You may not even be aware that anyone would want or need blackout curtains, and no, they don’t have to be black in color. In order to change a room from day to night you may want to invest in blackout curtains.
Before you head out to purchase the curtains, you will want to measure your window or windows and find the exact measurement. You’ll also need to know that the curtains or blinds will have to be larger than the window otherwise light will seep through the curtain’s gap. That alone will defeat your purpose.
In order to entirely blackout your windows you must allow at least two inches outside of the window itself and that is where you’ll have to install the curtain rod. If you aren’t worried how the window will look on the inside of the room, a blackout shade may work as well. But if you want the room to be stylish as well as functional there are a few things you can do in order to achieve that.
You can use an ordinary drape or curtain, with the blackout curtain liner underneath and unseen. The liner can be permanently fixed or have the ability to roll up or pulled to the side and out of the way of the window. When it is in the closed position, the room should be entirely dark with the drape or curtain also closed.
It is also important to have the correct type of window rod. If the blackout curtain will hang on the rod with rings, the rod should extend above the window so no light penetrates under the rod. There are also valances that hang above the curtain or drape on a separate rod. They can also help to block out the light.
Why would it be necessary for anyone to have a blackout curtain? For those that work while the world sleeps will then want to sleep while the world is awake. The blackout curtain will fill that bill. Also there are those that have a theater room when the room must be dark in order to show their films.
There is also another very important reason why blackout curtains would be necessary. During World War II the Americans feared Japan and Germany’s ability to bomb our country. For those old enough to recall the city would call for blackouts. Cars with the authorities driving without headlights drove through the streets to make sure no lights escaped from the windows. It was a scary time especially for small children.
Raymonde Draperies specializes in San Diego drapes, San Diego blinds and San Diego curtains.
