What is the Difference between Blackout and Blockout Curtains?

“Let me guess. A blackout is when Eskom hits us with a power outage without following the load shedding schedule. This leads to mass continuous complaint syndrome until the lights come back on.”

While that may be true, for the purpose of our discussion here, we’re talking about the unique types of curtains available that can help you get a good night’s sleep.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how the right type of fabric used for curtaining can make all the difference when you need to get some shut eye.

Blackout and blockout curtains may be similar and are mostly confused for one and the same thing. But there are important differences between the two. These will be of key interest to you if you are currently in the market for custom made curtains.

To begin both serve the function of ‘blocking’ out light from the outside thereby creating a darkening effect. The also offer superior levels of privacy compared to sheer type curtains.

The differences between blackout and blockout curtains is the manner in which they block out light, and the degree to which this can be achieved.

What Are Blockout Curtains?

Blockout curtains are usually formed by combining the principles of light filtering and light blocking. The fabrics used for blockout curtains are typically heavy and most times include an additional lining.

One of the situations where blockout curtains work quite well is in media and entertainment rooms where people like the room darkened so more focus can be enjoyed from the large screen TV. Bedrooms are another suitable place where you can use blockout curtains especially if you are trying to achieve maximum privacy.

But the main point to consider with blockout curtains is that they are designed to yet offer a certain amount light to flow through the material. So their objective is not to eliminate light altogether from entering your home. This process is referred to as light diffusion and generates a gentle tone of light which is more dimming than bright in appearance. This mood is perfect for relaxation in the evenings or for enjoying your afternoon siesta.

Blockout curtains are quite popular because they fulfil this dual purpose – that of balancing your privacy and light blocking needs. They allow just a minor feel of light which is peaceful and soothing due to the majority of light being filtered.

What Are Blackout Curtains?

Blackout curtains are renowned for their light blocking abilities. And they obviously excel in this arena by striving to reach maximum privacy and light blocking. The most heavy duty types of fabrics are used to craft Blackout curtains. The idea is quite deliberate in blocking out even the tiniest streams of light. The way this works is by incorporating very opaque materials and fabrics which absorb the rays of the sun and prevent them from moving through the curtain.

Some of the advanced features of blackout curtains include UV protection and sound buffering. Blackout curtains also provide additional insulation for keeping your room warm or shielded completely from outside elements. This can prove beneficial where you may have drafts of air still coming through even after closing the windows.

The purpose of blackout curtains is obvious – to create a completely darkened experience even during the day by simply drawing the curtains.

Specific areas where Blackout Curtains are used

Blackout curtains may not be to everyone’s taste, but there are actual scenarios where these types of curtains are often quite necessary.

Getting babies to sleep during the afternoon for instance, is a challenge faced by many a mother, where blackout curtains will make a huge difference. By blocking out maximum light and sounds from the outside, these curtains make for the ideal atmosphere to get your baby sleeping peacefully.

People who work night shifts also favour blackout curtains because they too need to depend on getting much needed rest in the daytime. They have to adjust their sleep patterns according to their work schedule. But it is hard to get proper sleep if the room is too bright and you can still hear tons of ambient noises from the outside. Blackout curtains offer the perfect solution for people requiring sleep during day light hours.

And then there are those who suffer from light sensitivity. These people are likely to complain about headaches brought on by too much exposure to sunlight. In these situations blackout curtains will make it easier on those who are vulnerable to overwhelming light and sound disturbance.

Blackout curtains excel at creating the perfect environment where people can enjoy maximum relaxation any time of the day.

How Do Blackout Curtains Work?

In order to maintain the goal of perfect privacy and darkness, blackout curtains are comprised of two layers of material. The first one is the one you see on the inside of your home. You can decide from the vast variety of fabric textures and colours out there which one best suits your intentions and creative ideas.

The second layer provides necessary backing and is the curtain that people will be able to see from the outside. This is the layer which usually has some additional special features such as noise reduction and tremendous light blocking abilities. This backing layer usually comes in much thicker fabrics than your usual run of the mill curtaining.

If you would like to create a unique cinema experience at home then blackout curtains will be the perfect accompaniment to your home theatre.

The Benefits of both Blackout and Blockout Curtains

With these curtains you can set up specialised rooms in your home with specific purposes. For instance if someone is recovering from an illness, or you have to tend to someone elderly, these are the curtains designed to generate relaxation and atmospheres of tranquillity.

Both types of curtain are good at insulating you and your family. This helps in summer where they keep out the heat, and in winter they keep the warmth on the inside of your home preventing it from escaping.

And lastly blackout and blockout curtains offer a degree of sound absorption which is useful if you stay in a busy street and wish to enjoy some peace and quiet at home.

In summary Blackout curtains do the job of blocking out 100% of incoming light, while Blockout curtains do so partially where you still want a basic level of light filtration. Remember when choosing between the two to carefully consider the type of curtain fabric to use.