What is blackout or how to choose blackout curtains

Introduction: What is blackout or how to choose blackout curtains

Window decoration is an important part of any room design. Beautiful textiles not only decorate the room, but can also visually adjust its proportions. And yet, the main function of windows is to let in sunlight.

Almost any curtains can diffuse bright rays and hide from prying eyes. But if there is a need to completely darken the room, blackout curtains come to the rescue.

What is a blackout?

Blackout fabric is a modern material, which is a multi – layer fabric that absorbs light by 90-100%.

Blackout curtains consist of three layers :

• reflective, white, which is directed towards the window;
• the middle one, the thickest one, has a high density and slows down the light flow;
• external, performs a decorative function and is available in a wide variety of materials and colors.

It is believed that blackout was invented in Finland, thus solving the problem of sleep during the white nights. The material quickly gained popularity around the world due to its exceptional characteristics.

For what rooms is blackout suitable?

The choice of a particular model of blackout curtains depends on the purpose of the room and the style of the interior. In any case, such fabric is suitable for a variety of rooms.

In the bedroom, blackout – curtains will protect from the early sun rays in the summer and from bright city illumination. And for night shift workers, the choice in favor of this option is completely obvious.

Blackout is ideal for a child’s room: complete darkening guarantees the child a peaceful daytime sleep. The curtains also help maintain an optimal temperature in the room.

The living room, dining room or kitchen, located on the sunny side, need light insulation, especially on hot days. In addition, dense material does not allow furniture, wallpaper and textiles to fade.

Blackout curtains will be a good solution when decorating a home theater and office , especially for those who work at a computer. Bright light from the windows glares on screens and monitors, causing discomfort both during working hours and during rest and leisure.

Blackout materials are also in demand in offices, public places (salons, cafes, restaurants, night clubs) and educational institutions.

Types of blackout curtains

Blackout products come in several types

• Classic : wide and long fabric panels, in other words, curtains or drapes. Such curtains are suitable for the living room and bedroom, as they drape well, add coziness and softness to the interior.
• Roller blinds : these practical blinds meet many requirements of modern interiors and small spaces. They are compact, convenient, and have different installation methods. Blackout roller blinds can act as an independent window decoration in the kitchen, living room or office, or can be combined with light fabrics and tulle.
• Japanese : are smooth panels fixed on guides along the ceiling and floor. Japanese blackout curtains will appeal to fans of minimalism and laconic design. They are installed in wide openings, as well as a kind of screen for zoning the space.

• Pleated : an interesting version of blackout curtains, consisting of a pleated “accordion” of fabric and strings stretched along the edges, which gather or straighten the material. Pleated curtains look impressive due to their volume and unusual design.

Any of the listed types of blackout curtains can be purchased ready-made or ordered according to individual measurements and wishes.

Blackout curtains in the interior

Since the choice of colors and prints for fabric is unlimited, choosing blackout curtains to match your favorite interior style will not be difficult.

The classic interior will be complemented by curtains in deep tones: burgundy, blue, emerald, chocolate. They can be matte or with a slight shine. The pattern should be selected in combination with the wallpaper and furniture. If the walls in the room are plain, take a closer look at blackout curtains with a pattern. Its repetition in other textiles (bedspreads, pillows, tablecloths) will balance the interior.

In rooms with a modern interior , window openings can be decorated with roller blinds or Japanese blackout blinds. Both dark colors (black, gray, blue) and bright ones are appropriate here, for example, for a kitchen or a teenager’s room. Roller blinds with multi-colored drawings of plants, animals and fairy-tale characters will please a child in a nursery.

Advice! When purchasing ready-made or custom-made blackout products, make sure the quality of the material: ask for a sample, separate the fabric into layers and check if it meets the standards.

Whatever design and type of blackout curtains you choose, the practical qualities of the material will satisfy you for many years with proper care.

• Do not wash curtains at high temperatures (no more than 40 degrees)
• Use the delicate wash and spin cycle in your washing machine.
• No ironing required for high-quality blackout
• If you still need to iron, do it at a low temperature.
• Curtains should be dried straightened out, preferably not in direct sunlight.
• Roller, Japanese and pleated blackout blinds can be simply vacuumed and wiped with a damp cloth.

We have found that blackout curtains are attractive not only for their decorative qualities, but also from a practical point of view. The choice of models and colors allows you to choose blackout curtains for a room with any purpose and design. And the darkening function makes them indispensable in everyday life and solves a lot of everyday problems.