Blackout: features
Many users wonder what blackout fabric is for curtains and what it is?
The primary function of such curtains is complete protection from sunlight and maximum darkening of the room. This fabric is made using a weave of satin, satin and viscose threads, having three layers.
The fabric has the following characteristics:
- Strength;
- Density;
- Lightproof.
Care
Blackout fabric is very easy to care for. To wash it, you can use either the manual method or a washing machine.
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The products should be washed on a delicate cycle at 40 degrees. Machine spinning at 400 rpm is also allowed.
It is better to dry the fabric in a dark place in a straightened state - in this case, further ironing will not be necessary.
To protect curtains from dirt and dust accumulation, vacuum the fabric weekly using a small attachment on the vacuum cleaner hose.
Layers of blackout fabric
As mentioned above, this fabric consists of three layers. The outer layer of the curtains, which faces the sun, is white.
Thanks to the middle layer, the curtain is thicker, and the inner layer determines the appearance of the curtain. Curtains are also made when black threads are used instead of white ones.
Composition, structure, production
This fabric consists of a textile base, for the production of which natural and artificial materials (linen, cotton, silk, viscose), special chemical components and acrylic foam are used.
To impart fire-resistant qualities to the material, most manufacturers use special impregnation. The smooth and loose fabric has several thin layers made using a special fiber weaving technique.
During the production process, each layer is made separately, after which the blanks are joined in such a way as to form a dense fabric. When manufacturing this material, the following points are taken into account:
- The outer (front) layer, which performs a decorative function, must be pleasant to the touch, attractive, wear-resistant and dirt-resistant.
- The inner layer must fulfill the task that is assigned to the blackout, i.e., not allow light to pass through. Black polyester fiber is used as raw material for its production.
- The back layer in contact with light should be painted in light colors.
- To increase light resistance, acrylic foam is applied to the layers of the canvas.
- At the final stage of production, the fabric is dyed, patterns or designs are applied to its surface, if necessary, and it is impregnated with special solutions to give it fire-resistant properties, dirt and dust resistance.
Pros of blackout curtains
Before ordering blackout curtains, you need to familiarize yourself with the advantages of this unique product.
- Blackout prevents sunlight from entering the room.
- They are excellent protection against unnecessary sounds.
- The fabric is fireproof.
- It has a long service life.
- Blackout curtains do not need to be ironed.
Where can I buy?
The most popular construction goods hypermarkets are Ikea and Leroy Merlin. These stores offer a huge range of curtains for every need. Everyone can see photographs of blackout curtains presented in online catalogues.
The market leaders are Finnish and German manufacturers. There is also a wide range of curtains from Russia and Sweden. In Russia, the Inspire brand is considered the best manufacturer. Customer reviews indicate the good quality of their products
You can find both expensive and high-quality canvases, as well as more economical models, starting from 1,500 rubles.
Stylistic execution
Blackout curtains are very popular, which is why they come in a variety of styles. You can choose the right option for any interior, as the choice is incredibly large.
- Classic is the most common option.
- Roller blinds are also very convenient and common to use.
- Japanese style curtains look best in large rooms with suitable interior design.
- Roman blackout blinds do not collect dust and are very easy to use.
Free-hanging
Free-hanging
Blackout roller blinds for plastic windows from free-hanging systems can only be Mini; you can learn more about this system by clicking on the link. “Minka” can also be installed on the wall, covering the entire opening, or in the opening. Provided that the product is not too large, about 1.5 meters wide. But here, of course, you also need to look at the fabric, what material it is made of and what height the product will be. There may simply be a situation that the product is quite high, or the fabric is too heavy, and the shaft on which the fabric is wound may bend in this case, and the side brackets may also not be able to withstand it. The shaft diameter of the mini blackout roller blind system = 18 mm.
If the product is wide enough, then the Maxi system is used. Here you can already close fairly large openings up to 6 meters wide. And the dimensions will depend only on the length of the roll of blackout fabric. The maximum roll length I have ever seen is 4 meters. But these are very rare fabrics. Basically it is 3 - 3.5 meters. If you want to learn more about free-hanging systems, click for more details...
- Cassette
Blackout fabric colors
Such fabrics are created to suit every taste. They can be monochrome, glossy, matte, multi-color, as well as with various designs and photo printing.
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Of the two methods for making such curtains, most often they do not use spraying, but a base of three threads, which makes the curtains more durable and dense.
Why else do we need such material?
Why else would you need such fabric? The scope of application of blackout is not limited to the manufacture of curtains. This matter is also used for:
- upholstery of sofas, armchairs and chairs;
- sewing furniture covers and decorative pillows, capes and bedspreads;
- decoration of conference rooms, educational institutions, office premises, theaters, entertainment shows;
- decoration of residential premises (wall upholstery);
- darkening darkrooms.
How to choose a color?
How stylish the interior will be will depend on the color scheme. It is necessary to choose the right cold and warm tones.
If the windows face south, you can choose any cool shade, from blue to lavender flowers.
For the north side, it is better to use curtains in warm colors, which will add a special coziness to the room.
White blackout curtains look very beautiful and will fit perfectly into both the bedroom and the living room.
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Very often, pastel and beige shades are used to decorate windows, as they are universal. The same colors also include gray blackout curtains; they can be hung in any room.
Yellow colors look very bright and warm; they will perfectly decorate a child's room and add coziness to the kitchen.
Right choice
Various photos of blackout curtains can be viewed on the Internet, where you can choose the appropriate option.
Such curtains perfectly decorate the room, they are very convenient to use and quite practical. A large variety of colors makes it possible to choose the appropriate style for any room.
When choosing curtains for the living room, it is best to pay attention to more elegant fabric options that create a festive feeling. Curtains in soft colors are hung in the bedrooms; they should be in harmony with the interior.
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Possible applications
Blackout curtains will be appropriate in any room if chosen correctly.
The most relevant room for such curtains is the bedroom, so that you can relax comfortably at any time of the day. Additional sound insulation is also a big advantage for this room, especially in large and noisy cities.
Sleep is extremely important for young children too. Curtains that limit the amount of light coming in will significantly improve the quality of sleep, which is important for tired parents.
The first floors of large houses are exposed to prying eyes. Thick curtains will help you block out unnecessary attention and feel safe.
Many people have televisions in their living rooms. Blackout curtains will be a useful purchase for those who want to watch any movie in comfortable conditions.
Cost of blackout curtains
When choosing curtains, you should pay attention to the cost, since good fabric has a fairly high price
When choosing, you need to inspect the fabric; inside it should be visible the inner black layer, which provides protection from sunlight.
It is best to buy such curtains from trusted manufacturers, and also do not forget to pay attention to consumer reviews.
Special Benefits
In appearance, these draperies are no different from their standard counterparts, as they have the same parameters, thickness, colors and texture. However, there are several points that clearly show what makes blackout curtains special:
- Dimming degree from 90 to 100%;
- High noise insulation;
- Fire resistance;
- Maintaining optimal seasonal air temperature;
- Hypoallergenic;
- Resistant to sunlight, maintaining original color without fading;
- Durability;
- Easy to care for, including moisture-repellent properties, no ironing required.
It is also worth noting the disadvantages of blackout fabric: high price, simplicity of design.
Fabric classification
There are certain types of fabrics that are used to make blackout curtains. These include:
- Linen;
- Original;
- Straight;
- Flame retardant fabric;
Each of them has its own special properties and is selected for any interior, decorating the room and adding style, comfort and high cost to it.
Interesting Facts
The history of the origin of blackout fabric is controversial. It is believed that such curtains were sewn back during the Second World War, and it was they who saved houses from shelling, since lights were not visible through the thick fabric.
In any case, blackout curtains create the illusion of night. They allow you to get enough sleep on the weekend and not wake up from the bright sun that shines in your eyes. With the help of such curtains you can personally control the time of day, which is undoubtedly very convenient.
Nuances and differences
Curtains differ from each other in the degree of light impermeability. The most effective in this regard will be black and gray blackout curtains.
There are differences in fiber density and the presence of lining. Impregnation and metal spraying may also be present or absent. And, of course, a variety of prints and colors.
Curtains also differ in light transmission characteristics. They can be completely impenetrable. Translucent and transparent. The latter include white blackout curtains.
Main advantages:
- can be used not only for window openings, but also as decoration on a wall or ceiling;
- exactly match the window size;
- curtains are easy to operate thanks to a clear and precise lifting mechanism;
- easy to install;
- the canvas does not bulge and fits tightly to the glass;
- do not interfere with the placement of things on the windowsill;
- absorb sound well;
- do not require special care, the fabric does not fade when washed and keeps its shape;
- the fabric is fire resistant;
- the canvas does not fade;
- dust and dirt do not accumulate on the curtains;
- hypoallergenic.
Flaws:
- do not fit into an elaborate interior;
- high price;
- the durability and reliability of the lifting mechanism may be questionable;
