Hello, window lovers!
If this is your first time reading We Dress Naked Windows, welcome to the party! This is where we answer the top five (sometimes more, because I like to talk) most common questions about window treatments—with a little Brazilian zest, humor, and practical advice thrown in. If you’ve been here before, well, you already know the drill!
Let’s Talk Blackout Shades & Curtains
This month, we’re diving into blackout shades and curtains. Ever feel like your bedroom is as bright as the Vegas Strip at 3 AM? Or that your neighbor’s porch light was designed by a lighthouse engineer?
Well, my friends, blackout window treatments might just be your new best friends. Let’s tackle some of the most common (and sometimes hilarious) questions I get about them!
1. Do blackout shades make my room 100% dark?
Not unless you live in a cave! While blackout shades block a significant amount of light, small gaps around the edges can still let in slivers of brightness, especially if you install them inside the window frame.
If you’re looking for a total “I can’t see my own hand in front of my face” experience, layering is key!
The best way to achieve complete darkness is by combining blackout roller shades or honeycomb shades with side tracks to seal the edges.
If you want extra insurance, adding blackout curtains over the shades will create a luxurious, theater-like effect—perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or anyone who doesn’t appreciate waking up with the sun like a rooster.
2. Are blackout shades and room-darkening shades the same thing?
Nope! This is where marketing lingo can get a little shady (pun intended). Room-darkening shades reduce most of the light, but they won’t give you a pitch-black room.
Think of them like dimmable lights—great for making a space cozier but not necessarily for deep sleep or complete privacy.
Blackout shades, on the other hand, are made with densely woven or coated fabrics that block up to 99% of incoming light.
If you’re a light-sensitive sleeper, work the night shift, or just want to create the ultimate home theater experience, blackout is the way to go!
3. Can blackout curtains really help me sleep better?
Absolutely! Studies have shown that excess light at night can mess with your melatonin levels, making it harder to fall and stay asleep.
Darkness signals your brain that it’s time to shut down and recharge, which is why blackout curtains and shades are a game-changer for sleep quality.
Personally, after a long day of installing shades and running a business, I sleep best in total darkness—like a Brazilian after a full churrasco meal—out cold!
So, if you’re tossing and turning at night, try blocking out that annoying streetlight and see the difference.
4. Will blackout shades help keep my house cooler?
Yes! Blackout shades are not just for sleeping—they’re also energy-saving superheroes. By blocking direct sunlight and heat, they help keep your room cooler in the summer and reduce the strain on your air conditioning.
Think of them like sunglasses for your windows—without them, your home absorbs heat like a parked car in the sun.
And if you want to double down on insulation, honeycomb blackout shades are one of the best options for reducing heat transfer. More shade = lower energy bills = more money for Brazilian steakhouses.
5. Are blackout shades only for bedrooms?
Heck no! While blackout window treatments are a must-have for bedrooms, they also work wonders in other spaces:
- Media rooms & home theaters – No more annoying glare on your TV during movie night
- Nurseries & kids’ rooms – Because babies don’t respect your sleep schedule
- Home offices – Keeps the sun from turning your screen into a mirror
- Living rooms & west-facing windows – Blocks out harsh afternoon sun ☀️
If you’re someone who values comfort, privacy, and energy efficiency, blackout shades and curtains can upgrade your entire home—not just the bedroom!
6. Do blackout shades have to be boring?
No way! Who said “blackout” means “black and boring?” Today’s blackout shades come in a variety of stylish fabrics, textures, and colors, so you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality.
For an ultra-modern look, go for motorized blackout shades that you can control with a remote, app, or even voice commands. Nothing says high-tech luxury like closing your shades while still lying in bed!
Want a more traditional feel? Blackout draperies with decorative curtain rods add an elegant touch while giving you total control over light and privacy.
Bottom line: you don’t have to choose between style and function—you can have both!
7. What’s the best way to get total blackout?
If you’re serious about achieving 100% darkness, here’s your ultimate formula:
1️⃣ Inside-mount blackout shades (preferably roller or honeycomb)
2️⃣ Side channels or tracks to block light gaps
3️⃣ Blackout curtains layered over the shades for extra coverage
4️⃣ A good seal around the window frame to eliminate any sneaky light leaks
This combo creates a sleep sanctuary worthy of a five-star hotel—or a top-tier movie theater. And trust me, once you experience true blackout, there’s no going back!
Final Thoughts: Keep It Shady!
Blackout shades and curtains aren’t just about blocking light—they’re about comfort, energy efficiency, and looking fabulous while doing it.
Whether you need better sleep, a cooler home, or just an escape from your neighbor’s interrogation-strength floodlights, there’s a blackout solution for you.
If you’re ready to turn your space into a dark, cozy retreat, you know who to call!
Need help dressing those naked windows? Hit me up before your neighbor’s porch light ruins another good night’s sleep!
Até logo,
Roger
Shades In Motion
Tired of pesky light sneaking into your room when you’re trying to sleep? Say hello to UBlockout Shades—the ultimate blackout solution!
These shades don’t just dim the light; they completely block it out, thanks to side channels, a bottom rail, and a light-sealing system.
Perfect for bedrooms, media rooms, and anyone who loves a pitch-dark space. Ready to experience total darkness? Watch the video below and see for yourself!