What You Need to Know About Thermal Blackout Curtains
Thermal blackout curtains come in a variety of weaves, textures, and colours. This handy guide explains the benefits of using the panels, so you know what to look for when shopping on eBay.
What materials are blackout curtains made of?Fabrics like cotton, polyester, and silk are tightly woven together to block out the light. An acrylic-foam backing is applied to the back to keep air from passing through the panels. The process of applying foam layers to the curtains is referred to as a pass, which makes the material more dense and opaque. Thermal blackout curtains may feature two or three passes.
- Two-pass curtains: These have two layers of foam: one black and one white. The white sheet is placed directly onto the back of the fabric and the white foam is applied on top, giving the panels a dark appearance.
- Three-pass curtains: These come with a layer of black foam inserted between two sheets of white foam to enhance the look of the curtains.
Depending on the material and weave, thermal blackout curtains can stop up to 100% of sunlight from entering a room. They help block UV rays, insulate the room, and dampen sound. Since they prevent air from entering and escaping the room, you can use them year-round to save energy. Other benefits of using thermal blackout curtains include:
- Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer
- Protecting furniture from UV rays, which can cause carpet and furnishings to fade
- Increasing privacy
- Reducing outside noise
Blackout curtains are ideal for rooms prone to exposure from the sun, street lights, and outside noise. This includes living rooms, bedrooms, and nurseries. If you place them in a bathroom, use fabrics that can resist humidity to prevent mould from developing.
How do you care for thermal blackout curtains?Most thermal panels can be tossed in the washer, while others require a gentle hand washing. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper care. Still, there are other steps you can take to care of your curtains, including:
- Attaching a soft brush to a vacuum to remove dust particles
- Spraying with fabric freshener to get rid of smells
- Opening frequently to keep moisture and mildew from accumulating
- Ironing on the fabric side only, using a low heat setting
- Avoid wringing curtains