Do keep in mind, though, that because the curtains are heavier, you’ll need a sturdier curtain rod. Using wraparound rods is also a good idea, as they will guarantee even more light is being kept out. However, be sure that your blackout curtains extend a couple of inches beyond the window frame on all four sides to block as much light as possible.
They are hung in basically the same manner as regular curtains. Is it difficult to hang blackout curtains?Ī. But for a good set of curtains, you can expect to pay between $20 and $50, and possibly up to $100.īlackout curtains may be a little more costly than regular curtains, but at the same time you’re saving money on your energy bills. You can pay as much as $500 for a large, very elaborate set, and as little as $10 for just one panel. Like regular curtains, blackout curtain prices vary a great deal between types, as well as size. While you’ve most likely encountered blackout curtains in hotels, you can purchase your own from many of the same stores where you buy regular curtains. Though they’re very similar to blackout curtains, the key difference is that room-darkening curtains don’t block 100% of the light.
They still allow in a sliver of light, meaning you’ll still be able to navigate the room. This type of curtain gives you darkness as well as privacy. It’s minimal work, and usually a minimal price.
You can also just add a blackout liner behind your current curtains. While both thermal and blackout curtains can do similar functions, their primary uses are different. These curtains can block out sunlight, dampen sound, and reduce energy costs, but their primary function is to insulate the room, not block things out. This is really just another name for blackout curtains. They can also insulate a room to some degree. These are created with semi-opaque fabric, rather than opaque and, like the name suggests, filter out a portion of the sunlight, only letting in a small amount. Many of the choices for solid colors tend to be neutral colors, and unless they are three-pass curtains, the patterned curtains are more light-filtering curtains than blackout. Due to their sturdy construction, they aren’t always “pretty.” While they come in solid colors and patterns, they have a tendency to look rather industrial. The only negative factor when considering blackout curtains is aesthetics. You need that additional white or lighter-color foam layer to cover up the black to keep your fabric looking the way it should be. If you’re looking for curtains that will match your decor, you want to go with the three-pass. With a two-pass, the black layer of foam would be seen through the fabric. There are a few other options that will do a similar job, but to block out the most light possible, you want blackout curtains.Īnd once you are sure you’re looking for blackout curtains and 100% darkness you can begin to think about their appearances. This is where BestReviews can help you out! We’ve highlighted some excellent choices for the best blackout curtains.īestReviews Identifying excellent blackout curtainsįirst, be sure what you’re looking for are truly blackout curtains. And choosing the wrong blackout curtains could make your sleepless nights even worse. Once they’re installed, you’re not likely to take them back to the store, either. Whether you’re trying to sleep at the time the roosters are crowing, or whether it’s when the sun is the brightest and most irritating at noon, you can keep your sleeping space comfortably dark.īut when it comes to actually buying them, you probably don’t want to spend significant time finding blackout curtains that perfectly match your decor, only to find out they don’t work as well as you had hoped. With the right set of blackout curtains, you can block out the light that is entering the room, no matter how bright that sun is. Investing in blackout curtains could solve your problem, and it won’t involve too much time or money. Short of pulling your hair out or relying on sleeping pills to get you through the night, you may think there’s not much you can do - but there is! It can be maddening, and not having the proper amount of sleep starts your day on a frustrating note. Many of us have been in the unfortunate position of desperately needing sleep, but having the sunlight glare through the bedroom windows.