If you’ve been researching window furnishings for bedrooms, nurseries or media rooms, chances are you’ve come across the terms blockout, blackout and total blockout. And perhaps you’re wondering what the actual difference is.
The short answer is that blockout and blackout generally mean the same thing. Both refer to fabrics designed to stop light passing through the material itself.
But there’s an important detail many people don’t realise. Even if the fabric blocks light completely, some light can still enter around the edges of the blind or curtain. That’s where Total Blockout solutions come in.
Understanding how each option works can make it much easier to choose the right light control solution for your space.
Are Blockout and Blackout Really the Same Thing?
Yes, in the world of window furnishings, blockout and blackout are typically interchangeable terms.
Both describe fabrics designed to prevent light from shining through the material itself. Whether you see a product labelled blockout or blackout, it generally means the fabric has been designed for excellent light control, privacy and reduced glare.
Blockout fabrics are popular in:
- Bedrooms
- Nurseries
- Media rooms
- Shift-worker spaces
- Living rooms exposed to strong sunlight
They’re also ideal for improving privacy and helping reduce heat and glare throughout the day.
However, while the fabric and lining blocks light, standard blinds and curtains can still allow some light to enter around the sides, top or bottom of the window furnishing.
Why Does Light Still Come Through the Sides?
This is one of the most common questions customers ask, and it’s completely normal.
Most blinds and curtains require small operating gaps around the edges so they can function smoothly. These gaps can allow a small amount of light to filter into the room, especially around:
- The sides of roller blinds due to the design of the brackets
- The top of curtains
- The bottom edge of window furnishings
- Uneven window frames or recesses
The amount of light leakage can vary depending on:
- The product style
- Recess or face fitting
- Window shape and size
- Installation position
- Fabric coverage
For many homes, standard blockout blinds or curtains provide more than enough darkness and privacy. But if you’re especially sensitive to light, there are solutions specifically designed to reduce those edge gaps even further.
What Is Total Blockout?
Total Blockout refers to window furnishing systems designed to minimise light leakage around the edges of the window as much as possible.
Rather than relying on fabric alone, these systems use fully-framed or enclosed designs to help reduce the light that would normally enter through operating gaps. On our Tuiss Blinds Online website, you’ll find these under our ‘Sleep Better Blinds’ section.
They’re ideal for:
- Light-sensitive sleepers
- Shift workers
- Nurseries
- Home theatres
- Bedrooms that receive strong morning light
Total Blockout Honeycomb Blinds
Total Blockout Honeycomb Blinds feature a fully framed design that helps minimise light entering around the edges of the blind. The honeycomb fabric is enclosed in side channels, meaning there are no light gaps. There’s also a light sealing strip that can be applied to really make sure no light is creeping in.
Alongside excellent light control, honeycomb blinds also offer impressive thermal insulation thanks to their cellular construction, helping rooms stay more comfortable year-round.
Their clean, streamlined look makes them a popular choice for modern bedrooms and living spaces alike. They’re a no drill product designed for installation in a recess window.
We’ve now launched a Day & Night version of these blinds, so you can have the sheer fabric covering the window for daytime privacy, or the blockout fabric whenever you need to block out that sunlight or are looking for complete privacy.
There is also a Slimline Total Blockout Honeycomb Blind that can either be recess fitted, or face fitted (if you don’t have the depth required to recess fit).
Total Blockout Roller Blinds
For a sleek, contemporary finish, Total Blockout Roller Blinds combine modern roller blind styling with framed side channels designed to reduce light seepage.
These systems create a cleaner seal around the window while maintaining the simple functionality roller blinds are known for. Once again, this is a no drill product designed for easy installation within a window recess.
They’re also available with motorisation, making them an ideal solution for modern smart homes and hard-to-reach windows. These roller blinds are available in a selection of our most popular plain colours, as well as top selling prints.
GlideShade Total Blockout Blinds
Our GlideShade Total Blockout Blinds offer another innovative option for improved darkness and light control.
Designed with a fully enclosed system, they help minimise incoming light while delivering smooth operation and a refined modern appearance. These are a honeycomb blind which helps with energy efficiency, but they differ from our Total Blockout Honeycombs as they have a horizontal closing design, meaning instead of pulling the blind down to close it, you slide it from one side to the other. It’s also a no drill easy installation system, although without the Click2Fit mechanism that the original Total Blockout Honeycomb features.
They’re particularly well suited to bedrooms and spaces where reducing ambient light is a priority.
Want Better Light Blocking Without a Fully Framed System?
Not every room needs a fully enclosed Total Blockout solution. That’s why there are also options designed to provide enhanced light reduction while maintaining a softer or more minimal aesthetic.
These solutions help reduce more light than standard blockout products, while still offering flexibility in style and installation.
Superior Blockout Curtains
Superior Blockout Curtains are designed to help create a darker room environment than standard blockout curtains.
To improve light control, these curtains include thoughtful features such as:
- A fitted pelmet
- Magnetic centre closures
- Velcro side detailing
Together, these elements help reduce the light that can typically enter around the top, centre and sides of curtains.
They’re a beautiful option for anyone wanting the softness and elegance of curtains with enhanced room darkening performance.
Light Shield Roller Blinds
Our new Light Shield Roller Blinds are designed to help tackle one of the most common causes of light leakage in standard roller blinds – the gap between the fabric and the window frame.
This system includes slim L-shaped frame components fitted around the sides, top and bottom of the window frame to help reduce incoming light around the edges of the blind. It’s not a fully enclosed channel, but rather as the name suggests, a shield that will stop some of the light that typically shines through these areas.
The result is improved light control while still maintaining the clean, minimal appearance roller blinds are loved for.
At the moment, Light Shield is available on selected standalone roller blind products, with add-on compatibility for additional roller blind ranges coming soon.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The best choice depends on how much darkness you need and the overall look you want to achieve.
Choose standard blockout or blackout if:
- You want excellent everyday light control
- Privacy is a priority
- Minor edge light isn’t a concern
- You’re furnishing living rooms or general bedrooms
Consider enhanced light control options (Light Shield / Super Blockout Curtains) if:
- You’d like a darker room without a fully framed system
- You prefer the softness of curtains
- You want improved roller blind coverage with a streamlined appearance
Choose Total Blockout if:
- You need maximum darkness
- You’re sensitive to light while sleeping
- You work night shifts
- You’re furnishing a nursery or have children who nap during the day
- You’re setting up a media room and don’t want any glare on your screens
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blackout the same as blockout?
Yes. In window furnishings, blackout and blockout generally refer to the same type of light-blocking fabric.
Why can I still see light around my blockout blinds?
Most blinds and curtains require small operating gaps to function correctly, which can allow some light to enter around the edges. To completely block out any light gaps, you’ll need to opt for one of our Total Blackout products.
What is the best option for maximum darkness?
Fully-framed Total Blockout systems are specifically designed to minimise light leakage around the edges of the window.
Are blockout curtains completely dark?
Standard blockout curtains significantly reduce incoming light, though some light may still enter around the sides or top. Superior Blockout Curtains are designed to help reduce this further.
What are Light Shield Roller Blinds?
Light Shield Roller Blinds use slim frame components around the window to help reduce light seepage around the edges of the blind.
Find Your Perfect Light Control Solution
Whether you’re looking for everyday privacy, a darker bedroom or advanced Total Blockout solutions, there’s a window furnishing option designed to suit your space and lifestyle.
From classic blockout blinds and curtains to innovative framed systems and Light Shield technology, achieving better sleep, comfort and light control has never been easier with Tuiss Blinds Online.
