Blackout Coated Curtain Fabric is a heavy, tightly-woven fabric that has been coated with a dark layer to block light. It's used in curtains to create a dark environment, typically in bedroom and home theater settings. It can also be used in window treatments, such as drapes or blinds, to reduce glare and block out sunlight from outside. Adding blackout lining to existing curtains is a simple and inexpensive way to transform them.
Usually, the coating is applied to the backside of the fabric. When a blackout lining is attached to a regular curtain, it seals all the small holes and pores that allow light through. This makes the curtains opaque, blocking out both natural and artificial light sources. The lining can be sewn directly to the fabric or inserted into a separate piece of fabric that will act as a curtain, such as a cotton or polyester. In some cases, blackout lining can be added to a regular, non-blackout curtain by attaching it with small clips on each side of the fabric.
There are a few different types of blackout fabric, but the best option for most people is one that is labeled "3-pass." This means that the cloth has been coated with three passes of foam to achieve maximum blackout capability. The first pass is made with a dark-colored foam, and the subsequent two passes are made with white or light-colored foam. The more layers of foam that are applied, the more effective the lining will be.
If you want to get the most out of your blackout lining, it's important to hang your curtains a few inches away from the glass and not too high. This will help prevent heat and cold from escaping through the bottom of your curtains, and it will also keep light from leaking in around the edges. It's also a good idea to use a thick pelmet board or mount your curtains directly to the wall to avoid any light seepage gaps.
In addition to the obvious benefits of a darker room, blackout liners can also cut down on noise and heat loss. They are especially useful in rooms that are used for sleeping and watching movies, as they can create a quiet and cozy atmosphere. They can be used in conjunction with soundproofing fabrics and insulation to further enhance the effect.
Aside from being a great choice for bedrooms, blackout liners can also be used in offices and public spaces to create a more private and dark environment. They can be hung on a single curtain rod or mounted to the ceiling, and they can be hung in sets or with other drapery materials to create a cohesive look.