Blackout Curtains

What Are Blackout Curtains 

Most curtains are sheer or semi-opaque to let some light through. However, sometimes those are just not enough. Blackout curtains are convenient support that provides precisely the opposite effect whenever needed. 

Blackout curtains promote a peaceful ambience and relaxing mood, not to mention an ideal atmosphere for sleeping. Moreover, blackout curtains allow convenient use of a home theatre during the day. Working late shifts, having a baby, or living in a noisy neighbourhood all become easier with a good pair of blackout curtains. 

Fabrics for Blackout Curtains 

One of the two key functions of blackout window curtains is blocking the external light. The other is keeping sunlight and heat at bay during the summer months. 

Apart from functionality, thick, luscious drapes have an important decorative role and can elevate any home decor style. 

Wool Blackout Curtains 

Wool is an ideal fabric for a colder climate. It's strong, heavy, sumptuous in appeal, and easy to produce and install. Wool blackout curtains are more wrinkle-resistant than others due to the fibres' naturally high water content. This fabric is also great for special kinds of thermal curtains. 

Velvet Blackout Curtains 

Velvet is thick, heavy, and luxurious. It drapes well and elevates the room style while keeping both lights and sun rays away. At the same time, this is one of the heaviest curtain fabrics around and requires sturdy hanging with accessories that can hold a substantial weight.

Brocade and Damask Blackout Curtains 

These exquisitely decorative fabrics are typically made of silk or cotton fibres. Brocade is distinguished by rich hues and patterns, while damask can often be found in two tones of the same colour. Both drape well but need lining to preserve the style and shape.

Blackout Curtain Fabric Blends

Blends of different fabrics combine their best qualities to deliver the item with advanced features. Polyesters mixed with linen and cotton make convenient, easy-to-maintain solutions; however, those are best to use far from direct heat sources.

Blackout Curtain Liners

Filtering liners can be attached to the existing curtains to promote them into a sort of blackout models. The liner's length and width must be perfectly matched with the curtain; otherwise, the result will not be satisfying, and the feature might appear weird.

Blackout Curtain Headings

Curtain headings affect both the function and the style and of blackout curtains. In general, the most advised heading styles for effective light reduction are pinch pleat and pencil pleat. Both of those allow minimal leak through edges, while most other types feature larger openings, letting more light leak through. 

However, blackout eyelet curtains are highly sought after due to their casual, modern appeal and convenient handling. These can do a good job of keeping the light away, but it's best to hang them high. 

How To Hang Blackout Curtains

Hanging blackout curtains is no different from hanging up standard curtains. The perfect place for a curtain rod is at least 10cm over the top of the window in order to prevent the light from peeking through. For the same reason, the rod or a curtain rail & track should always be noticeably wider than the window to allow the curtain to cover the sides. 

The curtain brackets must be well-levelled, and sturdy enough to hold the substantial weight of the fabric. 

Rules of thumb for hanging a blackout curtain:

• The higher and wider the rod is mounted, the larger the room appears. 
• The lighter the fabric, the larger and more open the space feels. 
• Blackout curtains should be hung high.
• The length should either touch the floor or puddle. The floating style rarely looks good on this kind of material. When in doubt, it's better to order a longer option. 
• The blackout curtain's width, whether single or as a set of panels, should be at least twice the window width. Two panels should close and overlap in a way that prevents any light from leaking through. 

Pairing Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains can be hung alone. However, that also means total exposure to sunlight when open and darkness when closed. A mid-solution lies in the layering of sheer and blackout curtains, or a combination with blinds. 

For bonus style points, contrasting colours or pairing solids with patterns is always a good idea. 

Unless the sheer curtain is the top layer, it will only be visible when the blackout curtain is open. This setting allows for versatile decor options, from shaping with tiebacks/holdbacks to mixing and matching textures and patterns.

Readymade VS Custom Blackout Curtains

Custom blackout curtains allow a virtually endless choice of designs and styles. While some of those models boast unbeatable luxurious flair, it comes with a price tag to match. Readymade curtains are an easy and economical choice, widely available in a broad range of designs. Most of these materials do a pretty good job of filtering light; however, it's advised to check their blackout levels thoroughly before buying. 

Kids Blackout Curtains

Kids blackout curtains come especially handy in nurseries and children bedrooms to provide undisturbed nap time. Unlike standard models, kids blackout curtains can be shorter for convenience, with lighter colours for a more friendly atmosphere. Gray or white blackout curtains are also a good option for kids rooms. 

If you need assistance to select the best blackout curtains for your place, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.