Blackout Window Treatments | In-depth Review

Finding the right blackout window treatments is key to creating a dark, restful environment in your bedroom or home theatre. Not all window coverings are created equal when it comes to blocking light. To truly black out a room, specialized blackout curtains, shades or blinds are required. This guide will overview the blackout window treatments and provide tips for choosing the right option for your needs.

 

What are Blackout Window Treatments?

 

Blackout window treatments refer to any window covering designed to block outside light from entering a room. Blackout shades, blinds and curtains use thicker, layered fabrics and materials to prevent light leakage. The best blackout window coverings block 100% of external light for complete darkness.

 

There are several benefits to installing blackout window treatments:

 

- Improved Sleep - Blackout curtains are ideal for bedrooms by creating a pitch-black resting environment free of light distractions. This can lead to better sleep quality.

 

- Noise Reduction - The dense, layered construction of many blackout curtains can also dampen outside noise.

 

- Energy Efficiency - Blackout window coverings also provide insulation, which can reduce heating and cooling costs.

 

- Light Control - Blackout shades allow you to darken a room at any time of day for activities like watching TV or sleeping.

 

- UV Protection - Blackout fabrics help protect furnishings and flooring from sun damage.

 

 

Different Types of Blackout Window Treatments

 

There are a few popular options when shopping for blackout window treatments:

 

1. Blackout Curtains:

Blackout curtains feature specially designed densities and fabric weaves to prevent outside light from infiltrating a room. Many blackout curtains have dual layers and contain blackout linings for maximum effectiveness. Beautiful blackout curtains from Homerilla block 100% light while complementing any décor.

 

2. Blackout Blinds & Shades:

Blackout roller shades and blinds take a mechanical approach to preventing light entry. Thick, multilayered fabrics, thoughtfully engineered slats, and side channels stop the passage of light. 

 

3. Blackout Liners & Side Panels:

For a budget-friendly blackout solution, install blackout lining behind your existing curtains. The light-blocking backing bridges any gaps for fuller coverage. Blackout side panels also tackle light leakage at the edges of standard curtains.

 

 

How to Choose Blackout Window Treatments

 

With many blackout window treatments on the market, keep the following tips in mind while shopping:

 

1. Room & Window Size:

Consider the room size and window dimensions when selecting your blackout window solutions. Make sure to buy coverings wide and long enough to fully span the window area. Measure carefully for custom blackout drapes, shades and blinds.

 

2. Light Blocking Ability:

Assess the external light levels and your need for complete blackout. If full darkness is essential, choose window treatments marketed as “blackout” or “room darkening” with 100% light blockage.

 

3. Noise Reduction:

If noise is also an issue, look for dense blackout curtains rated for sound dampening. The thickness and tight weave help minimize outside noise.

 

4. Design & Decor:

Fortunately, blackout window treatments now come in all designer colours, prints and textures to match your existing room décor. Make sure your blackout curtains or shades coordinate with your colour scheme and style.

 

5. Budget:

Blackout blinds and curtains can range dramatically in price. Measure your windows, set a firm budget, and shop accordingly for the best value blackout option. Don’t forget to factor in professional installation costs if needed.

 

 

Best Blackout Fabrics

 

When selecting blackout curtains, drapes or blinds, pay attention to the fabric and materials used. Superior blackout fabrics like these effectively prevent light leakage:

 

- Faux Silk & Velvet - Beautiful fabrics like faux silk or lush velvet offer style and total light blockage.

 

- Polyester - Blackout curtains and shades made of dense polyester fabrics withstand wear and completely screen out light.

 

- Linen & Hemp - Natural fibres like linen and hemp provide room-darkening properties perfect for blackout drapery panels.

 

- Laminates - Fabric laminates like polyester backing combine opacity, durability and noise reduction.

 

- Side Channels & Bottom Seals - Blackout blinds and shades achieve full blackout with added side channels and bottom seals to close any gaps.

 

Measuring Tips

 

To determine the perfect size blackout curtains, shades or blinds, accurately measure your windows. Note the width from wall to wall and the length from the top of the rod to the floor. For inside mount blinds, measure the actual height and width of the window frame openings. Allow for minimal extra width and length if purchasing drapes. Careful attention to detail ensures properly fitted blackout window treatments.

 

Conclusion:

 

Achieve the relaxing, restorative environment you desire with perfectly installed blackout window treatments. Review all the stylish and effective blackout curtains and shades today and transform your space into an aesthetic environment