Difference Between Blackout Curtains and Sheer Curtains

The need for light control and privacy is not only an important part of home planning but is also vital. This has led to the comeback of curtains, among other options. Depending on personal preference, curtains can be aesthetically pleasing or practical. It is hence important for homeowners to consider how curtains will help achieve their space goals. Among the choices available in curtain selection include blackout curtains and sheer curtains. 

What is Blackout Curtains?

Mostly common in hotel rooms as drapery fabrics and curtain linings, blackout curtains are curtains made with an opaque and foam-backed fabric that blocks light from entering a room while also increasing the noise-dampening qualities. These curtains are especially important for parents with babies, travellers and third shift workers. 

They are also important in regulating and insulating temperatures by creating a barrier between the out and inside while also providing privacy. For people who are dependent on electricity for heaters and conditioners, this can be a great way to reduce power bills. They are commonly installed in living rooms, bedrooms, children’s rooms, media rooms or living rooms. 

To ensure minimum light leakage and maximum coverage, blackout curtains should be installed in a way whereby they cover the entire window. 

Types of blackout curtains include; 

• Thermal Insulated Curtains
• Ring Top Curtains
• Pencil Pleat Curtains
• 3D Blackout Curtains

What is a Sheer curtains?

This is a curtain made out of a fabric made with a low density knit resulting in a semi-transparent cloth. It allows light to pass through while also adding a contemporary and modern touch to spaces. They are commonly used in living rooms, bedrooms and dining spaces. 

Sheer curtains may be preferred as they allow natural light to enter a space not to mention the creation of the impression of a larger space. They, however, may be limiting as there will be minimal privacy in the spaces. This can be sorted by pairing sheer curtains with blackout curtains. 

Similarities between Blackout Curtains and Sheer curtains

• Both play an important role in the general composition and the overall aesthetics of a space

Differences between Blackout Curtains and Sheer curtains

Definition

Blackout curtains refer to are curtains made with an opaque and foam-backed fabric that blocks light from entering a room while also increasing the noise-dampening qualities. On the other hand, sheer curtains refer to a curtain made out of a fabric made with a low density knit resulting in a semi-transparent cloth.

Privacy

While blackout curtains provide a sense of privacy as they are not transparent, sheer curtains do not provide a sense of security as they are transparent. 

Natural light

Blackout curtains block natural light to a space while sheer curtains allow light to pass through. 

Common spaces 

While blackout curtains are commonly installed in living rooms, bedrooms, children’s rooms, media rooms or living rooms, sheer curtains are commonly installed in living rooms, bedrooms and dining spaces. 

Noise-dampening qualities

Blackout curtains have noise dampening qualities while sheer curtains do not have noise dampening qualities. 

Temperature regulation

Blackout curtains regulate temperatures by creating a barrier between the out and inside while sheer curtains do not regulate temperatures. 

Blackout Curtains vs. Sheer curtains: Comparison Table

Summary of Blackout Curtains vs. Sheer Curtains

Blackout curtains refer to are curtains made with an opaque and foam-backed fabric that blocks light from entering a room while also increasing the noise-dampening qualities. Although they provide a sense of privacy as they are not transparent, they block natural light to a space. 

On the other hand, sheer curtains refer to a curtain made out of a fabric made with a low density knit resulting in a semi-transparent cloth. Although they allow light to pass through, they do not provide a sense of security as they are transparent. 

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