Blinds fabric explained: How to choose the right blinds fabric

Blinds Fabric

If you’ve ever wondered what the differences are between sunscreen blinds and translucent blinds, you’re certainly not alone! The terminology used for different blinds fabrics can be pretty confusing, especially if you’re buying blinds for the first time.

That’s why I’ve taken it upon myself to break down some of the most popular fabrics in the blinds world. Keeping reading to learn the basic differences between blockout, translucent and sunscreen blinds.

Difference between blinds fabrics

Blockout blinds

Blockout blinds, also known as blackout blinds, are blinds which are made from thick opaque fabric. As the name suggests, blockout fabric blocks out light and prevents it from passing through the fabric.

We recommend installing these sun blocking blinds in bedrooms, nurseries and any other room where light control is crucial. You can say hello to a good night’s sleep with blockout blinds installed!

Blockout fabric overview

Light control ☆☆

UV protection ☆☆☆

Insulation ☆☆☆

Daytime privacy ☆☆☆

Nighttime privacy ☆☆☆

Sunscreen blinds

Blinds made from sunscreen fabric are hugely popular here in Australia. This fabric acts as a filter for the sun during the day, flooding your home with light while protecting your skin and soft furnishings from damaging UV rays.

Sunscreen fabric provides a great level of privacy, as you can’t see into the room from outside (when it’s lighter outside). However, keep in mind that sunscreen blinds don’t provide privacy at night when the lights are on, as when it’s lighter inside, you are able to see through the fabric.

Sunscreen fabric overview

Light control ☆☆

UV protection ☆☆☆

Insulation ☆☆

Daytime privacy ☆☆

Nighttime privacy ☆

Mixing and matching

If you simply can’t decide on one fabric, the good news that you don’t have to! Double roller blinds are a great option for rooms which require the combined practicality of different fabrics. These blinds feature two different types of fabric blinds in one single system, offering total light, heat and privacy control.

Blinds and curtains can also be paired together, to create a more finished look and improve the function of your windows. You can find more information on pairing curtains and blinds together here.

Fabric colour

Once you’ve chosen fabric for your new window blinds, you’ll also need to decide on the colour. Rather than just considering your current or planned décor, it’s also important to think about the practicality of your selected shade.

Light colours

If your home lacks natural light, then it’s a good idea to steer clear of dark colours. Light shades like white, cream and grey can help to make any room feel bigger and brighter. Additionally, light colours will reflect light and heat, helping to make your home feel cooler during the warm summer months. The only downside to choosing light coloured fabrics is that they can enhance glare from the sun.

Dark colours

On the other hand, darker colours absorb light. As a result, this reduces glare and softens levels of natural light in the room. It’s for these reasons why darker fabric colours are popular in computer rooms, studies and theatre rooms.