This post is part of the blackout curtain buyers guide.
There’s been a lot of buzz about blackout curtains. And for the most part, being someone who works at night, you appreciate how they help with sleeping during the day.
But what about color? You want to ensure that your room reflects the style and elegance you desire and that the curtain adds a unique touch to the decor while at the same time block out light effectively.
Can a black curtain do that? Do all blackout curtains have to be black? What color should blackout curtains be?
Blackout curtains are available in multiple colors, from ivory to black. Blackout curtains are made with multiple layers of black foam placed in-between a colored fabric. It’s these foam layers that block out light, which means you can pick any curtain color you want and still achieve a great blackout effect.
Read on to learn more about the coloring of blackout curtains, how they actually stop light from coming through and also how you can change the color of your own curtains.
What Are Blackout Curtains?
Blackout curtains are uniquely designed to prevent light from entering a room. In fact, blackout curtains are believed to block out up to 99% of sunlight. This is ideal for babies who nap throughout the day, people who work night shifts and appreciate being able to sleep during the day, or a theater or media room.
Blackout curtains are made with multiple layers of black foam that create the blackout effect.
Are All Blackout Curtains Black?
Color is an important factor when it comes to picking blackout curtains, as most people would like to have options beyond black for their curtains. You want your curtains to match the colors in your room and the style of it.
The traditional colors for blackout curtains are dark like black, dark gray, navy blue, graphite, etc. Modern styles now come in a variety of colors, extra-bright colors, and multiple patterns as well. This makes it easier to find a style and color that fits your room perfectly. Some blackout curtains are also white that have blackout lining for added protection.
In case you’re wondering how it’s possible for a blackout curtain to be available in such a wide span of colors, the key is in the multiple layers of lining.
To achieve the blackout effect, the curtain must have a dark lining to acquire 100% light blocking. The outer layer (closest to the window) of the curtain is made with a fabric that’s essential to blocking out the light. This fabric is heavy and impenetrable by light. It’s a simple liner that is made out of different fabrics, depending on your preference.
What Fabrics Are Blackout Curtains Made Out Of?
Blackout curtains would not be able to keep sunlight out without heavy-duty fabric that prevents light rays from penetrating through. Polyester and nylon fabrics are the most common fabrics for blackout curtains.
This is popular because polyester is affordable, easy to manufacture, and easy to access. In general, the thicker or more dense the fabric, the better it protects against light.
So as long as multiple layers of this fabric are present within the curtain, the curtain will be effective at blocking out light. Adding an aesthetic layer to the inner layerings of your curtain makes it possible for the blackout curtains to be any color or fabric you like, even white.
This way, you can have blackout curtains that work like a charm but don’t mess up your aesthetic inside your room.
How to Turn Existing Colored Curtains Into Blackout Curtains
If your room needs a new look or you would like to have blackout curtains in it, it is possible to turn your existing curtains into blackout curtains.
It doesn’t matter what color the curtains are, you can still turn them into blackout curtains. The key is to install blackout curtain linings. You can do this one of two ways:
- You can either hang the linings separately and then hang your existing curtains in the front, or
- Attach the linings onto your existing curtain rod.
The most common color for blackout linings is white, which really works well for professional spaces like offices or hospitals.
How to Make Your Own Blackout Curtains into Any Color You Want
You love colors and patterns, and the color of blackout curtains you desire is not found in the store. Guess what! You can make your own. And no, you don’t have to be a do-it-yourself queen to make this happen.
Blackout curtains are simple enough to make with minimum sewing involved or with no sewing at all. So let’s get you on your way to making the blackout curtains in the colors you desire.
Materials You Will Need:
- Fabric – About six yards of fabric in whatever color or fabric you choose, is usually good but will vary by the size of your windows. Add about six additional inches to compensate for the hems you will need.
- Blackout Lining – This is what will keep the light out, so you’ll have a better effect getting a medium- to the heavy-weight lining. If you’re unsure when purchasing, turn on the flashlight app on your phone and hold the light directly behind the blackout fabric to see how much light shines through. This will help you to know the weight you desire.
- Straight pins – Use these to hold the material in place until you’re ready to sew the pieces together.
- Measuring tape – This is to assist with measuring out fabric.
- Handheld iron – This is to remove creases in the fabric so everything is crisp and smoothed out.
- Scissors – Use sharp, heavy-duty scissors because you’ll be cutting heavy-duty fabric.
- Marker – Use this in case you need to mark something on the fabric. A pencil will also work.
Steps Involved:
Step 1
- Determine how much fabric you will need by using the measuring tape to measure the width and height of your window from the curtain rod to the bottom of the floor. Add eight to ten inches more to allow for the hem of the curtain to be sewn in.
Step 2
- Use the marker so you’ll know where to start and end the material for cutting.
Step 3
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the blackout liner. You won’t need to measure the hems for the liner.
Step 4
- Iron out all the wrinkles now that the materials are all cut. Fold the hemlines and iron over them also to reinforce the crisp fold.
Step 5
- Gather your materials and lay them flat on the floor, right side facing down. Place the blackout lining inside the fabric, with the right side facing up.
Step 6
- Fold the hems over the blackout lining and pin them in place around the corners and edges.
Step 7
- Sew all the edges together to connect the lining to the curtain.
If you prefer to not do any sewing, hook the small clips that come with the liner you purchase, to your curtain. Then, cut the liner to fit the fabric. Instead of sewing, use hemming tape. This will form a bond by ironing.
Now That I’ve Made My Blackout Curtains, How Do I Hang Them?
Blackout curtains are hung in the same manner as regular curtains or drapes. Measure 2-3 inches above the window or door frames from where they will hang.
Conclusion
You now know your blackout curtains can be any color you want them to be. You can purchase them in any color – from ivory to black. You can also turn any existing curtains you have into blackout curtains, regardless of their color. Lastly, you can make your own blackout curtains in any color or pattern you desire.
Blackout Curtain Buyers Guide Parts:
1. What Are Blackout Curtains And What Are They Used For?
2. Are Blackout Curtains Worth Getting? The Pros & Cons of Having a Dark Bedroom
3. What Are Blackout Curtains Made of? The Best Fabrics to go For!
4. Are Blackout Curtains Expensive? The 7 Best Priced Curtains of 2021
5. Are Blackout Curtains Energy Efficient? Can They Lower My Energy Bill?
6. What Color Should Blackout Curtains be in?
7. Blackout Curtains vs. Blackout Blinds: Which are better?
8. How To Measure for Blackout Curtains: A step by step guide
9. How To Clean Blackout Curtains: A step by step guide
10. Best Blackout Curtains For The Bedroom: A Buyers Guide (2021)
