Welcome to the dark side ! (Magic Blackout Blind review)

As I was born and brought up in England, I love waking up to the sun streaming in through the windows on a summer's morning, inviting me to get up and get outside and have some fun. As Madhouse Daddy was born and brought up in France, where all houses have shutters so people sleep in absolute darkness, he, on the other hand, always grumbles when we go on holiday because he wakes up too early and can't get to sleep because of the light coming in through the curtains. Well, this could well be the solution : the Magic Blackout Blind, a temporary window covering that’s guaranteed to completely block out all the light, even at a window’s edges. Although I tend to roll my eyes at Madhouse Daddy's grumbling, research has apparently shown that sleeping in total darkness ensures a good night’s sleep and is much healthier for people, whatever their age, so I guess I'll have to admit defeat on this one !

The Magic Blackout Blinds come as perforated sheets (so that they're easy to rip off) on a roll. Each roll comprises 10 x A1 sheets (60cm by 80cm), which can be overlapped to cover larger windows or cut to size for smaller ones. It’s quick and easy to use as the sheets cling using static, so no adhesive is needed and it leaves no nasty marks on windows. What’s more, each of the 10 sheets can be reused up to 100 times.

They really are easy to put in place and they can be peeled off and stuck back in place within seconds. I remember many times when the Madhouse kids were small and we wanted to put them down for a nap but didn't want to use the noisy rolling blinds in case it woke them up - this would be a great alternative.

They've been an absolute Godsend for blocking out the sun which always goes straight in my eyes when I'm watching the TV in the evening. As it sets, I can move the blind along so that it's always in exactly the right place without pulling the curtains to shut out all the light, which seems a shame.

The Magic Blackout Blind also works as an instant blackboard for children to chalk on, because it sticks to walls as well as windows. 

Pierre got busy personalising his blind before putting it on his window to keep the bedroom cool during the heatwave by blocking out some of the sunshine.

The Magic Blackout Blind has also got the thumbs up from gamers and home movie enthusiasts, as it allows them to create the perfect darkened environment. Owners of aquariums also love it, as a Magic Blackout Blind creates a background that makes the colour of fish really stand out.

star rating : 4.5/5

Available online at www.magicwhiteboard.co.uk, a single roll costs £30 or a twin pack costs £49.

Also available at Jo Jo Maman Bebe, Great Little Trading Company, NCT shop, Ryman Stationery, Argos and Amazon.

Disclosure : We received the product in order to write an honest review.