Blackout fabric curtains. What is a blackout and where did it appear The best blackout curtains

It's nice when the apartment is flooded with sunlight, but in the mornings and especially in the summer, in the heat, you want to protect yourself from all this. Blackout curtains are the perfect solution for this.

What is it and why are they needed?

Translated from English, "Blackout" means "to darken". This is the main functional task of this type of curtains. Made using a special technology, they absorb 90-100% of sunlight and leave the room as dark as possible. The need for such a categorical technology arose in Finland because of the "white nights". But their application is very wide. They are now used both in residential premises and in the office.

Nowadays, a lot of offices are located in tall buildings with wide panoramic windows that are not protected from the scorching sun. Curtains can be used to keep out the heat. Ideally, bars, nightclubs, cinemas and other similar places where excessive illumination is undesirable will also become a sphere of use. And of course, they are suitable for living spaces, especially bedrooms, children's rooms or other rooms that need to be immersed in darkness.

The very practical material from which the curtains are made, ease of care and durability make this solution preferable for any window.

Production technology

Since this is not just a fabric sewn according to a pattern, but curtains that have a complex composition, their production also has its own characteristics. These are curtains made using double or triple weaving. Light transmission and heat resistance depend on the number of layers. Maximum protection will be given by a three-layer design. Each third carries its own functional load.

If we talk about the two-layer version, then it is often made using spraying. That is, a special composition of a light shade is applied to the outside, which serves to reflect the sun's rays. The inside is treated to give aesthetic appeal. But spraying is often short-lived and the applied composition crumbles over time, which leads to a decrease in protective functions.

The most high-quality solution will be a woven version, in which three types of threads are woven into a single material.. The white thread makes up a reflective layer facing the light, the middle is a black thread, with which the main protection functions are performed, and, accordingly, the inner side, which is decorative in nature and can be completely different. The original curtains, made according to the correct technique, have predominant dark shades in their design. Also, the fabric is treated with acrylic and foam and, if necessary, chemical impregnation is added to it, for example, fire-fighting.

Such a complex manufacturing method allows you to get a thing endowed with many positive properties. At the same time, the price for curtains made of such material is considerable.

Those who prefer quality and durability will not be afraid of the cost, because this is an excellent investment.

Pros and cons of fabric

No matter how beautiful such material is, it also has small drawbacks. There are several main ones. First of all, when buying any thing, each person first of all pays attention to the price. And at Blackout she is big. This is due to the complexity of the manufacture of the material and the complex composition. Another factor, due to which the cost of this type of curtains is quite high, is that the main manufacturers of such a product are foreign companies. But the second point can hardly be called a full-fledged minus, because imported goods have always been considered better than domestic ones.

You can check for yourself how high-quality the fabric is by bringing a piece of the proposed option to a source of natural or artificial lighting. Real Blackout practically does not transmit light.

The next disadvantage is that due to the peculiarities of production, the middle layer of curtains is made of black dense threads, which save from excessive brightness, beating from the street. Accordingly, the side facing inward will be more in a dark palette, which slightly narrows the versatility in applying this type of decor. Of course, this does not mean that you need to stop only at the gray or black version. Dark shades of other colors will also look great.

And yet, such a fabric has much more pluses than minuses. One of the first worth noting is the quality, which is a distinctive feature of this type of fabric. These include: the ability to retain up to 90-100% of sunlight, noise reduction and resistance to heating in hot weather. These three points can be combined into one function - protection from the sun, noise and heat. The next advantage is that such material does not burn when exposed to fire, but melts without releasing harmful substances. This is more necessary in places with a high fire hazard. These include nightclubs, restaurants and places where contact with open flames is possible.

It should be noted and practicality in operation. Curtains Blackout do not fade in the sun and do not lose color from washing, are easy to clean and are resistant to dirt.

This is a very wear-resistant and durable material that does not wrinkle and does not require ironing. This also includes the hypoallergenicity of such curtains.

Varieties of models

There is a wide selection of curtain models made using this technology. Some of them are worth considering in more detail:

The roll version is most common in entertainment establishments, offices or in high-tech interiors. It is easy to operate, has a convenient mechanism and is very functional, as it takes up space only in the window opening. Therefore, this type is also suitable for living rooms with a small area. Such curtains become a very important item if the room is used for presentations, watching movies and other activities that require darkness.

Pleated curtains are very common, as they have an accordion-type mechanism that allows you to adjust the degree of let in light. The beauty of this choice will be the unique configuration of these curtains. They can go up, like classic blinds, and down, which allows access to the sun, but hide what is happening in the room. A textile Blackout brings this type of curtains to perfection.

Japanese style will suit lovers of the exotic. The sliding mechanism and the light-blocking material stretched over the frame allow you to accurately dose the amount of light needed. This move is perfect for large and panoramic windows. Additional flavor will add ethnic motifs in the decor of the curtains.

Windows covered with Roman curtains look beautiful and noble.. Soft folds, gathering up and falling aristocratically, if necessary, please the eye. If we add to this a simple mechanism and a fabric that perfectly protects against heat and blinding rays, then we get an excellent solution for most rooms.

You can also decorate a large panoramic window with Blackout Roman blinds. This option deserves attention if the use of classic curtains is inappropriate, for example, when decorating elongated windows in country houses. Agree, on a window 3-4 meters wide in the hall, it will be very uncomfortable to constantly move and push heavy curtains, and blackout curtains separately for each section will help solve this problem.

Classic Blackout curtains imply the use of opaque materials for the usual type of curtains. They are suitable for almost any idea in the interior. It is noteworthy that it is possible to use light shades of such curtains, because due to the peculiarities of the structure of the fabric, it can be performed in almost any color variation. Previously, it seemed that it was impossible to darken a room 100% if light brown or pale pink curtains were hanging on the windows. Now in the room at any time of the day you can arrange a home theater or relax in complete darkness.

Differences in material density

The textile base for each of the layers of such complex composite materials can be very different. By density, two types can be distinguished: two- or three-layer. The density depends on the thickness of each layer, the quantity and quality of impregnation with acrylic foam and other substances. The linen base in Blackout does not mean pure linen, but special polyester fibers, which are woven into the inner layer of the curtains, creating an imitation of a texture close to natural fabric.

Jacquard base is the design of light-protective curtains with a convex pattern on the surface, created by weaving pattern threads into the top layer of fabric. A feature of this design move is the presence of many small details that add up to the big picture, which is typical for jacquard.

Unlike other types, gabardine is not a kind of opaque fabric, but exists as an opponent of Blackou t . Both types are used as the basis for photocurtains. The textile cloth from which gabardine can be produced has a different structure. It can be cotton, wool and in some cases silk. The main feature here is the ability to pass air. This is especially important in apartments that are located on the lower floors and their residents suffer from street dust. Such material is unpretentious and can be washed in a delicate mode.

Application possibilities

There are a lot of options for using blackout curtains. It is logical that in the apartment, the most relevant room for such curtains will be the bedroom. After all, in it, as in no other, you need to isolate yourself from the outside world. Especially in our time, many people have an irregular work schedule, and someone, in principle, works at night. For such people, the absence of light and noise during the daytime rest will be a priority. An additional bonus will be good sound insulation, which is vital in a noisy city.

For a small child, sleep is one of the most important parts of life for growth and harmonious development. Therefore, it is natural that thick curtains made of various materials are often used in children's rooms. It is good if the fabric on the windows is not a potential allergen. And, of course, blackout curtains will reduce the number of awakenings of the child, which will greatly facilitate the life of parents.

In apartment buildings, the first floor is the most vulnerable in terms of violation of personal space. And therefore, it is there that the fabric is most in demand, capable of giving complete concealment from prying eyes. Another room where this will be in place is increasingly becoming the living room. Now every house has a large TV and for especially comfortable viewing it is important that there are no reflections from the street. Using lightproof curtains, you can turn the room into a mini-cinema.

Depending on the type, style and density of the layers of curtains, they are able to create a unique design and most importantly, adjust the intensity of lighting.

Blackout curtains in the interior

There are many variations of such curtains used in the decoration of living spaces. A wide selection of colors, interesting types and subspecies allow this practical version of curtains to also be used as a decor tool. For example, the bilateral type, as the name implies, consists of two parts. The use of different shades for the base and lining can be a good design move:

Another option for double-sided curtains can be a set consisting of two fabrics of different thickness, density and color, sewn together from the wrong side. Here, as one of the options will be fastening on the eyelets.

Another interesting option is the Day-Night composition. In another way they are called curtains "Zebra or roller blinds. They carry an interesting and innovative idea. They consist of "Day-Night" of alternating strips of dense opaque material and the same width of translucent strips, most often made of mesh, tulle or veil. All this is attached to the shaft from above and when the mechanism is scrolled, you can adjust the level of illumination from a brightly flooded room to complete darkness in the room.

There are also photo prints. They involve transferring an image or even a photograph onto a canvas, which is the curtains. This is an original approach that can turn every interior into a unique one. The paint on the photo curtains is applied by sublimation, so there are no smells and the pattern will not fade after washing.

And of course, it is impossible not to mention a wide palette of shades of products, with which you can diversify any interior. Plain light curtains look good: blue, turquoise, pink, milky, beige and even purple. You can use natural colors that are currently fashionable: brown, green, wenge, yellow, as well as color combinations when using two curtain options, for example, blackout roller blinds and classic curtains. To match them, to create a stylish one, you should choose a bedspread or a tablecloth in the kitchen.

An interesting option would be to use curtains made of opaque fabric from the collection " Magic night". Domestic manufacturer Nordtex» tried to combine style, comfort, accessibility and complete light insulation if necessary in these products. And it must be said that he succeeded. Such products will harmoniously look in the interiors of different styles, it is only important to correctly combine the shades of all objects in the room.

In the living room, decorated in country style, you can use curtains dark cherry color. An interesting print can successfully resonate with various decor items in the room. As a rule, for the rustic design of the living room in this role, a variety of pillows, thoughts, perhaps photo frames covered with textiles, or even toys dressed in accessories of a similar shade will come in handy. Every little thing can become an accent, which at the same time will not be striking, but will create an overall atmosphere of harmony and comfort.

Product care

Despite the complex composition, textiles made by the above combined method do not require special or laborious care. If, during the weekly general cleaning, you clean them with a vacuum cleaner using a special nozzle for upholstered furniture, this will significantly reduce the frequency of washing the curtains and, accordingly, extend their service life. Such a “prevention” will save the room from a significant amount of dust that accumulates on the curtains.

But like any textile, blackout curtains need wet cleaning. You need to wash them in warm water (no more than 40 °) by hand or in a typewriter in the modes of hand or delicate washing. Spinning can be used, but not more than 400 revolutions, although without it the fabric does not dry for too long. It is better to dry the curtains in the shade. Washing is often not recommended - 1-2 times a year, since the material from which these curtains are made is not particularly susceptible to pollution. Due to the nature of the fabric, ironing is generally not required, but if necessary, you can walk through them with a slightly warm iron.

In some cases (for example, if photo printing is applied to the curtains), the use of an iron is contraindicated. Then, if necessary, to give smoothness to the canvas, you can safely use a steamer. A jet of hot steam will smooth out any irregularities in the fabric, eliminate creases that may have formed during washing, and will not affect the design in any way.

Please note that steaming over the image itself is still not recommended, so in this part of the curtain it is better to steam it on the other side that is free from drawings.

Each house has a room (and often more than one) where protection from sunlight or complete blackout is required. And it is not always possible to use several layers of window textiles to solve this problem (a small room, tightness, low ceilings will not allow this to be done). Then blackout curtains can come to the rescue. They were invented specifically for such "hard cases".

What it is?

Initially, blackout fabric was created to be used in the design of bedroom windows in those latitudes where white nights are a common thing to block light from entering the room (blackout in Russian means “blackout”). It is believed that the birthplace of such textiles is Finland. But today this material is unusually popular all over the world. After all, in addition to the main function - creating darkness (and this fabric is capable of creating up to 100% complete blackout), this material has a number of other useful functions and qualities.

Noise isolation. Due to its increased density, the blackout material significantly absorbs street noise penetrating into the room. Therefore, you can sleep with such curtains not only in complete darkness, but also in silence.
The ability to retain heat. The structure of the blackout fabric perfectly blocks not only the sun's rays, but also the cold coming from the windows in winter. And this is additional comfort.
The light reflection of blackout curtains also means that in summer the room will heat up much less. A very favorable quality, especially for rooms facing the sunny side.
Hypoallergenic. The use of blackout fabric is allowed even in a room for small children. She doesn't irritate.
Heat resistance. That is, fire safety. Blackout curtains do not ignite and do not support a flame, which is especially true for a nursery, as well as a kitchen where there is an open source of fire.
Long service life. Having once bought such curtains, the owners of the dwelling will provide the premises with excellent properties that blackout gives for a long time.
Dimensional stability. This practically does not wrinkle, does not shrink, does not stretch, retains the clarity of the lines.
Color fastness to fading, shedding, washing. The brightness of the blackout curtains will last for a long time, which is also important for maintaining the overall look of the interior.
High drape. Pleats or gathers on blackout fabrics always look flawless.
Practicality and ease of care. These curtains are easy to wash even in the washing machine, easy to dry. But ironing is not necessary at all.

If you can’t find on sale light-proof curtains of a suitable appearance for window decoration, you can buy a piece of light-colored blackout material and use it as a lining for the main curtains.

In appearance, blackout fabrics are very diverse. Therefore, it is quite difficult to make a general description of them. In general, this is a fairly dense fabric. Color, texture, finish it can be very diverse. The material is produced matte, shiny, textured, sprayed, with a crinkled or other pronounced texture, with different prints or photo printing, as well as different thicknesses, densities and degrees of opacity.

In the section, the blackout fabric is a two- or three-layer "pie". At the same time, the outer layer (outward directed) is reflective (often it is also made metallized - for greater effect). The second layer of acrylic foam is black. He is the same "blocker". But the texture of the fabric is such that the threads tightly braid the foam, so the black color is not visible either from the outside or from the inside. It can only be seen in cross section. The third layer is internal, decorative. Its function is purely aesthetic: to fit into a certain interior. It is he who determines the appearance of the finished blackout curtains.

Types of curtains with a light filter effect

This material has a couple of drawbacks that limit the design possibilities of curtains. This is quite a lot of weight and a high price. Because of this, it is completely impractical to create curtains that do not let in light too complex shapes, with a large consumption of fabric: awnings, models with lambrequins of complex shape, with a lot of draperies, jabots, molds, perekida and other details. Firstly, you will need very strong cornices, and secondly, the price will eventually go off scale beyond all reasonable limits. And today it is, alas, one of the determining factors.

What models optimally combine cost, beauty and functionality?

Classic curtains. Most often they are a simple rectangular shape with varying degrees of assembly. The curtain group can become expressive through the use of either decorative elements (tassels, cords, ties), or some kind of original curtain fabric.
Blackout roller blinds. Ideal as a night or sunscreen, if you do not plan to include them in the overall decorative ensemble. Indeed, when raised, they are almost invisible, so they will not spoil the image. Optimal in minimalist interiors.
Japanese panel curtains. Good for large windows. They allow you to adjust the amount of incoming light also due to the design. Appropriate in laconic interiors or in ethnic areas.
Roman curtains. Neat and concise model with a convenient control system. Can be used as a night or as an independent option.
Simple curtains on tiebacks. Ideal for "rustic" design trends. They can be of different lengths, depending on the purpose of the room.
Pleated curtains. Convenient for decorating windows of non-standard shape (for example, arched).

When is this material suitable?

Blackout curtains can be useful or even necessary in rooms with different functional purposes.

Bedroom. This is the first and, as they say, "holy" place for curtains with the property of light filtering. Night dimming, noise reduction, keeping warm in winter - all this will make the sleep of the inhabitants of such a room as efficient and comfortable as possible. To the selected model of a blackout curtain (curtains, roller blinds or another type), curtains selected in accordance with the rules of color and style from a wide variety of materials can become companions.
Children's. For this room, it is important not only to darken at night, but also practicality: the child should not reach the bottom of the fabric, hang on it, get tangled in cords or other details. Therefore, a short model of blackout curtains (possibly on tiebacks) or a roller blind will be optimal. What curtains will be depends not only on the color and style of the room: it is better not to take complex textured or with fleecy details so as not to acquire extra dust collectors.
Kitchen. Here, practicality comes first. Therefore, short options are optimal, which will fall less under the arm and get dirty. It is worth considering the use of Roman or roll models, as well as shortened curtains on the tiebacks. Important safety in such a room is provided by the incombustibility of the fabric. The reflective effect is even more in demand in summer when the kitchen faces south.
Living room. Here the main reason for using curtains on the windows from the sun is the same: the south side. Although in winter, thick curtains are more effective in the north, as they perfectly retain heat. Another option when such curtains are simply necessary is to combine a living room with a home theater, which happens quite often today. In this case, the necessary dimming for watching movies even during the day is perfectly provided by blackout window decoration. Whether its function will also be decorative or exclusively practical - in each case depends on many factors (in particular, on the general style of the room). And this, in turn, affects the possibility of using additional window textiles (drapes or curtains). Of course, curtains made of light-blocking fabric will become an integral part of the design if the living room functionality is combined with a bedroom or guest room in which guests can stay overnight.

How to wash?

Due to the density and heavy weight, blackout should not be washed on aggressive modes. It is better to put a delicate one - with a low temperature and minimal drum speed. For washing, it is better to use a liquid detergent so that there is confidence that the remnants of undissolved granules do not stick to the fabric. In addition, liquid substances are more gentle on fabrics, which guarantees a long-term preservation of the appearance of blackout curtains. After washing, they can be immediately hung in their place - there they will dry out and take their original shape. Blackout is ironed only in case of creases, which happens quite rarely.

Thus, there are many attractive qualities in blackout blinds that make this material for window decoration so desirable. Those who at least once tried to live in an apartment with such curtains will never agree to any compromises. After all, it is darkness and silence at night, coolness in summer, warmth in winter. This is an opportunity to choose a model, variety and color for almost any stylistic and functional solution.

In addition, such window textiles will save the hostess more than one hour of time that she could spend ironing the curtains after each wash.

And even the high price is fully justified by the long service life of this amazing fabric. Having bought it once, the owners will be spared the problem of re-purchasing curtains for many years. But in order not to be disappointed and not to waste money in vain, you should be very meticulous in choosing such window decoration. It should be not only beautiful, but also of high quality. And the guarantee of this can only be the authority of the manufacturer. The more famous he is, the more attention he pays to his reputation - the less opportunity the consumer has to buy low-quality material.

Not so long ago, a new material appeared on the textile market. Blackout fabric is a know-how in curtain making.

The name blackout fabric for curtains means “darkened”, as it is made of polyester fiber with a double weave of satin and practically does not let in light: not only sunlight, but also protects from bright spotlights and advertising screens.

The first association that comes to mind from the word "blackout" is a black canvas. But in fact, curtains made from this fabric can vary in color, pattern, density and percentage of light absorption.

Blackout curtains differ from ordinary curtains in their unique properties: they not only absorb light, but also noise. They are also heat insulating material.

Such products are easy to clean and do not change their shape after washing. Therefore, blackout curtains in white, seemingly impractical color, can be used with confidence in the interior.

Benefits of blackout curtains

Such curtains differ from ordinary curtains in a lot of advantages:

Wear resistance. They are able to serve for decades and at the same time practically not lose their original appearance.

They don't wrinkle. Products during use do not lend themselves to crushing, which is an important feature for roller blinds that are subjected to frequent folding. After washing, the products just need to be hung in place, without standing idle for hours at the ironing board.

thermal insulation properties. This is one of the main advantages of using blackout curtains in the interior. They are able, due to their density, to keep warm in the room in winter, and in summer to save from the heat penetrating through the windows.

Sound absorption. Blackout fabrics have several layers of processing with a special composition that contributes to the soundproofing function of the curtains.

Fire resistance. Flame retardant fabric makes it possible to use curtains in places where special attention is required to ensure fire safety.

Ease of care. Textile products do not cause trouble in caring for them, as they are simply cleaned and do not retain dust on the surface.

A product made from such textiles is denser and has a higher price than a two-layer fabric, which is more often used as a lining material for curtains.

Also, products differ in models for different styles of interior. For example, blackout roman blinds are characterized by simple folds and a way of adjusting. They can be used in combination with curtains in the living room.

Japanese - perfect for rooms with an oriental design style. They will focus on the interior concept and fulfill their functional purpose.

Particularly noteworthy is the variety of pleated curtains. They combine two fabrics of different density. One material serves as protection from light, and the second with tulle functions for daytime use without darkening the room.

Photos of blackout curtains will allow you to make sure that there is a wide selection of varieties of fabrics and product designs.

Any of your color schemes in the design of the room using such curtains can be brought to life, thanks to the rich palette of textiles. And the quality and charm of the fabric itself will allow even the simple solid color of the selected curtains to bring originality to the interior.

For example, gray blackout curtains will not make the room ordinary, but on the contrary, they will emphasize the design idea in gray tones. Only their color should be a little darker or lighter than the walls, so as not to merge into a single mass.

Successful decisions in choosing blackout curtains!

Photo of blackout curtains in the interior

For about fifteen years, innovative blackout curtains have been protecting rooms from excess sunlight. The special structure of the canvas is able to effectively reflect ultraviolet, heat and cold, while maintaining a comfortable seasonal temperature in the room and a certain light regime.

And all this in a variety of styles and colors, making blackout curtains no worse than the usual curtains.

Special Benefits

In appearance, these draperies are no different from standard counterparts, as they have the same parameters, thickness, colors and texture. However, there are a few points that clearly show what is special about blackout curtains:

The degree of dimming is from 90 to 100%;
High sound insulation;
fire resistance;
Preservation of optimal seasonal air temperature;
Hypoallergenic;
Sun resistance, retaining original color without fading;
Durability;
Easy care, including moisture-repellent properties, no need for ironing.

It is also worth noting the disadvantages of blackout fabric: high price, simplicity of design.

Lightproof technology

White Finnish nights have led to the development of a special material that prevents the penetration of ultraviolet rays. Each canvas consists of three layers: the first reflects the sun, the second retains heat or prevents heat from penetrating inside, and the last is a familiar decorative coating.

The basis for blackout curtains is polyester fabric, which has practicality, durability, insulation, anti-static and excellent reflective effects. To obtain various types of matter, cotton, satin, acrylic and viscose additives are used.

Real blackout

Ready-made reflective curtains for windows are of first-class quality and high price, which shows their elitism. However, unscrupulous sellers can pass off completely ordinary curtains for an inflated cost as a blackout, so the following recommendations should be considered when buying:

Pay attention to the manufacturer, the best of which are firms: German "Junkers & Mullers GmbH", Dutch "Coulisse", Finnish "Almedahls" and Belgian "Calcutta". You can also trust the companies "Maryun", "Tuplyur" (Sweden) and "Lothari" (China).
Bend 2-3 threads from the edge of the canvas (there should be a noticeable black textile base inside).
Examine the material (the outer side is similar to suede, and the inner has a perceptible sheen).
Compare value for money.
Consult sellers.

Use in the interior

Having carefully studied the photos and images of blackout curtains in the interior, you will understand that if you have good taste, they are easy to fit into the room environment. At the same time, the rules for choosing a palette, texture, length and style are subject to the rules of ordinary draperies.

For example, light colors are more suitable for small-sized rooms, bright models are more suitable for monochrome walls, and in the absence of good lighting, the choice is made in favor of a warm spectrum.

As for the type of premises, most often reflective fabrics are used in bedrooms, children's and home theaters. Blackout is also effective in living rooms, offices and spas.

At the same time, it is better to choose white curtains for the bedroom, experiment with photo printing and textures in the child’s room, and limit yourself to light or dark blinds in business premises.

Choose the type of curtains

The modernization of blackout technology allows you to experiment not only with textures and shades, but also with different types of curtains, the most common of which are Japanese, roll, pleated, classic, cassette and Roman.

So, simple Japanese sliding models are used in high-tech and minimalist living rooms. They are characterized by horizontality and smoothness of the surface, monochrome shade or the presence of a slightly noticeable ornament.

Classic curtains will harmoniously decorate spacious rooms, and the presence of various shades allows you to use them in any design.

Accordion pleats are the best option for the bathroom and kitchen, because, having increased strength and resistance to moisture, they not only protect against unwanted light, but also retain their presentation longer.

Roman-style roller blinds are versatile, thanks to an extensive range of shapes, textures and colors. It is Roman blinds that are presented in a wide range in IKEA and other trading platforms.

Cassette models fit snugly against the window glass, but are not so rich in style solutions, so they are most often used in office spaces.

The situation is similar with roll options, however, they have an undeniable advantage - the ability to mount the canvas at any height, which provides a certain level of illumination. These draperies are impenetrable and dense in quality, and the three-layer only enhances the positive effect.

The variety of light-repellent curtains on the modern market allows you to choose the perfect set for all rooms of an apartment or house in order to feel comfortable day and night, staying cool in summer and warm in winter, while maintaining a single style and overall design.

Photo of blackout curtains

A few years ago, in our country, following the rest of the world, fabrics for the manufacture of curtains, which are united by the common name “Blackout”, gained great popularity. Nevertheless, not everyone knows about this amazing fabric, and even more so, they do not have enough information about its use.

What it is

The concept of "blackout" refers to a special type of fabric created using a special technology and having opaque properties. This feature has made Blackout fabrics indispensable for the manufacture of curtains for windows of any design - from classic to the most modern. In addition to the valuable property of retaining the sun's rays, these fabrics can also have a fire retardant function. Therefore, they can be called ideal for use in any living space, especially in bedrooms.

Blackout fabric properties

Curtains from innovative fabrics were first made in Finland, the land of the white nights, as it is called, so it is logical that it was here that the task arose to invent a opaque fabric that retains the diverse and attractive appearance and convenience of conventional curtain fabric.

The largest Finnish fabric manufacturer Blackout Almedahls quickly made blackout curtains very popular all over the world.

It would seem that such a characteristic as opacity is enough to make anyone interested in the novelty. But this is not the only advantage that Blackout curtains have, moreover, very thick curtains made of ordinary fabric are also able to sufficiently absorb the sun's rays, creating twilight. But in comparison with conventional fabrics, it has a number of undeniable and significant advantages. To fully appreciate Blackout curtains, you need to study the characteristics of this new material for the manufacture of blackout curtains.

The ability to:

do not let in light from the street;
keep the shape and drape well;
do not lose external attractiveness from the bright sun (do not fade or fade);
have excellent thermal insulation;
have a soundproofing feature;
have a special resistance to fire;
in the event of a fire, do not release additional toxic substances into the air.

As you can see, none of the classic types of fabrics for sewing curtains can boast of such a set of unique useful characteristics.

The composition of the fabric "Blackout"

The fabric is composed of as many as three textile bases, acrylic foam and a certain set of chemicals. In an effort to increase the fire-fighting component, a number of fabric manufacturers impregnate this type of textile with a special composition.

Each of the three layers of material is made using a special technology of weaving threads, which makes it possible to make all layers very thin. When the layers are combined, a very dense web with the above unique properties is formed.

Caring for blackout curtains

Unlike other types of thick fabrics for curtains, Blackout fabric is easy to care for. It can be washed in warm water (about 40 degrees). Can be machine washed by hand or delicate. You can also wring out in the car, but not higher than 400 revolutions, but even without machine wringing, the material is able to dry quickly on its own, but for drying, the fabric must not be placed in the sun. The undoubted advantage of such curtains is that they can not be ironed, because they keep their shape well. Minor creases or creases can be removed with a warm iron. Curtains made from Blackout material do not need to be washed frequently, washing once every six months is enough, since one of their properties is to repel dust and dirt. Undoubtedly, and this is an eloquent fact of the convenience of using Blackout curtains.

Varieties of curtains

Currently, the buyer is offered a sufficient number of options for Blackout fabrics. When choosing a variety of such a fabric, you need to decide in advance on the style of the curtains. The material may differ in the following parameters:

degree of opacity;
canvas density;
color solutions, the presence or absence of prints;
the presence or absence of a substrate;
the presence or absence of an addition in the form of a special metal coating.

The variety of offered types of fabrics and curtains made of this fabric made in different styles and colors allows them to successfully fit into almost any room, become a decoration of the room. Curtains are made for any window systems, including Blackout roller blinds, which fit into almost any room, complementing it in style.

In addition to the universal and popular Blackout roller blinds, you can also choose Japanese curtains, which are the best suited to the oriental style design, which is very popular in modern homes. Japanese curtains look great in combination with panoramic window openings.

Pleated curtains are also sewn from this fabric - an ideal design option for other window openings with a non-standard configuration.

Blackout curtains are also successfully produced in the most common classic version of curtains, suitable for absolutely any interior and functional value of the room, because the choice of color palette and prints of the material is not inferior in variety to any familiar curtain fabric.

Blackout

Despite the continued popularity of the classics, roller blinds are gaining more and more fans, displacing not only the classic options for curtains, but also blinds. Of course, this fact could not but affect the popularity of the material for creating just this type of curtains.

Roller blinds "Blackout" can have different degrees of opacity: from translucent to the most dense. Transparent roller blinds are able to beautifully scatter light and perform a decorative load. Such products look very good paired with heavy curtains.

Lightproof roller blinds Blackout can also be made using dimout technology, so the release of heat is delayed, and the light from the street is only partially transmitted. This is the best choice for offices, as well as a furnished loggia or even a balcony, especially on the sunny side. They are also ideal for a greenhouse or a winter garden. "Blackout" with maximum light protection is indispensable for bedrooms and children's rooms, can be used in a room with a home theater or photo lab.

The technology called “day-night”, acting like blinds, allows you to control the flow of light with horizontal strips of fabric fixed on a transparent base, it looks much more interesting than blinds and at the same time is easier to clean.

Black out roller blinds can be made to fit windows of any size and configuration. Roller blinds are equipped with special slats with guides, which eliminate side gaps and ugly fabric sagging. The fabric is fixed on a shaft located above the window opening, and when opened, it rolls up into an aesthetic roll.

Curtains Inspire Blackout

The production of such a variety of textiles as Blackout curtains is established at many manufacturing enterprises around the world, and the most famous of them are Junkers & Mullers GmbH from Germany, Calcutta in Belgium and Coulisse from Holland.

Blackout curtains are also produced in Russia. Leroy Merlin, for example, offers its customers roller blinds produced under its own brand Inspire.

Plain Inspire roller blinds in the color you want fit perfectly into almost any room with any design. The light filter is suitable for darkening a bedroom or a nursery, for an office, a home theater, for the convenience of working at a computer. A light or dark canvas without prints or with an unobtrusive soft pattern is successfully combined with textiles of the second additional curtains of any color, wallpaper and other materials in the interior. The fabric is impregnated with special compounds that facilitate the care of the roller blind. For cleaning from dust and other contaminants, such a curtain is simply wiped with a damp cloth.

Blackout Inspire roller blind has the following advantages:

The fabric cover does not transmit light.
Simplicity and ease of care.
Attractive price.
Suitable for any interior and any room in the house.

In the Leroy Merlin chain of stores, you can choose roller blinds of various colors and sizes, both plain and with an original pattern for every taste.