Blackout Curtains vs Blackout Shades: Which Darkens a Denver Bedroom Better?

Blackout shades darken a room by covering the glass closely, while blackout curtains darken it by covering the whole window and the wall around it. For the darkest Denver bedroom, Blinds Couture often layers both. Roller shades run $25 to $80 per square foot installed and custom drapery runs $600 to $2,000 per window pair.

Shorter October days mean earlier sunsets, but Denver mornings still arrive bright, and streetlights and neighbors stay on all night. If you are choosing between curtains and shades, this comparison builds on our guide to blackout bedroom window treatments in Denver.

What is the difference between blackout curtains and blackout shades?

Blackout shades are fitted treatments, usually roller, cellular, or Roman, that mount inside or just outside the window frame and lower over the glass. Blackout curtains are fabric panels with a blackout lining hung from a rod or track above the window. Shades control light at the glass. Curtains control light across the full wall.

Which blocks more light, curtains or shades?

Neither blocks all light alone. A blackout shade leaves small gaps at the sides of the frame, and a blackout curtain can leak light at the top and where panels meet. Light gaps, not fabric, are usually the problem. Layering a fitted shade under curtains that extend past the frame closes most of those gaps.

Factor	Blackout shades	Blackout curtains	Layered
Where light leaks	Side gaps at the frame	Top edge and center seam	Minimal
Look	Clean and tailored	Soft and finished	Most finished
Space needed	Inside the frame	Wall space for stack	Both
Published Denver price	Roller: $25 to $80 per sq ft installed	$600 to $2,000 per window pair	Both line items
Best for	Kids rooms, modern spaces	Primary bedrooms, tall windows	Shift workers, light sleepers

Prices come from our plantation shutters vs roller shades guide and custom drapery cost guide.

How do you reduce light gaps around blackout shades?

To reduce light gaps around blackout shades, choose an outside mount that overlaps the frame, add side channels where the system supports them, or layer drapery on top. Inside mounts look neat but always leave a small gap at each side. The right fix depends on window depth, trim, and how dark the room must be.

• Outside mount: covers more of the frame, smaller gaps.
• Side channels: close edge gaps on compatible shades.
• Layered drapery: covers the perimeter and adds softness.
• Valance or cornice: hides the light that escapes over the top.

See shade options on our roller shades page and cellular shades page.

How do you hang blackout curtains so they actually darken the room?

Blackout curtains darken a room best when the rod or track is mounted high and wide, the panels extend several inches past each side of the frame, and the panels overlap at the center. A ceiling mount or return to the wall stops light escaping at the top and sides. Lining choice matters too.

Explore hardware on our drapery hardware page and full options on our custom drapery page.

Which should you choose for your bedroom?

Choose blackout shades if you want a clean look, have limited wall space, or are dressing a child's room. Choose blackout curtains if you want softness and coverage on tall windows. Choose both if you are a light sleeper, work nights, or face streetlights. Layering costs more but solves the gaps neither handles alone.

What to expect when you work with Blinds Couture

1. Book a complimentary in-home design consultation.
2. We check window depth, trim, and wall space for stack.
3. You compare blackout fabrics and linings in your room.
4. You receive a written, itemized quote.
5. Our team measures precisely and installs.

Blinds Couture is a woman-owned Hunter Douglas dealer with more than 25 years serving Denver homes. Custom drapery is built in our workroom.

Frequently asked questions

Are blackout shades or blackout curtains better?

Blackout shades are better for a clean look and tight spaces, and blackout curtains are better for softness and covering the whole window. Neither is perfectly dark alone because each leaks light at different edges. Layering a fitted blackout shade under blackout drapery gives the darkest result.

How much do blackout shades cost in Denver?

At Blinds Couture, roller shades run $25 to $80 per square foot installed in Denver, depending on fabric, size, and mount. Motorization typically adds $250 to $600 per shade. Every quote is itemized after a complimentary in-home measure.

How much do custom blackout curtains cost in Denver?

Custom drapery at Blinds Couture runs $600 to $2,000 per window pair for standard fabric and lining, with workroom made panels starting around $1,200 per window. Blackout lining, pleat style, and hardware are listed so you can see what drives the price.

Why does light still come in around my blackout shade?

Light comes in around blackout shades because inside mounts leave a small gap at each side of the frame so the fabric can roll freely. Outside mounts, side channels on compatible systems, or layered drapery reduce those gaps.

Can I add blackout curtains over existing shades?

Yes. Adding blackout drapery over existing shades is one of the simplest ways to darken a bedroom. We check that the rod or track clears the shade hardware and that panels extend far enough past the frame.

Do you serve bedrooms outside central Denver?

Yes. Blinds Couture serves Denver and surrounding communities including Boulder, Cherry Creek, Highlands Ranch, Greenwood Village, Castle Rock, and Lone Tree.

Ready for a darker, calmer bedroom? Book your complimentary in-home design consultation or call (720) 729-0091.