In this article, we’ll discuss:

• What are blockout blinds?
• How do blinds control the heat?
• Which types of blinds are most effective?
• What is the cost comparison between regular and blockout blinds?
• Things to consider when shopping for blockout blinds

WHAT ARE BLOCKOUT BLINDS?

Blinds are effective for keeping heat in or out.

Blockout blinds refer to any window covering specially designed to minimise the effect of outdoor light and temperatures on your home. These are most commonly available as roman or roller blinds, prepared with an innovative heat-regulating fabric, and honeycomb blinds.

Blockout blinds are effective for keeping heat in or out. During winter, simply leave blinds up in the daylight hours and close them at sunset. In summer, close the blinds that face the sun and open the windows to ensure your house remains cool.

HOW DO BLINDS CONTROL THE HEAT?

While your choice of fabric certainly affects the overall insulation value of your blind, what’s more important is the fitting. Window coverings provide insulation by creating a seal against the window, reducing air movement to and from the glass and effectively trapping hot or cold air. In winter, air close to your windows will quickly cool and sink, so any gaps at the bottom of your blinds will allow the cold air to circulate back into the room. Learn more about how blinds help keep your home warm!

Keep the cold at bay with blockout window treatments.

WHICH TYPES OF BLINDS ARE MOST EFFECTIVE?

While there are different types of blockout blinds, some may prove to have better thermal capabilities than others. It’s also worth thinking about the appearance of a blockout blind, as your window coverings should provide both function and style.

ROMAN BLINDS

Roman blinds are one option for insulating window treatments.

Roman shades are a very popular choice for many home owners, as they offer a huge amount of customisation. Made from fabric, roman blinds can come in any colour, pattern or texture of your choosing to perfectly suit your decor. This chosen fabric can be coated with an insulating treatment that is one-pass (light filtering), two-pass (dimming) or three-pass (block-out).

Alternatively, you can have fabric curtains lined with a separate coated material to add an extra layer against the elements.

ROLLER BLINDS

Roller blinds should be placed snugly against the window.

Like romans, roller blinds are available with blockout coatings. Uniquely, they can come as forward or reverse rolls. For the best insulation with a roller blind, you’ll want a reverse roll. This means the blind falls flush with the window to create a better seal against the cold (or heat).

Roller blinds are popular because they are modern, easy to maintain and safer than roman blinds, however they aren’t the most efficient for thermal purposes.

HONEYCOMB BLINDS

Honeycomb may not look cosy but its thermal benefits are huge.

At first glance you wouldn’t think these blinds are particularly effective. They are hollow, after all.

However, it’s this quality that gives honeycomb blinds their amazing thermal benefits. The space within each hexagon of the blind creates compartmentalised air pockets which greatly slow the transfer of heat. Like most blinds, you can find these in a range of colours and opacities to fit your design aesthetic.

For an extra touch of luxury, honeycomb blinds are perfectly suited to being motorised.

WHAT IS THE COST COMPARISON BETWEEN REGULAR AND BLOCKOUT BLINDS?

The price of blinds can vary considerably depending on the style, fabric and size.

According to hipages – an Australian renovation website – good quality block-out roller blinds cost at least $60 each, based on a 2.4 metre wide window. For honeycomb blinds prices tend to start at about $70, while roman blinds are more expensive at a minimum $160.

You should expect to pay a little extra for blockout fabrics, as more materials and processes have gone into their production. As honeycomb blinds maintain strong thermal benefits without special coatings, they may prove to be the cost efficient option.

When thinking about costs, remember to consider the expense of having poorer insulation. About 40 per cent of heat in the home is lost through uninsulated windows, according to the Australian Window Association. This can cause you to need more heating and cost you more in the long-run.

Add a layer of window insulation with a custom blind to keep the cold outside.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SHOPPING FOR BLOCKOUT BLINDS

There’s plenty to think about when you’re looking for new window treatments. Ask yourself these questions before you make a purchase:

• Do I like the appearance of these blinds?
• Will they insulate effectively?
• What rooms do I need the most insulation in?
• Are there rooms I could install regular blinds in?
• Do I want block-out blinds or would I prefer to have more light filtration when my blinds are closed?
• Are these blinds suited to the conditions of the room?
• What kind of maintenance do these blinds require?
• How much will installation cost?

To understand the kinds of blinds best suited to your needs, check out our blinds buying guide or pop into your nearest Carpet Call store to discuss options. We have a massive range of blinds available and with all operations and installations managed by Carpet Call staff, we’re able to provide you with cheaper, smarter, better-quality window treatments.