Blockout and Blackout Curtains

Discover the Benefits of Blockout Curtains in Perth

Are you tired of being woken up by the early morning sunlight streaming into your bedroom? Do you struggle to find a deep and restful sleep due to outside noise or bright streetlights? If so, it's time to discover the benefits of blockout curtains.

In Perth, where the sun shines brightly and sleep is precious, blockout curtains have become a popular choice for those seeking a deep sleep. These specially designed curtains are made with a dense fabric that effectively blocks out sunlight and reduces outside noise, creating a tranquil environment perfect for a restful sleep.

The key to a good night's sleep lies in creating the right atmosphere, and blockout curtains do just that. Not only do they provide the necessary darkness for optimal sleep, but they also offer thermal insulation, keeping your room cooler during the hot Perth summers.

Investing in blockout curtains is a smart choice for your overall well-being and quality of sleep. Experience the difference they can make in your life and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated every morning. 

Table of Contents

• How Blockout Curtains Work
• Benefits of Blockout Curtains in Perth 
• Benefits of a Padded Pelmet with Blockout Curtains
• What is the difference between Blockout Curtains and Blackout Curtains?
• What are Dim-out Curtains?
• Do you only have Blockout Curtains in bedrooms?
• Are there alternatives to Blockout Curtains?
• Conclusion

How Blockout Curtains Work

There are a few different ways Blockout curtains can be configured:

1. Coated Blockout Fabrics: These are more of a budget window dressing because the blockout can be achieved with just one layer. However you are severely limited in choice, as there are only a limited number of colours and textures. In addition they may not hang as well as more expensive fabrics. Lastly, when the joins are made, you will see pinholes. 

2. Blockout lining sewn onto other curtain fabric: This is a popular method for blockout curtains as it provides you with the full range of curtain fabrics so you can get exactly the look you want. Once the main curtain fabric is chosen, the blockout lining is sewn onto the back which ensures a quality curtain is produced.

3. Blockout curtains layered with sheer curtains: Due to the popularity of sheer curtains, this is the most popular method people opt for. The blockout curtain lining lies behind as a back layer, whilst the soft sheer curtain faces the room. This is illustrated in the below video where the client opted for our electric motorised curtains which were linked to their home automation system. 

Benefits of Blockout Curtains in Perth

Perth, known for its abundant sunshine, presents unique challenges when it comes to achieving a restful sleep. However, with the use of blockout curtains, you can enjoy the following benefits:

1. Sunlight Blockage: Perth's bright sunshine can make it difficult to sleep during the early morning hours. Blockout curtains effectively block out sunlight, creating a dark environment conducive to a deep and restful sleep. Whether you work night shifts or simply prefer to sleep in, blockout curtains ensure that your bedroom remains dimly lit, allowing you to sleep peacefully.

2. Reduced Noise: Living in a city means dealing with constant noise from traffic, construction, and other sources. Blockout curtains are designed to reduce outside noise, creating a quieter and more serene sleep environment. By muffling the sounds of the outside world, these curtains help you achieve a deeper and more restorative sleep.  At Hay Interiors Curtains and Blinds we are also the leaders in noise control curtains which absorb sound, and we can configure them to be blockout too.

3. Thermal Insulation: Perth's summers can be scorching, and the heat can seep into our homes, making it uncomfortable to sleep. Blockout curtains not only enhance your sleep quality but also offer energy-saving benefits. By providing thermal insulation, these curtains help regulate the temperature inside your room, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning or heating. This energy efficiency not only benefits the environment but also helps lower your energy bills.

4. Privacy: Living in close proximity to others means that privacy can sometimes be compromised. Blockout curtains offer a layer of privacy, preventing others from peering into your room and allowing you to feel secure and comfortable in your space. This added privacy contributes to a more relaxed state of mind, promoting better sleep quality.

Benefits of a Padded Pelmet with Blockout Curtains

A padded pelmet helps prevent light seepage coming through the top heading of the curtains. If you want pitch black, then often a pelmet is required.

Below is a blockout curtain without a pelmet:

What is the difference between Blockout Curtains and Blackout Curtains?

We consider the names Blackout Curtains and Blockout Curtain to be interchangeable. There is no difference between blackout curtains and blockout curtains. Some people claim blockout only blocks 80% of the light whilst blackout blocks 100%. We dispute this, and consider a far more important factor to be the quality of the curtain fabric and sewing skills of the curtain maker. An errant pinhole will be a source of frustration if you are trying to sleep during sunlight hours. Likewise, the curtain headings are important, and whether a curtain pelmet is used. Some curtain makers are a bit more “conservative” with fabric and don’t have sufficient folds and overhang.

What are Dim-out Curtains?

Dim-out curtains are similar to blockout curtains, but produce about 90% blackout. Whilst blockout may seem the obvious choice, some people prefer the soft glow that dim-out curtains provide, and this is especially the case in living areas. 

A benefit of dimout curtains is that they can be washed so are especially popular for commercial uses, such as at hospitality venues and schools, or where mould occurs such as humid places. Blockout curtains have a silicone lining making them unsuitable for washing and instead they require dry cleaning. 

Dim-out curtains come in a variety of printed patterns and textures, but are often used as a lining to other curtain fabrics. 

Do you only have Blockout Curtains in bedrooms?

No, definitely not. Whilst blockout curtains are frequently found in bedrooms, they are also suitable for other living areas; especially tv rooms and home theatres. Blockout curtains don't have to be dark or plain; they can be colourful or patterned. The important component is the curtain lining at the back to achieve the blockout status. 

Are there alternatives to Blockout Curtains?

Yes, some suitable alternatives are blockout roller blinds which are made with a fabric which totally blocks out light. With roller blinds though there is light seepage from the sides, as well as from the top. So, if for a bedroom where total darkness is sought, light seepage can be minimised by adding a track to the sides. This is similar to how a pelmet helps prevent light seepage from the top of the curtain. 

Another alternative are blockout honeycomb cellular blinds. These blinds sit flush with the walls so have less light seepage than roller blinds. It is also possible to configure the honeycomb blinds so that they can be sheer during the day and blackout at night. 

Conclusion

In Perth, where the sun shines brightly, investing in blockout curtains is a wise decision. These curtains provide a multitude of benefits, including blocking out sunlight, reducing noise, offering thermal insulation, and ensuring privacy. By creating a dark and serene sleep environment, blockout curtains promote a deep and restful sleep, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

When selecting blockout curtains, consider the fabric, color, and measurements to ensure maximum light-blocking capabilities. And have them made by a reputable curtain shop so they are made with care a precision and there is no scrimping on the amount of fabric used.