Enhance your sleep with blackout curtains! Discover the essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect set for your home.

Blackout curtains
Blackout Curtains: The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Night’s Sleep Photo: house_of_7feathers Instagram©

Curtains add privacy and style, but blackout curtains take it a step further. Their thicker materials block light, creating a serene environment for restful sleep. They even act as a buffer against heat, cold, and noise.

Whether you’re shopping for your living room, bedroom, or any other space, there are a few key things to consider. Let’s explore how to choose blackout curtains for a truly rejuvenating sleep experience.

Level of Opacity

Blackout curtains come in various opacities. Some block 100% of light, while others offer partial light filtration (75 to 95%). Curtains that don’t achieve complete darkness are often referred to as “light-filtering” curtains.

The best choice for you depends on your needs. Daytime sleepers might require 100% opacity to simulate nighttime, while those who enjoy a bit of natural light during naps might prefer light-filtering curtains.

According to interior designer Sarah Barnard, tighter fabric weaves block more light, making polyester blackout curtains especially effective.

Material of Blackout Curtains

Regardless of the specific fabric, all blackout curtains are thick, opaque, and designed to block sunlight. The fabric choice influences their feel, softness, and visual appeal.

  • Polyester. Highly durable and widely used, polyester reflects light and is easy to clean.
  • Cotton. Thick cotton absorbs sunlight and can dampen noise to some extent.
  • Poly-cotton blend. A budget-friendly option that offers light blocking and some noise reduction.
  • Linen. A lightweight and practical fabric that won’t overwhelm your space.
  • Velvet. Adds a touch of old-fashioned charm and luxurious texture. Velvet is soft, shiny, blocks light effectively, and provides insulation against both heat and cold.

Size of Blackout Curtains

Choose curtains that fully cover your window or glass surface. Common sizes range from 42 to 54 inches wide and 63 to 90 inches long.

Accurate measurements are crucial, so be sure to measure your windows before making a purchase.

Looking for inspiration? Check out designer Nate Berkus, renowned for his elegant and sophisticated style.

 

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A post shared by Nate Berkus (@nateberkus)

Conclusion

Material, thickness, opacity, size, and color are all factors to consider when selecting blackout curtains. We hope this guide empowers you to make the perfect choice for your home.

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Reference

  1. How to Measure Your Window For Blackout Curtains: Step by Step, Sleep Out Curtains
  2. Recommended Blackout Fabric for Curtains, Simply Windows
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About Don Vandervort
Don Vandervort has developed his expertise for more than 30 years as a remodeler and builder, Building Editor for Sunset Books, Senior Editor at Home Magazine, author of more than 30 home improvement books, and writer of countless magazine articles. He appeared for 3 seasons on HGTV’s “The Fix,” served as MSN’s home expert for several years, and is featured as Yelp's home improvement expert. Don founded HomeTips in 1996. Read more about Don Vandervort