But what's the difference between blackout and thermal curtains? In short, blackout curtains are primarily designed to blackout a room by reducing the amount of light that can enter through the window. Thermal curtains, on the other hand, are primarily designed to reduce heat loss from a room's windows.
Although some thermal curtains are constructed to block light, not all thermal curtains are blackout curtains. Many are room-darkening because of the thick materials used. If the middle layer of thermal curtains is black felt or a true blackout material, the drapery will have both blackout and thermal properties.
The Benefits of a Little Extra Insulation
Greater comfort – Thermal curtains can reduce heat loss from your windows by as much as 25 percent, as well as block any chilly drafts coming from your windows, keeping your home cozier.
Thermal curtains are created using 100 % cotton, polyester, or wool in most cases. To protect them from UV rays, the back part of these curtains are coated with acrylic foam or aluminium. The primary reason why blackout curtains are created is to block certain volumes of light from entering the room.
Thermal curtains are an extra layer of insulation you can use to make your home more energy efficient. The best thermal curtains consist of multiple layers of fabric with thick padding that prevents air from circulating from your window into your home.
Even though thermal curtains also filter out unwanted natural light, they function first as a way to insulate the home. Thermal curtains are either double- or triple-layered heavy fabric with a thick backing of insulate material and often a polyester-film vapor barrier.
They also cause window condensations. You're probably wondering how curtains can possibly effect condensation. They trap heat against your windows forcing warmer temperatures to meet the freezing cold temperatures outside. You've already learned that reducing the temperature inside can help with condensation.
The thermal back curtains keep cold air from entering your home via the windows while keeping the warm air from escaping. However, since windows naturally produce condensation, the thermal back curtains could develop mildew growth.
In fact, they can even save you money by keeping your room colder without you having to purchase an air conditioner or fan. While, yes, thermal curtains can reduce light by up to 90% and insulate against heat, it's important to note that not all thermal options are alike.
Thermal insulated curtains, also known as blackout curtains, are often used to optimise the levels of heat in any room of your home in which you choose to install these types of curtains. Due to the specific insulated fabric, these curtains help less heat to escape from your home windows, increasing energy efficiency.
Red, terracotta, orange or burgundy tones add instant heat and cosiness. Think about the texture of your fabrics too: Chenilles and velvet are soft and warming both to the touch and eye.
Thermal curtains feature a layer of acrylic foam between the double or triple layers of fabric to provide insulation. The thermal lining prevents flow of air through the curtain, reducing cooling and heating cost.
But do thermal curtains work during the summer months? Well the short answer is yes. In the same way that thermal curtains greatly reduce the amount of heat that may escape your room via your windows in the winter, they can also block heat from entering a room during the summer.
Blinds with the specially treated thermal fabric prevent heat escaping from your home during winter and reflect solar heat during summer keeping your living space cool. Thermal blinds are great all year round, plus, they are inherently blackout – so they will give you the privacy you need.
There's a lot to love about blackout curtains: They keep the light out so you get a great night's rest, they help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter (saving you money and helping the environment), and they can even reduce noise if you live in a busy area.
The lining is machine washable for easy care. The neutral colour that will match the look of your curtains,the thermal fabric provides superb heat retention. A top quality polycotton blend ,the thermal fabric allows for luxuriously look at the window and allows for little escape of heat, which will save money.
Hand-wash thermal backed curtains in cold water, taking care not to let the thermal coating stick to itself. Don't rub or wring the curtains as you wash them.
Curtains with insulated linings can have R-values as high as R-6. Using insulating window treatments can save as much as 7 percent on utility bills each year. Thermal window treatments not only reduce heat loss and solar gain.
Increasing the temperature in your room, particularly overnight and in the winter, will prevent the build-up of condensation on your windows and walls. This is because condensation occurs when water condenses on a cold surface.
Measure curtains to fit one and one-half to three times the width of the window for fullness. Enhance thermal properties by hanging the curtains several inches above the top of the window, and well past the level of the sill. Ensure the curtains fit snugly to the window frame, using velcro or magnets if needed.
These Clever Velvet Curtains drape beautifully and are super soft to touch. These curtains also have thermal interlining making them energy efficient with thermal properties. Simple soft colours add style to your home.
Place the lining on top of the curtain with the header tape facing towards you. Insert your curtain hooks into the header tape pockets as shown. Leaving your eyelet curtains lying on the flat surface, thread your curtain pole through, and inserting two curtain rings between each pair of eyelets as shown.
Feel the surface of blackout or dimout lining; one side will feel smooth, and one will feel rougher. The rough side is the right side, and it should orient to the road.
While some blackout liners are sewn directly onto the curtain, other liners are a separate structure, one side looking like vinyl, the other like fabric. The fabric side faces the window to help protect the coated side, although the blackout feature works regardless of the lining's direction.