What Are Custom Printed Blackout Shades?

Custom printed blackout shades are roller window treatments that combine 100% light-blocking capability with digitally printed imagery. The dense, opaque fabric prevents all visible light from entering a room while displaying any high-resolution image, pattern, or graphic on its surface.

At OrangePiel, blackout shades are our most popular product category, accounting for roughly 40% of all orders. The dense fabric holds print detail exceptionally well and produces the most saturated, vivid colors of any shade material.

How Blackout Printed Shades Differ from Standard Blackout Shades

Standard blackout roller shades come in solid white, cream, gray, or black. Custom printed blackout shades start with the same light-blocking performance but add unlimited design possibilities. The printed surface has a slightly matte finish that reads like a gallery canvas — ideal for displaying photography, artwork, or branded graphics.

Light-Blocking Performance

OrangePiel's blackout fabrics block 100% of visible light when properly installed. This matches or exceeds the performance of any standard blackout shade on the market. The printing process does not compromise the fabric's opacity.

Print Quality Advantage

Blackout fabric is actually the best substrate for digital printing. Its density prevents ink from passing through the weave (an issue with lighter fabrics), resulting in sharper details, deeper blacks, and more accurate color reproduction. OrangePiel prints blackout shades at 1200 DPI.

Best Applications for Printed Blackout Shades

Bedrooms

Total darkness for better sleep. Many clients choose calming imagery — night skies, abstract art, ocean scenes — that doubles as wall art when the shade is deployed.

Media Rooms and Home Theaters

Complete light control for optimal viewing. Printed shades can display movie-themed artwork or match the room's design theme while providing theater-quality darkness.

Conference Rooms

Eliminate screen glare during presentations while displaying company branding or sophisticated graphics. Multiple shades can coordinate across a room for a cohesive look.

Hotel Guest Rooms

Hospitality clients use printed blackout shades to ensure guest comfort while reinforcing the property's design identity. OrangePiel has installed printed blackout shades in boutique hotels and major hospitality brands.

TV Concealment

A motorized printed blackout shade mounted in front of a television displays artwork when the TV is off. Press a button and the shade rolls up to reveal the screen. This application has grown significantly as homeowners seek ways to integrate technology more elegantly into living spaces.

Fabric Options for Printed Blackout Shades

OrangePiel offers multiple blackout fabric options:

• Standard Blackout: Our most popular option. Dense polyester with excellent print quality and a smooth, matte finish.
• Textured Blackout: A linen-like surface texture that adds dimension to the printed image. Preferred for residential settings where a softer look is desired.
• Fire-Rated Blackout: Meets ASTM E84 Class A flame spread requirements for commercial installations where fire code compliance is mandatory.

Motorization for Blackout Shades

Due to the heavier weight of blackout fabric (especially in large sizes), we recommend motorized systems for shades wider than 8 feet. Motorization ensures smooth, consistent operation and eliminates the effort of manually raising a heavy shade.

OrangePiel integrates with all major motorization brands: Lutron, Somfy, Crestron, and Control4. Shades can be programmed for automatic deployment based on time of day, light sensors, or room occupancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do printed blackout shades block 100% of light?

Yes. OrangePiel's blackout fabrics block 100% of visible light when properly installed with appropriate side channels or an inside-mount configuration that minimizes light gaps at the edges.

Does the printing affect the blackout performance?

No. The digital printing process applies ink to the surface of the fabric without compromising its opacity or light-blocking structure.

Can I get a printed blackout shade with motorization?

Yes. Motorized blackout shades are one of our most requested configurations, especially for bedrooms, media rooms, and TV concealment applications.

What images work best on blackout fabric?

Blackout fabric produces the best results with all types of imagery. Its density supports vivid colors, deep blacks, fine detail, and high contrast. Photographic images, detailed artwork, and graphic designs all reproduce excellently.

Are printed blackout shades suitable for commercial spaces?

Yes. OrangePiel offers fire-rated blackout fabrics that meet commercial building code requirements (ASTM E84 Class A). We regularly install in offices, hotels, hospitals, and retail environments.