After a difficult day at work, waking up to the sensation of sunshine the next day may be highly unsettling. But there’s always a workaround! You should consider getting a set of blackout curtains if you no longer wish to awaken to the sensation of sunshine dancing on your tired eyelids.
What is Blackout Fabric?
The term “blackout” describes a foam-backed cloth that blocks out light. Hotels and residences frequently use these materials for curtains or drapery textiles. A beautiful fabric front and a blackout layer coated on the back make up blackout curtains.
Types of Blackout Curtains
Below are the four types of blackout curtains:
Blackout-lined Curtains
These are constructed with a thick polyester lining that stiffens the drapes and provides total darkness. If you shine a flashlight through one of these curtains and stand on the other side, you won’t see any light.
Foam-backed Curtains
Foam-backed drapes maintain the fabric’s gentle pleats, making for lovely drapes. However, this type of curtain does not provide total darkness.
Thermal-lined Curtains
This type of curtain is employed more in colder regions. A heat-trapping material, such as a flannel, is utilized in the thermal-lined lining to trap heat and maintain a comfortable temperature in the room throughout the colder months. However, these curtains cannot ensure total blackout.
Privacy-lined Curtains
These blackout curtains blend cotton and polyester weave to smoothen the drapes while blocking light. Although these curtains mostly block out the light, they do not ensure complete darkness.
Best Fabrics For Blackout Curtains
These are some of the best fabric types to use for blackout curtains:
1. Heavyweight Polyester
Heavyweight polyester is a thicker, more densely woven fabric than other polyester textiles. It is suitable for blackout curtains since they are thick, tightly woven, strong, and simple to clean.
Although curtains can be difficult to wash in the washing machine, heavyweight polyester curtains are quite simple to spot-clean or steam-clean. In addition, due to the fabric’s resistance to fading, sunshine wouldn’t cause the curtains to deteriorate much.
2. Heavy Microfiber
Due to its thickness and tighter weave than ordinary microfiber, heavy microfiber allows lesser light penetration. In addition, the weight of being hung for prolonged periods doesn’t harm heavy microfiber because it is sturdy and resilient. It also doesn’t retain as much dust as some textiles and is simple to steam clean.
3. Heavyweight Polyester/Cotton
You can choose to use a heavyweight polyester/cotton blend cloth. People use this cloth for blackout curtains without foam layers. However, this implies that it won’t be as soundproof and insulating, nor will it block as much light.
Heavyweight polyester/cotton’s strength, durability, wrinkle and fade resistance make it a viable blackout curtain fabric. Additionally, it is simpler to clean and iron.
4. Other Fabrics
The above-listed fabrics are some of the most commonly used types. However, manufacturers can make blackout curtains from any fabric. The most important recommendation is that the material is heavy enough to block light.
Factors To Consider When Buying Blackout Fabric Products
Here are some factors you may want to look into when buying a blackout fabric product like a curtain:
Fabric Type And Weight
To prevent light from passing through, make sure the cloth you purchase is a thick fabric. Although semi-transparent materials may provide some light shielding, they are short-lived. For more light shielding, pick a fabric that is denser than others.
Color
Most blackout curtains have dark tones; however, contemporary designs come in lighter hues and patterns. These curtains are effective for managing temperature and noise in addition to blocking light. You can create a stunning interior design and functional window treatment by picking the best blackout curtains for your space.
5 Benefits of Blackout Fabric
Many people use blackout fabrics for different reasons, but here are some of the benefits of adding a pair to your home:
1. Blocks Out Light
Blackout fabric curtains will give you a much better chance of uninterrupted sleep. This is particularly beneficial to those who are used to working nights and sleeping during the day. In addition, switching to blackout drapery reduces health risks by creating a realistic nighttime setting, no matter how bright the conditions outside are.
2. Reduces Noise Pollution
Most blackout curtains can also lessen the amount of outside noise that enters your room. This is because they frequently have linings at the rear and are manufactured from thicker, heavier materials.
The noise reduction is advantageous for individuals who work odd hours and frequently deal with outside noise. While blackouts won’t completely silence the noise, they will unquestionably contribute to its reduction.
3. Energy Saving
Blackout curtains decrease thermal loss, so you can spend less money heating and cooling your house. In addition, they assist in insulation not just in the winter but also in the summer by keeping the sun’s heat out of your rooms.
4. It gives You 100% Privacy
Blackout curtains are a barrier between the room and the outside world’s prying eyes with their dark, opaque-lined panels. These curtains, often woven from heavy materials, provide complete seclusion. They are ideal for restrooms and bedrooms where privacy is crucial.