Light blocking blinds - options?

Will_Eye_Arm

We've just moved into a new rental house and the Venetian blinds in the main bedroom don't block out any light.

I want to replace them with something better at blocking out the light in the morning.

But obviously don't want to do too much damage as its a rental.

Roller blackout blinds seem to be the obvious choice and should only require four screws per blind do not much damage.

But are there any other less damaging options?

Thanks.!

Tinks74

Depends on the style of windows, I have been considering these for one of our rooms, but we have UPVC windows.
Also they may not be the cheapest option and because they are made to measure you probably won't be able to take them with you when you leave, but it depends how much you value your sleep.

https://www.soeasyblinds.co.uk/perfect-fit-blinds/perfect-fit-blackout-roller-blinds
(BTW this is the first place I found them with a quick google search, I am not advocating using this company)

Will_Eye_Arm

Thanks. They look great. I assume there will still be some leakage around the edges?

Do you think a lot of 3M Command Strips could hold these up? They say they can hold 7.2kg so maybe multiple strips could hold more weight?

Although that would depend if the back of a roller blind has a solid back on, rather than just the little bits that are screwed in?

pimento

Do you also have curtains? We bought blackout curtains from Dunelm that are excellent at blocking out nearly all the light.

Tinks74

There is no need for command strips or screws, the blinds clip into the black seal on the UPVC windows creating a frame within a frame effect, so there should be no leakage.
I would confirm for yourself with any seller, but that is how I believed they work.

lofielectronic

If it helps at all we recently fitted an IKEA Tupplur blind, it was cheap to buy and is very good at cutting out about 90% of the light I'd say. Its not as seamless as those pictured above however and does indeed need two screws at each end.

Will_Eye_Arm

Tinks74 wrote: »

There is no need for command strips or screws, the blinds clip into the black seal on the UPVC windows creating a frame within a frame effect, so there should be no leakage.
I would confirm for yourself with any seller, but that is how I believed they work.

Ah I see, thanks. We have wood around the edge of the bay windows, but the actual window frames are PVC sash style windows as far as I can tell.

There isn't much of a cavity so not sure what my options are if I don't want to drill holes.

pimento wrote: »

Do you also have curtains? We bought blackout curtains from Dunelm that are excellent at blocking out nearly all the light.

No, there is no curtain rails unfortunately!

Will_Eye_Arm

lofielectronic wrote: »

If it helps at all we recently fitted an IKEA Tupplur blind, it was cheap to buy and is very good at cutting out about 90% of the light I'd say. Its not as seamless as those pictured above however and does indeed need two screws at each end.

Thanks wil take a look. Do you think they could be held up with 3m Command strips instead of nails/screws? Thanks.

Will_Eye_Arm

This is what I'm dealing with:



I'm thinking maybe suction blackout blinds are the best option? Like the Gro Company ones from Amazon but cut to measure blackout material that I put up and take down each day.

Or maybe tension poles with blackout material attached?

road2manchester

BLOCK OUT FABRIC IS NOT BLACK OUT BLINDS.
Roller blinds with black out fabric have an issue. They stand away from the window and let light in down the sides. UNLESS you make them 12" wider than the glass both height and width. This is generally not practical.
The only true blackout blinds come in a cassette that uses lots of fixings and are very expensive.
The best option is still double layer curtains thick and lined. not cheap but they work.