Spokane’s long summer evenings and bright early mornings are beautiful—but not always ideal for a good night’s sleep. If you're finding it hard to wind down or stay asleep, light may be the culprit. Blackout window coverings offer a proven solution, helping homeowners create darker, quieter, and more comfortable sleep environments.
Blackout shades and blinds can help transform your bedroom into a haven of rest—along with expert tips from Spokane Blinds to help you choose the right products and get the most from your investment.
Light has a big influence on the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to light, especially in the early morning or late evening, can disrupt melatonin production and make it harder to fall or stay asleep. That’s where blackout window treatments come in.
Unlike standard window coverings, blackout products are designed to block nearly all outside light. Whether it’s the rising sun at 5 a.m. or streetlights shining through the blinds, blackout coverings help create consistent darkness that supports deeper, more restful sleep.
Whether using blackout roller shades, blackout cellular shades, or layered drapes, these treatments are designed to dramatically reduce (or completely eliminate) light entering your bedroom. This makes them ideal for:
• Shift workers sleeping during the day
• Children with early bedtimes
• Anyone sensitive to early morning light
Many blackout products—especially honeycomb shades—add an extra layer of insulation. This helps regulate temperature, keeping bedrooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In Spokane’s four-season climate, that added comfort is a welcome bonus.
Thicker materials and tightly fitted designs also dampen sound. From traffic on Division to early morning lawn care, blackout coverings can soften external noise to create a quieter sleep environment.
Blackout treatments are excellent for privacy, especially in ground-level bedrooms or homes near neighbors. They prevent light from escaping and prying eyes from peeking in—helping homeowners sleep more soundly.
Choosing the right blackout product starts with understanding the different options available. At Spokane Blinds, we help homeowners find the best fit for their needs, style, and budget. Some top blackout choices include:
Minimal, modern, and available in a wide range of colors and textures, roller shades are great for bedrooms and media rooms alike. Many options feature side channels to block light around the edges for maximum coverage.
These energy-efficient shades trap air inside their unique cells, providing excellent insulation and light control. Cellular shades are a go-to for Spokane homes looking to reduce both light and heating/cooling costs. (Related read: What Are Honeycomb Shades? Are They the Right Window Coverings for My Room?)
Pairing blackout liners with custom drapes can add an extra layer of softness and dimension to your room while still achieving effective light blocking. For extra flair, homeowners often combine blackout shades with decorative drapery panels.
Enjoy convenience and control by integrating motorized blackout shades with smart home systems. With the press of a button or voice command, you can darken your room without leaving bed. (Related read: Spokane Smart Blinds: The Next Evolution of Comfort and Efficiency)
Every home and every sleeper is different, so our approach to selecting blackout coverings always starts with the individual space. Here are a few considerations we recommend when helping Spokane customers:
• Room use: Bedrooms and nurseries often benefit from full blackout solutions, while media rooms may use dimming or dual-shade options.
• Mounting style: Inside-mount shades offer a clean look but may allow minor light gaps. Outside-mount shades and drapes cover the entire window frame for total blackout.
• Window size & shape: Large or specialty-shaped windows may require custom blackout solutions to ensure full coverage.
Need help measuring? Spokane Blinds offers complimentary in-home consultations and professional measuring to ensure a seamless fit.
For blackout coverings to work well, installation is just as important as the product itself. Here are a few pointers we share with Spokane homeowners:
• Ensure a tight fit: Gaps let in light. Installing the correct size and mounting style is key to performance.
• Add side channels: These can block light bleed around the edges of roller or cellular shades.
• Use layered solutions: Pairing blackout shades with curtains or drapes adds another layer of insulation and light control.
• Consider top treatments: Cornices or valances can help block overhead light leaks for a cleaner, darker finish.
If DIY isn’t your thing, no worries—our team handles everything from measuring to professional installation.
Spokane’s daylight hours shift dramatically between summer and winter. Blackout window treatments help you maintain consistent sleep routines year-round. Here’s how:
• In summer: Block early morning sun and late evening glow with full blackout solutions.
• In winter: Use dual shades or add a light-filtering layer to allow in natural light while still maintaining privacy and warmth.
(See also: 2025 Window Treatment Trends)
To keep your blackout coverings performing at their best:
• Dust weekly using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment or a microfiber cloth
• Spot clean stains with a mild detergent (always follow product care guidelines)
• Avoid harsh sunlight when coverings aren’t in use to prevent fabric fading
• Check moving parts for smooth function, especially with motorized blinds
(Related read: How to Properly Maintain and Clean Your Blinds and Shades)
Here’s what local customers have to say:
“We added blackout cellular shades to our bedroom last summer, and I’ve never slept better. No more 4:45 a.m. wake-ups in July!”
— Jen & Mark, South Hill
“As a night-shift nurse, sleep during the day used to be a struggle. Spokane Blinds recommended roller shades with side channels, and it’s made a huge difference.”
— Maria T., North Spokane
“We installed motorized blackout shades in our media room, and now we can darken the space with a voice command. Plus, they look amazing!”
— Alex & Dana, Liberty Lake
Looking to take things one step further? Hunter Douglas’s PowerView® Automation system allows homeowners to schedule their blackout shades to open and close automatically. Whether you prefer waking up gradually or darkening the room for a midday nap, automated shades give you total control over light without lifting a finger.
From long summer days to noisy streets, there are plenty of reasons Spokane homeowners struggle with sleep. But blackout window coverings can change that.
There's no reason to lose sleep! At Spokane Blinds, we don’t just sell window treatments—we guide you through every step, from selection and measuring to professional installation. Want to see how blackout coverings could work in your space? Let’s talk.
This article was written by Alex Warr, Founder and Owner of Spokane Blinds. With a passion for design and decades of experience in home interiors, Alex and his team help Spokane homeowners find stylish, functional solutions tailored to their unique spaces.
