Are Shutters Blackout?

A question we are often asked is: “Will installing shutters help to block out 100% of the light from outside?” There are many reasons for wanting completely dark rooms, from health to comfort, but whatever the reason, it’s useful to understand how much light shutters can block. So, let’s find out!

Sleep

Having a dark room is one of the most important things you can do to get better sleep. Since we spend around a third of our lives asleep, it could not be more important to do all we can to improve the quality and quantity of sleep. Without enough sleep, our ability to function throughout the day is impaired. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, reduced performance at work, and a general feeling that you are not in control.

Darkness signals to our bodies that it’s time to rest. If you darken your room using blackout shutters, blinds, curtains, or a combination of these, it will be easier to drift off into a deep sleep. It may even help improve the quality of your sleep because it keeps the light levels in the room continuous throughout the night, from dusk to dawn.

Shift-workers

Sleep is especially important for night shift workers who sleep during the daylight hours. They are already battling against their own circadian rhythms, and poor-quality sleep makes this much harder. Blackout window treatments help to create the illusion of night and can improve sleep quality for shift workers.

When we have enough quality sleep each night, we are able to function well throughout the day both physically and mentally.

Power napping

Power napping is increasingly popular, both with people who work in offices and especially those who work from home. A 15–20-minute power nap can boost performance and it’s a really natural and healthy way to get past the “afternoon dip”. Daytime napping is made much easier if you can black out your room.

Home cinemas

Home cinemas are one reason people want blackout shutters

Another key reason for wanting total blackout is for home cinema enjoyment. It’s much harder to focus on a great movie when light is streaming in from the street outside!

Kids

It’s well known that babies and children sleep better in fully dark bedrooms. Many sources recommend keeping your child’s bedroom completely dark, and if they are afraid of total darkness, then invest in a dim night-light. Remove any bright light sources such as TV screens and mobile devices as these can disturb sleeping patterns.

Light pollution in London

London was once known for its dark skies. Street lighting in London was non-existent until gas lamps were introduced in London in 1807. But after this, artificial light in London has increased exponentially. Whilst the benefits are obvious (the crime rate fell, for example), this has led to a huge problem with light pollution.

Light spills from homes, street lighting, business lighting and vehicles and this continues around the clock. We now have permanent “skyglow”. This is the term used to describe the eerie orange glow that’s visible throughout London.  In urban areas near London, light pollution can reach such an intensity as to block half of the stars visible in non-urban areas.

Light pollution can even impact wildlife and disrupt ecosystems that rely on darkness to survive such as bird life. Birds rely on celestial objects to navigate and migrate. Permanent light disrupts this. So, blocking light from escaping from our homes is perhaps just as important as blocking light from entering our homes!

So, you may be wondering if shutters are blackout. The answer is that shutters on their own are not blackout. You will always get some light bleed around the frames and louvres. However, for the average person a shutter on its own is sufficiently dark for a bedroom and will have a very strong room-darkening effect. We’re happy to advise on which of our shutters are the best materials for light control.

Shutter and shade

Another option is the combination of shutter and shade – perhaps the ultimate solution for complete blackout.

It comprises an integrated blackout blind with the shutter solution.

The blind sits in a recess behind the shutters, giving you greater light control and a stylish look. To explore this option please see https://shutterwise.co.uk/room-darkening-blinds/

Our shutter and shade solution

Parma honeycomb blinds

Or choose the increasingly popular option of Parma Honeycomb Blinds. The room-darkening option of honeycomb blinds can create a near-blackout effect. They are also extremely energy efficient as well – great for keeping warmth in. They can be fixed to most styles of windows including ceiling skylights. To learn more please go to https://shutterwise.co.uk/blinds-3/honeycomb/

Perfect fit/clic blinds

This is an innovative blind solution that can be fixed to most double glazed units, bi-fold doors, patio doors and doesn’t require any fixings into the doors.

It is a honeycomb blind and comes in a range of colours and blackout options.  This blind can also be retrofitted to some window styles, so we could install a shutter and then add this blind behind it if the shutter is not sufficient. https://www.tropicalblinds.com/blinds/perfect-fit-blinds/

More benefits of shutters

Darkening your room isn’t the only thing shutters are good for. Shutters are highly energy-efficient and very good at keeping heat in your home. They can help save you money in the long run by reducing energy usage.

Plus, their noise reducing qualities can help reduce noise from the street, further helping you get a great night’s sleep!

Above all, they add a huge amount of style and elegance to any home. They can make an ordinary view extraordinary, by drawing attention to the architectural features of your room or window.

Finally, shutters require very little maintenance—simply ensure are regularly dusted or wiped down to keep them looking fabulous long-term.

Next steps

Now you know the pros and cons of shutters for keeping your home dark, you might be wondering what the next steps are. We’re very happy to advise on the light-control properties of all of our shutter styles and materials.