Looking for a way to make your bedroom darker, especially during those bright summer mornings? Blackout custom window shades might be just what you need. They’re designed to block out light, which can really help with sleep. But where can you find them? Several companies offer these, and they often come with options to customize the size and style to fit your room perfectly. Let’s take a look at some of the places you can get blackout custom window shades.
Key Takeaways
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Blackout window treatments are made to block nearly all light, creating darkness for better sleep or media viewing.
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Made in the Shade North Jersey offers various types of blackout shades, including roller, Roman, and cellular styles.
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Customization is a big part of buying blackout shades; you can often choose colors, sizes, and lift mechanisms.
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Some brands also offer designer collections, allowing you to pick blackout fabrics from well-known designers.
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Ordering often includes options like free swatches, quotes, and measurement services to help you get the right fit.
Understanding Blackout Custom Window Shades
What Are Blackout Window Treatments?
Blackout window treatments are made to stop almost all outside light from sneaking into your room—even on the sunniest days. They’re made with tightly woven or coated fabrics that stop light in its tracks, which is important for anyone wanting real nighttime conditions at noon. Blackout shades are a step above standard window coverings, built for people who need or want near-total darkness in their space, like bedrooms, nurseries, or even home theaters.
Benefits of Blackout Window Treatments
There are a lot of reasons people switch to blackout shades, especially in bedrooms:
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Improved sleep—darker rooms help your body get in sync with its natural sleep cycle
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Enhanced privacy since nothing gets through once the shades are down
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Reduced glare on screens, which is good for late-night movies or gaming
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Added insulation, keeping out heat or cold and possibly dropping your energy bill
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Protection for floors and furniture by blocking out UV rays
If you’ve ever been woken up too early by a stray shaft of sunlight, you know how valuable good blackout shades can be.
Blackout Shades vs. Room-Darkening Shades
People often confuse blackout with room-darkening shades, but there’s a key difference: Blackout shades block up to 99% of outside light, while room-darkening shades allow a little glow to filter through.
Here’s a quick comparison:
|
Feature |
Blackout Shades |
Room-Darkening Shades |
|---|---|---|
|
Light Blocked |
Up to 99% |
85% – 95% |
|
Total Darkness Possible |
Yes |
No |
|
Best Use |
Bedrooms, media rooms |
Living rooms, offices |
|
Privacy Level |
Maximum |
High (not total) |
In short, if you want pitch-black conditions at any time of day, blackout shades are the way to go. If you just want less light without total darkness, room-darkening shades might be enough.
Custom Blackout Roller Shades
Classic Vinyl Blackout Roller Shades
So, you’re looking for shades that really block out the light, huh? Roller shades are a super popular choice for this, and for good reason. They’re pretty straightforward and can make a big difference in a room. The classic vinyl ones are a solid bet if you want that 100% blackout effect. They’re built to stop light in its tracks, which is great for bedrooms where you want to sleep in, or maybe a home theater room so the screen looks its best. Plus, they offer a good amount of privacy, which is always a plus.
These aren’t just basic shades, though. You can actually get them made to fit your windows perfectly. That’s the ‘custom’ part, and it makes a huge difference. No more weird gaps where light sneaks in. They’re also pretty durable and easy to wipe down, which is handy if you’ve got kids or pets, or if you’re putting them in a room that gets a bit messy.
Customizable Features for Roller Shades
When you go custom, you get to pick a bunch of things to make the shades just right for your space. It’s not just about the size, though that’s super important. You can usually choose from a lot of different colors and even some textures, so they don’t just block light, they look good too. Think about what color will match your room – do you want something bold or something that blends in?
Then there are the practical bits. You can often pick how the shade rolls up – sometimes it’s a standard roll, other times it’s a reverse roll, which can look cleaner depending on your window frame. And how do you want to open and close them? There are options like cordless (which is safer for homes with kids or pets), a continuous loop system, or even motorized ones if you’re feeling fancy and want to control them with a remote or an app. Some even come with an upgraded headrail, like a cassette, that hides the roll for a really neat, finished look.
DIY Installation of Blackout Roller Shades
Putting up roller shades yourself is totally doable, honestly. Most companies that sell custom ones will give you pretty clear instructions. You’ll usually need a few basic tools, like a drill, a screwdriver, and a measuring tape. The key is to measure your window exactly as they tell you to. Seriously, double-check those measurements. A shade that’s even a little bit off won’t block light as well, and it just won’t look right.
Most kits come with the mounting brackets and screws you need. You’ll typically attach the brackets to the window frame or the wall above the window, then snap the shade into place. If your window has trim or molding that gets in the way, some shades come with optional spacer blocks to give you the clearance you need. It might take a little patience, especially if you’re not used to DIY projects, but saving money on installation is pretty sweet. Just take your time, follow the steps, and you’ll have your blackout shades up and blocking light in no time.
The Shade Store’s Blackout Options
So, you’re looking into blackout shades, and The Shade Store has quite a few choices. They really focus on blocking out light, which is the main thing, right? Especially for bedrooms. They’ve got a few different types of window treatments that can get the job done.
Blackout Roller Shades
These are pretty straightforward. They’re your classic roller shade, but made with materials that block out almost all the light – we’re talking 99%. You can get them in different colors and patterns, and they even have options like cordless or motorized controls, which is nice if you have kids or just like the convenience. They also have some designer collections that use roller shades, which is cool if you want something a bit more stylish than just plain vinyl.
Blackout Roman Shades with Lining
If you’re more into the look of Roman shades, The Shade Store can add a blackout lining to many of their Roman shade fabrics. This means you get the folded, elegant look of a Roman shade, but with the added benefit of serious light blocking. It’s a good way to get that blackout effect without sacrificing the style you want. The lining also adds a bit of insulation, which is a nice bonus.
Blackout Drapes with Lining
Similar to the Roman shades, you can also add a blackout lining to their drapery options. This is great if you prefer the look and feel of curtains. The lining is an extra layer that stops light from coming through. They mention motorized options for these too, which sounds pretty fancy for drapes.
Blackout Cellular Shades
These are a bit different. Cellular shades have a honeycomb structure, and when they’re made with blackout material, they’re really good at blocking light and also offer great insulation. They come in different cell sizes, like single or double cell, and you can get them with cordless or motorized controls as well. They’re known for being energy efficient, which is a plus.
The Shade Store makes it pretty easy to get what you need. You can order free samples of the fabrics, which I think is a smart move. It’s hard to tell what a fabric will really look like or feel like just from a picture online. Plus, they have ways to get quotes and even schedule someone to come measure your windows, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of it.
Designer Collections for Blackout Shades
Norman’s Blackout Shade Offerings
Norman is renowned for its high-quality window treatments, and their blackout shades are no exception. They offer a range of styles designed to provide superior light blocking for ultimate darkness and privacy. Norman’s commitment to craftsmanship ensures that their blackout shades are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, fitting seamlessly into various interior designs.
Norman’s SmartDrape™ Blackout System
The SmartDrape™ system from Norman offers a unique solution for light control. It features a continuous fabric panel that moves with the tilt of the slats, providing a sleek, modern look and excellent light blocking capabilities. This system is available in various blackout fabrics, allowing you to achieve a dark room without compromising on style. The cordless operation enhances safety and ease of use.
Norman’s Woodlore® and Woodlore Plus® Blackout Options
For those who prefer the natural beauty of wood, Norman’s Woodlore® and Woodlore Plus® shutters can be ordered with blackout inserts. These inserts are designed to fit snugly within the shutter panels, effectively blocking out light. This option combines the timeless appeal of wood shutters with the functionality of blackout shades, making them ideal for bedrooms and media rooms where both style and darkness are desired.
Customization and Durability
Norman emphasizes customization, allowing you to choose from a wide array of colors, finishes, and control options to match your specific needs and decor. Their blackout shades are built to last, using durable materials and construction techniques to ensure long-term performance and satisfaction.
Alta Window Fashions Blackout Solutions
Alta Window Fashions provides a comprehensive selection of blackout window treatments, focusing on both style and functionality. Their blackout fabrics are engineered to block out the maximum amount of light, ensuring a restful environment. Alta offers various shade types, each with its own unique benefits, all available with blackout capabilities.
Alta’s Cellular Shades with Blackout Fabric
Alta’s cellular shades are a popular choice for their energy efficiency and light-blocking properties. When ordered with blackout fabric, these shades create a significant barrier against light and offer excellent insulation. The honeycomb structure traps air, helping to regulate room temperature. They are available in a variety of colors and cell sizes, with options for cordless and motorized controls.
Alta’s Roller Shades in Blackout Materials
For a clean and modern look, Alta’s roller shades are an excellent option. They offer a wide range of blackout fabrics that provide complete light blockage. These shades are simple to operate and can be customized with different hem styles, mounting options, and control systems, including motorized solutions for added convenience.
Alta’s Roman Shades with Blackout Lining
Alta also offers Roman shades that can be enhanced with a blackout lining. This allows you to enjoy the elegant folds and sophisticated style of Roman shades while achieving the darkness needed for a bedroom or media room. The blackout lining is integrated seamlessly, maintaining the shade’s aesthetic appeal.
Focus on Light Control and Design
Alta Window Fashions is dedicated to providing solutions that offer superior light control without sacrificing design. Their blackout options are available in a diverse palette of colors and textures, ensuring you can find a shade that complements your home’s interior.
Hunter Douglas Blackout Innovations
Hunter Douglas is a leader in innovative window treatments, and their blackout options are designed to offer exceptional light control, energy efficiency, and sophisticated style. They provide blackout solutions across various product lines, catering to different aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
Hunter Douglas Duette® Honeycomb Shades with Blackout Options
Duette® honeycomb shades are known for their energy-saving capabilities, and when equipped with their LightLock™ technology or blackout fabric, they provide unparalleled darkness. The LightLock™ system features a U-shaped channel that traps and absorbs excess light, creating a near-total blackout effect. These shades are available in a wide range of colors and textures, with options for cordless and motorized operation.
Hunter Douglas Silhouette® and Pirouette® Shades with Blackout Capabilities
While primarily known for diffusing light, certain configurations of Hunter Douglas Silhouette® and Pirouette® shades can achieve significant light blocking. For instance, the Silhouette® Clear View™ option with a blackout roller shade in the back can provide a dual-function solution. Additionally, some fabric collections within these lines offer blackout opacities, allowing for both light diffusion and complete darkness when needed.
Hunter Douglas Heritance® and Palm Beach™ Shutters with Blackout Inserts
Similar to Norman, Hunter Douglas offers genuine wood (Heritance®) and faux wood (Palm Beach™) shutters that can be fitted with blackout inserts. These inserts are designed to minimize light leakage, providing a blackout effect while maintaining the classic look of shutters. This is an excellent choice for those who desire the architectural appeal of shutters combined with the functionality of blackout shades.
Advanced Features and Customization
Hunter Douglas products often come with advanced features such as motorized control (PowerView® automation), cordless options for safety, and a vast selection of fabrics, colors, and finishes to ensure a perfect match for any decor. Their focus on quality and innovation ensures durable and effective blackout solutions.
Graber Blackout Shade Selections
Graber offers a diverse range of blackout window treatments designed to provide optimal light control, privacy, and energy efficiency. Their collections feature various styles, materials, and customization options to suit any home.
Graber’s Roller Shades with Blackout Fabrics
Graber’s roller shades are a popular choice for their simplicity and effectiveness. They offer a wide selection of blackout fabrics in numerous colors, patterns, and textures, allowing for a customized look. These shades are designed to block out nearly all light, making them ideal for bedrooms and media rooms. Options include cordless controls for safety and motorized solutions for convenience.
Graber’s Cellular Shades in Blackout Materials
Graber’s cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, provide excellent insulation and light blocking when ordered with blackout fabric. The unique cell structure helps to reduce energy transfer, keeping rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They are available in various opacities, including full blackout, and come with options for single or double cells, as well as cordless and motorized operation.
Graber’s Roman Shades with Blackout Lining
For a more decorative approach, Graber’s Roman shades can be ordered with a blackout lining. This option combines the soft folds and elegant appearance of Roman shades with the functional benefit of complete light blockage. The blackout lining is integrated to maintain the shade’s aesthetic appeal while ensuring maximum darkness.
Graber’s Drapery with Blackout Liners
Graber also offers blackout liners that can be added to their drapery collections. This allows homeowners to achieve a blackout effect with the luxurious look and feel of curtains, providing a versatile solution for light control and room ambiance.
Ordering Your Custom Blackout Shades
So, you’ve decided on blackout shades – smart move for a truly dark room. Now comes the fun part: actually getting them. It’s not as complicated as it might seem, and there are a few ways to go about it to make sure you get exactly what you need. The key is to get samples and accurate measurements before you commit.
Order Free Swatches
This is probably the most important step, honestly. You can look at pictures all day, but seeing and feeling the fabric is a whole different ballgame. Ordering free swatches lets you check out the material, the color, and how thick it really is. It’s a great way to compare different options side-by-side in your own home, under your own lighting. You can get a feel for the texture and make sure the color matches your decor. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in avoiding buyer’s remorse.
Request a Free Quote
Once you have an idea of the style and fabric you like, getting a quote is the next logical step. Many companies have design consultants who can help you through this process. They can answer questions about different materials, control options (like cordless or motorized), and help you figure out the best fit for your windows. Don’t hesitate to ask them anything; that’s what they’re there for. It helps you understand the total cost before you get too far along.
Schedule a Free Measurement
This is where things get serious about fit. While some shades are designed for easy DIY installation, getting custom blackout shades means precision matters. Having a professional measure your windows ensures a perfect fit, which is super important for blackout effectiveness. Gaps around the edges let light in, defeating the purpose. A professional measurement takes the guesswork out and guarantees your shades will look and function just right. You can find companies that offer this service for free, which is a nice bonus.
In-Home Showroom Experience
Forget the hassle of traveling to a physical showroom. Made in the Shade North Jersey brings the showroom directly to you! Our design consultants will visit your home or business at your convenience, bringing a wide selection of fabric samples, product displays, and expert advice right to your doorstep. This personalized in-home consultation allows you to see how different blackout shades will look and function in your actual space, under your lighting conditions, and alongside your existing decor. It’s the most convenient way to select the perfect custom blackout shades without any need for travel.
Finding the Right Blackout Shades
So, you’re looking for blackout shades for your bedroom? It’s good to know there are quite a few options out there. Made in the Shade North Jersey offers various styles, from roller shades to Roman shades, and even cellular options. Many of them let you customize the size and features, which is pretty handy. Remember, true blackout shades block almost all light, which is great for sleeping. Some blinds might say they’re ‘room darkening,’ but that’s not quite the same as a full blackout. It’s worth checking the details to make sure you get the darkness you need for a good night’s sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between blackout and room-darkening shades?
Blackout shades are designed to block out almost all light, creating total darkness. Room-darkening shades, on the other hand, block most light but still let a little bit through, softening the light rather than eliminating it completely.
Why are blackout shades good for bedrooms?
Blackout shades are perfect for bedrooms because they help you sleep better by blocking out light from streetlights or the early morning sun. This darkness can make your room feel more peaceful and help you get more restful sleep.
Can I install blackout roller shades myself?
Yes, many blackout roller shades are made for easy DIY installation. They usually come with simple instructions and don’t require special tools, just basic ones like a screwdriver and drill.
Do blackout shades help with temperature control?
Absolutely! Blackout shades can act like an extra layer of insulation for your windows. This means they can help keep your home cooler in the summer by blocking out heat and warmer in the winter by preventing heat from escaping.
How do I choose the right color or fabric for my blackout shades?
Many companies offer free samples of their fabrics and materials. This is a great way to see how the color and texture look in your home’s lighting before you buy, ensuring you get exactly what you want.
Are there different types of blackout window treatments available?
Yes, there are many options! You can find blackout roller shades, cellular shades, Roman shades with blackout lining, and even blackout drapes. Some companies also offer blackout options for woven wood shades and wood blinds, though these might not block 100% of the light.
