BLACK OUT FABRICS
Sometimes the absolute exclusion of all daylight is required. Black-out fabrics and special roller blind hardware have been developed to achieve just this.
Overview
Black out fabrics
Glare control
Black out fabrics guarantee maximum glare control. This level of glare control is hardly ever needed in normal office situations.
Thermal comfort
A black out fabric is designed to transmit no energy in the visible and near infrared range of the solar spectrum. However, this does not mean that no energy enters the space behind a black out fabric. Not having the right characteristics, both glass and black out blinds can become very hot when sun exposed. Radiating surfaces of around 50 °C are clearly better avoided. High reflectance at the outside is key to reduce temperatures.
EN 14501
The European norm EN 14501 distinguishes dim out and black out fabrics. With dim out fabric, no light is perceived at an illuminance level of 1000 lux. For a fabric to qualify as black out, no light can be perceived at an illuminance level of 100 000 lux.
Design & Inspiration
When choosing a black out fabric, texture and colour are normally the main decision factor. XL BO, Imagine BO and Kibo are our favourites. They all have white, reflective backings that will also keep you cool.