Block Light Along The Edges of Your Window
Last Update: 9/7/2021
This post was originally written on
What are side channels for roller shades?
Side-channel are installed along the sides of the roller shade to prevent light from entering through past the edges of the fabric. The side channel wraps the hembar and the edge of the fabric allowing the shade to freely slide inside while in motion. This simple yet crucial addition removes the “halo effect” caused by most shades that claim they are blackout shades. 😎
A distinct advantage of using blackout roller shades
- Blackout roller shades are made of thicker material than normal shades.
- Energy efficiency savings roller shades provide.
- Roller shades absorb the loss of heat inside your home.
- The side channels reduce unwanted drafts side of the shades.
- Having blackout roller shades will help to better maintain a constant temperature inside your home all year round.
WATCH PRODUCT OVERVIEW VIDEO
Where can I use blackout roller shades?
Beyond the bedroom, there are many areas in your home that can benefit from the installation of blackout roller shades. Family rooms, media rooms, or offices are other environments that can benefit from blocking out unwanted artificial exterior lights or sunlight. These window treatments can stop completely cut out unwanted glare on television screens, computer monitors, or reflective surfaces in your home or office.
Product Demo: Blackout Roller Shades Motorized with Side Channels
In the video, you will see how the roller shade material goes inside the channels and glides effortlessly through the channels, eliminating light and giving you the sleep or rest you need. All of our roller shades can come manual or motorized and come in various calming colors. If you need a dark room, man cave, theater room, kids room, or bedroom blacked-out, call 3 Blind Mice Window Coverings. We are the motorization specialists for QMotion, Lutron, and Mechoshade.
Color & Fabrics
Innovative Control Options
Beautiful form, beautiful function. Our innovative control options, SIMPLICITY Automation and BLISS Automation will keep your home both safe and serene.
We offer the latest and greatest of our manufactures’ motorization and integration solutions. Utilizing the latest technological innovations in home decor, advanced motorization that integrates with major home automation systems, and the latest advancements in the window treatment industry are all part of the 3 Blind Mice Window Coverings experience.
SIMPLICITY AUTOMATION
Our Simplicity automation is an economic motorization system available across several popular product categories. Rechargeable battery power offers reliable use.
BLISS AUTOMATION
Enjoy the next level of ease and control with our range of BLISS™ Automation systems. BLISS motorization is the solution for modern design with full light filtering control — from the wire-free convenience of our rechargeable motors combined with the power of your voice for operation control.
Blackout Roller Shades with Side Channels FAQs
What are the side channels on roller shades?
Side Channel can be installed along the sides of a shade to prevent light from entering through the edges. The fabric side-channel new wraps the edge of the fabric and Hembar to freely ride inside while the shade is in motion.
How do I stop the lights from coming up on the side of my roller shades?
Light blocking strips (Aptly named Light Blockers) are available for all 3 Blind Mice roller shades and can be ordered simultaneously during the configuration process. Roller shades naturally have significant gaps (to the sides of the fabric aka the side-channel), so these light-blocking strips become the perfect solution for maximum light control.
How do I make my roller shades darker?
We can transform any of the 3 Blind Mice roller shades into a blackout version by the simple addition of a light-blocking layer into the fabric. In simplest terms, blackout fabrics are heavy materials that prevent light from penetrating the fabric weave. We have roller material running from plastic sheeting, bamboo, PVC, and heavy blackout fabric.
Pros / Cons
Limited Lifetime Warranty
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
The 3 Blind Mice Window Treatment’s Limited Lifetime Warranty extends from installation throughout the life of your window treatment. We promise to stand by our product and cover any defects in materials, mechanisms, workmanship, or failure to operate correctly. Because with 3 Blind Mice Window Covering, you have a partner for life.
CERTIFIED BEST FOR KIDS™
The certification program is run by an independent laboratory giving you a guarantee that the product has options to operate without traditional cords or the treatment’s inner cords are inaccessible to young children and pets.
STRESS-TESTED IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
From testing UV-painted components and textiles to high heat adhesive strength test, 3 Blind Mice Window Coverings ensure finished window treatments perform consistently for years to come.
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This original post was inspired by visiting the International Window Coverings Expo in 2013. Who knew there was a secret to those wonderful blackout roller shades in Vegas?!?! Well, fast-forward 8 years later, the gap on the side of the rollers is still a thing, although fabric technology, amortization, and automation are at a whole new level. At the time of posting, these rollers were a popular alternative to blackout curtains, and it was during those times where our customers started to embrace motorization for the true “cave-like” needs.
Need Help?
Choosing the perfect motorized blind for your home may seem like an arduous task, but we are here to help. Contact us to speak with one of our design consultants about window treatment ideas for your house or office, schedule a Free Consultation.
We can also help you anywhere in the US, and if you want to fly us out, we will travel anywhere.
This is our 7th post in the series from the International Window Coverings Expo in New Orleans. We made close to 20 videos from vendors like Graber, Qmotion, Lutron Kirbe, Horizon Shades, and Somfy. To view the other videos from the show, view this playlist. Subscribe to the blog to stay tuned…
Can I provide measurements for a custom order for a home in LA?
Thank you for contacting 3 Blind Mice Window Coverings.
Unfortunately at this time, we are unable to service your area.
Our areas of service are the following:
San Diego County CA
Orange County CA
Sacramento County CA
Fresno County CA
You may try the following websites as they provide services outside our coverage area.
http://www.excitingwindows.com
http://www.customdecorators.com
Thank you for contacting 3 Blind Mice Windows Coverings!
3 Blind Mice Window Coverings, Inc.
Def need some pricing for the motorized blackout curtains in dry fork Va. this is a gift for my girlfriend for Christmas. Is there any way we could be sneaky about it? lol can’t wait to talk! Take my money this is awesome. Can’t wait to do business
I need a black out shade for a church project. It would need to be about 18′ wide and at least that long . Is this possible?
Thanks
Thank you for contacting 3 Blind Mice Window Coverings. We provide Free In home consultations with an experienced designer.
We service San Diego, Southern Orange County and Sacramento areas. Do you reside within our service territories?
We look forward to hearing from you,
3 Blind Mice Window Coverings
Yes do you have anybody in the Houston, Texas area to purchase and install MOTORIZED BLACKOUT ROLLER SHADES WITH SIDE CHANNELS?
Thanks
Glenn
Hi Glenn, Thank you for contacting 3 Blind Mice Winndow Coverings. We do have Designer in the Austin area. Hi name is Kevin Renker. We will go ahead and forward your email to him.
Kinds regards,
3 blind Mice Window Coverings.
Hi Thea, would they come out to my area if I asked him? I know it’s not the Austin area.
Typically the designer will travel up to 50 miles from his location.
[…] or manual depending on your preference for ease of use. Watch two video demonstrations of these motorized blackout roller shades with side channels in […]
Do you have a filler remedy for the little space above the upper horizontal rail? Light filters in over the blind.
Hello Teriza – if you are located in one of our California locations we may be able to come out to your home and provide a free consultation to assist with your project. Call our team at 858.452.6200. Cheers!
Thank you for your kind offer. Just for clarity with everybody my blind is NOT one of yours and I don’t live nearby. I was asking to see if you could help solve my problem of light sneaking in over the top of the blind. I may have to fashion some kind of flap myself to stop the damn light! Thank you for offering!!!!
Hi! Is this available in Birmingham, Alabama?
Do you guys service LA yet? Also, what’s a good ballpark estimate on blackout shades on 12 windows?
Do you have a sister company in Phoenix? What is the name and contact info?