Save Money and Sleep Better with Sun Blocking Blinds

Copyright (c) 2010 Nadine Davis

There are several reasons why homeowners may be interested in preventing the sun's ray from entering their homes. Environmental factors often play a role in this desire as homeowners wish to save energy by reducing their cooling costs. However, protecting the environment is not the only incentive homeowners have for blocking sunlight. Shift workers often have difficulty sleeping during the day because their bedroom is not dark enough. Families with small children and individuals that are light sleepers may also have difficulty getting deep, restful sleep because of light filtering through the windows of the home. To combat this problem and ensure restful sleep, homeowners need a way to block the sun's rays. There are two excellent options available to homeowners to meet this specific purpose: Roller Blinds and vertical blinds.

Roller Blinds as Sun Blockers:

Roller blinds are typically made of high quality, heavy grade materials that effectively block sunlight. These types of blinds lay against the window when they are mounted in the recess of the window. This provides for maximum coverage of the window, which results in more efficient blocking of sunlight. Roller blinds may also be mounted outside of the window recess. In these situations, the roller blind fabric may overlap around the window. This could result in a more complete blocking of the sun. Roller blinds come in a wide choice of blackout fabrics; therefore, homeowners may choose blinds that complement the style and décor of the room in which the blinds are installed. Roller blinds are easy to use and are quite affordable.

Blocking the Sun with Vertical Blinds:

If homeowners prefer vertical blinds instead of roller blinds, there are many fabric options available for vertical blinds. Vertical blinds, like the roller blinds, can be either fitted inside the recess of the window or they can be mounted outside the window recess. If mounted outside of the window recess, the vertical blinds should have adequate overlap. Vertical blinds are more easily adjusted than roller blinds to allow for desired sunlight. Vertical blinds made from a blackout fabric will be effective at blocking sunlight, but they may not be as effective a blackout roller blinds. However, Vertical Blinds may be more aesthetically pleasing than roller blinds. The blackout blinds homeowners choose should be based on their personal preference.

Whether a homeowner chooses roller blinds or vertical blinds, they will be able to achieve the level of blackout they desire. Blinds can be purchased to fit any size and shape of window, but homeowners may want to contact a professional to ensure the blinds they order will meet their needs. Blinds may be custom designed to ensure a perfect fit.