Q: I have a bedroom window problem. I need the bedroom to be really dark. No light! But I have 8 windows. I hate to over do any cloth coverings and don't know if shutters could work. What should I do? How much should I expect to pay for each option?
A: Hi Sally,  Wooden Shutters on their own will not give you the blackout effect that you need in the bedroom.

There are a few options in the blind family – Duette and Silhouette (Hunter Douglas products) both may have a blackout option.

If you like the idea of fabric, simple panels can be lined with blackout lining and drawn each evening for coverage.

You could also have roman shades made that have a blackout lining as well.

The main thing you should remember is that if you need true black out coverage, you cannot inside mount the roman shades or the blinds. They would have to be outside mounted and cover the trim of the window. Otherwise you will have an “outline” of sun greeting you each morning.

The cost for any of these options will be $300 to $800 per window.

Suzan and Jennifer