When choosing curtains, you may get confused between blackout curtains vs thermal curtains. The confusion between these two curtain types remains a hassle for many as both of these curtains offer protection from UV rays.
Now, what if both of these curtains are, and how do they differ? That is what we will be discussing in this post. So, stick to this post to find out the key differences between blackout curtains and thermal curtains.
What Are Blackout Curtains?
Blackout curtains are specially designed to block out all light from the outside. They are usually made of heavy, thick material that does not allow any light to pass through. Blackout curtains are often used in bedrooms to ensure a good night's sleep or in rooms where people need to be able to sleep during the day.
Some Common Types of Blackout Curtains
There are many types of blackout curtains to choose from. Here are some of its common types.
1: Foam Backed Blackout Curtains
These blackout curtains have foamed inserted in them, making them look unique. Foam-backed blackout curtains are an excellent way to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
2: Fully Blackout Lined Curtains
As the name indicates, these curtains have a full blackout lining. So, these are ideal if you want to block maximum light rays.
These blackout curtains are perfect for anyone looking to block out all light. They are made from a heavyweight fabric, ensuring that no light will make it through.
Therefore, these blackout curtains are perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or other rooms where complete darkness is desired.
3: Black Out Curtains for Privacy
These blackout curtains may not offer complete light blockage, but they offer decent enough privacy where they are installed.
What Are Blackout Curtains Used For?
Now, you know what blackout curtains are. Here is what we have got for you to find out how they are used.
1: Blackout Curtains Used For filtering out light
If you are looking for a way to get better sleep or create a more peaceful environment in your home, consider investing in blackout curtains. This is because; these curtains are primarily used to block light.
Here are some places where blackout curtains are mainly used to block light.
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Living Room
Your living room is where you like to spend some quality time with your family members. Now, in summers, harsh UV lights can harm the comfort level of your living room.
So, installing a couple of blackout curtains in the living room can be a perfect solution. These curtains will block unwanted light, reduce noise levels, and add some privacy.
One of the essential pieces of equipment in a nursery is the blackout curtain. Blackout curtains are used to block out light so that babies can sleep during the day. They are also used to keep warm air in and cold air out.
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Home Theatres
If you are looking for a way to improve the sound quality in your home theatre, consider using blackout curtains. Blackout curtains are an excellent choice to reduce noise and block light to create that cinema effect.
Things to Know About Blackout Curtains
Here Is What You Need To Know about before buying blackout curtains.
1: Consider the Size of the Window
Blackout curtains come in many different sizes. However, not all sizes will fit all windows. For example, if you have a large window, you will need to buy a giant blackout curtain. If you have a small window, you can buy a smaller one.
2: Know Where You Want To Install Them
Apart from choosing the right size, you should also know where you want to install these curtains. This is because the intensity of the light may be different in your living room compared to your bedroom. So, you should buy that black curtain that perfectly blocks that specific intensity of light.
Moreover, if you know where you want to install these curtains, you won't have a tough time determining the size of the windows.
3: Cost Also Matters
Lastly, do not forget to factor in cost. This is because the blackout curtains can be relatively expensive. So it is vital to set a budget before you start shopping.
What Are Thermal Curtains?
Before we compare Blackout Curtains Vs Thermal Curtains, we should also discuss the thermal curtains. Now, thermal curtains are the type of curtains used to insulate an area where they are installed. If they are perfectly installed, they don't let outer heat or cold enter the room.
Like blackout curtains, they also block light but their thermal insulation which makes them different from other curtain types.
What Are Thermal Curtains Used For?
Here is how and where thermal curtains are used the most. Let us find out.
1: To Reduce the Energy Bills
Thermal curtains can be used to block out light and noise. They can also help you save money on your energy bill. In the winter, they keep the heat from escaping through your windows, while during the summer, they block the heat from entering the room or other home spaces.
2: For That Comfy Feel
When your living room or bedroom has no unwanted Sun rays regulating its temperature, you will feel more comfortable. Further, these curtains also offer added privacy as they do block light. All these factors contribute to added comfort.
Things to Know About Thermal Curtains
If you have some confusion regarding thermal curtains, here are the things that you need to know about them.
1: Thermal Curtains Work
Planning to buy thermal curtains? If yes, there is good news for you. Thermal curtains reduce your energy bills and block unwanted heat and cold from outside along with UV rays. Is not that too much from a curtain to expect?
2: Thermal Curtains Are Good For 12 Months
These curtains block both heat and cold. So, you can let them be installed in your windows throughout the year. In summer, they will help your HVCA system drop the temperature quickly. In winter, they will block the cold waves from coming inside your room.
Thermal Vs Blackout: What Are The Differences?
Here are the differences between these two common types of curtains.
1: The Difference in Their Materials
The primary difference between both these curtains is the way they work. So, to aid their functionality, their materials help them.
The blackout curtains are usually made from lighter fabric. Though there are multiple layers of such material, the main goal of manufacturing blackout curtains is to block light. So, there are manufactured from lightweight materials.
On the other hand, thermal curtains are made from 100% cotton or polyester and have multiple layers of these materials. These curtains also have an R-value, which determines the insulation they offer.
So, thermal curtains are made from dense material to ensure better insulation as they also prevent cold and heat from entering any room.
2: The Difference In Their Use
Before choosing any of these curtains, you have to ensure one thing, and that is their use. Blackout curtains are designed to block out light entirely, and the thermal curtains are meant to insulate the room.
So, you cannot expect blackout curtains to insulate your room in winter. Their sole job is different.
The Pros & Cons of Thermal Curtains
Now, let us find out the pros and cons of thermal conductors.
Why Choose Thermal Curtains?
Here is why thermal curtains can be the right choice for you.
1: Added Warmth
These curtains are made of a special fabric that helps to keep the heat in and the cold out. So, they can cut that outer cold or heat to penetrate your room.
2: Makes Your Room Stylish
These curtains give a more stylish look with added volume and body. Also, it is with the additional thickness of multi linings.
3: Help to Keep Darker
Lining curtains with thick material can help a room stay darker - they won't block out all the light but will eliminate some of it from shining on your furniture.
Cons of Thermal curtains
Here are a few cons of thermal curtains you should know.
1: Expensive
Compared to some other types of curtains, thermal curtains can be expensive for many people.
2: Not Fully Customizable
They do not offer the level of customization as the blackout curtain offers. Most linings are a pale off-white or cream hue.
The Pros & Cons of Blackout Curtains
When you know the differences between blackout curtains vs thermal curtains, it is time to check out their pros and cons.
Why Choose Black Out Curtains?
Here is why black-out curtains can be the best choice for you.
1: Blocks Out 100% Light
The curtains block out all light, including natural sunlight and car lights.
2: Highly Customizable
Blackout curtains are also highly customizable, and they come with tiebacks, hooks, grommets, and other hardware.
3: Heat Reduction Properties
Blackout curtains provide insulation, ensuring less heat can escape during the colder months. They also limit the entry of heat during the summer.
4: Adds the Privacy of Your Property
When you pull the blackout curtains closed in your room, no one can see you from the outside.
Cons of Blackout Curtains
There aren't that many cons of these curtains. However, here are a few of them.
1: The Dark Look Isn't For Everyone
That dark look these curtains offer may not suit everyone. So, in that regard, these curtains aren't the best option.
2: Not So Energy Efficient
Blackout curtains do not insulate your room. They cannot control the room temperature as effectively - thermal curtains can be more energy efficient.
Final Words
You now know all about blackout curtains vs. thermal curtains and the differences between them. Both have their pros and cons which are now explained to help you make an informed decision.