The Disadvantages of Day and Night Blinds (That Most Companies Won’t Tell You)

The Disadvantages of Day and Night Blinds (That Most Companies Won’t Tell You)

At Barlow Blinds, we believe that no single blind is right for every window or every customer.

Day and Night blinds (sometimes called Vision or Zebra blinds) are a popular choice for their sleek look and clever light control. And when they’re the right fit, they’re fantastic. But part of our job, maybe the most important part is being honest when something just won’t do what you need it too.

So, in the spirit of total honesty, here are some of the drawbacks of Day and Night blinds. Not to put you off, but to help you make an informed decision.

1. They Don’t Provide Full Blackout

Day and Night blinds are designed with alternating panels of sheer and opaque fabric. These layers slide past one another, letting you adjust how much light enters the room. It’s smart and stylish but not great if you want total darkness as there is a small gap between the 2 fabrics that will allow light in.

Even in the “closed” position, light filters through the fabric and around the edges with a 20mm gap on each side between the fabric and the wall. For bedrooms, especially those needing complete blackout for better sleep or shift work, we would never recommend day and night blinds.

I recently went back to a house to measure for more blinds and our client said they called us back because of how impressed they were with how dark the day and night blinds made their bedroom. It’s all about expectations I guess.

2. Privacy Can Be a Problem at Night

During the day, Day and Night blinds offer a good level of privacy while still letting in light. But at night, it’s a different story.

Once the lights are on inside, those sheer panels can leave you more exposed than you might expect. If you’re on a busy street or overlooked by neighbours, it’s something worth thinking about.

There are different styles of sheer panel providing varying levels of privacy with some more opaque than others.

3. Not Ideal for Every Window

Day and Night blinds work best on simple, square windows with enough space above for the headrail. But they can be tricky on:

• Bay windows, where multiple blinds may leave noticeable gaps
• Inward-opening windows, where the blind gets in the way
• Very wide windows, which might require multiple blinds side by side

Day and Night blinds can be made up to 3 metres wide. We would not install blinds wider than 2 metres. The blinds are fitted with a bracket on either side with no support in the centre.

With a blind wider than 2 metres the roller tube will bow slightly, with the fabric made of straight panels this can create what we call the smile effect where the panels are higher at the sides (near the brackets) and lower in the middle. Not a good look!

4. A Bit More Delicate Than Other Options

The sheer panels on the blinds can be a little fragile, so cleaning of the blinds needs to be done carefully so not the damage the fabric.

We would recommend choosing a different style of blind for kitchens and bathrooms or any room where the fabric could need cleaning regularly.

5. They Can Cost More Than You Expect

With their high-end appearance and clever design, Day and Night blinds tend to sit at the pricier end of the market. The design of the blinds uses twice as much fabric as a traditional roller blind.

That’s not a problem if they’re exactly what you need, but it’s worth weighing the cost against how well they’ll work in your room.

FAQs

Can I fit Day and Night blinds in a bathroom or kitchen?

We’d be cautious. The sheer fabric isn’t ideal in damp or greasy environments, and some Day and Night blinds aren’t made from moisture-resistant materials. There a waterproof Day and Night fabric available which is more robust and easier to clean.

Are they child-safe?

Yes, when fitted with the correct safety devices. At Barlow Blinds, we always install blinds that meet the latest child safety regulations. Day and Night blinds are controlled by a metal chain that must be fitted 1500mm from the floor and secured to the wall. Please bear this in mind as it can be hard to reach in some rooms (over kitchen worktops etc).

Can you get Day and Night blinds motorised?

Absolutely. Motorised Day and Night blinds are a popular upgrade. They give a clean finish (no cords), are easy to control with a remote or app, and help prevent wear and tear over time.

Can Day and Night blinds be fully opened?

Absolutely. They work in exactly the same way as a traditional roller blind. When you want to allow as much light in as possible simply roll the blind up.

Can you see through Day and Night blinds?

That would depend on the position that you have the blinds set at. If the blind is all the way down you will have total privacy, if you have the sheer panels lined up and it is dark outside neighbours will be able to look in (not a clear view as they will be looking through the sher fabric).

The Barlow Blinds Way: Honesty First

We’re proud to offer Day and Night blinds and we install a lot of them. But we also walk away from several jobs when a blind isn’t going to do what you need it to.

If you’ve been looking at Day and Night blinds but want to know if they’re really right for your home, just ask. We’ll give you the same advice we’d give our own family based on 135+ years of experience, not just what’s popular right now.

It’s not our job to sell you blinds. It’s our job to find the right blinds for you.

Still Considering Day and Night Blinds?

Book a free home consultation with one of our friendly surveyors. We’ll talk through your options, bring samples, and make sure you get exactly what you need, no pressure, no pushy sales talk, just honest advice.

📞 0116 2769771 | 📍 Leicester Family Business | 💬 Honest advice, always