Blockout vs Sheer: Which Blinds Are Right for Me?

Blinds are more than just a practical solution to block out light or let it in—they’re a statement piece, a mood setter, and sometimes even a lifesaver (because who wants their neighbours witnessing pyjama mornings?). If you’re standing at the crossroads between blockout and sheer blinds, you’re not alone. This is a decision that has homeowners everywhere scratching their heads.

The choice isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about function, lifestyle, and the unique quirks of your home. Whether you’re a light-loving minimalist or someone who’d happily cocoon themselves in total darkness, the right blinds can make all the difference. Let’s take a closer look at what blockout and sheer blinds have to offer—and help you figure out which one feels more you.

 

What Are Blockout Blinds?

Think of blockout blinds as the homebody of window coverings: dependable, solid, and happiest when they’re keeping the outside world at bay. Designed to eliminate light completely, blockout blinds are the go-to choice for people who value privacy and comfort in equal measure. If you’ve ever cursed the early sunrise for interrupting your Saturday lie-in, these blinds are your solution.

Blockout blinds aren’t just about darkness, though. They’re also a clever way to keep your home cooler in summer and cosier in winter. By reducing the amount of sunlight that sneaks in, they can help regulate your home’s temperature—a blessing for energy bills.

In essence, blockout blinds are a practical, hardworking option. They’re ideal for spaces where peace, quiet, and a bit of seclusion are top priorities.

 

What Are Sheer Blinds?

If blockout blinds are the homebody, sheer blinds are the social butterfly. They’re all about letting the sunshine in while still providing a little privacy. Picture a curtain of soft, natural light bathing your living space—sheer blinds bring that aesthetic to life.

Sheer blinds are designed to diffuse sunlight, which makes them perfect for rooms that thrive on brightness. Unlike blockout blinds, they won’t cut you off from the world entirely. Instead, they strike a balance, allowing you to enjoy the outside view while still filtering out harsh glare.

With sheer blinds, it’s less about hiding from the world and more about embracing it—just on your terms. They’re ideal for spaces where you want to feel connected to the outdoors while maintaining a soft, filtered light indoors.

 

How to Choose Between Blockout and Sheer Blinds

Selecting between blockout and sheer blinds isn’t always a straightforward decision—it’s about weighing the needs of your space, lifestyle, and personal preferences. To make things clearer, let’s break it down into practical considerations. Here’s how you can figure out what works best for you:

 

Think About the Function of Each Room

Different rooms in your home have different purposes, and your choice of blinds should reflect that.

  • Bedrooms: If you value deep, uninterrupted sleep (or have little ones with unpredictable nap schedules), blockout blinds are a lifesaver. They create a pitch-black environment, perfect for snoozing any time of day.
  • Living Rooms: Spaces where you relax or entertain benefit from the soft glow of natural light. Sheer blinds can brighten the room without blinding your guests or fading your furniture.
  • Home Offices: If you’re battling glare on your computer screen while trying to focus, sheer blinds can filter the light to reduce eye strain while keeping the room energising.
  • Media Rooms: For a true cinematic vibe, blockout blinds are the obvious choice. There’s nothing worse than a glare cutting through your favourite movie scene.

 

Assess Your Natural Light Situation

How much sunlight does each room get? A room that basks in sunlight all day might benefit from blockout blinds to control heat and light. On the other hand, if your space feels perpetually gloomy, sheer blinds can open it up and make it feel more inviting.

  • North-Facing Rooms: These tend to get consistent sunlight throughout the day, so blockout blinds are ideal if you want to keep things cool and dim when needed.
  • South-Facing Rooms: If your room lacks direct sunlight, sheer blinds can maximise whatever light does make its way in, keeping the space cheerful and bright.

 

Consider Your Privacy Needs

Privacy levels can vary drastically depending on your home’s layout and surroundings.

  • Street-Facing Windows: If you’re on a busy road or close to neighbours, blockout blinds provide the ultimate sense of security.
  • Second-Story or Secluded Spaces: For rooms where privacy isn’t as much of a concern, sheer blinds let you enjoy the view without making you feel exposed.

And don’t forget the time of day—sheer blinds work beautifully during the daytime, but at night, when lights are on inside, they offer little privacy. Blockout blinds or a combination of both may be more suitable for multi-purpose rooms.

 

Style and Atmosphere

Blinds do more than serve a functional purpose—they contribute to your home’s overall aesthetic.

  • Modern Minimalism: Sheer blinds fit seamlessly into contemporary spaces with their clean, light-enhancing look.
  • Cosy and Private: If you’re after a snug, intimate vibe, blockout blinds help create a sense of enclosure that’s perfect for bedrooms or dens.

 

Your Lifestyle and Habits

Your day-to-day life plays a big role in determining the right blinds.

  • Early Risers vs. Night Owls: If you wake with the sun, sheer blinds can let the morning light gently filter in. If you prefer to sleep through it, blockout blinds are non-negotiable.
  • Frequent Hosts: Sheer blinds offer a welcoming, light-filled environment that’s perfect for entertaining guests.
  • Families with Kids: Young children often nap during the day, making blockout blinds essential for keeping rooms dark and quiet when needed.

 

Ready for the Perfect Blinds?

At the end of the day, the choice between blockout and sheer blinds boils down to how you live, how your home functions, and, perhaps most importantly, how you want your space to feel. Are you someone who thrives in total darkness and values privacy above all else? Or do you prefer to welcome natural light, soft and filtered, into your home?

Whatever your answer, there’s no need to overthink it. At Total Look Blinds, we offer a wide range of expertly crafted blockout, sheer, and dual blinds to suit every lifestyle, every room, and every aesthetic.

Top Quality Custom Blinds and Shutters

Total Look Blinds has the best and most experienced people in the industry with a combined experience of greater than 180 years within the industry. If we can’t help you nobody can. We offer free help and advice when you ask us to meet with you.
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What Our Customers Say

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Anne Hunt
Fabulous service and a wonderful product. Very happy with our New Zealand made shutters. Richard the installer is a perfectionist. Thank you
Heidi Reid
Great service and wonderful blinds, thanks
Jo in the office was helpful and available Roger was superb with his installation and communication thanks
Shirley Wilmoth
We ordered 20 Venetian Blinds, which were installed just before Christmas. Two blinds needed adjustment. Brent worked hard to make sure the blinds were replaced and re-installed to our satisfaction.
We found Total Look Blinds excellent to deal with. We would be happy to work with them again and have no hesitation in recommending Total Look Blinds to family and friends.
Joel Schiff
Contacted them about a replacement part on a Sunday with a hope and a prayer that they had it since the blinds were rather old. Monday morning had a reply with just what I needed.with instructions on how to fit the new part into the blind. The part is now in the post and these folks are simply the best!
Ann Scott
Have been a customer of Carolyn at Total Look Blinds for many, many years. ALWAYS a top notch job with top notch service. Fantastic team all round and a pleasure to deal with.
Kishan Patel
Cannot recommend Total Blinds enough. We are very happy with our blinds. The team were very patient with us and helped us pick the perfect solution for our home.
Reema Prasad
Total blinds highly recommended good service excellent job very happy using them from 10yrs .
Brooke Maber
Really impressed with Total Look Blinds, Terry was great to deal with and very knowledgeable with some great advice when selecting blinds. Great communication from Jo. Since having them installed we have decided on a few tweaks and add ons which they made very easy for us. I recommend you to everyone! Thank you.
K R
TLB was recommended by a friend in Auckland who had used them twice. I had blinds installed at my new house in Raglan, excellent quality, service and communication. Highly recommended.
Katie Duffy
Have used this service for my own home and a rental. Quick efficient professional service. Highly Recommend
Kerry Watt
Jackie E
Professional company, Great blinds and easy to deal with, would recommend for the future. thanks.
JOSEPHINE TOK
Awesome Terry & friendly office staff. Great products, prices & prompt delivery. This is the 3rd time using them. 15 years on, still have our records intact. Deservingly an Ace Company:)
Alisha Dodds
This is the second time we have used total look blinds and they are amazing! So simple to get a quote, easy ordering process and arrived much sooner than we thought! The installer was super lovely and I will be getting my blinds through this company again!
Shirley Wensor
Highly recommend Total Look Blinds. Thanks to Carolyn for your extra understanding. Excellent installer also.
Vicki Landon
Cannot fault Caroline and the team from Total Look Blinds. Very professional and accommodating. Friendly people from the measuring, advice on product and installation. We have used them in several houses and will continue to do so. Highly recommend Total Look Blinds.
Iain and Helen Stephens
The team at Total Blinds did a great job on our shutters and roller blinds. Great quality, great service, thank you.
Jaya Trivedi
Very happy with the quality of the blinds and my house looks transformed, why I waited for so long to replace old vertical blinds!! Lauren helped us pick up what was right for our house, and Jo was very prompt in communcation regarding quick installation. Carl who installed the blinds helped us understand how to properly operate them and to remove them and gave us good cleaning tips. Have recommended them to our friend as well. I compared prices and the variety online for months before deciding to go with Total Look Blinds. Thanks for wonderful experience.
Louise Kennedy
Total Look Blinds were absolutely amazing to deal with. From prompt and clear communication through to an excellent and earlier than expected fit, I could not be happier. Thank you for such a stress free, professional experience. Will recommend your company far and wide!
Robyn Adams
Carolyn outstanding. Installers did a fantastic job. I am a many repeat customer and have been impressed and always happy with the outstanding level of service. Thank you. Neil Adams
Peter McLeod
I enquired about a blind repair. Response was quick and friendly and when I took the blind into the factory to get it fixed, it was done immediately, with a smile and finished within 10min. Very impressive and much appreciated
robert crighton
Have used Total Look Blinds several times over many years,the latest some roller blinds,which look great.Its a family business,lovely people to deal with [they take pride in what they do] & the products are excellent quality & well priced.Would recommend to one & all.Thank you.
Heather
Excellant product. Very efficient service. Pleasure to do business with. Would recommend Total Look Blinds to everyone.
Cathy Crombach
We have used Total Look Blinds for many years now and they always give us a good service and good product, I highly recommend their services. A+ from me
Robyn Wallen
Total Look Blinds have been great to deal with from the sales team measure up and quote to the installation. I am really happy with the quality and look of the blinds. And the price is good.
Namrata Lal
Awesome service by Total Look Blinds.
Supplied and installed a very beautiful set of blinds.
Sandra Lepou
Total Blinds were excellent to work with. From the first consultation and measure to the installation, I cannot fault their service. My blinds look amazing. Totally recommend this company.
Nick Appleton
Great product, service & price. This is the 4th house TLB have done for us, the blinds look great. Thanks guys.
M Whelan
From consultation with Terry to the professional installation by Richard and liaising with Jo in the office, it was a great experience, and we're delighted with the result. The shutters add a whole new ambience to our house. Total Look Blinds is obviously a business that is proud of its products and cares about its customers - we're glad we chose them and would highly recommend.
Peter Brown
Once again Excellent product and service, a pleasure to deal with, highly recommended. Thanks
Erin Corkhill
From Terry's measurements, to Brent's installation it couldn't have been a friendlier or smoother process. The shutters are stunning and I get stopped on the street by neighbours who compliment us on them. Total Look Blinds is a decision you won't regret.
Graeme Hewitt
My wife and I had an excellent experience dealing with Total Look Blinds, when we got both sunblock and blackout blinds installed in our place. It started with meeting Jo in their showroom and then Lauren on-site for a quotation. They were both very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. The installation was carried out by Carl which was done very efficiently and he was very helpful in explaining everything, as we had motorised blackout blinds installed. We have now had our blinds for 5 months and we are very happy with them. We highly recommend Total Look Blinds :-)
Lynley Hunter
I had blinds installed by Total Look 13 years ago. I have had no problems with the blinds in that time so when I was looking to replace 2 ancient blinds to match the newer ones I found my old invoice and gave them a call. To my surprise the company is not only still going but still make the exact same blinds and still have my details from 13 years ago. The same guy came out to measure up! Cheerful, friendly and professional staff. Clear and prompt communication. Great product for a fair price. Many thanks and may your company contnue to provide great service for the next 13 years and beyond. Highly recommended.
Sunnie Ko
Highly recommended, prompt service, quality blinds, professional installer and reasonable price 👍
Sally Clegg
First class service, products and support from Total Look Blinds. We have asked these guys to come three times as we add more blinds to our home. They look so good and work brilliantly. Really pleased!
Jayne Steele
Loving my new retro fit motorised blinds, thought would not be worth the $$ in spare room, WRONG do it once do it right , motorised other rooms, should have done it in the first place, no cords ease of use , fabulous
Arishma Lata
Highly recommend Total Look Blinds. The whole team makes it so easy for you from start till finish without any hiccups. Their neat and 5star work is what you looking for. Thank you guys. Appreciate your great job in making my house look so gorgeous. ❤️❤️❤️
dantay10
Great service from start to finish. Terry measured up and gave us lots of different options. Brent was prompt and thorough. I absolutely love the colour choice we made and hubby is super excited about the remote controlled blinds. Very happy customers here.
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