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The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Blockout Curtains For Your Home

Blockout curtains provide a fantastic solution for creating a cozy, private atmosphere in your living space while effectively blocking out light and sound. With so many choices available, it can be challenging to determine the perfect fit for your room.

To help you make an educated decision, we’ve put together this all-inclusive guide on selecting the ideal blockout curtains for your home. From understanding the different alternatives to measuring and installation advice, we have everything covered. Let’s dive in!

Blockout Curtains vs Sheer Curtains

When it comes to curtains, you have two main options: sheer curtains and blockout curtains. Both have their advantages and are better suited for different situations.

Blockout Curtains

Blockout Curtains Example

Blockout curtains are made from opaque, heavy fabrics that completely block out light and sound, making them perfect for bedrooms or home theatres.

Benefits:
Block out light, heat, and sound, providing complete privacy and darkness
Can help regulate temperature and save energy

Perfect For:
Bedrooms, home theaters, and other areas where complete darkness and privacy are essential
Homes in hot or cold climates, as they can help regulate temperature and save energy
Anyone who wants to reduce noise from outside

Pro Tips:
Consider pairing with a sheer curtain or sunscreen roller blind for daytime privacy
Use blockout curtains to create a dramatic effect in a room

Sheer Curtains Example

Sheer curtains are made from lightweight, translucent fabrics that allow natural light to filter into a room while still providing privacy.

Benefits:
Create an airy and light atmosphere in a room
Soften the harshness of direct sunlight
Offer privacy without completely blocking out light and views
Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space

Perfect For:
Living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms
Spaces where natural light is desired, but privacy is still important
Layering with other window coverings, such as blockout blinds

Pro Tips:
Sheer curtains look amazing when installed as high as possible for a floor to ceiling look
Wall to Wall sheer curtains are very popular

Eyelet Curtains vs Track Curtains

Many customers ask us about the difference between track curtains vs eyelet curtains, and why we only offer track curtains. The simple answer, we find track curtains far superior!

Eyelet Curtains

Eyelet Curtain 5 Minutes Blinds

Eyelet curtains have holes punched into the fabric at the top, which a pole is threaded through.

Pros:

  • Cheap, premade options available

Cons:

  • Tend to hang poorly
  • Hard to open and close

Track Curtains

Track Curtain 5 Minutes Blinds

Track curtains are hung from a track fixed to the ceiling or wall, and offer several benefits over eyelet curtains.

Pros:

  • Smooth operation
  • Better light control
  • More durable
  • Easier to clean

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive compared to eyelet curtains

How To Choose the Right Curtain Fabric

At 5 Minute Blinds, we take pride in offering a carefully curated selection of high-quality blockout curtain fabrics.
Our fabrics have been tried and tested to ensure they meet our strict quality standards.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right Blockout curtain fabric:

Consider the colour and texture

The colour and texture of your blockout curtains can have a big impact on the overall look of your room.

When selecting a colour, consider whether you want your curtains to blend in or stand out.

Neutral colours like white, beige, and grey can complement a wide range of decor styles.

Bold colours like pink, blue, or green can add a pop of colour to your room.

When it comes to texture, consider whether you want a blockout fabric that is smooth or has a more textured look.

Textured fabrics can add depth and interest to your curtains.

Order free samples

The best way to choose the right blockout curtain fabric is to order free samples.

We offer 20 free fabric samples with free shipping, so you can see and feel the fabric in person.

This allows you to compare different fabrics and colours, and ensure that the fabric you choose is the right fit for your room.

Trust our expert selection

With so many blockout curtain fabrics on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

At 5 Minute Blinds, we have taken the guesswork out of the process by selecting only the best fabrics for our customers.

Our blockout curtains are made from high-quality fabrics that are designed to look great and last for years to come.

Trust us to provide you with the best options for your home.

Where Can Blockout Curtains Be Installed?

When it comes to installing Blockout curtains, there are two main options: Face Fit and Top Fit.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand the differences between them before making a decision.

Face Fit - Attached to your wall

Face Fit Blockout Curtains Attached To Wall Example
  • Attaching the curtain track to the studs in your wall is the most common fit type
  • Perfect for a wall-to-wall look if you have cornices
  • Allows you to have a curtain track at the height of the ceiling if you don’t have cornices

Top Fit - Attached to your ceiling

Top Fit Blockout Curtains Attached To Ceiling Example
  • The curtain track is attached to the battens in your ceiling
  • Make sure the battens are running the right way, because you will need multiple battens to attach the curtain to
  • Not a good option if you have cornices, because you want the curtain track to be close to your window
  • If you have cornices, the track would be about 150mm+ out from the window and look odd.

How To Measure For Blockout Curtains

Measuring for blockout curtains is super easy and only takes 5 minutes. Here’s the basics…

For Face Fit Blockout Curtains

Measure Your Width

  1. For wall to wall curtains
    • Measure the exact width from one wall to the other
  2. For curtains framing your window
    • Measure the exact width of your window
    • Add 30% to your measurement to provide space for the curtain to stack off the window

Measure Your Drop

  1. Mark the left, middle and right of where you would like the curtain track to sit.
  2. Measure the distance to the floor on the left, middle and right
  3. The shortest measurement is your drop

For Top Fit Blockout Curtains

Measure Your Width

  1. Measure the width you would like your curtains to be
  2. Note: Measure the inside of your cornices if you have them

Measure Your Drop

  1. Measure from your ceiling down to the floor on the left, middle and right
  2. The shortest measurement is your drop

How To Install Blockout Curtains

Installing curtains only takes about 20 minutes, and is easier than you think!

  • Attach your brackets to your wall or ceiling
  • Clip your curtain track into the brackets
  • Hang your curtain on the curtain track

How To Pair Blockout Curtains With Sunscreen Roller Blinds

Pairing blockout curtains with sunscreen roller blinds can provide a versatile and stylish window treatment solution for your home.

By combining these two types of window coverings, you can enjoy the benefits of natural light while maintaining privacy and blocking out unwanted light.

Blockout Curtain Design Options Explained

With so many blockout curtain design options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right style for your space. 

In this section, we’ll explore the different design options available to help you make an informed decision and create the perfect ambiance for your home.

Curtain Layout

Selecting the right curtain layout is essential for achieving the desired look and functionality in your home.

Curtain Layout Wall To Wall

Wall to Wall

The wall-to-wall curtain layout covers an entire wall, stretching from one corner to another. This design creates a continuous, seamless look that can make your room feel more spacious and elegant.

Curtain Layout Floor To Ceiling

Floor to Ceiling

The floor-to-ceiling layout is perfect for those looking to make their room feel taller and more luxurious. Installed either on the ceiling or high up on the wall, the curtains extend all the way to the floor, creating a dramatic, vertical effect.

Curtain Layout Framing Window

Framing Your Window

For a simple and cost effective curtain layout, framing your window is an excellent option. The track is installed above the window on the wall, and the curtain extends slightly past each edge of the window, creating a visually appealing frame.

Heading Options

Heading S Fold

S-Fold

The S-Fold heading option creates a modern and elegant look as the curtain fabric gracefully forms an “S” shape, both in front of and behind the curtain track. This design creates a smooth, continuous wave effect, giving your curtains a visually appealing and contemporary appearance.

Heading Triple Pinch Pleat

Triple Pinch Pleat

The Triple Pinch Pleat heading option gives a more traditional and structured appearance. The curtain fabric is gathered into groups of three pleats, which are pinched together at the top. This creates a series of uniform folds that cascade down the length of the curtain, resulting in a tailored and classic look.

Curtain Stacking

Curtain stacking refers to the way your curtains open and gather when drawn.

Curtain Stacking Left Stack

Left Stack

With this option, the curtain stacks to the left side when fully open. This is an ideal choice for windows with furniture or obstructions on the right side.

Curtain Stacking Right Stack

Right Stack

In this configuration, the curtain gathers to the right when opened. Similar to the left stack, the right stack is a suitable choice for rooms with obstructions or furniture on the left side.

Curtain Stacking Centre Opening

Centre Opening

The centre opening, also known as a split stack, is where the curtains open in the middle and stack evenly on both sides of the window. This symmetrical option provides a balanced, classic look that works well with large windows or sliding doors

Hem Style

Hem styling refers to the finished edge on the bottom of a curtain.

Hem Lead weight

Lead Weight

The lead weight hem style features a weight at the bottom of the curtain, with virtually no hem.

Hem 70mm

70mm Hem

The 70mm hem style involves folding the fabric under itself by 70mm, creating a classic and refined appearance. This hem style is a popular choice for those seeking a more traditional look and offers a polished finish to the curtain.

Track Colours

Got questions?

Our team is here to help!

Call us on 1300 772 807

Got questions?

Our team is here to help!

Call us on 1300 772 807

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