The Overlooked Detail That's Sabotaging Your Bedroom Blinds
You’d think a blind with blackout fabric would, well… black out a room.
But last week, we ran a test that proved otherwise and it had nothing to do with the fabric.
Same window.
Same blackout cellular blind.
Same size.
The only thing we changed? The frame colour.
Top blind: White Perfect Fit frame.
Bottom blind: Anthracite grey Perfect Fit frame.
Now, most people (including us, until recently) wouldn’t think frame colour matters much. After all, it's the blackout fabric doing the heavy lifting, right?
But the results surprised us.
The white frame let in noticeably more reflected light around the edges. With the darker anthracite frame, the room felt dimmer, like a proper sleep space should.
Same blind.
Same window.
Different frame colour.
Big difference.
And this is exactly why we test things.
We’re not here to just do what’s always been done. We don’t settle for “standard practice” or assume that what works on paper will feel right in real life.
Part of our job is to constantly ask: Is there a better way to do this?
So much so, we’ve now gone back to Louvolite (our component supplier) and asked a very specific question:
“Can we get white frames with a dark inner coating to absorb light bleed?”
Because maybe, just maybe, there’s a smarter version of what already exists. And if we can offer that to our customers, why wouldn’t we?
Until then, if you're considering Perfect Fit blackout blinds for your bedroom and darkness really matters to you frame colour is 100% something we’ll talk through with you.
Sometimes, the details everyone overlooks are the ones that make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does frame colour really make that much difference in blackout performance?
Yes. Our testing showed that lighter-coloured frames, like white, reflect more light around the edges of the blind. Darker frames, such as anthracite grey, help reduce light bleed and make the room feel noticeably darker.
Q: Is the blackout fabric still the most important part?
Absolutely. The fabric is key to blocking light through the window. But the frame plays a supporting role in how much light reflects around the edges.
Q: I like the look of white frames. Do I have to compromise on blackout performance?
Not necessarily. We’re currently exploring options like a white exterior frame with a darker inner coating to combine style and performance. Until then, we’ll help you weigh the tradeoffs based on your preferences.
Q: Can I see the difference in person?
Yes. If you visit our showroom or schedule a home consultation, we’d be happy to show you side-by-side comparisons so you can decide for yourself.
Q: Will this apply to all types of blackout blinds?
This test was specific to Perfect Fit cellular blackout blinds, but the principle likely applies to other designs where frame reflection can affect perceived darkness.
