What's the difference between blackout and thermal curtains?

Author: Boyd Langworth  |  Last update: Sunday, July 3, 2022

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.

Are all thermal curtains blackout?

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.

Do thermal curtains really make a difference?

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.

Do blackout curtains keep heat in winter?

Ideally, you should use both types of curtains and change them from the cold to the warm season. Blackout curtains will keep your house cooler during the sizzling hot summer days, while thermal curtains will keep warmth from escaping out of the windows.

Are thermal curtains the same as insulated curtains?

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.

Blackout Curtains vs Room Darkening

Are thermal curtains heavy?

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.

Do thermal curtains cause condensation?

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.

Do thermal curtains block out heat?

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.

Do thermal curtains cause mold?

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.

What do thermal insulated curtains do?

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.

What are the warmest curtains?

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.

Do thermal curtains keep room cool?

Keep out the cold during the colder months - in the same way thermal curtains can keep your rooms cooler during the summer time, they will also insulate your windows throughout the colder months and minimise the amount of heat that may escape from your windows.

Is thermal curtain lining washable?

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.

Do blackout curtains cause condensation?

The simple answer to whether roller blinds cause condensation is this: no. This is because the roller blind is excluded on a pedantic technicality. The technicality is this: a roller blind can't cause condensation because it doesn't produce moisture or heat.

Do thermal curtains save energy?

Thus, thermal curtains do not just keep heating costs down, but they also save energy by keeping air conditioning costs down as well! Recommended: Take a look at some of the top energy efficient blinds and curtains available now.

Is thermal lining also blackout?

Light can still filter through the window – if you need a solution to blackout your window, thermal curtains will not block out all the light. The lining colour is usually off white or cream.

Are thermal blinds blackout?

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.

Do black blackout curtains block heat?

Blackout curtains can trap heat in during the winter and keep light and heat out during the summer. 10-25% of thermal energy loss goes out the windows. Blackout curtains can curtail this loss by a 25%, reducing your utility bills and greenhouse gases.

How do I stop condensation in my bedroom at night?

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.

How do you stop condensation on windows overnight?

Ways to Absorb and Stop Condensation on Windows Overnight
  1. Open the window. ...
  2. Turn on the air conditioning. ...
  3. Turn on fans. ...
  4. Open your drapes and curtains. ...
  5. Move your plants. ...
  6. Close the door. ...
  7. Try a window condensation absorber. ...
  8. Use a moisture eliminator.

How do I stop my windows from sweating in the winter?

These include:
  1. running fans in the bathroom when showering or bathing.
  2. using vented fans in the kitchen while cooking.
  3. installing storm windows.
  4. replacing single-pane windows with the insulated double or triple-pane windows.
  5. putting plastic sheeting on windows.
  6. using a dehumidifier in your home.

What fabric is thermal?

| What is thermal knit? A knit or woven fabric with a waffle or honeycomb texture that's made to trap warm air between the yarns, making it the perfect fabric to wear during the cold winter months.

Can you put blackout curtains in the dryer?

Quickly drying your blackout curtains is the best way to prevent damage to the material and prevent wrinkles from developing. However, most blackout curtains should not be put in the dryer, especially if they are coated on the back.

Can you wash blackout lined curtains?

Remove the curtains from the rod and spot clean it with laundry soap. Gently work on the spot with warm water, soap, and a cloth. Make sure to rinse it right away. Keep in mind never to use any bleach or harsh chemicals, especially if you have dark-coloured curtains with multiple panels.

Previous article
What are the 3 types of blinds?
Next article
Are blackout curtains the same as thermal?