Dim-Out Blinds, London: Fully Framed Zip-Tension Light Control

Dim-out zip-tension blinds · London

Dim-out blinds are a system,
not just a fabric.

A dim-out zip-tension blind is a fully framed shading solution, designed to achieve the highest level of light control available from a blind system.

KOZA Projects specifies, makes to measure and installs dim-out blinds for homes and projects across London. By tensioning the fabric within side channels, the system significantly reduces light leakage around the perimeter, which makes it the preferred choice where effective blackout is required.

Family-run and established in 2005, we work with private clients, interior designers, architects and AV integrators. Fabric collections can be seen, and motorised systems seen working, in our Shoreditch showroom.

At a glance

Fully framedFabric tensioned in side channels

Dim-out, blackout or screenFabric options

Manual or motorisedIntegrates with wider control and AV systems

Homes and commercial spacesBedrooms to meeting rooms

The system

Dim-out zip-tension blind systems

Where a room has to be controlled, light leakage is the problem to solve. Tensioning the fabric within side channels is how a zip-tension system closes the gaps around the blind.

These systems are commonly specified for bedrooms, conference rooms, AV spaces and other environments where controlled lighting conditions are critical.

Where zip-tension systems are used

Bedrooms and nurseries
Home cinemas and AV rooms
Meeting and conference rooms where screens need to be seen clearly
Large glazing where a standard roller blind would flap or let light in at the edges

Dim-out zip-tension blind system made to measure by KOZA Projects, London

Performance and suitability

Dim-out blinds: performance, application and suitability

The framed construction and zip-guided fabric give stability and consistent operation over time.

Stable across larger spans

The framed construction and zip-guided fabric hold the blind steady across larger spans.

Repeatable performance

Operation stays consistent over time, which is why the system is chosen where reliability matters.

Residential and commercial

Suitable for homes and for commercial spaces where reliability, repeatable performance and visual containment are required.

Dim-out or blackout?

Dim-out or blackout: what is the difference?

Blackout describes a fabric that blocks light through the cloth. Dim-out describes the level of darkness in the room, which also depends on the gaps around the blind.

A zip-tension system with a blackout fabric gives the darkest result. Specification considers the opening, the fixing conditions and the surrounding architectural details, so the system performs as intended within its environment. Our measuring visit is where this is confirmed.

Light control, in order

A standard roller blind leaves a small light gap at each side
A cassette with side channels, recommended where fuller darkness is required
A zip-tension system with a blackout fabric gives the darkest result

Concealment and coordination

Concealment, integration and design coordination

When planned early in the design phase, dim-out zip-tension systems can be integrated with concealment solutions to minimise visual impact. Headboxes and side channels can be coordinated with ceiling details, recesses or bespoke enclosures for a clean, architectural finish.

Early coordination lets power, access and maintenance requirements be resolved without compromise. We work with architects and interior designers from the first drawings, and with electricians and AV integrators on power and control. See our page for architects and designers.

Worth planning early

Headbox and side-channel detail against the ceiling and recess
Power provision to the blind
Access and maintenance
Control and AV integration

Dim-out zip-tension blind coordinated with a ceiling recess, specified by KOZA Projects, London

Fabric and control

Fabric options, thermal performance and control

Alongside dim-out and blackout fabrics, zip-tension systems can be specified with screen fabrics where glare control, solar management and outward visibility are needed.

Fabric choice influences thermal performance by reducing heat gain or heat loss. Systems can be manually operated or motorised, and motorised options allow precise control and integration with wider control or AV systems. Most of our dim-out systems are motorised, and can be concealed in a ceiling pocket so that only the fabric is visible. See motorised and smart shading.

Fabric options

Dim-out fabrics
Blackout fabrics
Screen fabrics for glare, solar management and view

Darkness is decided
at the edges.

Light-control projects

Blackout and light-control projects in London homes

Motorised gable window blinds in Homerton, London

Homerton HouseA blackout solution for a gable window, planned with the architect and contractor so maintenance access was built in.

Osbeldeston Road, Stoke Newington, London: blackout Duette blinds and a handmade Roman blind by KOZA Projects

Osbeldeston RoadTop-down bottom-up blackout Duette blinds for a large L-shaped bay, and a handmade Roman blind on the smaller window.

Continue exploring

Made to measure roller blindsBlackout, dim-out, sheer and screen fabrics, manual or electric. Duette® honeycomb blindsBlackout and light-filtering, with insulation. Motorised and smart shadingMotors, power and control for blinds and curtains. Skylight and roof blind systemsTensioned blinds for rooflights and glazed roofs. For architects and interior designersWhen to involve us and what you receive.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What is a dim-out blind?

A dim-out blind uses a fabric that darkens the room while still allowing a soft glow of light through. Our dim-out system goes further by running the fabric in side channels with a zip edge, so there are no light gaps around the blind.

What is the difference between dim-out and blackout?

Blackout describes a fabric that blocks light through the cloth. Dim-out describes the level of darkness in the room, which also depends on the gaps around the blind. A zip-tension system with a blackout fabric gives the darkest result.

Where are zip-tension dim-out blinds used?

Bedrooms, nurseries, home cinemas and AV rooms, and meeting rooms where screens need to be seen clearly. They are also used on large glazing where a standard roller blind would flap or let light in at the edges.

Can dim-out blinds be motorised?

Yes. Most of our dim-out systems are motorised, controlled by remote, app or home automation system, and can be concealed in a ceiling pocket so only the fabric is visible. See our page on motorised and smart shading.

Can a dim-out system use a screen fabric?

Yes. Alongside dim-out and blackout fabrics, zip-tension systems can be specified with screen fabrics where glare control, solar management and outward visibility are required.

How do you measure for a dim-out blind?

We take all measurements ourselves as part of our Measurement and Consultation visit, so you do not need to measure anything. During the visit we look at each window with you, discuss fabrics, linings and how the blind will operate, check the fixing and any ceiling or recess details, and record the precise dimensions we make to. The visit covers London and the surrounding area.

Do I need a zip-tension system for a bedroom?

Not always. A zip-tension system gives the darkest result, but a blackout roller blind or a blackout Duette® blind is often enough for a bedroom. The right choice depends on how dark the room needs to be, and we advise window by window.

Talk to us about dim-out blinds

Visit our Shoreditch showroom, by appointment, to see fabric collections and motorised systems working, or tell us about your project.

Book a showroom visit Discuss your project