You can easily block out light that interferes with your sleep cycle with the right curtains. This allows you to fall asleep more quickly, sleep longer, and get refreshed each morning.
Blackout fabrics are thicker than standard drapery and come in various styles and colors. When shopping for these curtains, consider the following factors:
Color
If you live in a loud neighborhood or want to block out noise from neighbors or traffic, blackout curtains can help. While they don’t create a 100 percent soundproof home, these thick drapes help reduce noise pollution and give you a better night’s sleep.
Curtains are hard-working window treatments, minimizing light and elevating your space. But they can also serve a stylish purpose, introducing color, fabric and patterns that complement the room’s decor.
A customizable Belgian flax linen options can be built to your exact measurements, eliminating the need to fit into major retailers’ sizing options. They come in various width and length combinations and include the blackout lining, so you don’t need to add anything extra. They’re available in several colors and sizes, including this burgundy set with wraparound rods.
Style
Blackout curtains aren’t just functional; they can also enhance the look of a room. They’re available in various fabrics, colors and style options, making coordinating with your home decor easy.
Choosing the right fabric is another important factor. “Cotton is a budget-friendly, easy-care choice, but silk offers a more luxurious look,” says McReynolds.
The fabric’s opacity is also a consideration. The most opaque blackout curtains block 100 percent of light, while less-opaque ones may stop 75 to 95 percent of incoming sunlight.
If you’re looking for a simple and stylish pair of blackout curtains, check out these rod pocket panels from West Elm. The drapes feature a leafy vine pattern, come in multiple colorways and are made with polyester blackout lining. They’re a best-seller on the site with 2,000 positive reviews. These grommet-top panel curtains from Better Homes and Gardens are another top pick. Their understated textured fabric has a pretty sheen and comes in four colorways.
Material
The fabric is more important than color when choosing blackout curtains because it determines how much light is blocked. Look for heavyweight polyester or poly/cotton fabric that is tightly woven to prevent light from filtering through. A good material will weigh 350 grams per square meter or higher.
The opacity of the curtain is also important, and you should choose one that is as opaque as possible. Many blackout curtains claim to block 100 percent of light, but that is only sometimes necessary for bedrooms because even a small amount of ambient light can be disruptive to sleep.
Another factor to consider is how the curtains are installed. If you want the most effective room-darkening ability, mount the rod a few inches past the window frame on all sides to reduce the amount of light that sneaks in. If you use wraparound rods, that will help even more. Consider how the rod is attached to the fabric, as well. Many options include grommets or a rod pocket.
Length
One thing that sets blackout curtains apart from regular window treatments is how they hang. They should extend past the window frame and drape over the floor, avoiding those small gaps that can let in light.
To achieve this, measure from where you’ll mount your curtain rod to the floor or sill. Remember, floors and sills aren’t always level, so using a retractable tape rather than a standard tape is a good idea.
In addition to blocking out the light, a quality pair of blackout curtains also help your home at a comfortable temperature and muffle noise—a major contributing factor to a restful night’s sleep. These curtains are thicker and sturdier than standard ones, making them more thermally efficient. They’re hung via a rod pocket and feature polyester blackout lining.