Block Out Blinds Ireland: IKEA, Side Tracks & No-Drill

If you’ve ever tried to get a good night’s sleep with street lights streaming through your bedroom window, you know the struggle. Block out blinds are designed to cut that light completely — and in Ireland, where daylight hours vary dramatically, they’re more than just a convenience.

Light-blocking claim: IKEA’s block-out coating prevents light from coming through ·
Child safety: Cordless roller blinds available for extra safety ·
No-drill option: IKEA SCHOTTIS attaches without drilling, works on smooth surfaces

Five key features from IKEA’s product lineup show how blackout blinds balance light control, safety, and ease of use.

What Are Block Out Blinds?

Definition and primary function of blackout blinds

Block out blinds are window coverings designed to block 95% to 100% of external light, depending on the fabric and fit. IKEA Ireland states that its blackout blinds use a block-out coating to prevent light from coming in through windows (IKEA Ireland – Window Blinds). They are commonly used in bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms, and by shift workers who need darkness during daytime hours.

Materials used in block out blinds

• Triple-woven polyester – dense weave that blocks most light
• Foam-backed fabric – adds weight and light-blocking layers
• Coated vinyl – fully opaque, but less breathable

IKEA’s SCHOTTIS model, for example, uses a pleated fabric design that blocks light from shining through and completely darkens a room (YouTube – SCHOTTIS Blackout pleated blind).

This highlights the trade-off between total blackout and breathability.

How Do Blackout Blinds Work?

The principle of light blocking: opacity and fit

Light is blocked through a dense fabric weave and multiple layers of coating. The tighter the weave, the less light passes through. IKEA’s blackout blinds use a block-out coating applied to the fabric (IKEA Ireland – Window Blinds). But fabric alone is not enough — the fit matters just as much. If light can squeeze in around the edges, total darkness is compromised.

Role of side tracks and recess fitting

Side tracks create a sealed channel that prevents light from entering around edges. While IKEA does not sell side-track systems in Ireland, many Irish suppliers offer them as an upgrade. Fitting the blind inside the window recess (rather than on the wall above) improves light-blocking performance by reducing edge gaps.

Getting the measurement right is non-negotiable for effective blackout.

Which Block Out Blinds Are Best for a Bedroom?

Comparison of roller, roman, and vertical blackout blinds

• Roller blinds – Most common; block light through dense fabric. IKEA’s roller blinds are available in both cordless and corded versions (IKEA Ireland – Roller Blinds).
• Pleated/cellular blinds – IKEA’s SCHOTTIS is a pleated blackout blind that completely darkens a room (YouTube – SCHOTTIS Blackout pleated blind). It also offers some insulation.
• Roman blinds – Less common for total blackout; light can leak through folds.

IKEA vs made-to-measure options for bedrooms

IKEA Ireland sells blackout blinds in standard sizes only, but some models can be cut to size. For a custom fit that guarantees total blackout, Irish suppliers such as Bloc Blinds and Blinds-2Go offer made-to-measure roller blinds with side tracks. For nursery rooms, IKEA’s cordless roller blinds are recommended for safety (IKEA Ireland – Roller Blinds).

The implication: for standard-size windows, IKEA can suffice; for odd sizes, custom is necessary.

Are Block Out Blinds with Side Tracks Better Than Standard Ones?

Light leakage comparison: side tracks vs standard

Side tracks reduce edge light leakage significantly. While IKEA does not offer side tracks, the difference is clear: a standard roller blind may allow 20–30% light leakage around edges, while a side-track system reduces that to near zero. Blinds-2Go product marketing describes side-track blinds as offering “blackout, noise-reducing, and energy-saving benefits”.

“Side-track blinds offer blackout, noise-reducing, and energy-saving benefits.”

— Blinds-2Go product description

Cost difference and installation complexity

Side track systems are more complex to install and typically cost 30–50% more than standard roller blinds. However, for bedrooms that require total darkness — for shift workers, babies, or film enthusiasts — the extra expense is often worth it. Standard roller blinds cost less but may still be sufficient if the blind is fitted precisely inside the recess.

The pattern: total darkness comes at a premium, but the extra investment pays off for those who need it.

Does IKEA Sell Block Out Blinds?

Listing of IKEA blackout blind models

• TREDANS – Blackout roller blind, cordless, available in several colours.
• FYRTUR – Smart blackout roller blind with remote control (battery-powered).
• KVARTRET – Blackout roller blind, cordless, easy to install.
• SCHOTTIS – Pleated blackout blind, attaches without drilling, can be cut to size.

All models are available at IKEA Ireland and online.

Price and size availability in Ireland

IKEA Ireland prices start at around €6 for basic blackout roller blinds (TREDANS). The SCHOTTIS pleated blind is priced around €15–20 per window. All IKEA blackout blinds come in standard widths (60 cm to 140 cm) and lengths (155 cm to 195 cm). Some models can be shortened using scissors or a saw (as demonstrated in the SCHOTTIS instructions).

The catch: standard sizes limit the fit for non-standard windows.

What Is the Price Range for Block Out Blinds in Ireland?

Budget options (IKEA, stick-on)

Stick-on blackout blinds cost between €5 and €20 per window. IKEA’s basic roller blinds start at €6, and the SCHOTTIS pleated blind is around €15–20. These are the most affordable choices for renters and budget-conscious buyers.

Mid-range made-to-measure

Made-to-measure blackout roller blinds from Irish suppliers like Blinds-2Go and Blinds Direct typically range from €20 to €60 per blind. This price includes a custom fit that reduces light leakage.

Premium custom options

Custom side-track blackout blinds can cost €50 to €120 per blind. Brands like Bloc Blinds and Hillarys offer in-home consultation and installation, ensuring a perfect seal and total darkness.

The pattern: as price increases, light blockage improves, especially for non-standard windows.

Specification comparison: IKEA blackout blind types

The following table highlights the key differences among IKEA’s blackout blind models.

The pattern: The more you want total darkness, the more you need a tight fit. IKEA’s roller and smart blinds depend on precise installation, while the SCHOTTIS gives renters a damage-free, glue-on option.

How to Install Stick-On Blackout Blinds

Stick-on (adhesive) blackout blinds like the IKEA SCHOTTIS are ideal for rental properties where drilling is not allowed. Based on the official setup instructions (YouTube – SCHOTTIS Blackout pleated blind), here is the step-by-step process:

1. Clean the surface – Wipe the window frame with isopropyl alcohol to ensure the adhesive sticks.
2. Measure and cut – Measure the width of the window opening and cut the blind to size using scissors. The SCHOTTIS can be easily cut.
3. Attach the brackets – Peel the backing from the adhesive strips and press the brackets onto the window frame. Hold firmly for at least 30 seconds.
4. Mount the blind – Click the blind into the brackets. The blind will hang vertically inside the frame.
5. Test the seal – Check for light gaps around the edges. If gaps appear, adjust the bracket placement or add extra adhesive strips.

Why this matters: Stick-on blinds are removable without damaging the frame, making them the go-to choice for tenants. The trade-off is that they work best on smooth, non-porous surfaces — rough timber or painted frames may reduce adhesion over time.

What Irish Users Say

“Our blackout blinds use a block-out coating to prevent light from coming in through windows. They are ideal for rooms where you want to keep lighting down to a minimum.”

— IKEA Ireland, product description (IKEA Ireland – Window Blinds)

“This blind blocks light from shining through and completely darkens a room. It is easy to attach to the window frame, no drilling is needed, and it can be easily cut to the desired size.”

— IKEA SCHOTTIS instructions (YouTube – SCHOTTIS Blackout pleated blind)

These quotes reflect the consensus: IKEA’s blackout solutions are effective but best when paired with proper installation.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

The decision comes down to your window size, budget, and whether you own or rent. IKEA’s standard-sized roller blinds are a quick, affordable fix for bedrooms with common dimensions. If you need total darkness — for a baby’s nursery or shift-worker’s room — side-track systems from Irish suppliers are the better investment. And if you’re renting and can’t drill, stick-on blinds like the IKEA SCHOTTIS offer a practical, removable solution that still delivers near-complete darkness. For renters in Ireland looking for a damage-free option, the choice is clear: stick-on blinds provide effective darkness without drilling, while standard roller blinds from IKEA offer a permanent upgrade for homeowners willing to drill.

Related reading: Spotlight Fountain Gate: Address, Hours, Products & More — explore another homewares retailer for window covering options. Also see Ray-Ban Glasses: Styles, Prices, and Where to Buy in Ireland for another Ireland-focused product guide.

While block out blinds are popular across Irish homes, you may also want to explore dedicated blackout blinds for Irish bedrooms which offer thicker fabrics for deeper darkness.

Frequently asked questions

These answers address the most common concerns for Irish buyers weighing the options.