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How To Choose Blackout Blinds and Curtains How To Choose Blackout Blinds and Curtains

Blackout Blinds & Curtains

It's important to choose the right window dressings for your home. With so many options, you might feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. But don't worry, we're here to help!

After all, the right window dressing can significantly improve your home's aesthetics as well as energy efficiency. Blackout curtains and blinds are an excellent option if you're looking for a stylish and functional way to block out light. They're also ideal if you live near a busy street or airport. With blackout curtains or blinds, your room will stay dark even during the day, giving you uninterrupted sleep at night. Here is everything you need to know about choosing blackout curtains and blinds for your

Why Choose Blackout Curtains and Blinds?

Blinds and curtains are an inexpensive way to improve your home's look, feel, and energy efficiency. If you live near a busy street or airport, blackout window treatments can help keep your room dark at night and during the day—even if it's sunny outside. In addition, many blackout liners also offer a thermal insulation providing energy-efficient protection against the elements. Blackout curtains or blinds are also the perfect choice if you have large floor-to-ceiling windows in your living room or bedroom.

Blackout curtains and blinds can also be a blessing when used in a nursery, the added darkness will help with long summer days and whenever a daytime sleep is needed.

What Kind of Window Dressing Is Best for You?
The right window dressing is different for every person. You might like the look of blinds or curtains, while someone else may prefer shades or shutters.

Blinds are a good choice for many people because they offer a solid block of colour and can be made to order from almost any type of fabric offering endless combinations of colours, textures, and materials. Blackout blinds are also particularly effective for blocking out light since they sit close to or against the glass.

Curtains provide an opportunity to add more decorative flourishes, and floor to ceiling curtains can also be used to create a lavish or luxurious look for the room. To make the most of curtains with a blackout lining you may want to consider the dimensions of the curtains. If the curtains sit away from the wall you can reduce the light coming in by extending the curtains a bit further beyond the edge of the window. If there is still a lot of light coming in you may want to consider repositioning the curtain track or pole so that it sits closer to the wall, this will allow the curtains to rest on the wall making them more effective at insulating and keeping the light out.

Both curtains and blinds can completely blackout the light if made-to-measure and hung correctly. Another option is to layer your window with both a blackout blind and curtains. Not only will this look fantastic but it can be even more effective at blocking the light.  

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which window coverings best fit your style and will work best for your home.

Measuring for Blackout Curtains and Blinds?

To get the most out of blackout curtains and blinds it is important to measure carefully.

Measuring for Blackout Blinds

To measure for a blackout blind, consider whether it will sit in the recess of a window, against the glass, or be mounted on the wall. If you are measuring for a blind to sit in a recess the width should be the same as the window less a small allowance, of say 1cm, for the blind mechanism or cord. If you are measuring for a blind to sit on the wall outside of the alcove, measure the window and allow a minimum of 5cm on either side of the window. In both cases you will want the blind length to be longer than the length of the window, we would recommend at least 10cm to ensure you have enough fabric to cover the window.

Measuring for Blackout Curtains

If you are installing curtains, you should mount the curtain pole or rail at least 10cm above the window and extending at least 15cm beyond the window on each side.  

To measure the length for the curtains, start at the top of the rail sure to just below the sill. If the window goes to the floor, measure to the floor and reduce the measurement by 2-3 cm to allow for the curtains to sit off the floor. Add an additional 5 cm for the top of the curtain (or more depending on the curtain heading you have chosen). For additional help see our curtain measuring guide.

To measure the width of the curtains, measure the length of the pole or track. Allow an additional 10cm for each curtain to ensure the curtains can overlap in the middle.

Once you have you your basic measurements for the window dressings, allow an additional 5cm on all sides for hems.

Now you have selected your window dressing and have measured up its time to choose your fabric.

When Should You Replace Your Curtains or Blinds?

The good news is there is no reason to compromise on style, you can add a blackout lining to almost any of the made-to-measure curtains and blinds you order from us. Modern blackout linings are flexible, rather than overly stiff, as well as offering some thermal insulation too.

To benefit from blackout blinds or curtains simply browse through the fabrics on our website and if your chosen fabric can be made into curtains you will have the option of using our curtain making tool below the product image. With our curtain making tool you will have the chance to view the different heading options before you place the order.

Alternatively, if you know the fabric you want and you have your measurements to hand you can call our friendly customer support team to place an order for blackout blinds or curtains.

Conclusion

Window dressings make a big impact on your home's aesthetics and energy efficiency. Choose blackout curtains or blinds for your windows if you're looking for an attractive and functional way to block out light without any compromise on style.