Choosing blackout blinds in Malta? Understand fabric versus room darkness, side gaps, mounting choices and what to ask at a bedroom measurement.
You lower a blackout blind and still see a bright line at the side. Has something gone wrong? Not necessarily. Blackout describes the fabric’s light-blocking property; the edges, mounting and rest of the window determine how dark the room feels.
Start with the result you need
Tell the fitter whether the room is for ordinary night-time privacy, daytime sleep, a nursery or a screen-based activity. Someone sleeping during daylight may notice gaps that are irrelevant in a living room. Explain where the light appears and what time it bothers you; a photograph helps describe the opening, but cannot measure darkness accurately.
The direction of the window, surrounding lighting and room finishes all affect what you see. Avoid choosing a system on the promise of ‘100% dark’ without an explanation of the complete installation. Ask what is being specified and what light leakage may remain.
Blackout fabric is one part of the system
An opaque fabric can block light through its own surface while light still travels around it. Roller brackets and the operating mechanism usually mean that fabric width is different from overall blind width. This is why the order dimensions and fabric coverage must be explained separately.
Our blackout options and fabric library are a starting point. Check the actual sample, its care instructions and the proposed mounting, rather than judging the result from the word ‘blackout’ alone.
Inside or outside the recess?
A recess fit can look neat and leave the wall clear, but the available space and operating clearances can leave visible edge gaps. A wall-mounted blind may allow more overlap around the opening, if the wall, handles and surrounding furniture permit it. Neither approach is automatically darkest for every window.
At measurement, ask the fitter to show where the fabric edge will sit. Check top, bottom and side coverage, as well as handles and inward-opening sections. Do not add a universal allowance to an online measurement: the manufacturer’s dimensions and your window decide the fit.
When a layered arrangement helps
A suitable curtain extending beyond the opening can help cover remaining edge light and soften the room. It also needs room to stack and must not obstruct the window’s use. If very low light is essential, ask whether a compatible cassette or side-channel system is available and appropriate; we are not claiming that every such system is in our catalogue.
The useful comparison is the whole arrangement: fabric, mounting, coverage, operation and care. A darker colour does not by itself turn a light-filtering fabric into blackout. Equally, an opaque pale fabric can block light through the material when it has the correct construction.
Check access and operation before ordering
Open the window and check handles, ventilation and the path of the blind. Ask for suitable child-safe operation and fitting instructions where children may use the room. Keep furniture from creating access to cords or chains. Confirm the actual product and installation with the supplier rather than relying on a general claim.
For a room used by paying guests, choose a system that is easy to understand and include its care instructions. Do not promise guests total darkness unless you have checked the installed room in the conditions that matter.
Get the window checked
Take a photo showing the full opening, not just the glass. Note the troublesome light and any curtains you want to keep. Book a free measurement across Malta and Gozo and ask us to compare realistic fitting options. We can then quote for the room you have, rather than an idealised window from a catalogue.
Read our general guide to choosing blinds for your home.
Sources and editorial note
Information checked on 19 October 2026. Confirm your product specification before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Why does light come around a blackout blind?
The fabric blocks light through its surface, while the brackets, mounting and clearances may leave routes around the edges.
Are zebra blinds the same as blackout blinds?
No. Zebra describes the layered banded construction. Check the fabric specification and complete fit before expecting bedroom darkness.
Is a recess fit always darker?
No. Overlap, clearances and the opening matter. Ask the fitter to compare coverage for your particular window.