Difference Between Blackout Curtains and Thermal Curtains
Curtains can be more than just a decorative effect in the home if you pay close attention to the interior trim of such curtains. For example, insular lining may help regulate the home’s temperature and dampen external noises.
What You Need to Know about Blackout Curtains
These are curtains made from thick fabrics such as suede, velvet, or felt. They are mainly used to prevent light from entering some parts of the home, but they can also serve to insulate your home by helping to block direct sunlight. Rooms with increased exposure to natural sunlight are ideal places for blackout curtains. Curtains hung in these rooms create a relaxing environment during the day with spectacular light exclusion. When placing these curtains in bathrooms, make sure the fabric is waterproof to resist moisture and get rid of mold.
Blackout curtains should not be bleached, machine washed or ironed, due to their generally synthetic coating. The best option is to clean the stains with a steamed or damp cloth.
What You Need to Know About Thermal Curtains
The windows in our homes are common sources of heat and cool air loss because glass is a poor insulator, while the window-frame seal can deteriorate over time. Although thermal curtains can help filter out natural light (if unwanted), they primarily function as an insulator in your home. They are heavyweight triple or double-layer fabrics with a very thick lining of insulating material. Thermal curtains are mostly made with polyester, wool or 100% cotton and are lined on the side of the window with either an aluminum layer or acrylic foam to secure it from UV damage.
Due to the thick coating, these curtains have the capacity to silence some noise from high traffic locations and busy streets. Follow the instructions on the label. These curtains should generally be washed well by hand with warm water and a mild type of detergent. Hang them in a good spot to dry before mildly ironing them if necessary.
What are the big distinctions between thermal curtains and blackout curtains?
Blackout curtains normally have a finely looking fabric designed to block out sunlight. In most cases, these curtains have a lining sewn on the inside part of the curtain to keep out sunlight as much as possible. These curtains are ideal for homes exposed to unwanted sunlight, such as living rooms or bedrooms.
Thermal curtains have an acrylic foam layer between the double or triple layers of fabric for insulation and are therefore ideal for drafty windows in the winter months. These types of curtains can also help reduce noise and cut energy costs. While thermal and blackout curtains have insulating properties, the thermal curtains’ main function is to isolate the room.
Selecting the right curtain for the home depends largely on what is considered as your biggest challenge. If your home is already well insulated and the absence of natural light appears to be the main problem, then you may opt for blackout curtains; However, If the outside light isn’t an issue for you, and you are more concerned with drafts in the windows, thermal curtains can be your best option. Thermal and blackout curtains can be easy to find in large stores with different colors.
And, if you’re looking for more ways to help cool your home more efficiently, don’t overlook the energy-efficient benefits of whole house fans. A whole house fan cools a home more efficiently than air conditioning allowing you to save money in the process.