Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains use fabrics or linings designed to reduce the light passing through the curtain itself. As with blinds, the whole installation decides how dark the room becomes.

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Blackout Curtains

What blackout means for a curtain

A blackout curtain has a lining, or occasionally a fabric, designed to stop light passing through the curtain itself. That is a statement about the fabric, not about the room. Once the curtain is hung, light can still find its way in around it.

Where light gets in

Even with a blackout lining, light can enter:

  • above the track or pole, especially when it is wall fixed with a gap to the ceiling
  • at the sides, where the curtain stands away from the wall
  • in the centre, where the two curtains meet
  • beneath the hem, particularly on sill-length curtains

So we never describe ordinary blackout curtains as total blackout.

Getting a darker room

The specification makes a real difference:

  • a generous overlap where the curtains meet in the centre
  • returns that bring the curtain back to the wall at each side
  • a track position close to the ceiling, or a pelmet where appropriate, to cut light from above
  • the right length, so light does not spill beneath the hem
  • layering with a blind designed to manage edge light, such as blackout blinds

Our advice guide Blackout Blinds Explained covers the same principles for blinds.

Bedrooms and nurseries

Blackout-lined curtains are a strong bedroom choice because they combine a decorative fabric with useful room darkening. In children's rooms, choose hand-drawn, wand or motorised operation, or make sure any corded track has its safety device fitted. See bedroom and nursery ideas.

Heading and weight

Blackout lining adds body, so the curtain hangs with fuller, heavier folds. Most headings can be blackout lined; the hardware needs to suit the extra weight. A blackout lining can also be combined with interlining for a softer, more insulating construction, depending on the fabric.

Measuring and fitting

We check the ceiling height, the space above and beside the window, radiators and sills, and agree the track position, overlap and length that will give the darkest practical result. Everything is confirmed at your free home survey.

Light control
Blackout fabrics available

Honest suitability

Is it right for your window?

Every recommendation comes with a reason. Where something else would serve you better, we say so — and suggest what to consider instead.

Where this works well

  • Bedrooms Recommended

    A decorative curtain with useful room darkening for better sleep.

    Worth knowing: Light can still enter at the edges and top without a layered blind.

  • Nurseries and children's rooms

    Helps with light evenings and early mornings.

    Worth knowing: Needs cord-free operation or a fitted safety device; a layered blind gets closer to darkness.

  • Daytime sleeping and shift work

    Blocks light through the fabric for daytime rest.

    Worth knowing: Edge light is noticeable in the day; layering is often needed.

  • Home cinemas and media rooms With conditions

    Blackout curtains add softness and cut light through the fabric.

    Worth knowing: For real darkness, combine with a blind designed to manage edge light.

Where we’d suggest something else

  • Rooms that must be completely dark

    Why: Light still enters around the curtain, above the track and where the pair meets.

    The limitation: A blackout lining is not a total-blackout system.

    Consider instead: Blackout blinds

  • Daylight with privacy

    Why: Blackout curtains are either open or dark, with no in-between.

    The limitation: They cannot let light in while screening the view.

    Consider instead: Day & Night blinds

Fabrics and linings

Blackout curtains are made by pairing a face fabric with a blackout lining. The face fabric sets the look; the lining does the light-blocking work.

Standard lining is a separate backing layer sewn behind the face fabric. It protects the fabric from direct sun, adds body and helps the curtain hang and fold consistently.

Blackout lining is designed to stop light passing through the curtain itself. It does not make a room completely dark: light can still find its way around the edges, above the track or pole, beneath the hem and where the curtains meet.

Interlining is a soft layer placed between the face fabric and the lining. It adds weight, fullness and a more insulating construction, and gives many fabrics a richer drape.

Where the darkest possible room matters, we usually suggest a blackout lining combined with a well-planned track position and a layered blind, rather than relying on the curtain alone.

The exact fabrics and linings available, and how they behave together, depend on the fabric you choose. We confirm the construction at your consultation.

Tracks, poles and operation

Blackout curtains can hang from a track or a pole. Ceiling-fixed tracks help reduce light from above. The main ways to operate them:

  • Hand-drawn: the simplest option, and quiet in use. Suits most headings on poles and tracks.
  • Wands: a slim rod clipped to the leading edge, so you draw the curtain without handling the fabric. No cords involved.
  • Cord-drawn tracks: a continuous cord opens and closes the curtains. Any looped cord must be held taut by a tensioner or safety device fixed to the wall.
  • Motorised tracks: available on selected track systems, with control options that depend on the system chosen. Motorisation removes operating cords altogether.

Child safety

Where a curtain track is operated by a looped cord, the loop must be held taut by a cord tensioner or safety device fitted to the wall, so it cannot form a hanging loop within reach of children. We fit any required safety devices as part of installation.

Hand-drawn curtains and wands have no looped cords, and motorised tracks remove operating cords altogether, which makes them sensible choices for children's rooms and family homes. See our guide to child-safe window coverings.

Compared with the alternatives

Blackout blinds

Blinds can be designed with side channels and closer fitting to manage edge light. Choose them where darkness is the priority; curtains add softness and style.

Thermal and interlined curtains

Interlining adds weight and a more insulating construction. It can be combined with a blackout lining where the fabric allows.

Layered window treatments

A blackout blind behind decorative curtains is often the most effective bedroom scheme, with each layer doing its own job.

Related options

Related advice

Questions we get asked

Are blackout curtains total blackout?

Not on their own. The lining blocks light through the fabric, but light can still enter around the edges, above the track and beneath the hem. Layering with a blind gets closer.

Can any curtain fabric be blackout lined?

Most curtain fabrics can be blackout lined. We confirm the right lining for your chosen fabric at your consultation.

How do I stop light coming over the top?

A ceiling-fixed track, a pelmet where appropriate, or a blind behind the curtain all help reduce light from above.

Are blackout curtains good for a nursery?

They are a good start. Choose cord-free operation or make sure any corded track has its safety device fitted, and consider a blind behind for darker naps.

Do blackout curtains also keep rooms warmer?

The extra layer can help comfort at the window, but performance depends on the construction, coverage and gaps. We do not quote energy savings.

More curtain options

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