BLACKOUT WINDOW COVERINGS: CURTAINS AND SHADES THAT WILL MAKE YOU SAVE MONEY

Blackout window coverings are almost always associated with energy efficiency because of their functional use and value-for-money benefits. Compared to standard window treatments, blackout curtains and shades serve the dual purpose of blocking out a substantial amount of light and providing an aesthetic covering for the home interior.

The Many Faces of Energy Efficient Window Coverings

Homemakers have a multitude of options when deciding which specific energy efficient window coverings to use for the home. Energy-saving window covers range from exterior window treatments such as awnings, mesh screens, and exterior shutters to the most common interior treatments such as curtains, draperies, or solar shades.

Among the list of energy efficient treatments, blackout curtains and shades are probably the most commonly used functional window coverings for the interior. Blackout window coverings differ from the standard ones for the former’s ability to block and filter almost 99% of the sunlight and to provide total privacy for the inside of the room. Primarily in the form of fabric curtains or roll-up shades, blackout covers have the following characteristics:

·         Materials. Blackout curtains basically consist of the regular curtain textiles and are also layered with foam-backed, opaque lining to totally screen out the incoming light or heat. Thick curtains made of heavy materials such as velvet, flannel, or wool can also be used as blackout fabrics even without the second lining. On the other hand, blackout shades are commonly made from woven and specialized vinyl materials, polyester mesh, or specialized shade cloth.

·         Flexibility. For blackout fabric curtains, customers have a choice between a 100% blackout or a 50% dim out specification of the curtain lining. While both varieties provide enough protection from the sun, they differ on the amount of light that will be filtered by the material.

·         Multi- purpose. Blackout window covers not only reduce the glare of the sun or the amount of heat seeping into and through the window, these blackout covers also protect the interior from the cold during winter seasons. This is one of the primary reasons why blackout curtains and shades achieved the image of energy saving items for the home – they reduce the need for cooling the interior during hot weathers and likewise lessen the likelihood of overusing the heating system during cold seasons. Moreover, these types of window treatments also have the ability to dampen the sound from the outside, thereby filtering the unwanted noise.

·         Material care and protection. Because of the specialized material that goes into blackout covers, extra care is needed when cleaning and maintaining these types of structures. While machine washing is not recommended, the use of vacuum, wet blotting, and dusting can be alternative measures for the expensive dry cleaning of blackout curtains and shades.

Blackout window coverings are often considered as the leveled-up version of standard interior curtains and roll-up shades, primarily because of the added value they deliver to users. These benefits come at a reasonable price to pay and when designed accordingly to the exact specifications of the home, blackout window treatments can deliver energy saving benefits which standard window coverings seldom promise.