ROLLER BLINDS – to Blockout or not to Blockout – that is the Question!
Confused with all the Blind fabric choices? Have you ever asked for a ‘blockout blind’, and found that it blocks out just fine – right until the sun goes down, then Bam – you can see straight inside?
USE OUR GUIDE BELOW to make sure you ask for the right Roller Blind for your needs.
There are 3 main types of Roller Blind fabrics:-
1. BLOCKOUT BLINDS
Blockout means that you cannot see through the fabric Day time OR Night time, whether the internal lights are on or off. No light comes through the fabric.
Blockout Blind showing Light Bleed
Pros
Great Privacy Blind – Provided the blind positioning is good & a few other criteria have been taken into account, no-one will be able to see in.
Room Darkening – Your lighting needs may vary. Be aware that even with Blockout Roller Blinds there will be ‘light bleed’ at the top and sides.
Cons
Lights must be on to use the room – When your Blockout Roller Blind is down, expect that the room will darken significantly.
No vision through the blind – So, if you have the blind down during the day to offer privacy for your client – you may just feel like you’re in a box.
HINT – Modern manufacturing means even WHITE Roller Blinds can offer 100% blockout. The level of blockout does not depend on the colour of the fabric you select.
2. DAYTIME PRIVACY BLINDS (‘E’ Screens or ‘Screen’ Blinds)
Day time privacy is just that – it offers privacy during the day ONLY. At night time, with lights on, be aware that anyone standing outside, can see straight inside. Other names for these fabrics are ‘E-Screens’ or ‘Screens’.
Excellent Daytime Views through a ‘Screen’ Roller Blind
Pros
Daytime Privacy Blind – During the day, appreciate natural day light, whilst knowing that no-one can see in.
Great View through the Fabric – From the inside your view is excellent – if you have trees or a nice garden it can be very calming to see outside, knowing your clients’ needs for Privacy & Dignity are being met.
Cons
During the evening this fabric is see through – If you require Night time privacy an additional Roller Blind or a different product will be required.
HINT – ‘Whatever you can see out of during the day – Reverse it at night’. DAY TIME PRIVACY = NIGHT TIME SEE THROUGH
At Night time, with the lights on, you have a clear view inside.
3. TRANSLUCENT ROLLER BLINDS
A true Translucent Roller Blind fabric means that ‘light’ travels through the fabric, but you cannot see through it at all. Be aware some fabrics are classified as translucent but still allow some vision through.
Pros
Day time & Night time Privacy Blinds – A good translucent will give you fantastic day time & night time privacy, lights on or off. Shadows can only be seen if someone is a few centimetres away from the Roller blind.
Day time light – the light is filtered & on a sunny day you may not even require artificial lighting.
Cons
No Vision – You have to raise the blind to appreciate the view. Some blind options available where you can lower the ‘top’ of the blind, which may achieve privacy & some vision at the same time.
HINT – Hold it up to the light. If light comes through the fabric, but you cannot see through it – it is translucent.
