Year-round comfort with blockout curtains
- Marian Ferguson
- Consultant
In short
Blockout (or blackout) curtains use thicker linings to block almost all light and reduce noise, giving comfort all year. They deliver better sleep and more privacy, keep rooms cool in summer when closed during the day, and trap warm air to cut drafts in winter. Velvet suits bedrooms and living spaces for warmth and richness; acrylic is lighter, insulates well and resists mould. On a budget, start with the kids' rooms.
Ever wondered what all the fuss is about with blockout curtains? If you are after uninterrupted sleep, more privacy or better temperature control, they add a real touch of comfort, letting you disconnect from the world and wake up refreshed on your own time. Here is a closer look at the benefits you can enjoy all year round.
Table of contents
What are blockout curtains?
Blockout curtains (also known as blackout curtains) are the ultimate fusion of fashion and function. They are designed to block natural light and UV rays, an ideal solution for darkening a bedroom or creating ambiance in media rooms and nooks. Made from thicker linings and materials than regular curtains, they have exceptional light-blocking and sound-reducing properties. You can order them pre-lined, or add a blockout lining to most fabrics to customise the look to suit your aesthetic.
Benefits of blockout curtains
Block out unwanted light
As the name suggests, blockout curtains keep light out, from daylight rays to streetlight glare, blocking almost 100% of it. That means a better sleep day or night, perfect for light sleepers and shift workers, and more privacy, so you can relax knowing nobody can see in.
Deflect the sun's heat
In summer, pull your curtains closed when you leave to keep rooms cool through the day, then come home to ambient temperatures and tranquillity.
Trap in warm air
Just as they block heat in summer, blockout curtains help regulate temperatures in winter by trapping warm air and minimising window drafts. On a budget? Prioritise blockout curtains in the kids' rooms for a better night's sleep for everyone.
Best fabrics for blockout curtains
Velvet
Made of natural or synthetic fibres, velvet is the pick for glamour and richness. It is thick and heavy, which makes it great in bedrooms and living spaces where you want to block cold air and light and reduce noise.
Acrylic
With a texture similar to wool, acrylic is lightweight, drapes beautifully and provides great insulation. It attracts and disperses moisture effortlessly, and is hypoallergenic and resistant to mould and mildew.
If you would like help choosing the right fabrics or styles for your blockout curtains, request a free in-home consultation, because that is the best place to get the right advice on curtains and blinds.
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Guides
Choosing the right curtains for your home
Not sure which curtains will suit your home? Find out everything you need to know with this free guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are blockout curtains?
Blockout curtains (also called blackout curtains) are designed to block natural light and UV rays, ideal for darkening a bedroom or setting the mood in a media room. They use thicker linings and materials than regular curtains, which gives them excellent light-blocking and sound-reducing properties. You can buy them pre-lined or add a blockout lining to most fabrics.
Do blockout curtains help in both summer and winter?
Yes, that is their year-round appeal. In summer, closing them while you are out keeps rooms cool through the day. In winter, they help regulate temperature by trapping warm air and minimising window drafts, so they work for you in both seasons.
Are blockout curtains good for sleep?
Very. They block almost 100% of light, from daylight to streetlight glare, which makes them a great choice for light sleepers and shift workers, and they add privacy so nobody can see in. On a budget, prioritise blockout curtains in the kids' rooms for a better night's sleep for everyone.
What is the best fabric for blockout curtains?
Velvet is thick and heavy for glamour, warmth and noise reduction, ideal in bedrooms and living spaces. Acrylic is lighter, drapes beautifully and insulates well; it handles moisture, is hypoallergenic and resists mould and mildew. The right choice depends on the look and feel you are after.
Expert advice at home
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