Curious About Blackouts? Experts Reveal the Truth for Renters

Installing blackout curtains in your apartment can transform any space into a private oasis. As renters ourselves, we understand the desire for upgrades that make a unit homier. But questions may arise on the functionality, legality, and installation of blackouts in a rental.

Read on as we lift the curtain on everything potential renters need to know before committing to blackouts.

What Are Blackout Curtains?

Blackout curtains refer to opaque window treatments designed to block outside light from entering a room. Unlike regular drapes that merely filter sunlight, black out curtains for apartment aim to create complete darkness.

They achieve this through thick, tightly-woven fabrics or plastic backings that prevent light transmission. Level of opacity varies based on number of layers, density of materials, and manufacturing quality.

Difference From Standard Curtains

• Multiple layered construction
• Heavier, light-blocking fabrics
• Elements such as foam or rubber backing
• Side channels, velcro strips, or weighted hems for complete enclosure
• Thermal insulation for temperature control

With standard curtains, edges often gap so light sneaks past. Blackout curtains solve this through better enclosure and opacity.

Benefits of Using Blackout Curtains in Apartments

Why install specially engineered curtains instead of regular drapes or blinds? For renters, blackouts offer unique advantages.

Regulate Sleep Cycles

Blackouts prevent excess morning light from prematurely ending sleep. They also provide darkness for winding down in the evening despite lingering summer sun or bright city lights. This regulation promotes healthy circadian rhythms for proper rest.

Insulate for Temperature

Well-insulated blackouts add thermal performance missing from basic curtains. They limit heat transfer through windows to save energy and stabilize indoor comfort.

In winter, blackout curtains contain heated air inside. This prevents drafts from single-pane windows making apartments feel colder. Added insulation also reduces run time for costly heating systems.

During summer, they keep apartments cooler by blocking intense sunlight that heats up interiors. Less radiant heat cuts air conditioner usage for lower electric bills.

Reduce Noise

Sound waves can easily travel through glass to disrupt sleep and concentration. Blackout curtains help muffle outside noise like traffic, construction, or noisy neighbors.

Dense materials lessen transmission of vibrations through windows. Curtains also dissipate and absorb echoes for a calmer indoor environment.

Consider Energy Efficiency

Standard windows offer little insulation against temperature and weather. Blackouts reinforce weak spots to prevent energy loss and keep interiors comfortable.

Heavyweight fabrics layered together have inherent thermal insulation properties. For example, tightly woven blackout polyester with foam backing traps still air pockets that resist heat flow.

Materials

Opt for thick, quilted fabrics marketed for insulation and light blocking to maximize energy savings.

• Polyester retains heat and makes an affordable blackout option.
• Better insulating curtains may have polyethylene foam or aluminum sandwiched between fabric.
• For eco-friendly renters, organic linen and cotton offer green alternatives.

Pro Tip: Install ceiling-height curtains and utilize side channels for the best enclosure possible around windows.

Evaluate Indoor Air Quality

When selecting window treatments, consider how the choice impacts indoor air purity. This determines healthiness of living spaces.

Unlike dust-catching drapes, quality blackout curtains have smooth, cleanable surfaces. They resist collecting particulate matter that triggers allergies or asthma symptoms.

Promote Air Circulation

Blackouts can be drawn back to uncover windows for fresh air flow. Open windows also allow curtains to billow for better circulation.

Consider unlined blackout curtains. Unlike drapes with additional insulating lining, unlined allows some natural ventilation while still providing ample darkness.

Bottom Line: Balance blocking light and exterior noise with airflow for ventilation and humidity control.

Assess Home Security

Blackout curtains provide privacy as a basic function. But they offer added security benefits in apartments.

Completely covering windows keeps valuables out of sight from outside. Light blocking makes apartments appear unoccupied even when residents are home. This deters targeted theft by criminals scoping for signs of vacancy.

Warning: Check local fire codes on window curtain use. Completely opaque curtains could limit emergency exit visibility.

Explore Styles, Colors and Patterns

Functionality rightfully drives blackout selection for renters. But style plays a role in complementing living spaces.

Coordinate With Decor

Whether dressing up a first apartment or upgrading a long-term rental, use blackouts to pull together a cohesive aesthetic. Consider existing furniture and wall colors when selecting materials and tints.

In small rooms, stick to light colored curtains which simulate brightness. For studio layouts, define spaces like sleeping areas with colorful patterned partitions.

Design Blacks to Manage Acoustics

Sound waves can reflect off hard surfaces causing disruptive reverberation. Soft textures naturally dampen noise problems.

Look for molded plastic or velvet blackout curtains. Deep quilting also helps absorb problematic echoes for a peaceful atmosphere.

Compare Top Rated Brands and Models

All blackout curtains aim to solve light leakage, but quality and price points differ. We compared best sellers focusing on attributes renters value most.

Best Blackouts for Noise Control

Nicetown Thermal Insulated curtains combine dense polyester and foam backing. The material configuration effectively buffers outside noise for serene spaces.

Utopia Bedding offers a budget-friendly polyester blackout and noise solution. While not as luxurious as others tested, the value quality ratio impresses at under $20.

Highly Effective Thermal Blackouts

For the best mix of opacity, insulation and durability, we recommend Warm Homme's Eclipse curtains. Their innovative TechLite fabric guarantees total blackout for years even after continual laundering.

For a more economical option providing similar effectiveness, consider Utopia's thermal insulated curtains or BEAUTEX linen blackouts.

Luxury Custom Blackouts

Tired of saggy standard sizes never fully fitting? Go bespoke with custom blackout drapes tailored specifically for your unique windows.

Explore semi-opaque alternatives like Shades of Light's solar screen shades for a diffused lighting effect.

Or opt for rich, luxurious blackout drapery from Mediterranean Villa. Their floor-to-ceiling masterpieces guarantee the polished look of 5-star suites.

Budget-Friendly Under $30

Renters often lack big decorating budgets for upgrades like curtains. We found Amazon Basics blackouts offer satisfying dimming starting under $20! For the price, just don't expect much insulation or high end details.

Using Blackouts Effectively in Studio Apartments

Open concept studio layouts provide little privacy. Strategically divide and define spaces utilizing floor-to-ceiling blackout curtains. Use ceiling tracks to maximize coverage and flexibility.

Creating Defined Spaces

Zone off specific functional areas with tailored partitions. Curtain off the bed nook for sleeping. Cordon off a makeshift home office or reading corner. Adding boundaries establishes a multi-room feel.

Hanging From Ceiling to Maximize Coverage

Very tall curtains that puddle onto floors envelop spaces when drawn. Opt for twice the window height and ripple fold excess fabric attractively.

Telescoping ceiling rods allow height adjustments for positioning curtains right where needed. Perfect solution for awkward niches or oddly placed windows.

Covering Oddly Positioned Windows

Faulty floorplanning occasionally places windows above beds or directly across from bathroom sinks. We offer creative solutions for these awkward situations.

Cover problem windows with privacy film or a decorative cling first. Then overlay streamlined floor-length curtains to frame out the oddity.

Options Beyond Curtains for Blocking Light

Sometimes apartment rules prohibit certain window treatments. Consider sneaky alternatives for blocking light without forbidden permanent modifications.

Smart Window Films

Static cling gels and removable tints film over glass to filter light. Most come precut for standard sizes. Measure carefully for custom jobs on oddly shaped windows.

Temporary Cardboard or Fabric Shades

Use painter's tape or velcro strips to affix soft temporary shades. Avoid adhesive, nails, screws or hooks which could incur damage fees when moving out.

Get creative with textiles like fleece blankets, duvet covers, or tension rod mounting. Ensure any materials used don't trigger fire hazards.

Hanging Blackout Curtains Properly

Achieving full blackout requires careful planning and execution. Follow precisely when measuring, selecting hardware, and installing components.

Taking Accurate Measurements

Mark window width at the top, middle, and bottom locations before determining overall treatment size.

Remember to calculate in overlaps for rod pocket curtains. Plus account for stacking space so panels pull smoothly without sagging.

Selecting Compatible Hardware

Blackouts weight more with multilayer construction. Upgrade to solid steel for durability. Extend brackets wider than window frames for stability.

If drilling holes for brackets, use hollow plastic anchors to avoid cracking plaster walls. Seek permission before installation to avoid fees.

Tip: Grommets simplify hanging heavyweight panels on quality support rods without ripping or sagging overtime.

Attaching Blackout Lining to Curtains

Do-it-yourselfers can retrofit regular drapes by inserting blackout lining. Measure window depth to purchase compatible curtain and liner dimensions.

Utilize lining top tabs to Secure into back rod pockets or side channels. Check for light gaps and use iron-on adhesive strips as needed in problem areas.

Overcoming Apartment Restrictions

Before installing window treatments, thoroughly review rental agreements. While infrequent, some properties forbid blackouts or require approval beforehand.

Reviewing Lease Rules on Window Treatments

Management may dictate allowable methods for covering windows. For example, restrictions on hanging curtains beyond predefined hardware.

Temporary static cling films provide removable options aligning with strict requirements. Though less effective than traditional blackouts, clings still filter considerable light.

Discussing With Property Manager

Openly communicating desired upgrades allows discovering restrictions and negotiating solutions. Provide specifics on installation techniques to avoid damage concerns.

Suggest easily reversible options like tension rods or 3M strips which leave no marks upon removal. Offer to restore windows at move out if allowed to customize now.

Why Choose Blackout Curtains Over Blinds

Shopping comparisons often debate the merits of blinds versus curtains. Each have pros and cons from functionality to decor.

Overall blackout curtains beat blinds for light blocking prowess through denser construction. Curtains better muffle disruptive noise that penetrates hard blind slats. Free hanging textiles also prove easier to install than tedious precision tweaking of each blind.

Blackouts promote healthier sleep by completely eliminating light that suppresses melatonin production. This helps reset circadian rhythms thrown off kilter in city apartments.

Custom style potential likewise favor curtains for design flexibility, since tailored drapes complement room aesthetics.

Budget-Friendly Cost

Money-conscious renters watch dollars when decorating temporary spaces. With custom blinds running exponentially higher, even luxurious drapes offer greater value.

Blinds typically need replacing every few years from dust and damage. Properly cared for blackout curtains operate reliable for decades at a fraction of the price.

Transforming lackluster apartments into comfortable oases need not break budgets. Strategically installed blackout curtains provide renters value from better sleep, enhanced privacy, and energy savings.

Now that you know precisely how light blocking curtains operate and benefit small spaces, feel confident embracing the dark side. Bid farewell to restless nights and noisy disruptions. Let the shadows bring out your apartment's true potential.