Darkening curtains, such as blackout curtains, will keep the room as dark as possible no matter what time of day it is. A blackout curtain may result in a completely dark environment, disrupting a child’s circadian cycle, thus it’s worth looking into getting a room darkening curtain instead.
Curtains for Darkness: Types and Uses
The following are the two most popular styles of blackout curtains:
Large metallic holes in the curtains allow curtain rods to be threaded through grommet curtains. When using this design, make sure the rod is put high enough to cover the window so that the grommet hole does not hang over the edge and let light in.
It will be possible for the curtain rod to pass through the fabric of the curtain and therefore reduce the amount of light that enters your room. This design can be encountered most often in more formal situations.
To assist block out light and prevent light seepage into the room, blackout curtains with magnetic stripes or weighted bottom hems are also available.
The best blackout curtains should have certain features, so what should you look for?
Size
Even though 42 or 52-inch wide panels of blackout curtains are the most common, there are many several lengths to choose from. Depending on the size and form of the window and the curtain rod used, these panels are available in extra large and extra tiny lengths and widths.
If you want to maximize the amount of light that is blocked by your curtains, here are some things to bear in mind:
- On both edges of the curtain panel, measure 2 inches past the window frame.
- Take a measurement from the top of the curtain rod to the floor or the bottom of the window framing frame to establish the ideal curtain length.
- To ensure that no light gets through, the curtain rod should be placed as high as possible above the window.
- Curtain panels can be attached to the wall with wrap-around rods, which block even more light.
Installation
For the blackout curtains to work properly, a wraparound rod that extends a few inches beyond the window frame must be used. The process of hanging curtains will be much simpler if they come with all of the necessary hooks.
The choice of color and material is also crucial.
Contrary to popular belief, these drapes are not only available in black, but also in white. There are a variety of other fabric options available. Fabrics made of polyester and other synthetic materials are less expensive than those made of cotton or linen, but they nevertheless have a beautiful appearance in your home.
In contrast, synthetic materials may not endure as long as natural ones. This means that even though any material is good, be sure to pick one that fits your needs and preferences. Linens are a wonderful choice for making a space appear lighter, but velvet and other thicker textiles like them are great for absorbing sound and keeping warm.
Opacity
The quantity of light that can be let into the room, whether artificial or natural, determines the opacity of the curtains. The percentage of light that a curtain can obscure is characterized as its opacity, which is often indicated by the manufacturer.
It’s not necessarily true that a higher percentage equals a better outcome. Even though the curtains in bedrooms are designed to keep out nearly all light, even a small amount of light can help someone find their way around the room.
It’s important to consider the density, material, and color of a curtain when calculating its opacity because each one affects how well it blocks light. If you want to completely block out light, use black or dark-colored fabric.
You want to install blackout curtains at your home, but you don’t know how?. It’s very simple.
Installing blackout drapes and curtains is very similar to doing so with normal drapes and curtains. You must first measure the window frame’s width and length before you can install the curtains. Curtain rods can be used to measure the starting and ending points of your blackout curtains, ensuring that you have the right amount of fabric.
Measure and mark four inches above the top of the window where the brackets will be installed when placing them. Simply hang the curtain rod and the blackout curtains on the brackets, and you’re done!
It is necessary to reduce the quantity of light passing through the windows in order to obtain the best possible blackout. Additionally, you may get a curtain rod that goes around the entire room to make hanging your curtains easier.
FAQs on Blackout Curtains: What You Need to Know
The greatest color for blackout curtains, in your opinion.
The amount of light you want to conceal determines the best color for blackout curtains. Blackout curtains are available in dark colors like black or coated fabric curtains in whatever color you like.
How Effective Are Blackout Curtains at Blocking Out Lights?
Yes. Consumer Reports says that when it comes to sleeping, people prefer darker rooms, thus the finest blackout curtains should help block out light when correctly adjusted. Curtains that block out more light at night and less light during the day are called room darkening curtains, and their use depends on the situation.
What’s Wrong with Blackout Curtains, Exactly?
It’s possible that some chemicals were used to make the blackout curtains, and since VOCs are common in them, they’re toxic. When used correctly, however, a blackout curtain is unlikely to endanger your health.
For blackout curtains, what type of fabric works best and why?
Because of the triple weave technology used in the creation of the curtains, heavy microfiber is recognized as the best material for making blackout curtains. This material’s insulating characteristics allow it to block 90% of light while also helping to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. Polyester blackout curtains can also be used for this purpose because of their light-blocking properties.
