Finding the best blackout curtains for your room can feel like an impossible task. There are so many factors to consider, from style to function and price. I’ve done all the research for you and found seven of my favorite brands with reviews from previous customers. This will help make shopping for new blackout curtains a little less overwhelming. Light is critical when choosing the right curtains. If you have light-sensitive eyes or a sensitivity to bright lights at night, then buying blackout curtain panels is an excellent idea. You’ll be able to sleep better because these fabrics block up to 99% of the light coming in through your window. You may want blackout curtains in order to reduce distractions during daytime TV viewing, too. While these might not be appropriate for reading or performing other tasks where some light is necessary, they’re perfect if what you need is darkness when sleeping or relaxing in the evenings when everyone else in your home might still be awake.
Care for blackout curtains
The first step in caring for your blackout curtains is knowing what type you have and if they are made of cotton, polyester, or a blend. Cotton curtains should be hand-washed by submerging them in cold water with mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and hang to dry. Polyester or blended fabric can go through a washing machine without any problems. Launder it on the gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent and then drip dry.
Avoid using bleach as this could cause excessive shrinking and damage your curtain fabric.
Once you’ve laundered your curtain, you’ll want to iron it before hanging it back up. Set your iron to the appropriate setting based on the material (polyester/cotton) and make sure not to leave it unattended while heating up. Use an edge-turning tool (or turner) when needed so that there is no bunching at the bottom of your curtains. Hang them immediately when done so that wrinkles don’t set in; use weights at either end for better air circulation.
Types of blackout curtains
Blackout Curtains are available in three types of fabric: nylon, cotton-polyester blends, and pure cotton. The nylon will last the longest but it has a sheen that may make it stand out against your walls or other fabrics. The cotton-polyester blend will work well for light colors as it is less noticeable but doesn’t last quite as long as the nylon does. And finally, pure cotton is very comfortable but might fade faster than either of the other two fabrics do on their own. It also wrinkles easily so may not be ideal for homes with children or pets who like to mess up the house by lying around on furniture or running through the house without shoes on. Matching these blackout curtains to your room’s color scheme is easier if you use polyester ones because they have a natural, more neutral look. The color options for blackout curtains include ivory, cream, light gray, and navy blue. They can also come with stripes, patterns, or polka dots which will add an element of character to any room in which they hang.
