Blackout Curtains vs Blackout Blinds | Complete UK Guide & Expert Tips
- Interior design
Blackout Curtains or Blackout Blinds - Which is Best?
What’s the difference between blackout curtains and blackout blinds - and how do you choose the best option for your home? It all depends on what your primary concern is - do you want total light control, better thermal insulation, or a certain style of window dressing?
At Just Fabrics, our Made-to-Measure team regularly helps customers decide which option is right for them. This guide compares the benefits of blackout blinds versus blackout curtains so you can decide which is the better fit for you.
Blackout Curtains: Pros, Cons & JF Expert Tips
Blackout curtains are ideal if you want a cosy, beautifully dressed window, that’s fully insulated too. Blackout linings come in different colourways and there’s even a ticking stripe blackout lining option for a decorative touch. Curtains can also be interlined with thermal blackout curtain lining, giving your room a snug, draught-free feel.
Benefits of Blackout Curtains
- Superior insulation - ideal if you want thermal blackout curtains that help reduce heat loss. See our guide on how to save on energy bills using thermal curtain linings.
- Using blackout lining creates a fuller fabric that helps to soften the room.
- Reduces noise more effectively than blinds.
- Adds to the decor in bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms.
- Great if you have slightly uneven or older window frames.
Considerations
- Requires enough wall space for the curtains to be drawn back.
- Some light may escape around the edges if pole placement isn’t high or wide enough.
Are Made-to-Measure Blackout Curtains Worth The Cost?
Made-to-measure blackout curtains may seem costly upfront, but they more than pay for themselves in the long-run:
- Wide choice of fabric so you can match your curtains to your style and decor.
- Made to fit your aperture perfectly, so offer total blackout capability.
- Well-fitting curtains mean you also save money on heating and energy bills.
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Blackout linings add fullness to curtains, creating a sumptuous look.
Explore our full Made-to-Measure Curtains service and order free fabric samples to compare textures and colours.
Blackout Blinds: Pros, Cons & JF Expert Tips
If you prefer a clean, contemporary look, blackout blinds offer an excellent combination of functionality and style. Both roller blinds and Roman blinds blackout systems can create great results.
Benefits of Blackout Blinds
- Neat, modern appearance that suits contemporary interiors.
- Ideal for tight spaces or small rooms where curtains feel too heavy.
- Versatile options include easy-to-use roller blinds and more sumptuous, Roman blinds.
- Great for kitchens, bathrooms, offices and minimalist homes.
- Cost-effective option compared to curtains.
Considerations
- Light seepage can occur around the edges unless you fit them externally to the window casing.
- Less thermal insulation than fabric curtains.
- Not as effective at noise reduction.
Are Made-to-Measure Blackout Blinds Worth The Cost?
For maximum darkness, it makes perfect sense to opt for made-to-measure blinds. This is because the tighter the fit around your window, the more effective your blind will be at preventing light seepage. For the ultimate protection, you could try a dual approach - blackout roller blinds with made-to-measure curtains framing the look. Take a look at our blog, What is The Best Lining For Curtains for more helpful advice.
Explore options through our Made-to-Measure Blinds service and order free samples to compare blind linings and textures.
So, Are Blackout Blinds Better Than Curtains?
As you’ve read, the answer depends entirely on your needs. But, to give you some more tips, here’s a helpful breakdown:
Choose Blackout Curtains if:
- You want the best insulation and a cosier, warmer space.
- Your home has older windows or draughts and needs extra thermal protection.
- You prefer a decorative, layered window dressing that adds softness.
- You’d like better noise reduction, especially in bedrooms or nurseries.
- You want to coordinate with cushions, upholstery or other fabrics in the room.
Choose Blackout Blinds if:
- You want a clean, minimalist look that stays close to the window.
- Space is tight and curtains feel too bulky for the room.
- You want precise light control, particularly with roller blinds.
- You’re dressing windows in kitchens, bathrooms, offices or modern homes.
- You prefer lower-maintenance window coverings that are easy to wipe clean.
And remember - you don’t have to just choose one option - many customers combine curtains with blinds for the ultimate blackout solution.
Blackout Curtains vs Blackout Blinds: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Blackout Curtains | Blackout Blinds |
| Light Control | Excellent, especially with a well-fitted pole or track | Excellent, particularly when closely fitted |
| Thermal Performance | Best for insulation & warmth | Good but depends on blind type and window fit |
| Style & Décor Impact | Decorative, soft and luxurious | Sleek, minimal and modern |
| Noise Reduction | Good thanks to fabric volume | Moderate |
| Cost | Varies by fabric and size, and ready-made or made-to-measure |
Usually slightly lower, especially for ready-made blind options |
| Best For | Bedrooms, living rooms, large, draughty rooms | Kitchens, bathrooms, offices, small rooms |
Still Deciding? Here’s How to Choose
If you're still torn between blackout curtains and blinds, here are some questions our Made-to-Measure specialists use to guide customers:
- Do I want better insulation? → Choose curtains
- Do I need a minimal look? → Choose blinds
- Is near-total darkness essential? → Choose a blind AND curtain combo
- Do I want to coordinate with upholstery or cushions? → Curtains give more scope
- Is space tight? → Blinds fit neatly into recesses
If you’re still unsure, our team can help you work through the pros and cons for your space, or take a look at our blog, The Benefits of Interlined and thermal Lined Curtains & Blinds.
Explore Bespoke Blackout Solutions
Choosing the right window dressing is easier when you can feel the fabrics and talk to experts. At Just Fabrics, we have fabric shops in Burford and Cheltenham where you can come and spend time browsing our collections (with a coffee!) and getting tips from our helpful staff.
We also offer a thorough online made-to-measure service, which begins with a consultation and a free sample selection.
