9 best blackout blinds to keep the light out in 2022
THE best blackout blinds should completely cover your windows, blocking out sunlight until you’re ready to wake up.
We've rounded some of the best-reviewed options, and answered some frequently asked questions.
How do I find the best blackout blinds?
There are three main options for blackout blinds: roller blinds, Roman blinds and vertical blinds.
Roller blinds are the most popular, widely available and generally the most affordable.
The design is simple - just a single sheet of fabric that rolls down and up. These don't take up much room and are great for smaller spaces.
Roman blinds are similar to roller blinds but they fold up in pleats rather than rolling up, adding an extra touch of style.
Vertical blinds are similar to Venetian blinds but the pleats are vertical rather than horizontal. This means they open and close sideways and overlap better - but these will need to be very well made to make sure there are no gaps to let the light in.
In terms of the best blackout blinds, it really depends on your personal preference on style although arguably roller and Roman blinds will offer great coverage whatever the price point.
The most important thing to look out for is that they are made from a durable blackout fabric and the size and fitting will completely cover your windows.
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1. Speciality Mr Long Dog Roller Blinds
- Speciality Mr Long roller blinds, from £14.29, Make My Blinds -
If you’re looking for blackout blinds suitable for a lighter decor, you'll like this design featuring adorable dachshunds.
You have the choice to go full blackout or just dimout, which is slightly cheaper. Both options come with a nickel chain that will add style to your room and top-notch fabrics backed by their 5-year quality guarantee.
It’s also made to measure so it will fit your window just right.
2. John Lewis & Partners Loch Blackout Roller Blind
John Lewis do a classic line in blinds and has a number of attractive blackout options.
Customers love that the Loch model looks premium without costing the earth and does a great job of keeping the light at bay.
You can shop all of .
John Lewis also have an extensive made-to-measure curtain section, .
3. Tommee Tippee Gro Anywhere Ollie The Owl Portable Blackout Blind
These affordable blackout blinds are perfect for taking on holiday, or if you just don’t fancy splashing out on more expensive options.
They attach to windows via suction cups and have Velcro fasteners that let you easily adjust the size.
And when they're not in use, you simply fold them down and pop them into their own carry pouch.
4. Velux Original Blackout Blind
These blinds are specifically designed for Velux windows.
To find the perfect size, you just have to find the blind that corresponds to the code on your window, so there's no measuring required.
Customers praise them for blocking out the light completely and being relatively easy to install (as long as you follow the instructions!).
5. Orla Kiely Multi Stem Blackout Roller Blind
Does the multistem look familiar? It's because it's a unique design by Orla Kiely. This colourful roller blind design is perfect if you already have lots of kitchen products from Orla Kiely.
You can get it in a customised size to suit your window. It even has a child safety mechanism.
This eye-catching roller blind might not make your room pitch black, but it will block the sun from entering through the fabric.
6. Wilko Duck Egg Blackout Roller Blind
This affordable roller blind comes in one size only so make sure the width works for you — the length can be trimmed down to fit.
All the fixings are included in the pack and you can install the blind inside or outside a recess. Even at such a low price, this roller blind has a chain safety device that will keep your pets or kids from getting tangled in it.
Wilko also does the same blinds in a whole range of other colours — visit to buy.
7. UNIVERSAL Floral Border Patterned Thermal Blackout Roller Blind
What's special about this roller blind is the thermal blackout coating that helps save energy by preventing heat loss.
It can fit inside or outside of the window and it can be cut shorter with a hack saw and a sharp scissor.
It does its job and is pleasing to the eyes, perfect for bedrooms or kid rooms.
8. Lister Cartwright Personalised Blackout Roller Blinds
If you're a fan of quality personalised products, you will love this roller blind by Lister Cartwright.
You can upload up to 12 images to be printed on your Lister Cartwright blind - who needs to hang photos when you can have them on your roller blind and look at them before you sleep? Your room will be full of memories you love.
Like other blinds, it comes with a child safety measure and can be fitted to your windows.
9. Digiroot Portable Blackout Blind
If you're struggling with sleep, this total blackout blind might be for you. It can block 100% of sunlight and UV rays and make the room pitch black — perfect for your bedroom or nursery. The quality material also helps reduce heat and regulate room temperature.
What's even better? You don't need any drill to install this blackout blind. It comes with a 25 PU Nano-Adhesive that is reusable and does not leave any stain on your window.
You can cut the portable blind however you like. It can be easily stored and put away during the winter days, for example.
To give you peace of mind, Digiroot even offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
What to keep in mind when choosing the best blackout blind
There are many types and designs of blackout blind to choose from and it can be overwhelming.
When choosing the best blackout blind, you should think about the size of your window, the room where you'll install the blind, the decor of your room, and your budget.
These factors will give you an idea about the size, colour, design, and price of the blackout blinds to look at.
For example, if you want a blackout blind for your living room with plain white walls, you might want some with a print design and white background.
Can blackout blinds be used for skylight windows that are on a slant?
Unfortunately, no, unless you can find a way to keep the bottom of the blind stuck to the window.
Can you cut the width and length of the blackout blind to fit a small window?
Whether you can cut your blackout blind to fit a certain window's size depends on the blind itself.
You should measure your window and check the product's descriptions before buying. For some blinds, you can reduce the width with a saw and length with a pair of scissors. For others, it's not advisable.
Are blackout blinds or blackout curtains better?
Well-made and well-fitted blackout blinds and blackout curtains should be equally effective at keeping out the light.
Blackout curtains tend to be made from heavier fabrics, which have the added benefit of drowning out sound.
They can also come in more styles and colours, and be more aesthetically pleasing.
On the other hand, blinds can be cheaper and easier to maintain, and they don’t take nearly as much space, making them great options for smaller rooms.
They are also better suited for kitchens and bathrooms, where the moisture in the air can make curtains mouldy.
So choosing the best option for you will depend on your preferences.
Enjoyed our roundup of the best blackout blinds? We’ve also rounded up the best curtains.
Having the right bedding can also help you get a great night’s sleep - we’ve picked the best bed linen here.
And to help your little ones get to sleep, we’ve rounded up the best children’s night lights.