Knowing the Pros and Cons of Blockout Curtains Before You Buy

Restless sleep and a hot bedroom may be an indicator that it's time to update your curtains, but with so many curtain options to choose from, updating your window dressings can seem overwhelming. Blockout curtains are a versatile window dressing that bring about a range of benefits. Helping to keep your room dark and cosy, blockout curtains can instantly transform your space, however, they may not be the right fit for every single room in your home. In this guide, we'll break down the genuine pros and cons of blockout curtains so you can shop with confidence.

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What Are Blockout Curtains and How Do They Actually Work?

Also called blackout curtains, blockout curtains are window dressings that are designed to prevent light from filtering through the curtain fabric. Blockout curtain fabric is made in two main ways - either with a foam-backed design or with a triple weave. Foam backed blockout curtains offer greater light blocking properties, whereas triple weaves are often softer and more flexible. Both productions result in a window dressing that is designed to keep your room dark and peaceful. If you're not wanting to create a completely dark space, you can also shop a range of dim-out or room darkening curtains that offer softer blockout properties.

What Are the Pros of Blockout Curtains?

In addition to creating a dark space perfect for bedrooms, media rooms and studies, blockout curtains bring a range of benefits to your home such as:

• Customised light control
• Blocking out light at night
• Help lower your energy bills by keeping the heat or cold out
• Privacy
• Reducing noise
• Reducing UV exposure

They allow more control over light and glare, improve your sleep, reduce the cost of your energy bill and improve privacy. They also work to keep your home looking newer for longer. Find out more about the benefits of blockout curtains below.

Get More Control Over Light and Glare

Take control of bright sunlight and distracting glare with blockout curtains. Ideal for bedrooms, living areas and media rooms, these curtains help to create a darker and more comfortable space when you need it most. Blockout curtains are particularly useful for daytime sleep, television viewing and rooms that receive strong direct sun. To ensure complete darkness, make sure to take care in measuring your window for curtains for the right fit, and install your curtains so that the windows are fully covered.

Better Sleep Starts With Blocking Out the Light

A dark space signifies to your body that it's time to rest, supporting the natural release of melatonin. With the help of blockout curtains, a darker room can help make it easier to relax and fall asleep. These curtains are particularly ideal for shift workers looking to sleep during the day, light-sensitive sleepers and even parents of young kids who may wake along with the early morning light. Blockout curtains that help to create full darkness are also particularly ideal for daytime naps and make bright mornings a little less disruptive.

Cut Your Energy Bill Without Lifting a Finger

In addition to blocking out sunlight, blockout fabric also works to slow heat transfer through the window. In summer, blockout curtains help to block summer heat and in winter, they work to hold in warmth, making them a great choice for year round comfort. The colour of your curtains also influences their insulation properties, with darker colours working to absorb heat throughout winter, while lighter shades may help more during the summer months.

Closing curtains before the sun hits the window will often bring the best results in working to lower your energy bills and pairing your curtains with a pelmet will have an additional thermal effect.

Privacy That Doesn't Clock Off at Sunset

Blockout curtains can help you enjoy privacy in your home from day to night. Unlike sheer curtains, which offer limited privacy, especially in the evenings when indoor lights are switched on, blockout curtains create a more substantial barrier between your space and the outside world. They're particularly useful in bedrooms, street-facing rooms and windows overlooked by neighbours, helping you to feel comfortable in your own space. During the day, blockout curtains can reduce visibility from outside while blocking out unwanted sunlight.

A Quieter Home Is a Nice Bonus Too

Blockout curtains offer more benefits than simply controlling light. The dense fabric also takes the edge of traffic and outside noise, great for homes off busy roads or spaces with shared walls. Although these curtains don't provide complete soundproofing, they do bring a noticeable softening of noise in your space.

Keeping Your Furniture and Flooring Looking Newer for Longer

Sunlight can brighten a room, but prolonged UV exposure can cause furniture to fade and damage interiors. Blockout curtains help to reduce the amount of sunlight entering through your windows, helping to protect furniture, rugs, flooring and artwork from fading. This additional layer of protection can help your favourite pieces keep their colour and finish for longer, particularly in spaces exposed to strong, all-day sun exposure. By controlling how much light enters through to your interiors, blockout curtains can help keep your home looking fresh, comfortable and well cared for.

What Are the Downsides of Blockout Curtains?

Although blockout curtains offer a range of benefits, there are some downsides that come with these curtains, including:

• Higher up front costs compared to basic curtains
• Losing some natural light
• Heavier look and feel
• Light leaks through if fitted poorly
• Require special care depending on the fabric

The higher price tag when compared to other window dressings, a loss of natural sunlight, as well as a heavier fabric that may be difficult to care for. Check out some of the cons associated with blockout curtains right here.

The Price Tag Is a Little Higher Upfront

Blockout curtains often cost more than standard curtains due to the specialised backing or weave. This fabrication is designed to help block light and provide insulation, making them a more substantial window covering. Custom made sizes can increase the price, while premium fabrics and finishes add to the cost. However, the ongoing energy savings can help offset the higher purchase price over time.

You Lose Some Natural Light

The biggest trade-off with blockout curtains is that they are specifically designed to block out natural light. While this is beneficial in terms of offering privacy, improving sleep and reducing glare, these curtains can make a room feel significantly darker during the day. This may be less appealing in living spaces where daylight is a priority. If this is a priority for you, consider opening the curtains fully during the day or pair blockout curtains with sheer curtains where flexible light control matters. Find out how to layer blockout and sheer curtains by reading through our helpful blog article.

Some Blockout Curtains Feel Heavier

Blockout curtains often have a fuller, heavier look than sheer or light-filtering curtains. This is a result of their thicker fabrics, added linings and dense construction that gives them extra weight. While some people may prefer a lighter look, others may love these curtains for their cosy, layered feel. It's all about choosing what suits your preferences and ultimately your home. Because blockout curtains are heavier than other standard curtains, it's important to use a suitable curtain rod or track and fixing method that can safely support the weight. With the right setup, heavier curtains can look polished and work beautifully in your space.

Poor Fit Can Let Light Sneak In

Even the best blockout curtains can let light sneak through if they don't fit the window properly. Small gaps at the top, sides or bottom will allow unwanted sunlight to enter your space, reducing the overall blockout effect these curtains are intended to offer. As a general rule, curtains should be hung wider and longer than the window itself to help minimise these gaps and create better coverage. Getting the measurements right is an important part of achieving the look and light control you want. If you're unsure, professional installation or Spotlight's free measure and quote service can make the process easier, helping to avoid costly fitting mistakes.

Care Can Depend on the Fabric

The maintenance of your curtains varies depending on the fabric and how they're made. Coated, lined and woven blockout curtains may each have different cleaning and care requirements, so it's worth checking the product care label before getting started. Always follow the recommended instructions before washing, steaming or ironing to help protect the fabric and maintain its finish. Some coated blockout fabrics in particular may need gentler handling than standard curtains to avoid damaging the backing.

Are Blockout Curtains Better Than Blinds for Your Space?

Choosing between curtains and blockout blinds comes down to your room, windows and how you use the space. Blockout curtains can offer excellent light control and insulation, especially when installed wider and longer than the window opening. This can provide added privacy and help minimise light gaps. Blinds sit closer to, or within the window frame, making them a neat option for smaller rooms or spaces where a streamlined look is preferred.

Both options can help manage privacy and sunlight, while your choice of fabric, lining and fit can influence insulation and overall light control. Prefer a soft, layered look? Curtains may suit your style. Want a compact, clean finish? Blinds could be the better fit. For complete light control, consider pairing blockout curtains with blinds to reduce edge gaps.

Where Do Blockout Curtains Make the Most Sense?

Blockout curtains can be a practical choice wherever controlling light, heat and privacy matters. In bedrooms, nurseries and children's rooms, they can help create a dark space for sleep and daytime naps. Blockout curtains in east-facing bedrooms can help to reduce early morning light when you're not ready to wake up. In west-facing rooms, blockout curtains can help limit strong afternoon sun and heat, making the space more comfortable. They're also well-suited to media rooms, where reducing glare can make screens easier to enjoy. Street-facing bedrooms and living areas can benefit from the added privacy, particularly once indoor lights are switched on at night.

Love Daylight Too? Pair Blockout Curtains With Sheers

If natural daylight is a priority, you may instead prefer a layered setup with sheers and blockout curtains. This offers more flexibility to enjoy bright daylight when you want it, while still enjoying the benefits of light control and privacy when needed. Sheer curtains allow sunlight to filter through while providing daytime privacy, helping to keep your room bright and comfortable. When paired with blockout curtains, you can enjoy a darker space along with increased privacy, perfect for movie nights and for falling asleep. Double curtain tracks and rods help make this layered setup easy to achieve, allowing each curtain to move independently.

Get More From Your Blockout Curtains With the Right Fit

The right fit can make a big difference to how well your blockout curtains control light and help insulate your room. Accurate measuring ensures your curtains provide enough coverage, while adding sufficient width and overlap can help reduce light gaps beside the window. Where suitable, consider mounting your curtains above and beyond the window opening. This can increase coverage and create a more effective barrier against light and heat. For even greater coverage, a pelmet can help to reduce light and heat movement at the top of your curtains. Before installation, check that your wall, fittings, curtain rod or track can safely support the weight of your chosen curtains. For a tailored solution, consider Spotlight's made to measure blockout curtains, designed to suit your windows. With a free in-home measure and quote, getting the right fit is made easy with Spotlight.

Are Blockout Curtains Worth It for Your Home?

If darkness, privacy and temperature control are priorities in your home, blockout curtains are sure to be a worthwhile choice in window dressings. If you're after strong nighttime coverage without giving up on filtering daylight during the day, consider layering blockout and sheer curtains.

In terms of size, shop our range of ready-made blockout curtains for standard windows and simpler projects. On the other hand, for windows with unusual dimensions or if you're after a precise fit and stronger coverage around the edges, consider our custom-made service.

And finally, make sure to consider the orientation of your room, the size of your window, your preferred fabric and its care requirements, as well as your budget before shopping for your blockout curtains.

Why Aussies Shop Blockout Curtains at Spotlight

Blockout curtains are just one of many great options for your home. If you're still deciding on the right curtains for your rooms, make sure you check out the complete range of curtains online! Spotlight's range of ready-made curtains offers extensive options for updating your windows. You can choose to shop by function, like blockout curtains or sheer curtains. Alternatively, explore the range by header style, where you can find a selection of stylish curtains such as eyelet curtains or pencil pleat curtains. Find all the matching curtain accessories, including rods, tracks, tiebacks, hooks and gliders, alongside the curtains for a one-stop fit-out

Or if you're looking for your next DIY project, you can make your curtains with Spotlight's range of curtain fabrics, including blockout curtain fabrics, as well as curtain linings.

If you're after curtains that fit your windows perfectly, Spotlight offers a made to measure service where you can enjoy professional consultations from experienced team members who help with measuring, fabric choice and styling.

Get More Curtain Perks With the Spotlight VIP Club

Discover exclusive access to events and special offers with the Spotlight VIP Club. Become a member and enjoy incredible benefits including everyday discounts and early sales notifications. You will also receive birthday vouchers as well as an added welcome voucher when you sign up! Sign up and become a member of the VIP Club today.

Shut Out the Sun and Save With Bargains Galore

A better night's sleep and a lower energy bill are both within easy reach with Spotlight's blockout curtains. Shop our blockout curtains collection online or at a Spotlight store near you, where you can explore our complete range of window dressings including ready-made curtains and blinds to elevate your home.

Find out more about curtains and blinds by reading through our helpful blog articles and buying guides, including How to Hang Curtains, How to Choose Curtains For Every Room and Blockout Curtains For Summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can blockout curtains be hung without drilling into the wall?

Blockout curtains can be installed without the need for drilling into your walls when hung on tension rods, adhesive brackets or no-drill curtain hardware.

2. Can you iron blockout curtains if they get creased?

Most blockout curtains may be ironed to remove creases, however, make sure to always check any provided care instructions before ironing.

3. Which is better, thermal curtains or blockout curtains?

The choice between these curtains ultimately depends on your needs. Thermal curtains are ideal for when insulation is your priority when it comes to window dressings, while blockout curtains are a great choice for those wanting to reduce light in their space.

4. What colour blockout curtains are best?

Your colour choice comes down to your room, style and how much light control you're wanting to achieve, with darker colours helping you to create a dark, cosy space with ease. On the other hand, if you're after a timeless aesthetic, consider our neutral shades including white, beige and grey tones.

5. Can blockout curtains be altered or shortened?

Blockout curtains can usually be altered or shortened to achieve the perfect fit for your windows.