Yes, you can put blackout shades behind blinds! This setup gives you the benefits of both: the look and light control of blinds, plus the darkness and energy savings of blackout shades. Adding blackout shades to your windows can help you sleep better, reduce noise, and lower your energy bills. Let’s look at all the benefits of adding blackout shades behind your blinds.
The Benefits of Adding Blackout Shades Behind Blinds
Better Sleep
Blackout shades help you sleep better by blocking all light. Installing blackout shades behind your blinds stops any light from sneaking in, making your room perfect for sleeping. This is helpful for people who work at night and sleep during the day or anyone sensitive to light.
Total Darkness
Blackout shades are made to block light completely. By putting these shades behind your existing blinds, you can know that no light will get through. It’s also great for rooms with tv’s to get rid of unwanted glare so you can enjoy movie night!
Energy Efficiency
Adding blackout shades can help lower your energy bills. These shades block the sun’s heat in the summer and keep warmth inside during the winter, providing insulation for your windows. Cellular shades, in particular, are very good at improving energy efficiency because of their unique structure.
Noise Reduction
Blackout shades also help reduce outside noise. The materials used in blackout curtains and shades absorb sound, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment. This is great if you live in a noisy area and want to block out the outside noise. This is especially helpful in busy city settings or near busy roads where outside noise can be disturbing.
Light Control
Blackout shades offer excellent light control. By combining blackout shades with your existing blinds, like venetian blinds or woven wood shades, you can adjust how much light comes into the room. This setup allows you to block light completely or let in as much light as you want. This flexibility makes it easy to create the perfect lighting for any activity, whether you need bright light for working during the day or a dim, cozy atmosphere for the evening.
Different Types of Blackout Shades
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are great for energy efficiency and blocking light. They have a honeycomb design that traps air, giving extra insulation to your windows. This helps keep your home at a steady temperature, lowering the need for heating and cooling, and can reduce your energy bills. Cellular shades are perfect for achieving total darkness and saving energy.
Duette® Cellular Shades
Duette® Cellular Shades are high-quality blackout shades. They feature a honeycomb design that blocks light and provides superior insulation. Duette shades come in different fabrics, colors, and opacities, allowing you to customize them to match your decor. They also offer options like the LightLock™ system, which uses side channels to ensure no light leaks around the edges, providing total darkness. Additionally, Duette shades can be operated with PowerView® Automation, letting you control your shades remotely for added convenience.
Roller Shades
Roller shades are simple and effective blackout shades. They roll up neatly when not in use and provide a clean, modern look. When pulled down, roller shades block out light completely, making them a great choice for bedrooms and media rooms. They are easy to install and use, offering a straightforward solution for blocking light and enhancing privacy.
Duolite® Roller Shades
Duolite® Roller Shades offer a versatile solution for light control. These shades feature a unique two-in-one design, combining a light-filtering sheer shade with a room-darkening blackout shade. This lets you enjoy natural light during the day while still having the option for complete darkness when needed. The dual functionality makes Duolite shades perfect for any room where flexible light control is needed. The sleek design of roller shades provides a modern look, and they come in a wide range of fabrics and colors to match any decor. Additionally, Duolite shades can be integrated with PowerView® Automation for easy and convenient control, giving you the flexibility to adjust your shades with the touch of a button.
Roman Shades
Roman shades combine the elegance of drapes with the functionality of blackout shades. When lowered, they create a smooth, continuous fabric panel that blocks out light. When raised, they fold up neatly. Roman shades come in various fabrics and styles, allowing you to choose a design that matches your room’s decor while providing excellent light control and privacy.
Vignette® Duolite® Roman Shades
Vignette® Duolite® Roman Shades offer a unique combination of style and functionality. These shades feature a dual-layer design with a light-filtering front shade and a room-darkening back panel. This lets you enjoy soft, diffused light during the day and complete darkness when needed. They come in different types of fabrics and colors to complement any interior design. Additionally, these shades can be equipped with PowerView® Automation, allowing you to control the shades with a remote or through a smart device for added convenience.
Things to Consider
Before installing blackout shades behind your existing blinds, consider the following:
● Space: Make sure there is enough space between your blinds and the window frame to fit the blackout shades. If the space is too tight, both may not work properly.
● Mounting Options: Decide if you want to mount the blackout shades inside the window frame or outside on the wall or ceiling. Inside mounts look cleaner, while outside mounts cover more light gaps.
● Material and Fabric: Pick blackout shades that match your room’s style. There are many fabrics, colors, and patterns available to fit your decor.
● Ease of Use: Modern blackout shades offer different control options like manual, corded, and motorized systems. Motorized shades with features like PowerView® Automation allow for remote control.
● Maintenance: Consider how easy it is to maintain the blackout shades. Some materials are easier to clean and maintain than others. Look for options that are durable and low-maintenance.
● Budget: Blackout shades come in a variety of prices. Set a budget to find the best options that provide value without compromising on quality.
Conclusion
Putting blackout shades behind your blinds is a great idea. It gives you the style and light control of blinds, plus the darkness, noise reduction, and energy savings of blackout shades. Blackout shades block all light, helping you sleep better and creating the perfect environment for any room.
Remember to check space, mounting options, material, ease of use, maintenance, and budget to find the best blackout shades for your home. We offer free consultations to help you find the perfect solution for your home. Contact us today to schedule yours!
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of blinds work well with blackout shades?
Venetian blinds, wood blinds, and woven wood shades are all compatible with blackout shades. Make sure you have enough space for both treatments.
How do blackout shades help with energy efficiency?
Blackout shades provide insulation by blocking the sun’s heat and retaining warmth in winter, which can help reduce energy bills.
What should I consider when choosing blackout shades?
Consider the style, fabric, and installation options that best suit your window treatments and room decor. Also, check for proper measurements and mounting hardware for a secure fit.
Do blackout shades help with noise reduction?
Yes, blackout shades can reduce outside noise, providing a quieter environment.
