Bedrooms should be cool, dark, and quiet to give you the quality sleep you deserve.
But if you have larger windows, and especially skylight windows, it can be difficult. Without adequate window coverings, you can’t even take a nap in peace – it will just be too bright!
Large windows in a house brighten up the space, which is a good thing. But when you don’t have control over your privacy and the amount of light entering on the inside, it can have some major drawbacks. If you have skylight windows, this is something to take seriously. If you have VELUX windows, in particular, you should strongly consider VELUX blackout blinds.
These blinds come in all manner of shapes and sizes to fit in any kind of opening in your home, and are particularly suited to roof windows. And some, like perfect fit blackout blinds, will improve the aesthetics of your rooms as well.
In this post, we discuss everything you need to know about these blinds.
What are blackout blinds?
Let’s start with the simplest and perhaps the most obvious question!
Blackout blinds are window coverings made with special fabrics designed to will block out as much light as possible. When closed, they will leave a room in near-total darkness. This makes them the perfect option for bedrooms.
After all, any light that enters your sleeping space can be disruptive. Even at night, you may find light from streetlights entering the room. Blackout blinds are the perfect solution to this issue.
The three types of blinds that commonly offer a blackout option are Roman blinds, roller blinds, and vertical blinds. Blackout blinds are popular in hotels, offices, schools, and even homes. In homes, they are not only a great option for bedrooms, but they are also perfect for any other space that receives more sunlight than needed.
When shopping for blackout blinds, there are various things you need to consider. If you are looking for blackout blinds for your skylights in particular, you’ll want to think about the brand or manufacturer of the window.
We talk about VELUX blackout blinds in this post to help you choose what’s right for you.
What are VELUX blackout blinds?
VELUX is among the most reputable manufacturers and fitters of skylights in the UK. These skylights come in a range of sizes and shapes to suit diverse needs. However, like any skylight windows, they come with some specific issues. Though they are a great way to flood your rooms with natural light, for that same reason they can lead to spaces that are too bright.
Additionally, they can let in an enormous amount of heat, especially in the summer months. If you have a loft conversion with VELUX windows, for instance, you may find it gets unbearably hot through the summer. This can even restrict the amount you can use the space.
The problem is further compounded if you have skylight windows in your bedroom. You may find that the amount of heat and light, however pleasant it can be during the day, has a major effect on your sleep.
If you want to preserve all the benefits of your lovely VELUX windows without these downsides, VELUX blackout blinds are the perfect option. These blinds come in many different types, as you’ll see below. However, the main thing is that they will completely cover your VELUX windows with blackout fabric, ensuring almost no light gets in. It will also radically reduce the amount of heat coming into the room. As a result, they are a great way to keep your room dim and cool when you need to.
VELUX blackout blinds come in various colours, styles, and designs to fit individual needs. First of all, let’s consider the different options you have for how to control these blinds.
Ways to control VELUX blackout blinds
In terms of operation, VELUX blackout blinds come in two different types: manually operated and remote operated.
Manually operated
Manually-operated blinds are those that you close and open yourself with your hands or, in some cases, a pole. They are suitable for easy-to-reach windows and are easy and comfortable to operate.
However, manually-operated blinds can be something of an issue with VELUX windows, depending on their position. In a space such as a loft conversion, for instance, they may be within easy reach. That means there’ll be no major issues opening and closing your blinds manually.
However, if your skylight windows are higher up, it can be a problem. You may not be able to reach them easily. There are ways around this, of course. If your skylight windows are in a hard-to-reach place, you can use a pole to control them.
Nevertheless, operating this type of VELUX blackout blind can be time consuming and inefficient. If you want to be able to adjust the blinds depending on the intensity of light, it can lead to frustration. For hard-to-reach openings like skylights, manually-operated VELUX blackout blinds may not be a perfect choice.
Remote operated
Remote-operated VELUX blackout blinds are convenient and easy to use. They are perfect for hard-to-reach openings like skylights.
When it comes to operating motorized blinds, there are a few options. The most popular choice is using a remote control. This way, you can control your blinds exactly as you would your TV – just sit back and watch as, at the touch of a button, your blinds open or close.
There are other options, however. If you have a smart home system, you can use it to control your blinds. This will enable you to open or close your blinds using an app on your phone.
If you do control your blinds with your smart home system, you can even automate them so that they will open and close at certain times of the day. This is a particularly good option for skylight blinds, as you can make sure your blinds will close during the hottest parts of the day, keeping your room warm.
Power options
If you do choose motorized blinds, there are different options you can choose from for how to power them. The most common options are battery-operated and mains-powered. Each has its advantages, but the main difference is that having your blinds mains-powered is more invasive and more difficult to install, as it will involve additional wiring.
Here at Excell Blinds, our motorized blinds come fitted with a rechargeable, lithium-powered battery as standard. This means not only will you not need to replace the battery, but they are also easy to install and feature cordless and wireless operation.
Why go for VELUX blackout blinds?
We’ve hinted above at a few of the reasons why you might want to consider blackout blinds for your VELUX windows. Here, we’ll go into a bit more detail about the various benefits these blinds can offer you.
Light reduction
Of course, the primary reason for buying blackout blinds is to keep light at bay. Blackout blinds will almost completely block the light from coming into your room – a real necessity for bedrooms, and all the more so if you have VELUX windows.
We all know how difficult it can be to sleep in a well-lit room. And being woken up very early in the morning by sunshine isn’t something anyone looks forward to! With these blackout blinds, you’ll even be able to take a nap during the day without any challenges.
However, that’s not the only reason you might want blackout blinds. With skylight windows in particular, the large amount of natural light flooding your room – as lovely as it can be sometimes! – can be restrictive for how you use a room. If your living room has VELUX windows, for instance, you may struggle to watch television due to glare on the screen. Similarly, your home office can become unusable at some points in the day.
For all these reasons, you may want to consider VELUX blackout blinds. They will provide the maximum possible light reduction, leaving you free to enjoy your rooms how you see fit.
Warranty
When it comes to buying blackout blinds for your skylight windows, it can be quite a substantial investment. This is particularly the case if you have a large number of windows to cover, or if you choose motorized options.
That’s why it’s vital to buy your blinds from a reputable company that is willing to stand behind its products. This means finding a company that will provide a warranty. A warranty ensures you can buy your blinds with confidence, knowing that any unforeseen issues will be taken care of.
Safety and sustainability
When shopping for blackout blinds, it is important to think of the safety of your children and pets. Some types of corded or wired blinds may result in strangulation risks.
Here at Excell Blinds, all the blinds we offer come child- and pet-safe as standard. That means that you can buy blackout blinds for your VELUX windows comforted by the knowledge that they will pose no risk.
Energy efficiency
VELUX blackout blinds not only give you control over sunlight but also your energy bills. When it’s too hot, the blinds will work to keep away the excess heat and make the room cool and comfortable. This means there’s no need to have fans running all hours of the day and night just to try and stay cool!
When it’s cold outside, meanwhile, close your VELUX blackout blinds to retain the heat inside. This way, you won’t need to turn the heating up all the way just to keep yourself comfortable.
This means that, thanks to installing blackout blinds on your VELUX windows, you can potentially reduce your energy costs.
Noise proofing
If you live near a busy street, you’ll definitely need VELUX blackout blinds to keep the noise at bay. When closed, blackout blinds are noise suppressing and will ensure that you have a comfortable stay in your house no matter the environment outside. Also, this feature will further contribute to improving your sleep.
VELUX blackout blinds ideas and inspiration
As with many types of skylight, VELUX windows allow for many different options when it comes to blinds. However, if you’re looking for blinds with a full blackout effect, some types are more suited than others.
Here we’ll focus on the two most common types of blackout blinds for VELUX windows. In both cases, you’ll have a range of specific styles and designs you can choose from. This includes different materials, colours, and patterns. As a result, whichever type of blinds you go for, you’ll be able to match them to your own décor.
VELUX blackout pleated blinds
Pleated blinds are named for their signature accordion-style folding pattern. Not only does this make them an eye-catching addition to your home, but also means they pair well with blackout fabrics.
Further, as they are made from fabric, you have a great deal of control over the look of these blinds. Pick a colour or pattern that fits well with your existing furnishings – or go for a total contrast! At Excell Blinds, our pleated blinds come with a choice of two different widths of pleat, so you have even more options to choose from.
In addition to the important blackout function, pleated blinds come with a range of benefits. They can be easily motorised, which is, as mentioned above, a major advantage for VELUX window blinds. They can also be made moisture resistant, which is vital for areas such as the bathroom.
VELUX blackout roller blinds
Roller blinds are a wonderful choice for covering skylight windows of all kinds, including VELUX. If you buy from a reputable manufacturer, these blinds will be custom-made to fit your windows perfectly, regardless of their shape and size. Roller blinds are easy to use, and, just like pleated blinds, they can be motorised. Similarly, they can be made in moisture resistant fabrics.
The main difference between pleated and roller blinds is the concertina-style folds of the former. Whether or not you like this look is down to personal taste, as well as your current décor.
If you’re unsure, why not get in touch with Excell Blinds for a free, no-obligation consultation? We can talk you through the pros and cons of each option and give you an idea of what might work best for you.
Care and maintenance of VELUX blackout blinds
VELUX blackout blinds are made to last over the years. However, their durability will depend on how well you take care of them. One of the essential maintenance tips is cleaning the blinds regularly. You can do this in various ways. The good news is that you don’t need to take the blinds down to clean them.
The following cleaning methods are ideal for VELUX blackout blinds:
Dusting
Over time, the blinds may gather dust and dirt, which could affect their performance and appearance. To maintain a like-new appearance for your blinds, you need to dust them regularly. Use a microfiber cloth or duster and work from top to bottom. Make sure you close the blinds when wiping them to get rid of all the dust and dirt.
Vacuuming
Use a vacuum attachment to get rid of dust and debris on your VELUX blackout blinds. Vacuuming should be done after dusting to remove any fallen dust.
Spot cleaning
Use a sponge or a soft cloth to address any dirt as soon as you spot it. Moisten the sponge or soft cloth with lukewarm water to remove the spots quickly. Be gentle to avoid creasing or damaging the fabrics.
The bottom line
Take control of the light entering your house with VELUX blackout blinds. The blinds darken your room completely, giving you a chance to enjoy quality sleep and privacy. They are suitable for use in almost all rooms. Enjoy a hands-off experience with motorised, remote-controlled VELUX blackout blinds. Those that are manually operated are ideal for easy-to-reach roof windows.
Now that you know everything about VELUX blackout blinds, it’s time to place your order with confidence. Get in touch with us here at Excell Blinds to arrange a free consultation. Our expert fitters can give you advice on the best styles for you, and we’ll even take the measurements on your behalf. From start to finish, the process will be simple and straightforward. Your lovely new VELUX blackout blinds will be installed and ready to use in no time!