Blackout vs Total Blackout Blinds: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to keeping the light out, the world of blinds can get a little confusing. With terms like blackout and total blackout often used interchangeably, many shoppers are left wondering whether there’s actually a difference — or if it’s all just clever marketing.

Spoiler alert: there is a difference, and it can have a big impact on how dark (or not) your room gets.

In this guide, we’re setting the record straight. We’ll break down what each term really means, how the blinds work, and which option is right for your space. Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.

What Are Blackout Blinds?

Blackout blinds are a popular choice for bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms—anywhere you want to keep light firmly under control. But here’s where it gets a little tricky: not all blackout blinds block out all the light.

The term “blackout blinds” typically refers to blinds made using blackout fabric—a specialised material designed to block light from passing through the fabric itself. You’ll find blackout fabric used in a variety of blind styles, including roller blinds, vertical blinds, Roman blinds, and more. The fabric is highly effective at stopping sunlight from shining through the blind, which helps darken the room significantly.

However, it’s important to understand that blackout fabric doesn’t automatically mean total darkness. In most standard installations, there will be gaps around the edges of the blind—especially with inside-recess fits. These gaps allow light to leak in around the sides and top, which is often referred to as “light bleed”. While the room will still be noticeably darker than with standard or dim-out blinds, it won’t be completely dark.

In short, blackout blinds provide a great blackout experience—but not a total one. For a completely dark room with zero light bleed, you’ll need to look at total blackout solutions, which we’ll explore in the next section.

What Are Total Blackout Blinds?

If you’re after complete darkness, not just a dimmed room, then total blackout blinds are the solution you’ve been searching for.

Unlike standard blackout blinds, which use blackout fabric but still allow some light to sneak in around the edges, total blackout blinds are designed to eliminate light leakage entirely. These blinds typically come in the form of cassetted blackout roller blinds, which combine blackout fabric with a specially designed cassette and side channels.

Here’s how it works:

The blackout fabric does the heavy lifting by blocking any light from passing through. Then, the cassette at the top and side channels along the edges prevent light from leaking around the sides or above the fabric—something traditional blackout blinds simply can’t do. The result? A room that’s truly dark, no matter the time of day.

Bonus Benefit: Total Privacy

But it’s not just about darkness—cassetted blackout blinds also offer unbeatable privacy. With the blind fully closed, the fabric blocks all visibility into your space, and the frame ensures there are no gaps for anyone to peek through. Whether you’re in a ground-floor flat or simply want peace of mind at night, total blackout blinds deliver complete seclusion alongside light control.

Perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, home cinemas, and anyone who loves a proper lie-in—total blackout blinds go beyond fabric to give you full control over your environment.

Cast Total Darkness with DotcomBlinds

Ready to take control of the light in your home? Whether you’re after classic blackout blinds or a full total blackout experience, DotcomBlinds has the perfect made-to-measure solution for you.

Explore our full range online and find the style that suits your space. Not sure which to choose? Order free fabric samples and see the quality for yourself before you buy.

It’s never been easier to block out the light—and look good doing it!