If you’re looking for the ideal blinds, shades, or curtains to dress up your window treatment, you won’t run out of choices as the demand for home decor is at an all-time high more than ever. Seeing the impact it can have on the decor and functionality of a space, the market offers hundreds of different choices - from Roman shades, cordless blinds, wood blinds, cellular shades, and more.
One of the top choices when it comes to preventing light from entering the room are blackout curtains and room-darkening shades, both of which are highly effective at creating the ideal ambience for sleeping soundly.
However, keeping a room pitched black isn’t the only quality you need for a good night’s rest. Other factors, such as temperature control, also come into play, especially during summer or winter. That’s where knowing the key differences between a blackout curtain versus room-darkening shades matter the most.
Blackout Curtains vs. Room-Darkening Shades: What’s the Difference?
What are the Benefits of Room-Darkening Shades?
Room-darkening shades mimic the function of a blackout curtain in a way where it can effectively keep light out during the day and night - be it from the sun or exterior factors like street lamps, porch lights, and more.
Seeing as it can block light, it’s no surprise that room-darkening shades can also keep heat out of rooms and help maintain a comfortable temperature. Doing so will help cut back on your utility costs as it prevents your HVAC system from working harder during a solstice. Of course, room-darkening shades are also excellent at boosting the privacy of your home.
What are the Benefits of Blackout Curtains?
Blackout curtains are the perfect choice for hotels, theatres, and homes as its thick and heat-resistant fabric is designed to block 100% of the sun’s rays, leaving rooms in pitch-black darkness. While room-darkening shades can effectively reduce light, blackout curtains don’t need any additional lining or layer of material to provide complete darkness and privacy.
When fully drawn, it can completely shield you from the outside world and ensure that no curious neighbours can take even a small peak. Not to mention, blackout curtains are made from fibreglass, suede, silk, cellulose, polyester, mineral wool, and polyurethane foams, all of which provide other sleep-enhancing qualities such as noise cancellation and heat resistance.
Conclusion: Blackout Curtains Offer Superior Qualities in Room Darkening, Noise-Cancelling, and Temperature Control
Blackout curtains and room-darkening shades have plenty of similarities, but the differences can also make or mar your goal of creating a room that is optimal for sleeping with zero disturbances.
Room-darkening shades can reduce light, glare, and also contribute to keeping heat out of rooms. However, if you’re looking to get more value for your money, blackout curtains are the perfect pick as it uses thicker and heat-resistant fabric that can provide unparalleled temperature control, privacy, and provide pitch-black darkness.
If you’re looking for blackout curtains or room-darkening window treatments for your home in the UK, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.