Are Black Roller Shades Really Blackout?

If you’re looking for total darkness in your bedroom or media room, you might be wondering: are black roller shades truly blackout? The short answer is — not always.

The Truth Behind “Blackout” Roller Shades

When most people hear the term blackout shades, they naturally assume the room will be completely dark. Black roller shades certainly look like they should block all the light — especially with their rich, dark colour. However, the material color alone doesn’t determine whether a roller shade will fully block out sunlight.

In fact, standard black roller shades, even if made with blackout fabric, usually come with small gaps on the sides (often called “sidelight gaps”). These gaps are necessary for the rolling mechanism to function properly, but unfortunately, they allow light to sneak in from the edges.

For many people, this minor light leakage is no big deal. But if you’re a night shift worker, someone with sensitive sleep patterns, or you simply want a pitch-black home theatre, these side gaps can completely ruin the experience.

Why Side Gaps Matter

Even a sliver of light can:

• Wake up shift workers trying to sleep during the day
• Disrupt a baby’s nap
• Interfere with your weekend movie binge
• Impact sleep quality and melatonin production

This is especially true during Ottawa’s bright summer mornings, where the sun rises as early as 5:00 AM. That little glow around your roller shade edges might seem harmless, but for many, it’s a deal breaker.

100% Blackout Framed System – The Better Alternative

At TheBlind Window Fashions, we offer a framed blackout system using cellular shades that fit perfectly within a custom frame. This design eliminates side gaps entirely — delivering a true 100% blackout solution that standard roller shades simply can’t match.

Our blackout cellular shades are ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, shift workers, and anyone who values complete control over natural light. The snug fit within the frame ensures no light leaks — not from the top, bottom, or sides.

Book Your Free In-Home Consultation Today

If you’re serious about getting real blackout window treatments in Ottawa or Gatineau, don’t settle for “almost blackout.”

💡 Contact us today for a FREE in-home consultation and let our experts show you how our framed blackout cellular system outperforms traditional roller shades — in both style and function.

TheBlind Window Fashions
✔️ Locally made, custom-measured blinds
✔️ 5-star rated by hundreds of happy customers
✔️ Serving Ottawa, Nepean, Barrhaven, Kanata & beyond

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