When shopping for new blinds, one detail that often gets overlooked is the light gap — the space between the fabric and your window frame. If your blind is installed inside the frame, keeping this gap as small as possible is key. Smaller gaps mean better privacy, improved insulation, and fewer UV rays sneaking into your space.

And here’s the thing: not all blinds are created equal.

At Urban Curtains + Blinds we have selected industry-leading components that allow for small light gaps.

So just how small are we talking?

Chain-driven blinds:
Approximately 15mm on the chain side and 14mm on the idle end.
Wire-free motorised blinds:
Even better — around 13mm on the motor side and 14mm on the idle end.
Linked blind systems (ideal for wider windows):
Multiple blinds can be mounted within the same window using a joiner bracket. This allows blinds to be operated individually or together, while keeping the light gap to just 17mm.

Best of all, you don’t need to worry about these measurements. Simply provide the wood-to-wood dimensions of your window frame and we’ll take care of the deductions for you.

If you’re looking to reduce light even further, an outside-fit, back-rolled blind is your best option. While a small gap will still exist between the fabric and the wall or window frame, pairing an outside fit with fabric from our Vibe or Focus Blockout range will block out the vast majority of light. A back roll also allows the fabric to sit closer to the wall or frame than a front roll, helping to minimise light bleed.

You’ll achieve similar performance with our thermal fabric options; however, the backing isn’t always the same colour as the front. For this reason, when aesthetics are a priority, thermal blinds are best installed as a front roll.

When it comes to choosing new blinds, light gaps matter — and in this case, smaller really is better.

What Are Light Gaps — and Why Should You Care?