Roller blinds are amongst the most popular window treatments, not only in the US but also in Europe or Australia. It’s easy to understand why: they are so easy to manipulate and very easy to automate by adding a tubular motor and turning them into electric, remote control operated blinds. One of our readers asked us if she could obtain total darkness in a room by using solely roller blinds. Here’s our take on that.

First of all, let’s define total darkness: are we talking about a complete blackout or only a very dark room for taking a comfortable afternoon nap? Complete blackout window treatments may be required in case you want to use a projector for home cinema purposes, or in offices where you project presentations on screen or directly on a white wall. Cheaper projectors lose their efficiency in case the darkness is not complete, so the screen becomes less visible. Stronger projectors can cope with a little bit of light, but you’d have to pay a lot more to buy such a projector, so you’d better change the window coverings instead.

Back to our roller blinds and to the question we try to give an answer to: roller blinds can be customized in such a way as to ensure enough darkness for sleeping, or even for home cinema, but if they aren’t an exact fit, they’d let some light pass through the edges. In my view, the best solution to go really dark are exterior shutters made of wood, faux wood or metal. The vinyl ones could be good, too.

Maybe the best idea would be to discuss this issue with a specialist in window coverings. Each big manufacturer of blinds, shades and shutters give free consultancy services to their potential customers. Besides, these manufacturers may have their own materials and technologies for manufacturing their products, therefore I wouldn’t be surprised to discover that I’m wrong and that a roller blind can be perfect for darkening a room.

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