Does blackout curtains work?

Saving Energy

The gases that act as a thermal barrier between panes in double glazed windows leak out steadily over time, reducing their efficiency. A good set of blackout curtains can reduce thermal loss by as much as 25 percent, so they will pay for themselves very quickly, and save you money on your heating bills.

Keeping this in consideration, do blackout curtains really work?

Blackout curtains and shades will reduce the amount of heat which is transferred via your windows by as much as 24 percent, keeping the rooms where they're installed cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This will allow you to use your heating and cooling system more efficiently and save energy.

Additionally, can you see through blackout curtains at night? No. they are thick and dark enough that light does not come through. Also, they have no white backing like other thermal drapesthe thermal layer is inside the fabric, and therefore the beautiful color is visible from inside and outside!

People also ask, what is the difference between room darkening and blackout curtains?

The room darkening vs blackout curtains is a distinction that has a thin line separating both types of window treatments. However, while room darkening curtains allow a small amount of light to pass through, blackout curtains are so designed to create pitch black darkness when they are drawn shut.

Should you sleep with blackout curtains?

Blackout curtains give you more control over your sleeping environment. If you have to work at night and sleep during the day, blackout drapes will ease your mind and body into sleep mode. They help deliver the peaceful darkness and quiet you need for a more comfortable sleep.

24 Related Question Answers Found

Can you wash blackout curtains?

Blockout Curtains must be hand washed because the machines can easily ruin the layers. Gently squeeze and scrub the curtain fabric with your hands. Once the entire curtain has been washed, drain the bath and rinse the curtains with clean water.

What is the best material for blackout curtains?

The blackout curtain features two panels made of innovative triple-weave 240 GSM polyester fabric, which not only effectively blocks out light, but also functions as an energy-saving barrier, insulating against heat and cold to help keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

How do I get a total blackout in my bedroom?

It all starts with your window dressing.

Choosing the Right Blackout Blinds and Curtains.
Ordering Your Shades.
Ordering Your Curtains.
Installing Your Shades and Curtains.
Using Curtains With an Air Conditioner.
Tack the Curtains When Sleeping If Necessary.
Unplug and Cover Up Electronics.
Block Light From Other Rooms.

How do I block a light in my bedroom?

Tape aluminum foil over your windows.

Aluminum helps reflect the sunlight coming in through the windows, so it can reduce your utility bills as well as block light. Use painter's tape to secure the foil to avoid damaging your windows.

Why do blackout curtains smell?

In turn, when you open up your blackout curtain container and catch and you smell a waft of chemicals, your getting a whiff of VOCs. That same strong smell will subside over time but it could still linger in the fabric as long as the curtains are up.

How do I make blackout curtains?

Gather your material and lay it flat on the floor, right side facing down. Place the blackout lining inside the fabric, with the right side facing up. Fold the hems over the blackout lining, and pin in place around all of the corners and edges. Next, sew all the edges together to connect the lining to the curtain.

How do you hang blackout curtains?

How to Install Blackout Curtains

Rod Placement. Choose where to place your curtain rod.
Bracket Placement. Use a pencil and tape measure to mark where you will place the brackets.
Attach Brackets.
Hang Curtains.
Prepare Curtains.
Attach Drapery Hooks.
Prepare Panels.
Attach Magnetic Strips.

What should I look for when buying blackout curtains?

Use an inside mount for the most light-blocking capability. Blackout curtains are installed in the same way as standard curtains and drapes. To get the most out of the room-darkening qualities, measure a couple of inches beyond the window frame on all sides.

What is the purpose of blackout curtains?

The primary purpose of blackout curtains is to keep light from streaming into the home where it is not wanted, but they also can serve to help insulate the home by blocking direct sunlight. Blackout curtains shouldn't be ironed, bleached or placed in the washing machine because of their often synthetic linings.

How do I stop the lights from coming on top of my curtains?

This approach involved lining the sides and the top of your curtains with magnetic tape and then lining the sides and top of the window with the respective other pieces of magnetic tape. In turn, the edges of your curtain will “stick” to the perimeter of the window and will prevent any light from coming into your room.

How much are blackout curtains?

Typical costs: Blackout curtains cost $13-$2,500 per single panel. Costs vary by quality of construction, size, materials, and brand name. Blackout curtain panels come in a range of standard sizes, up to 84 inches long and 30 or more inches wide.

What material is used for blackout curtains?

Blackout refers to a foam-backed, opaque fabric used to black out light. Blackout fabrics are most commonly found in hotel rooms as curtain linings or drapery fabrics, blocking much of the light that would otherwise enter through a window when the curtains are closed.

Are blackout curtains toxic?

Just like other products made from synthetic fabrics, curtains contain toxic chemicals that can off-gas into the air. Blackout curtains are especially harmful. These chemicals just build up over time, making them more dangerous than even the better known volatile organic compounds or VOCs.

How wide should blackout curtains be?

If full length, they should puddle on the floor the hem depth and extend floor to ceiling. A window 40 inches wide and 36 inches long requires a blackout drape 76 inches wide and 72 inches long.

Do blackout curtains make you more tired?

Actually, there are several reasons why you might feel so tired, even after getting a solid amount of sleep. You may love sleeping in utter darkness, but your beloved blackout curtains could be the culprit of your tiredness. If no daylight can seep through your windows, your internal clock won't know day from night.

Do dark curtains block more light?

If you have light curtains, they wont block out much sunlight. And if you have dark curtains the room will be darker. (better for sleeping).

Are blackout blinds worth it?

Blackout Roller Blinds

It's worth investing in a good blackout roller blind for a bedroom as a better quality of sleep has been shown to help with your health. But we have good news for you – not only can we help stop the sun entering your home, but we can help you get a better sleep year round.