Are Plantation Shutters Blackout?

If you struggle with sleep and being disturbed by light entering your room, your window covering can provide the solution.

A question we get a lot from customers is, ‘Are shutters blackout?’ So, we’ve created this guide to help you understand all you need to know about how to block out light with shutters.

Window shutters on their own are effective at blocking out most of the light from entering your rooms through the windows. If you close the shutter slats fully, you’ll create a darkening effect that is enough for most people to get a restful sleep.

However, shutters by themselves do not completely block out all the light from entering your rooms. If total blackout is what you need, there are other things you can do.

 

 

 

 

 

Blackout blinds and curtains

Blackout blinds and curtains are specifically designed with total blackout in mind. These options are most commonly fitted to bedroom windows, or even living rooms, for people wanting to create a cinema feel in their homes.

Blackout blinds – Crafted from thick fabric and often operate on a roller system

Blackout curtains – Made from layers of thick fabric that capture all light

 

Disadvantages of blackout blinds or curtains

Whilst these window dressings come with the benefits of providing total blackout on their own, they do prioritise functionality over style.

You are also limited on how you can use blackout blinds or curtains. For their function to work, you have to have them fully closed all the time. You can either have total blackout by keeping them closed, or let all the light in by having them fully open.

 

Pair shutters with blackout blinds or curtains

The solution that achieves style, versatility, and total blackout is to pair window shutters with blackout curtains or blinds. Essentially, this provides you with the best of all worlds.

With shutters fitted directly to your windows, you can open your blackout window covering without compromising on privacy. You’ll also be able to tilt the shutter slats open to let some light in during the day.

This combination allows you to contrast the classic aesthetic of shutters, with the subtle appearance of blackout fabrics used to make blinds or curtains.

 

 

 

 

 

What Are My Options for Blackout Shutters?

Shutters are available in a range of styles. Some are more effective at blocking out light than others. So, let’s take a look at each shutter style in more detail.

 

Full height shutters

These shutters cover the full height of your window and operate as a single panel. These shutters do block out most light, but light can still come through the slats and the frame, even when fully closed

 

Tier on tier shutters

They cover the full height of your windows, but the top and bottom panels operate independently. They block out most light, but light still can come through the slats and frame

 

Café style shutters

Designed to cover the bottom section of your windows for a sophisticated European café-style look. These shutters leave the top half of your window exposed, and would need to be paired with curtains or blinds for a blackout effect

 

 

 

 

 

Installing shutters to block out light

So, now you know shutters are effective at blocking most light out, and you can pair them with blinds or curtains for total blackout.

The great news is that shutters can be DIY installed to save you up to 40% vs professionally installed shutters. Self-installation doesn’t need to be worry, with our helpful measuring and installing guides, you can have shutters fitted quickly with no fuss.

 

Take the next step to improved light control

Hopefully, you’ll now be armed with all the information you need about shutters and how they can improve light control in your home. Why not check out our range of shutters and start your DIY journey today!