The Ultimate Canadian Guide to Choosing Blackout Shades

For a country that’s famous for its intense winters, Canada has a lot of diverse climates. During these cold months, and even in the hotter months, keeping energy costs low is a priority. One of the best ways to do this would have to be with blackout shades. They offer a blend of functionality, style, and privacy for all Canadian homes. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know when shopping for blackout shades.

What are Blackout Shades?

Blackout shades are designed to completely block out external light. These window coverings are crafted from opaque materials, often featuring a dense fabric construction that prevents any light penetration. These are usually used in bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms, and any other space where control over light exposure is essential.

Are Blackout and Room Darkening Shades The Same?

In the window treatment industry, the terms blackout and room darkening have been used interchangeably in the past, but they’re actually not the same. Blackout window treatments are constructed to fully block out any outside light coming in. On the other hand, room-darkening treatments darken the room, but don't necessarily block out light completely—you’ll usually still be able to see some sunlight coming through the fabric.

Can Blackout Shades Fully Blackout a Room?

The one exception to blackout shades is light gaps. What exactly are light gaps, you ask? It's the gap between the frame of the window and where the fabric of your window shade begins when mounted inside the window frame. While this tiny space does allow light to slip through, in most cases it's needed for most window treatments to go up and down. For a lot of homes, especially bedrooms, the easiest way to solve this would be with layering window treatments.

We recommend pairing blackout shades with drapery to mitigate light gaps. But you can also look into different types of shades that have significantly smaller light gaps.

Key Benefits of Blackout Shades

It's no surprise that the key benefit of blackout shades is their ability to block natural light in any room. However they also offer a couple of other notable benefits that you may not have been aware of. Let's take a more in-depth look: 

Improved Sleep Quality

Creating a dark environment is crucial for restorative sleep, particularly for shift workers, parents of young children, or anyone sensitive to light. Blackout shades ensure the darkness needed for uninterrupted sleep, enhancing overall well-being.

Energy Efficiency

Other than keeping sunlight out, another reason why Canadians buy blackout window treatments is because of their energy efficiency. Certain blackout shades provide significant insulation at windows, which are common points of energy loss. By keeping winter warmth in and summer heat out, these shades help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems and thereby lowering energy bills.

A popular option for energy efficiency are our blackout cellular shades. Crafted with an interior light-blocking foil, these treatments not only prevents light from penetrating through, but also help with insulation during extreme Canadian seasons.

Enhanced Privacy and Security

Offering complete opacity, blackout shades are excellent for ensuring privacy. This is particularly valuable in urban areas or street-facing rooms, where it’s important to prevent outsiders from glimpsing into your personal space.

Choosing the Right Blackout Shades for Your Home

When it comes to choosing blackout window treatments, you want them to be functional, but also complement your space. Here are some considerations to take into account before making your final decision.

Materials and Build Quality

Keep in mind some window treatments work better than others when it comes to durability and functionality. Blackout roller shades and cellular shades are some of the best options out there, thanks to their make and construction. Materials like vinyl are a good pick for withstanding busy households with children and/or pets, while the construction of cellular shades is effective for temperature control.

Style and Decor Integration

The good news? Blackout shades are available in a variety of styles. Choose from options like Roman shades, which provide a touch of classic elegance with their fabric folds. Or opt for a clean and contemporary look with roller shades. Overall you’ll want to choose a style that complements your interior decor and can enhance the overall look of your rooms.

When Should You Choose Blackout Shades?

Making the switch to blackout window teratments is dependant on your needs. What do you want them to be used for? Are you wanting to sleep better without natural light waking you up? Do you want to keep your home at a constant, comfortable temperature during the intense Canadian winter?

Maybe you want to watch shows or movies more easily in the day time. These are all great reasons to go for blackout window treatments. Just be sure to choose an option that meets both your style aesthetic and the functionality needs of your home.

A Smart Choice for Canadian Homes

Blackout shades are more than just functional; they're a strategic addition to Canadian homes due to their benefits of improved sleep, reduced energy costs, and enhanced privacy. With a variety of styles, materials, and customization options available, they can be tailored to meet the specific needs and aesthetic preferences of any homeowner.

Ready to transform your living space with the best blackout shades in Canada? Visit Blinds To Go for a personalized consultation. Our experts are ready to help you select the perfect window treatments that combine quality, style, and functionality, ensuring your home is comfortable, stylish, and efficiently outfitted.