Blackout drapes and curtains block all light from coming through your windows. They are an effective alternative to blackout blinds.
A blackout window drape and a solid thermal blackout window curtain has the same function as blackout blinds. You can use them to block all light from coming into a particular room of the house. Draw your blackout curtains to take an afternoon nap, to watch television in your entertainment room, or to keep the nursery room dark. Room darkening curtains will also keep the sun from damaging your furniture and floors.
Unlike a blackout blind, a solid thermal blackout window curtain does not have louvers or slats and therefore do not have the same degree of versatility as blinds. You can, to some degree, control the level of light that enters a room based on whether the drapes are completely closed or left partially open. But you have much less control with blackout curtains than with blinds.
A solid thermal blackout window curtain comes in many varieties and styles. The materials are generally the same as any other drapes, i.e., linen, cotton, silk and polyester blends. The main difference is that blackout drapes come with a third layer of opaque material that is sandwiched between the exterior and interior layers of the drapes. This third layer blocks light when the blackout drapes are drawn. The opaque layer is generally created by applying a liquefied rubber polymer to the backside of an uncoated piece of fabric and then fusing the polymer dry with a heated roller. Some blackout drapes have 1-layer of polymer to the opaque material. They generally block 50-70% of all direct light. Look for blackout drapes that have 3-layers of polymer. Such drapes will blockout 100% of all direct light. Blackout grommet curtains are particularly popular this year. Pair your blackout curtains and drapes with blackout valances.
For a less expensive alternative to room darkening curtains, you may choose to purchase blackout drapery liner. This would permit you to take your existing curtains or drapes and install a light-blocking layer between the exterior and interior layers. If you are really in love with your existing drapes, or if you want blackout drapes in a style that is not offered, blackout drapery liner may be an option to convert normal drapes to blackout drapes. This is a less expensive alternative to purchasing new blackout drapes but can sometimes be challenging to install.
Whether to purchase blackout drapes, a solid thermal blackout window curtain, or blackout blinds is entirely a matter of taste and a matter of matching the decor of your home. Blackout curtains and drapes are generally less expensive than blackout blinds and they are easier to clean.
