow without any pesky glares. 
  • Aesthetic Appeal: while aesthetics aren’t everything, they are important. Light-filtering blinds enhance the architectural beauty of a space, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. 
  • Cooling Properties: by reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it, light-filtering blinds help maintain cooler indoor temperatures which in turn, saves money and energy during those warmer months. 

 

Considerations for Bedroom Use

 

Choosing the Right Blinds 

Not sure which option is right for you? Here are a few factors to consider: 

  1. What is the function of your bedroom? Are you the sort of person who just uses their room to sleep, or is it important for your bedroom to be multi-purpose? If you do work in your room or spend a lot of time in there you might prefer light-filtering blinds as their light flow is more suitable for everyday tasks. 
  2. What's your sleep pattern? Are you a deep sleeper or do you wake at the slightest noise? If you find it difficult to stay asleep or like to indulge in midday naps you’d likely enjoy the effect of blackout curtains. 
  3. How is your room decorated? If you have light walls and a soft aesthetic, chances are blackout blinds might be a little intense. Additionally, light-filtering blinds tend to come in a wider variety of colours which makes them a good option for people with very particular preferences.  

 

Common Concerns 

Maybe you already have a specific type of blinds in mind but are worried about its effectiveness. A common concern about blackout blinds is light leakage - after all, it’s frustrating investing into blackout blinds only to have light slip through at the most inconvenient angle. The good news is, this problem isn’t a result of the blind itself rather the installation. Fortunately, our expert installation team takes the utmost care in measuring your windows and mounting your blinds in a manner which best prevents light leakage. 

The primary concern for light-filtering blinds is privacy. A lot of people are worried that since the blinds allow for the sun to shine through, they might allow others to see inside their homes. Light-filtering blinds are semi-opaque, rather than sheer. This means while people cannot see through the blinds, they may see silhouettes under certain lighting. While the chance of this happening is infrequent, those who are particularly concerned about privacy might want to opt for blackout blinds. 

 

Customisation Options and Design Considerations

Here at Total Look Blinds, we have an extensive range of light-filtering and blackout blinds. Both categories come in a variety of fabrics and colours and include the option for motorisation. This means you can control the amount of light entering your room all from the comfort of your own bed. 

Blinds also offer a blank canvas for you to unleash your creativity. When layered with curtains or valances, you can add depth and colour to your room while also enhancing the function and decorative value of your chosen blind. 

 

Conclusions

Whether you love the soft ambience of light-filtering blinds or are craving a good night’s sleep with blackout blinds, reach out for a free consultation where one of our experts can guide you through the process. From choosing the right model to installation and even maintenance, we’re here to ensure your journey to a better bedroom is as smooth as possible.

Top Quality Custom Blinds and Shutters

Total Look Blinds has the best and most experienced people in the industry with a combined experience of greater than 180 years within the industry. If we can’t help you nobody can. We offer free help and advice when you ask us to meet with you.
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What Our Customers Say

Excellent
4.7
D Smith
I've used Total Look Blinds on a number of occasions and have always have excellent quality and service, Lauren is fantastic to deal with. I highly recommend them!
Stephen Ball
Very happy with result, beautiful appearance. High quality, efficient and effective at a good price.
Paula Reason
Total Look Blinds are amazing ! Fantastic fast service , top quality product, friendly, and best of all , installed early !
Gaye Heywood
Total -Look BlindsWould recommend them they are organised, friendly, great communication, quick installation. Nothing is a problem. Very happy with their service from start to finish.
Trudi Stevenson
Total Look blinds were an outstanding company to work with. They installed both shutters and blinds in our home at competitive prices and using high quality materials. Timing and installation were faultless. We are thrilled with the service and the result.
James B
Lovely blinds with professional service.Sincere thanks to Laren for your helpful advice and Carl for excellent installation…..much appreciated
Mary McDonald
Having worked with Total Look Blinds previously, they were our number 1 choice when we decided to install Shutters in our new home - we are absolutely thrilled with the result. Adds a 'wow' factor ! Thank you so much TLB - everyone we have dealt with has been fantastic. We highly recommend dealing with this Team - they are great and their product - TOP NOTCH!
Vaughan Ludlam
Excellent product, pricing and service from Total Look Blinds – thanks David, Lauren, Carl & the rest of the team.
Vicki Landon
Cannot fault Caroline and the team from Total Look Blinds. Very professional and accommodating. Friendly people from the measuring, advice on product and installation. We have used them in several houses and will continue to do so. Highly recommend Total Look Blinds.
Antoinette Cooney
Happy to recommend the service and products provided by Total Look Blinds recently.Terry did the initial measuring with helpful suggestions. Roger the installer was great and a perfect tradesman to help us ‘oldies’ - no rushing through the job or explanations. Pleased with our vertical and roll up blinds👏
Mark Jeus Buenavista
Great company to deal with. Terry is very knowledgeable. Happy with the outcome of our kitchen windows with shutters. Next project would be shutters in our living room windows. Thanks Total Look Blinds team!
David Lim
Vertical and horizontal blinds completed on time. Reliable and great people to deal. Over the years, I have engaged the services of Total Look Blinds a few times and I have always been pleased with the results. I would do it again in the future with any hesitation. Highly recommended.
Niall Robertson
Excellent service quality product from this company who consistently delivers a great personal experience to its customers.Comes highly recommended. Thank you Team!
Kambiz Radman
Could not be happier with my new sun screens and blinds, look awesome. The material seems nice and hopefully durable (I'll update you on that later)."Terry" is a positive Rep who speaks clearly. He measured well but didn't explain some installation details, which confused me afterward. However, "Carolyn" came to the site and explained everything very well. Roger is a professional installer who did a quick and clean job. Thanks "Jo" for admin updates and following up. 101% recommended.
Melissa Slater
Awesome consultation gave really good ideas and pointers. Quick to manufacture and install. End result is beautiful.
Jackson Whitham
Outstanding service from everyone at Total Look Blinds. Jo was incredibly helpful in quoting a sun screen blind over the phone including looking up previous work done at home to match measurements, ordered over the phone and installed in less than 2 weeks - well ahead of schedule - high quality, friendly installer. Definitely recommend using this company!
Lia Wongsohardjo
I love my roller blinds from Total Look Blinds, the products are great. They have excellent customer service, the sales, the admin and the installer are amazing. I have bought from them twice for my house in Oteha and now in Orewa where I moved recently. Terry is very expert, kind and helpful, he is a talented salesman.
hong he
Love the company and the products they provided and installed. We are very grateful for their wonderful support and help!
john millanta
Roger was wonderful put them in nicely great service total look 👀 blinds
Diane Andrew
Recommend this company highly. Efficient and quality service. Very happy with my blinds. Very reasonably priced
Audrey Usmar
Amazing customer service and product!! From Lauren doing the quote and recommendations, to Carl doing the install, to the amazing office support with Jo... Highly recommended. You can't go wrong with this awesome group looking after you THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Peter Glass
Great service from quote to install. Deliver on their promises. Multiple repeat customer. Excellent team to deal with.
Sarahlou Clark
AAA+++ service professional recommended to all. I thought I could imagine what it was going to look like but I am absolutely rapt looks so fresh, clean and high end it’s mind blowing and great price Thank you so much.
Lanice McMillan
Thank you for your awesome service and flexibility to get quotes on very short notice. Love the roller blinds
Angela Shepherd
Roger did a fantastic job of installing our new shutters. He was very professional and very friendly. His attention to detail was impeccable. (Terry was involved in the initial consultation and was also very knowledgeable and helpful.) We would definitely recommend them. AAAA++++
Jim Richardson
Total blinds were Totally Professional. Excellent service from measurements to advice given through to the final fitting and the blinds look great! The price was also very reasonable and far better than competitor's. I totally recommended Total Blinds. Thanks! Jim
Bhavika n Divesh Kumar
We used Total Look Blinds in 2005 for our family home. After 19 years of wear and tear we needed some parts and couple of vertical blinds track needed fixing. Took a drive to Takanini and was greeted by the office lady Jo who was very helpful and was amazed when she pulled out our 19 years old invoice from their record. The team manage to fix the track within a day and got the parts i needed at a fair price. Highly recommend them if you want quality products and a fantastic after sales service. Great company to deal with 😊
Nerissa Attewell
Excellent service, quick turnaround the whole team were informative and helpful! We love our blinds so much :)
Ant MacLean
Had an old vertical blind that was manufactured by them, that was broken. Excellent cheery and quick repair service and great value too.Support kiwi jobs stay local. If you buy something NZ made you can get spares.
nicola taylor
Amazing company, amazing team and amazing service. Totally recommend Total Look Blinds.
Parvaneh Karimi Fishani
We had double roller blinds installed in our new house. The price was much more reasonable compared to other shops, and their service was reasonably fast. The staff were friendly and helpful!I can't say much about the quality of the material since the blinds haven't been installed for long, but we hope they will be as good as the service we received!
Leila El-yassir
I cannot recommend Total Look Blinds enough. From start to finish, their professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail were truly commendable. The quality of their blinds is exceptional.The customer service provided was second to none. Brent and David were knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to assist. They patiently answered all my questions and helped me make informed decisions that perfectly matched my style and requirements.They went above and beyond to ensure that I was completely happy with my blinds. Any concerns or issues I had were promptly addressed and resolved to my utmost satisfaction.I highly recommend Total Look Blinds to anyone in need of high-quality blinds and outstanding service. I am extremely pleased with my blinds and the overall experience. Five stars all the way!
WYNN RIECHELMANN
Absolutely love our TotalBlinds shutters! They have transformed our bedroom. Service from measure up and quote was excellent and communication with the TotalBlinds team was a pleasure! They took half the time than was quoted by another supplier and although they were a bit cheaper, the shutters are very good quality. Plus they are NZ made! Highly recommend!
Lisa Fong
Could not be happier with my new shutters - big shout out to Total Look Blinds who did a fantastic job with the measure, manufacture and installation! All done in NZ so would highly recommend!
Debbie Somervell
We received excellent service from beginning to end.We are returning customers and would highly recommend.Thanks.
John Trotman
We had Total Look Blinds install blinds in our House they were very professional and efficient,from when Terry first measured and Quoted until the blinds were installed,would recommend them for all your blinds and curtains you may need,Thanks again for a great service.
Prabhath Lewke Bandara
Pros:Swift and efficient measurement and quote processShortest lead time in the industryOutstanding product quality and craftsmanshipGenerous and reliable warrantyProfessional and attentive teamCons:None to mention – Shutters exceeded all expectations.
Grant McFlinn
From first contact with Sales Consultant Lauren to Jo in the office and installer Carl, the entire process was nothing short of exceptional. As for the blinds themselves, thanks to Lauren's invaluable input, they look amazing and are undoubtedly high quality. Thoroughly recommend and will most definitely use again.
Emily Anderson
Love my new shutters - they have transformed our guest room and bathrooms! From the sales visit to the installation, so easy to work with the great people of Total Look Blinds! Love that they are made here in NZ too! Thanks!
Tracy-Ann Willcock
Thank you Jo and Roger at Total Look Blinds. Your service and after service and products are absolutely fantastic. From 3 years ago when Roger installed the Blinds to the fantastic after sale service today, absolutely brilliant. Jo and Roger are just such nice people. Thank you!
Marley Brady
We had stunning shutters installed throughout the house. The staff were great and we love the final look! 5 stars
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