Stop Squinting with Room-Darkening Blackout Curtains

Have you ever woken up at the crack of dawn from sunlight flooding your room? Do noises from outside constantly interrupt your sleep or relaxation time? Blackout curtains can come to the rescue - read on to understand how they work and why you need them.

How Blackout Curtains Work

What Makes Them Different

Blackout curtains, also known as room-darkening curtains, are made of special tightly-woven light-blocking fabrics. Many have backing materials like rubber, foam, or plastic film for enhanced opacity. This construction sets them apart from regular decorative curtains that still let some light through.

The key difference is that quality blackout curtains can block 95-100% of external light. Even small pinpricks penetrating the fabric are undesirable. So acceptable models must pass stringent light blocking tests. These curtains literally black out sunlight, street lamps, and any other light sources.

Measuring Light-Blocking Effectiveness

Manufacturers test blackout curtains by hanging them over an opening with a bright light on one side. The amount of light passing through determines the percentage rating. For example, if only a tiny sliver of light shows, the rating would be 98-99%.

The more layers and density a blackout curtain has, the less exterior light permeates it. Thicker and more tightly-woven fabrics perform better than lighter materials. Any coatings and backings also enhance opacity. Even minute gaps or holes compromise the blackout effect, so precision construction is vital.

Benefits of Blackout Curtains

Sleep Improvement

Exposure to light, especially blue wavelengths, reduces melatonin secretion which signals your body to stay awake. Blackout curtains provide complete darkness so your circadian rhythm aligns with nighttime as it naturally should.

Getting better sleep leads to improved mood, concentration, productivity, and overall health. Blackout curtains effectively block sunlight so you can sleep peacefully past sunrise. They are also great for nurseries when babies need daytime naps.

Noise Reduction

Like light, external noise also hampers good sleep. Sounds penetrate open windows, potentially waking light sleepers. Blackout curtains muted disruptive noise by absorbing sound vibrations with their dense, heavyweight fabrics.

Using blackout curtains alone may not solve all noise issues. But pairing them with thicker glass windows, window inserts, or additional sound blocking window treatments enhances noise reduction.

Temperature and Energy Savings

Here's an experiment to try - feel your windows when direct sunlight shines on them. The glass will be hot from solar heat gain. Sunlight striking objects increases their temperature. This transfers warmth into your home, causing your AC system to work harder removing heat.

By preventing sunlight from entering in the first place, blackout curtains minimize solar heat gain. Like insulation, the opaque fabrics slow the transfer of warmth into your rooms. So blackout curtains have some thermal abilities to help regulate indoor temperatures.

In winter, blackout curtains add insulation against drafts from cold windows, further helping conserve energy used on heating systems. Overall, properly installed blackout curtains can lower electricity bills by reducing HVAC runtimes across seasons.

Buying the Best Blackout Curtains

Fabric and Design Considerations

Polyester and velvet rank among the most popular blackout curtain fabrics, prized for durability and light-blocking. But fabrics like wool, faux silk, linen, and more work too. The density and weave type determine opacity more than composition.

Match your decor style when selecting colors and patterns. Bold blackout curtains make dramatic accent pieces in modern rooms. While neutral solids blend into traditional spaces. Kids love fun blackout curtains printed with cute characters or colorful shapes.

Sheer curtains still allow some light through, but pairing them behind blackouts maximizes darkening effects. Alternatively, doubling up two blackout curtain panels amplifies light blocking. Just ensure proper wall space for multiple hanging rods.

Measuring Windows Properly

First determine your desired mounting method. Inside mounts nestle between window frames for a sleeker look. Outside mounts overlay the molding, offering better light coverage but protruding over walls more.

Account for additional length and width so blackout curtains extend beyond the window area on all sides when closed. This provides sufficient overlap to seal light gaps. Allow for drapery hardware clearance too. Measure precisely for custom floor-length blackouts or optimal sunlight control.

Specialty Blackout Curtain Features

Upgrade to motorized blackout curtains operated by handy remotes. Then instantly close them against bright nuisance light with a button-press. Insulated thermal blackout curtains regulate temperatures even better while also blocking light. Styles with enclosed weighted hems and child-safe features suit kids' bedrooms well.

Installing Blackout Curtains

Mounting Essentials

Sturdy curtain rods securely hold blackout panels. Optimal pole diameter ranges between 1-1.5 inches. Screw durable brackets into wall studs for reinforcement. Select quality rings, grommets, or back tabs to affix tops of curtains onto rods.

Inside mounts need precisely measured tension rods or specialty brackets. For outside mounting, extend rods at least 4-8 inches beyond window trim for adequate side overlay. Mount a second rod above or below to layer lighter curtains behind blackouts.

Achieving Full Coverage

Blackout curtains only work when ample opaque fabric overlaps the window area. Ensure wide enough curtains to eliminate border gaps. Utilize weights or hem tapes at bottoms to keep edges against window sills.

Adjust side hems allowing 1-3 extra inches past window frames for clean closure. Length should reach below top of floor trim when drawn. Manage excessive material with tiebacks when opened.

Layering with Other Window Treatments

For even more control over light and temperature, combine complementary window treatments. Hang dual curtain rods for translucent drapes behind blackout curtains. Lower honeycomb shades underneath provide insulation against cold.

Motorized roman blinds neatly roll up when wanting some daylight. Then just lower again at night without leaving your bed. Such layered window dressing options allow customizing your preferred degree of light blocking.

Blackout curtains effectively solve common issues like waking at dawn, noisy nights, or uneven room temperatures. Their tightly-woven opaque construction uniquely blocks external light and noise.

Sleep better, concentrate easier, and relax more peacefully with blackout curtains conveniently darkening your indoor spaces. Just follow accurate measuring instructions and proper mounting guidelines to maximize their light blocking benefits.