Guide to Blockout Curtains
Are you thinking about choosing blockout curtains for your home but aren’t sure if they’re the right choice? There are many benefits to choosing blockout curtains, so we’ve put them altogether, plus answered a few FAQs to help you make the right decision for your home!
What are blockout curtains?
Blockout curtains (also referred to as blackout curtains) are a type of thick curtain designed to create darkness in your room. These curtains are made from fabric, which is opaque in nature, and therefore not see through!
The benefits of blockout curtains
Plenty of privacy
If you have any rooms which face the street, blockout curtains are a great way to add privacy!
Can be patterned or plain
Depending on your tastes, you can choose whether you'd like to have solid colour curtains, or patterned ones for something more fun.
Excellent light control
As their name suggests, blackout curtains do a great job of creating blackout in your room. The fabric is very thick, obscuring the passing through of any light.
Good for having a dark room at any time of the day or night
Blockout curtains are a great option if you need total blackout of light during the day. This is beneficial for anyone who's a shift worker, or even good for helping kids stay down for their nap!
Can be paired with other window coverings
Blackout curtains can be paired with other window coverings, and in some circumstances, having another curtain or blind is very beneficial.
Without another window covering, when your blockout curtains are open to let in light, you won't have any privacy, and anyone can see straight into your house.
Window coverings such as Venetian blinds or shutters are great options for pairing with blockout curtains as they are made with horizontal slats, so you can let in plenty of light, while maintaining your privacy. Then, when you need total blockout, simply close the slats and pull across your curtains, and you'll have a completely darkened room.
Frequently asked questions about blockout curtains
Are there different types of blackout curtains?
In terms of the fabric, there is only one type of blackout curtain, however there are more types if you consider the way they hang (for examples, pleated blockout curtains or eyelet blockout curtains), then there are a few different types. The way you hang curtains mainly depends on the look you want to achieve.
Can you put blockout curtains behind sheers?
There's no right or wrong way to style your window coverings, and blockout and sheer curtains are a popular combination.
However, blind options with slats tend to give you more control over incoming light as you can control the angle of the slats. However, sheer curtains are still a good option to help you reduce the amount of light and add some more privacy to your space.
Are blockout curtains good for a nursery?
Blockout curtains are a great window covering option for a nursery. Their thick fabric restricts all incoming light, creating darkness at any time of the day or night.
When you do want to let in the light, you might need to consider having another window covering paired with the blockout curtains, so you maintain privacy in your child's room, and still control the amount of incoming light.
Will blockout curtains reduce noise?
Unfortunately, there are no window coverings that will block noise completely, but the thicker the materials are, the more chance of the noise impact being reduced.
The best way to drastically decrease the amount of noise outside is to install double glazed windows and pair them with blockout curtains.
Double glazed windows are great for noise control as they have two panes of glass, and a vacuum seal in-between.
How to wash blackout curtains
The simplest way to avoid damaging the fabric of your blockout curtains is by handwashing them. Simply unhook or slide them off the track and place them in your laundry sink. With a cloth and very minimal laundry detergent, wipe over any areas that need cleaning. Make sure to wring out all excess water and then hang them on the line to dry.
Please always follow the washing and cleaning instructions which come with your curtains.
Finding the right curtains for your space
There's a lot to consider when choosing the right curtain style, colour, and fabric for your room. To get you started, there are a few things you need to think about when matching curtains to your room, so we've created a guide. Head to our website to check it out!
Interested in ordering blockout curtains for your home? To arrange a free measure and quote with a highly-trained consultant in your own home, give us a call on 13 13 15 or fill out this simple online form. We provide this service to a wide range of locations around the metro and select regional areas, 6 days a week between 8am and 6pm.
The majority of our blinds, curtains and awnings are made in Australia and are sold for the lowest price in the market, guaranteed. Just bring in a quote on any competitor's comparable item and we'll beat it by 5%.