You’ll face countless decisions as you design and decorate your home’s interior. While curtains might not seem like the most pressing item on your list, you might end up spending significant time choosing these window coverings because each room could have different needs.
One option you’ll undoubtedly come across when looking for bedroom drapes is blackout curtains. These window coverings ensure the room is completely dark, even during the day, helping you sleep. Blackout curtains could be an excellent choice for shift workers or those who don’t like waking up at the crack of dawn because of the extra hours of darkness they provide.
Here’s a look at how blackout curtains work and situations you might find them beneficial, helping you make the right decision for your home.
What Exactly Are Blackout Curtains?
Before all else, you’ll need to figure out what blackout curtains are as you decide whether they’re right for you. In short, these drapes are a double-lined material with tightly woven fabric that blocks up to 99.9% of all light from outside the room.
The result is a room that stays almost entirely dark at every hour, so you don’t have to worry about the summer sun waking you up too early.
Don’t confuse blackout curtains with room-darkening curtains because they’re on an entirely different level. Room-darkening drapes let small amounts of light through, which can be good or bad depending on your needs.
Blackout curtains also block UV rays, saving your furniture from wear over the years and keeping the space cooler if your bedroom gets a significant amount of sun throughout the day.
How the Technology Works
The key to blackout curtains is their construction. These drapes are made from a thick material and sometimes woven with dark fibers to completely block out incoming light.
Some of these curtains also include a second layer of fabric or even a layer of foam between the layers to ensure no light gets through the material and into your room.
These curtains are typically made from a thick layer of nylon or polyester, although some have a wool or cotton construction. The fabrics are tightly woven, leaving no space for light to penetrate.
The Benefits of These Curtains
The main advantage of investing in blackout curtains is obvious: they’ll keep your room dark. For that reason, you’ll usually find these drapes in bedrooms because they allow homeowners to get more sleep by preventing light interference.
However, another benefit you might not know about is the energy savings they create. These drapes help regulate the internal temperature of your home, keeping it cooler in the summer. As a result, you won’t have to run your air conditioner as much, leaving you with significant cost savings if you live in a warm climate.
In addition, these curtains block sound. Those living in a downtown area with plenty of noise pollution know how challenging it can be to relax when dealing with constant traffic noise or sounds from the city. Blackout drapes block at least some of the sound that enters through your windows, making a noticeable difference.
Investing in some of these curtains can be excellent for your mental health because your environment won’t disrupt you as much. You can also experience greater energy levels, less anxiety, and better health as you get more rest in your dark bedroom.
Why Blackout Curtains Might Not Work For You
Although blackout curtains are a great option for many people, they aren’t for everyone. For instance, if your home has minimal natural light to begin with, you might not want to sacrifice the remaining amount of daylight to these curtains. This drawback is especially true in your living areas, where you’ll want at least some natural light coming in during the day.
Another potential issue is that these curtains make it so dark that you might struggle to find your way around your room at night. This problem could be a hindrance if you don’t have a light switch near your bed and need to get up for any reason.
While these cons might not apply to you, they’re worth learning about before you invest in these drapes for your home.
Find the Ideal Curtains to Meet Your Needs
Look at the curtain options available and choose the products that best suit your needs. Installing bedroom blackout curtains could be the choice if you’re worried about the sun or nearby streetlights keeping you awake and disrupting your sleep.
No matter the types of drapes you need, The Curtain Shop is here to help. We carry various curtains and shades, ensuring you end up with the perfect products for your home. Contact The Curtain Shop to learn more about our available residential curtains.
