Buying Blackout Curtains: A Guide to Better Night's Sleep

Is a streetlight shining directly into your bedroom? The early morning sun waking up your children? Or do you simply want to lower your heating bills? The right window treatments are often the solution. As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you navigate the many options. In this guide, I'll provide practical information on blackout curtains to help you make a choice that perfectly suits your needs.

What should you consider when buying?

The right choice depends on more than just colour. Here are a few key points to get you started.

1. Blackout Level: Complete Darkness or Atmospheric Dimming?

Not all blackout curtains are created equal. The degree of light-blocking is a key differentiator.

• Light-Blocking (85-95%): Most blackout curtains fall into this category. They are made from a densely woven fabric (often using a 'triple weave' technique) that blocks the majority of sunlight and UV radiation. This is typically sufficient for a dark bedroom and offers excellent privacy.
• 100% Blackout: For those who need absolute darkness, such as shift workers or for a home cinema, there are products that are 100% blackout. A blackout roller blind often has a special coating on the back that lets no light through.

2. Insulating Properties for Comfort and Savings

Many blackout curtains are also insulating curtains. These thermal curtains have a dual function: they keep the sun's heat out in the summer and the warmth from your heating in during the winter. This not only helps to make the temperature in your home more comfortable but can also lead to savings on your energy bill. The effectiveness depends on the thickness and the weaving technique of the fabric.

3. Ease of Installation: Ready-Made for Immediate Results

No one wants to deal with a complicated installation. Fortunately, most options are ready-made curtains that you can hang immediately. However, pay attention to the hanging system:

• Eyelet Curtains: These have metal rings at the top and slide easily over a curtain rod. They are simple to hang and create a modern, clean drape.
• Pencil Pleat Curtains: These classic curtains have a pleating tape on the back where you insert hooks. This type is versatile and can be attached to both a traditional curtain rail and a rod (using rings and hooks).

Our Recommended Product Picks

Based on product specifications and functionality, we've highlighted some popular choices for you.

1. PONY DANCE Eyelet Blackout Curtains - Grey

Why it stands out: These curtains use 'triple weave' technology. According to the manufacturer, this blocks 85-95% of sunlight and UV radiation. The fabric also acts as a thermal barrier, which helps to balance the room temperature. An added benefit is that the curtains are made from at least 50% recycled polyester.

Pros:

• Delivered ready-made in a set of two panels.
• Simple installation thanks to the built-in eyelet rings.
• Function as insulating curtains against heat and cold.
• Helps with noise reduction from the outside.

Who is it for? This is a practical choice for anyone looking for a quick and effective solution for the bedroom or living room. Ideal if you value ease of use and an energy-saving feature.

View the PONY DANCE Eyelet Curtains

2. VidaXL Blackout Roller Blind - Grey

Why it stands out: This blackout roller blind is designed for maximum light-blocking. The back is finished with a thermoplastic silver coating. According to VidaXL, this layer provides 100% blackout. The coating also has strong thermal properties.

Pros:

• Offers complete light-blocking, ideal for a pitch-black room.
• The thermal coating keeps the room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Sleek, minimalist look that fits many interiors.
• Easy to assemble with the included accessories.

Who is it for? Perfect for light sleepers, people with irregular sleep schedules, or for children's rooms where a dark environment for afternoon naps is desired. Also a great option for those looking for a sleeker alternative to traditional curtains.

View the VidaXL Roller Blind

3. PONY DANCE Pencil Pleat Blackout Curtains - Sage Green

Why it stands out: These pencil pleat curtains offer the same functional benefits as the eyelet version from PONY DANCE, but with a more classic appearance. The versatile hanging options are a major plus: they are suitable for both a curtain rail (with hooks) and a rod (with rings and hooks).

Pros:

• Light-blocking of 85-95% and thermal insulation.
• Versatile installation for different hanging systems.
• Made with partially recycled material.
• The header tape creates a traditional and full appearance.

Who is it for? An excellent choice for those who already have a curtain rail installed or prefer the classic, rich look of pencil pleat curtains. Suitable for almost any room in the house.

View the PONY DANCE Pencil Pleat Curtains

Looking for other styles or sizes?

The right window treatment is a very personal choice. If the options above don't quite match what you're looking for, there are many more possibilities.

View our full range of Window Hanging Curtains

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between blackout and dimout curtains?Blackout curtains are designed to block 85% to 100% of light. Dimout curtains are less opaque and allow a soft, filtered glow to pass through. They are ideal for living rooms where you want privacy but not complete darkness.

2. Do blackout curtains really help against the heat? Yes, especially thermal curtains with a dense weave or a special coating are effective. They reflect sunlight in the summer, keeping the room cooler. In the winter, they form an extra insulating layer in front of the window, which helps to reduce heat loss.

3. How do I measure for the correct size of curtains? First, measure the width of your curtain rod or rail. For a beautiful, full drape, multiply this width by 1.5 to 2.5, depending on how full you want the curtains to look. Next, measure the height from the top of the rod/rail to the desired length (e.g., to the windowsill or the floor). Keep in mind that the stated width of a curtain panel is the width of the flat fabric.