Choosing the right fabric for your blinds isn’t just about colour or texture — it’s also about how much light you want (or don’t want) in your room. When it comes to blind fabric options, two popular choices are block out and dim out fabrics. They may sound similar, but they serve different purposes — and picking the right one can make a world of difference in your space.
In this post, we’ll explore the difference between block out and dim out fabrics, their key benefits, where they work best, and how to decide which is right for your home or business.
🧵 What Is Block Out Fabric?
Block out fabric (often also called blackout fabric) is designed to completely block out light. It has a special backing – usually a layer of acrylic or foam – that prevents any sunlight from passing through.
This type of fabric is perfect for:
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Bedrooms where a dark environment is essential for quality sleep
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Nurseries and children’s rooms to help little ones nap during the day
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Home cinemas where glare is a no-no
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Shift workers’ homes, where sleeping during the day is a must
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Meeting rooms or studios that need total light control
✨ Key Features of Block Out Blinds
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100% light blockage: No glow, no glare — just darkness when you need it
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Excellent thermal properties: Helps keep rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter
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Improved privacy: No silhouettes or shadows visible from the outside
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Noise-dampening qualities: Thicker fabrics can soften outside sounds
Block out fabrics are usually used in roller blinds, Roman blinds, vertical blinds, and cassette systems where side channels are fitted to block even more light around the edges.
💡 What Is Dim Out Fabric?
Dim out fabric is designed to reduce the amount of light entering a room, but without completely blocking it. Instead of a solid backing, it uses tightly woven fibres or coated yarns to diffuse light — softening it and creating a gentle glow.
Think of it as sunglasses for your windows.
This type of fabric is ideal for:
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Living rooms where you want to reduce glare without losing natural light
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Kitchens where bright light can be softened without full darkness
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Hallways and landings that don’t need total privacy but benefit from a warm, ambient feel
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Open-plan spaces where some light control is needed, but not total blackout
✨ Key Features of Dim Out Blinds
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Light filtering: Reduces glare and brightness, but still allows daylight through
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Creates atmosphere: Soft, diffused light adds warmth to a room
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Moderate privacy: Blocks direct visibility, but not completely opaque
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Available in a range of textures and colours for decorative flexibility
Dim out fabrics are often used in vertical blinds, day & night blinds, Vision blinds, pleated blinds, and Roman blinds.
🔍 Side-by-Side Comparison: Block Out vs Dim Out
| Feature | Block Out | Dim Out |
|---|---|---|
| Light Control | 100% blackout | Partial light filtering |
| Privacy | Total privacy, no shadows | Moderate privacy |
| Best For | Bedrooms, cinemas, nurseries | Living rooms, kitchens, offices |
| Light Appearance | Room appears dark | Soft, diffused glow |
| UV Protection | Excellent | Good |
| Thermal Benefits | Excellent insulation | Moderate insulation |
| Available in… | Rollers, Romans, verticals, cassettes | Vertical, Vision, Romans, pleated |
| Aesthetic Impact | Sleek and functional | Stylish and ambient |
🛏️ Which Rooms Are Best for Block Out Blinds?
Let’s dig a bit deeper into when block out fabrics are your best bet:
1. Bedrooms
A dark environment promotes deeper, more restful sleep — especially for those who are sensitive to early morning light or live in well-lit urban areas.
💡 Top Tip: For full blackout, choose cassette roller blinds with side channels to eliminate light leaks around the edges.
2. Nurseries and Kids’ Rooms
Perfect for daytime naps or early bedtimes during long summer evenings. Block out fabrics also help reduce distractions and noise.
3. Home Cinemas or Media Rooms
Nothing ruins movie night like screen glare. Block out blinds let you turn the room into your own private cinema.
4. Home Offices (for Zoom warriors)
Prevent harsh sunlight from washing out your screen — and block the neighbours from peeking during your mid-meeting coffee break.
🛋️ When to Choose Dim Out Blinds
Dim out fabrics work beautifully when you want light softened — not totally shut out:
1. Living Rooms
Enjoy natural light without the midday glare that turns your telly into a mirror. Dim out fabrics maintain a light, airy feel while protecting furniture from UV fade.
2. Kitchens & Dining Areas
Let the sunshine in, but keep the heat and intensity down. Perfect for rooms where you want brightness, but without being blinded while you butter your toast.
3. Home Offices & Studios
Dim out fabrics are ideal for reducing eye strain, cutting screen reflections, and creating a pleasant working environment — all without sitting in the dark.
4. Conservatories & Garden Rooms
Control the light while still enjoying the outdoor feel. Pair with thermal linings if heat management is also a priority.
🤔 Still Not Sure Which Is Right for You?
If you’re torn between total light control and soft illumination, there’s good news — you don’t have to pick just one.
Many of our customers opt for combinations or dual systems to suit different times of day or activities.
Examples:
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Dim out roller blinds with curtains for night-time privacy
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Double roller blinds – one dim out, one block out – for ultimate versatility
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Vision blinds that allow both open and closed panels to move for flexible lighting
Better still, our expert team can guide you through samples, demonstrate fabric differences in person, and help you match functionality with style.
🎨 Can You Still Get Stylish Options with Block Out & Dim Out?
Absolutely! Both fabric types come in a wide range of:
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Colours – from cool greys to bold brights
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Textures – woven, smooth, metallic, matte
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Patterns – subtle stripes, florals, geometrics
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Finishes – flame retardant, moisture resistant, thermal lined
Whether you want something neutral and elegant or eye-catching and dramatic, there’s a fabric that fits your vision.
🪟 What About for Shaped or Specialist Windows?
Both block out and dim out fabrics can be used on:
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Gable end windows
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Skylights & roof lanterns
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Bay windows
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Arched or angled frames
The key is working with a specialist blind supplier (like us 👋) who can create made-to-measure solutions that match your window’s unique size and shape — with the functionality and look you want.
✅ Final Thoughts: Which One Works Best for You?
When choosing between block out and dim out fabrics, consider:
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🌞 How much natural light do you want in the room?
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🛏️ Is the space used for sleeping or relaxing?
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🔒 How important is privacy, especially at night?
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🎨 What kind of mood or ambience are you trying to create?
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❄️ Would thermal efficiency help with heating/cooling costs?
If in doubt, come and visit our Cannock showroom to see (and feel!) the difference for yourself — we’ve got loads of sample fabrics to explore, expert fitters on hand, and a giant coffee mug with your name on it.
Ready to find your perfect fabric?
Pop in for a chat, or give us a shout online — we’ll help you pick the blind that blocks (or dims) all the right things.
🪟✨ Just Blinds – where style meets substance (and no one gets blinded by the sun while making a cuppa).
