Block Out Blind Compari on: Stick-On, Side-Track & Roller

Anyone who’s ever tried to get a good night’s sleep with a streetlamp shining through the curtains knows the value of a proper block out blind. But with terms like blackout, blockout, and dimout thrown around, finding the right one for your Irish home can feel like a puzzle. This guide compares the main types — stick-on, side-track, and standard roller — so you can see which delivers the darkness you need.

Light blocking efficiency: Up to 99% of external light ·
Price range (Ireland): €10 – €100+ per blind ·
Common types: Roller, roman, vertical, stick-on, side-track ·
Top retailer (Ireland): Bloc Blinds, IKEA, Blinds-2-Go, Blinds Direct, JYSK ·
Average installation time: 15–30 minutes per blind ·
Energy saving potential: Reduces heat loss by up to 14% (est.)

Five key specs that matter when comparing block out blinds in Ireland.

What are block out blinds and how do they work?

How do blackout blinds differ from regular blinds?

Block out blinds use dense fabric or a special coating to block light. English Blinds (UK blind specialist) explains that blackout blinds are made of materials “totally impermeable to light,” while dimout blinds simply reduce light. Graber (US window covering manufacturer) adds that room-darkening blinds block most light but not all, whereas blackout shades completely block light except for possible side gaps.

• Blackout blinds: zero light penetration through the fabric.
• Dimout / room-darkening blinds: reduce light but do not create total darkness.
• Venetian or aluminium blinds: solid slats create a blackout effect when fully closed (English Blinds).

The implication: if you need pitch black for sleep or a home theatre, choose genuine blackout fabric — not dimout.

What materials are used for block out blinds?

Most block out blinds are made from polyester, a polyester-cotton blend, or PVC-coated fabric. Direct Blinds Ireland (Irish blind retailer) distinguishes “BlocOut” (100% light blockage using premium fabrics) from ordinary “blackout” (filters light but maintains privacy). BlocOut (specialist system) uses light-blocking side rails, a rubber seal, and high-density fabric to achieve complete darkness.

• Roller blackout blinds: polyester with foam coating.
• Roman blackout blinds: lined fabric with thermal backing.
• Stick-on blinds: PVC or fabric with adhesive strip.

The trade-off: coated fabrics can be heavier and may fade with prolonged sun exposure — a factor for Irish south-facing windows.

Where can I buy block out blinds in Ireland?

What block out blinds are available at IKEA?

IKEA Ireland (Swedish home furnishings retailer) offers a range of cordless blackout roller blinds in several widths. Their product descriptions state they are designed “to block out light for better sleep.” Prices start around €15 for a standard size, making them one of the most affordable options. IKEA blinds do not include side tracks, so some light leakage can occur at the edges.

Which Irish retailers offer block out blinds with side tracks?

For total darkness, side-track blinds are the premium choice. Blinds-2-Go and Blinds Direct both specialise in made-to-measure blackout blinds with side channels. Bloc Blinds (Irish retailer) provides a similar system. BlocOut (specialist) markets its product as providing “proper blackout” using side rails and a rubber seal. Direct Blinds Ireland (Irish blind retailer) offers both BlocOut and blackout options, noting that BlocOut blocks 100% of external light while blackout filters light.

• Bloc Blinds – made-to-measure, side-track available.
• Blinds-2-Go – side-track blackout blinds, noise-reducing claims.
• Blinds Direct – online ordering with measuring guides.

Why this matters: for a north Dublin bedroom facing a busy road, side-track blinds reduce both light and traffic noise.

Are blackout blinds with side tracks better than stick-on blinds?

What are the advantages of side tracks for blackout blinds?

Side tracks eliminate light gaps on the sides — the most common source of light leakage. Graber (US manufacturer) confirms that side channels “can reduce or eliminate side light leakage.” Additionally, side tracks seal the blind against the window frame, reducing drafts and noise. Blinds-2-Go markets its side-track blinds as “blackout, noise-reducing and energy saving designs.”

How do stick-on blackout blinds compare in light blocking?

Stick-on blackout blinds are the easiest to install — no drilling, no brackets — but they typically block 80-90% of light. The adhesive strip can weaken over time, especially in humid Irish bathrooms or kitchens. English Blinds (UK specialist) notes that any fabric blind not specifically labelled blackout is effectively dimout, and stick-on variants often fall into that category.

Three blind types, one pattern: side-track gives the best blackout but costs more and requires permanent mount; stick-on is cheap and portable but less effective.

The catch: side-track blinds are bulkier and cost twice as much. For a rental property, stick-on may be the only practical choice even with lower light blocking.

What do customer reviews say about block out blinds?

What are the top-rated blackout blind brands?

Customer feedback consistently highlights light blockage and improved sleep quality. IKEA (IKEA Ireland) cordless roller blinds receive praise for value and ease of use. Blinds-2-Go side-track blinds are noted for their near-total darkness. BlocOut (BlocOut site) claims its system “delivers proper blackout,” and users on retailer sites confirm no light leakage when correctly installed.

What complaints are common in block out blind reviews?

Common complaints include fabric fading after 1-2 years, especially in sunny windows, and difficulty installing side-track systems without professional help. Graber (Graber) notes that even with blackout fabric, light can enter along sides if mounts are not recess-fit. Stick-on blind adhesives may lose grip in humid conditions — several Irish buyers on forums report the blinds falling off after six months.

The pattern: satisfaction depends less on brand and more on correct measurement and mounting. A cheap blind fitted outside the recess can outperform an expensive one fitted inside with gaps.

How to choose the best block out blinds for your home?

Should I buy roller or roman blackout blinds?

Roller blinds are the most common and cost-effective blackout solution. Roman blinds offer a soft, fabric fold look and can achieve good light blockage when lined, but they cost more and may need professional installation. English Blinds (UK specialist) notes that Roman blinds made of non-blackout material are dimout, so always check the lining label.

• Roller: simple, affordable, easy to motorise.
• Roman: aesthetic, bulkier, usually needs lining upgrade for full blackout.
• Vertical: good for sliding doors, but light leaks between slats.
• Cellular (honeycomb): energy efficient, but not fully blackout unless specified.

What mounting option is best for maximum blackout?

Outside mount (brackets on the wall above the window) blocks more light than inside mount (within the recess) because it covers the entire opening with no edge gaps. Graber (US manufacturer) recommends side channels for any blackout installation to catch remaining side leakage. BlocOut (BlocOut) uses a rubber seal along with side rails for maximum light exclusion.

Seven specs, one goal: blocking light completely.

For Irish homeowners, the choice between stick-on, side-track, and standard roller blinds comes down to how much darkness you need and whether you own or rent. Side-track blinds are the gold standard for total blackout, but they come with a higher price and permanent installation. For renters or tight budgets, stick-on blinds offer a quick fix — just be prepared to replace the adhesive every year. For the average Irish bedroom, a well-fitted outside-mount roller blackout blind strikes the best balance of cost, light blockage, and ease of installation.