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If streetlights, early sunrises, or a glowing skyline are keeping the bedroom from being a true retreat, it may be time to rethink the window coverings. For many Seattle homeowners, the solution is surprisingly simple: blackout window coverings.
These specialized treatments are designed to block external light, reduce glare, and create a sleep-conducive environment—without compromising on style. Whether the goal is better sleep, a darkened media room, or privacy at night, blackout shades can make a big difference.
Blackout window coverings are window treatments made with opaque or specially-lined materials that significantly reduce or completely block external light. While often associated with bedrooms, they are also ideal for nurseries, home theaters, and shift-worker spaces.
• Blackout shades (like roller or cellular shades)
• Blackout blinds (horizontal or vertical with room-darkening slats)
Unlike standard window coverings, these are engineered to seal out light at the edges, and when paired with professional installation, the effect can be dramatic.
Not every window covering that looks thick will actually block light. These are the most common and effective options for room darkening:
Roller shades are a clean, modern option that disappear into a sleek top cassette when open. When fitted with blackout fabric and side channels, they can block nearly all light. They're especially popular in bedrooms and media rooms for their minimal footprint and customizability.
They’re also available in a variety of patterns and textures, making it easy to coordinate with minimalist, mid-century, or transitional interiors. And thanks to their ease of use and low maintenance, many homeowners choose them for guest rooms and offices too.
Honeycomb shades are known for their energy efficiency, but the blackout version doubles as a light-blocker. With their layered, cellular design, these shades trap air and block sunlight. When paired with the right opacity and fit, they provide excellent darkness and insulation.
They’re an especially smart choice for homes in Seattle’s climate, where managing indoor temperature without over-relying on heating or cooling can lead to significant savings over time. The pleated design also adds subtle texture to windows, complementing both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Roman shades bring a soft, tailored look to bedrooms and living rooms. By adding a blackout liner, these decorative shades offer the best of both worlds: beauty and function.
Roman shades are available in a wide range of luxurious fabrics, from smooth cotton to textured linen, and work well as a standalone window treatment or layered with drapery for added elegance and flexibility.
For those who love traditional drapery, adding a blackout liner allows for dramatic light control. Floor-to-ceiling panels not only darken a room but also add elegance and softness to the space.
Pairing drapery with blackout shades is especially effective for large picture windows or rooms that require flexible lighting solutions throughout the day. Pairing them with decorative hardware and layered sheers creates a custom designer look while still offering exceptional room-darkening performance at night.
Many blackout styles are available with motorization, allowing them to be opened or closed with the touch of a button or voice control. This is especially useful for tall windows, hard-to-reach skylights, or parents who want to program their child's room to stay dark until morning.
Motorized blackout shades can also be programmed on a schedule—lowering automatically at bedtime or rising with the morning alarm. This not only adds convenience but helps reinforce a healthier circadian rhythm for adults and children alike.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle difference worth noting:
• Room-darkening shades block a significant portion of light, but some light may still filter in around the edges or through the fabric weave.
• Blackout window treatments are designed to block 99% or more of incoming light.
For light sleepers, nurseries, or home theaters, blackout is typically the better fit. For living rooms or shared spaces, room-darkening may strike the right balance.
Choosing between the two often comes down to the room's function, orientation, and individual light sensitivity. Our consultants help customers weigh these variables when selecting the right option for their space.
In the Pacific Northwest, natural light is a welcome feature—but not at bedtime. During Seattle’s long summer days or when city lights reflect off clouds, bedrooms can feel more like daylight zones than sleep sanctuaries.
Customers in Seattle often choose blackout options for:
• Improved sleep (especially for shift workers or light-sensitive individuals)
• Nursery nap time control
• Glare reduction in media rooms
• Heat and energy efficiency
• Nighttime privacy in urban neighborhoods
In addition to reducing unwanted light, blackout treatments contribute to a more peaceful ambiance. Rooms feel cozier, quieter, and more insulated from the outside world. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary bedroom into a private retreat.
Yes. Many blackout coverings also provide insulation benefits. Cellular shades, in particular, help regulate room temperature by reducing heat transfer. In Seattle’s cooler climate, this can mean warmer mornings in winter and cooler afternoons in summer—without turning up the thermostat.
Layered solutions—such as blackout roller shades combined with lined drapery—can provide even greater thermal insulation and noise reduction, especially in older homes or properties near busy roads.
One of the most common issues with DIY blackout solutions is light leakage around the edges. Professionally installed blackout shades or blinds are custom-fitted to the window, ensuring a snug fit that eliminates gaps.
Even the best blackout fabric won’t perform well if it’s not sized or installed properly. That’s why Seattle Blinds focuses on precision measurements, expert fit, and clean, custom installation. The result is not only better function—but a more refined look as well.
It used to be that blackout meant basic. Today, Hunter Douglas offers room-darkening and blackout options in hundreds of colors, textures, and materials—including woven wood shades, linen-style Roman shades, and tailored roller shades. Style never has to be sacrificed for function.
Whether the design is modern, coastal, Scandinavian, or classic craftsman, blackout treatments can be tailored to complement the aesthetic.
Custom trims, top treatments, and layered designs can elevate even the simplest blackout shade into a showpiece that enhances the entire room.
Considering Blackout for Just One Room?
That’s often where it starts. Homeowners may try blackout shades in one bedroom and quickly want them in every sleeping space. For some, a layered solution—like light-filtering shades during the day coupled with blackout drapery at night—offers the best of both worlds.
Other common use cases include:
• Guest bedrooms to create a hotel-like experience
• Living rooms with west-facing windows for glare control
• Rental properties where flexibility and privacy are key
Our team helps customers explore different styles, layering techniques, and automation features to create the right mix of privacy, comfort, and design.
Ready to Sleep Better? Blackout Shades for the Win!
If you're struggling to get quality rest or simply want more control over how much light enters a space, blackout window coverings may be the solution. At Seattle Blinds, we help homeowners find the perfect window treatments for their lifestyle and design goals.
Schedule a free in-home consultation or visit our window coverings showroom in Lynnwood and Redmond to see blackout and motorized options in action.
Contact us today to start transforming your home into the restful retreat it should be.
This article was written by Carly Zeller, Owner of Seattle Blinds. With a passion for interior design, Carly and her team help Seattle homeowners find stylish, functional solutions tailored to their unique spaces.
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