Sleep better with blackout fabrics: Why you need A1 Blinds for your home and business in Harrogate

According to the UK’s Sleep Charity, light and dark are strong cues when it comes to telling your body when it’s time to wake up or go to sleep. And when it’s dark, we release melatonin (the hormone that helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm), which relaxes the body and helps us drift off.

There’s no wonder some of us find it hard to adjust when British Summer Time rolls around and the days get longer. Our bodies see light and assume it’s time to be awake and alert!

Even when we are asleep light can be detected through our eyelids, so we need as little light as possible to remain sound asleep. The charity recommends investing in blackout blinds and fabrics to significantly reduce early morning light or streetlight glare from creeping in.

It’s something A1 Blinds in Harrogate, knows all about. It stocks a wide range of styles, colours and types of blackout blinds, sometimes known as blockout blinds and also dim-out blinds, some of which not only help to significantly reduce light ingress, but can keep out heat and noise too. The friendly firm will measure, supply and fit window coverings to create the ideal darker environment not only for bedrooms but for home theatres, media rooms and any space where privacy and light control are essential in a residential or commercial setting.

A1 Blinds are currently holding a 20% off blackout fabrics sale so now is a good time to think about transforming your home.

We spoke to A1 Blinds to find out more about blackout fabrics and why more and more people are opting to have them in their homes and businesses.

Why choose blackout fabrics?

The Sleep Charity says studies show our sleeping environment can have a significant impact on sleeping patterns – ideally it should be dark enough that you shouldn’t be able to see to the other side of the bedroom.

Dim-out blinds are window coverings designed to filter out as much light as possible – ideal for bedrooms. But they can also reduce noise and improve energy efficiency by providing additional insulation.

Why are they recommended for children?

Babies and toddlers who need a nap during the day, will find it so much easier to drift off to sleep with a blackout blind drawn. Even bedtimes for older children can be tricky when it’s still light outside, and with the sun not setting in Harrogate until around 9.45pm on the longest day in June, getting blackout blinds now could help ensure the whole family gets a more restful evening and night.

Are they black?

Despite the name, blackout fabrics are not black. A1 Blinds offer a huge range of contemporary and classic colourways to match any décor. There are patterned fabrics too, to bring a pop of style and design to your window dressing.

What are they made from?

They are made from thick, opaque materials that significantly reduce light ingress, helping create a more comfortable sleep environment or filtering out a lot of light during the daytime.

Are there different styles?

Absolutely, they are available in various styles, from a simple blind to cellular and roman blinds, which offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

You can go traditional with a straightforward roller-blind, or high-tech with remote controlled blinds, or even timed ones which will go down and up with the sun!

Are they just for bedrooms?

Whilst they are a popular choice for bedrooms, the options are endless! Some people have them in south-facing rooms to keep out too much sun and heat during the day. Blackout fabrics could give privacy too, in a bathroom or a residential or medical facility.

Spas, bed and breakfasts and hotels use them, day nurseries to give the babies a nap, meeting rooms and board rooms for showing presentations, laboratories, museums, art galleries – the list is endless. You might want to consider this for your home office – to stop the glare from a screen, or for the optimal light for playing games on screen.

What do you recommend?

Because A1 Blinds will discuss your needs, and make your blinds to measure, for your home, your lifestyle and your requirements they will be able to recommend the best option for you.

This might be a traditional roller blind, or if ease of operation and safety is important, then a remote controlled blind which has no hanging cords or chains (ideal for children’s rooms). Designs are versatile so you don’t have to compromise on style for practicality.

A1 Blackout blinds offer high-performance fabrics which filter out significant amounts of daylight or street-light.

They offer energy-efficient insulation with multi-layer fabrics and a precise fit. It reduces heat loss in winter and helps stop overheating in summer. And they are safe and child-friendly, complying with child-safety regulations, giving you control and peace of mind.

The crème-de-la-crème of blinds, though is the Linear Nightshade.

Linear Nightshade blinds are designed to be a perfect frame-fit which massively reduce the possibility of any light gaps. The frame can be white or anthracite grey/charcoal, and there is a choice of 12 colours. If the maximum light blocking is needed, these would be the perfect choice.

They are engineered to deliver as much light reduction as possible as well as offering superior thermal insulation.

Find out more

The company, which started as a family enterprise, has been dressing windows with quality blinds and shutters for 35 years, but expanded to North Yorkshire about a year ago.

A1 customer service goes from start to finish – from initial consultation and measuring through to delivery and fitting. All of these services are included in the price of their blinds:

· Free, no obligation, consultation at your home

· Free accurate measurements by trained consultants

· Free fitting by qualified craftspeople to your full satisfaction

· All work fully guaranteed

Find out more about the full range of blackout fabrics and blind options available at A1 Blinds here.