The ultimate darkening experience: Stephanie's UBlockout shades review

Welcome to our latest guest blog feature, we're excited to share Stephanie's story (@homewiththedaniels) and her experience installing UBlockout shades.

After 9 long months, turning my son’s room from a nursery to a big boy’s room, the only thing missing for him to do is finally sleep in his room with blackout shades.

We originally had regular blinds in his nursery (we purchased the cheapest one we found when we first moved into the house in 2016) and we added blackout curtains to attempt to block out the light. Although the curtains dimmed the light, they couldn’t entirely block out the brightness that filtered through the top and sides of the window.

Finally, this year I found the perfect 100% blackout shades from UBlockout, so I was so excited that they sent us shades to try. Unlike many other blackout blinds I tried in the past, this is the very first one I have tried that blocks out the light 100%, no light filters through at all.

How UBlockout Works

UBlockout works differently from most blackout shades. It doesn’t just have a roll out fabric, it also has an aluminum frame to make sure that 100% of the light is blocked out.

Because each shade is custom made to fit your window, when you order, you’ll need to provide your window measurements for a perfect fit. The UBlockout website has super detailed instructions with videos to nail down those measurements before customizing your shades.  

Below you can see a diagram I made of my window and how I measured it.

Ways You Can Customize Your Blackout Shades

• Frame Color and Fabric Options: You have the choice of frame colors like black or white and also fabric colors such as Winter White, Ivory Cream, Silver Grey, or Slate Charcoal.
• Installation Choices: Position the frame inside or outside your window frame
• Motorization Upgrade: You have the choice between manual shades or upgrading to the motorized option which come with a remote to control the shades.
• SmartHub Upgrade: You can choose to add a SmartHub so you can operate your motorized shades by voice command or your mobile

You can always upgrade to the motorize option or adding a SmartHub in the future. I chose a black frame with winter white fabric, installed inside the window frame, and selected the motorized option.

SmartHub Integration: Voice-Control Convenience

I haven’t utilized the SmartHub feature yet, because I don’t have a smart home assistant device but I plan on getting one in the near future. The SmartHub is compatible with smart home systems like Alexa and Google Home, enabling voice-controlled operation through your smartphone. It also allows you to schedule your shades to open or close at specific times.

Why I Love My UBlockout Shades:

• Customization option: The option to choose different colors for your shade and that they are custom made to fit your window perfectly.
• Ease of Installation: The customized videos provided with the order made installation a breeze, detailing each step.
• 100% Light Blocking: These shades truly deliver complete blackout, leaving no room for any light to filter through.
• Motorized Convenience: The motorized option, accompanied by a remote, can control up to 15 shades with ease.
• Childproof Design: The absence of exposed cords ensures safety, a vital aspect for any household with kids.

What's Included:

• Frame & fabric
• Remote with batteries (for motorized option)
• Smarthub (optional addition)
• Charger
• QR code for video instructions

Tools Required for Installation:

• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Level
• An extra pair of hands for assistance

Creating a space you love contributes significantly to your mental health.

These shades aren’t just about blocking light for better sleep quality; they also have the power to transform the entire look of your room.

Having these 100% blackout shades from UBlockout in Aiden’s room has been a game changer, he no longer wakes up cranky in the mornings because he is actually getting a good night’s sleep.

We also received for our master bedroom which we will be installing soon!