Blackout curtains are the most effective and affordable way to insulate your home, making it warm and cozy.
Imagine you are looking outside the frosty window. You can feel the cold winds hitting the window panels. You pull a heavy lined curtain across the pane. It feels like closing a tiny, heat-saving door. Apart from darkening the room so you sleep better, modern blackout designs trap warmth and reduce heating bills. Additionally, you can cancel the outside noise, turning noisy spaces into calm, cozy vibes.
In this guide, you will learn the functions of blackout curtains and some of the material choices that can elevate your room’s look while maintaining temperature and privacy.
What Are Blackout Curtains?
These curtains are known for their exceptional light-blocking capabilities. They are designed with a thick and opaque fabric that blocks external light sources from entering your space. Apart from light control, additional benefits include noise reduction and enhancing privacy. They create a tranquil environment conducive to better sleep and relaxation.
Functions Of Blackout Curtains
When it comes to jotting down the functions of these curtains, there are four ways you can fulfill your needs through these curtains.
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Blockage Of Lightning
Some of the brands designing blackout curtains claim that their curtains can block up to 99% of the light. This is beneficial for those who work in night shift. They need proper sleep during the day for better health.
Blackout curtains help with creating an ambiance of night and help reduce health problems. Additionally, people who live in areas where the sun is out for most of the time don’t need to wait for the darkness to sleep. You can even use these curtains to create complete darkness for your home theater system.
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Noise Cancellation Or Noise Blockage
There are some companies that claim the material used in designing these curtains helps to block 40% of the noise. This factor can be handy in situations when you are working from home. Attending meetings or conducting meetings need zero background noise for better delivering the information.
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A Source Of Energy Saving
Apart from all these features, these curtains are an arounder. They trap in heat during the winters and keep light and heat out during the summer. According to Thermal Performance Evaluation of Window Shutters for Residential Buildings: A Case Study of Abu Dhabi, UAE states that window shadings, especially blackout curtains affect heat gain and energy performance. This means these curtains can reduce your utility bills and greenhouse gases.
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Higher Privacy
From blocking light and noise, and saving energy, blackout curtains provide an additional layer of privacy. This is one of the reasons they are often found in bedrooms and nurseries, and especially in areas where privacy is most important element.
Choosing The Right Material When Designing Blackout Curtains
There are different options of fabrics and designs in blackout curtains. Each of them have its advantage and considerations. Let’s find out some of the best materials for these curtains that are available in the market.
Thermal Insulated Fabric
One of the most commonly used ones, as this material is designed precisely for temperature control. It does not allow outside heat or cold to enter the room. It is all thanks to this thermal insulation, temperature remains maintained throughout the year. This is one of the reasons these curtains suit all around the year.
Microfiber
Microfiber is a manmade material that has impeccable softness and high wearability. The microfiber used in blackout curtains has a plush feel that blocks out all light. It is a great choice for those who appreciate both form and function.
Linen
Linen is always loved for its simplicity and beauty. It goes well with blackout lining to make chic and useful curtains. While linen looks nice, the blackout lining stops light well. This makes it a good and pretty option for controlling light in any room or area.
Polyester
As polyester blackout curtains are widely used and available, they are economical. This is one of the reasons they are popular and always the first choice of users. When it comes to cleaning and maintaining them, it is easy, making it ideal for rushed households.
Velvet
Those who love and want to add a luxurious feel to their room while maintaining privacy and blocking sound and light, velvet fabric is one solution to all your needs. They give the room a touch of class and are also excellent at blocking light. They are especially designed for formal areas such as the living room or dining hall.
Cotton
If you want light rays to enter your room with high privacy and noise cancellation going side by side, then cotton blackout curtains are the best. They provide a natural and comfortable choice for light control. Still, with maintaining light, you can have a high level of darkness with better air circulation.
Conclusion
Blackout curtains are simple and stylish in their way. Installing them, you can make your room warmer and quieter. You get the option to maintain high privacy without a major renovation. Add a well-fitted linen curtain across the window to trap in winter warmth and keep summer heat out. The right choice of fabric is essential. Choose a thermal or insulated lining for maximum heat control and microfiber or velvet for softness and noise reduction. Linen and cotton are best for allowing minimal light to enter, and polyester for ease of care. Measure and install the right one so all your needs are fulfilled.
And at any spot, if you think you need an expert for choosing fabric and better installation, Aura Curtains can be your first choice—why? We take care of all your needs and custom-design solutions that perfectly complement your room.
FAQs
Which fabric is best for blackout curtains?
If you want to minimize noise, microfiber or velvet is the best. For insulation, you can choose thermal fabric.
Which rooms are best for blackout curtains?
You can install them in your bedrooms or nurseries to block light. Installing them in home theaters and home offices, they will block noise.
How can blackout curtains eliminate outside noise?
They don’t remove all the noise, but thick blackout fabrics can reduce outside sound by up to about 40%.
Do blackout curtains help in saving energy?
During winters, you blackout curtains trap in heat. When it is summer, they block heat from entering. This results in reducing the use of heating and cooling instruments.
Is the installation of blackout curtains a difficult task? Do I need to hire an expert?
No need, but an expert will install the curtains professionally. This installation brings a cleaner and more polished look.
