Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Thermal And Blackout Curtains

If you need new curtains for your home, there are plenty of different options to consider. While some homeowners buy curtains for aesthetic purposes alone, or to just provide a small amount of extra shade in the home, thermal and blackout curtains can provide even more benefits. Despite what some people think, these two types of curtains aren't exactly the same. The type you choose for a room in your home will depend on your needs and preferences. 

Generally speaking, thermal curtains are the best choice for maintaining the temperature in a room, while blackout curtains are best for keeping a room as dark as possible. You should think carefully about which to choose. Or, look for curtains that provide a combination of both types of benefits if you want to get the maximum amount of comfort and energy-efficiency in the room where they'll be installed.

Blackout curtains are a great choice if you simply want to keep a room dark. There are blackout curtains available that prevent 100% of light from passing through. They can be very useful in a bedroom when you're trying to get to sleep. These curtains also provide a superior amount of privacy and noise reduction, so they can be helpful if there's a lot of street noise where you live. 

While thermal curtains are better for energy efficiency, blackout curtains can also help keep your home cool in the summer and offer insulation to a certain extent. However, they shouldn't be your first choice if energy-efficiency is your main goal. On the negative side, blackout curtains aren't suitable for all rooms and purposes. You may find that you prefer to have curtains that let more natural light in. Also, dark curtains might not be your bliss in the living room and can make the space seem small and uninviting.

While blackout curtains do a great job of blocking out light, thermal curtains are worth the hype if you want to make your home warmer during the winter or make it colder during the summer. Thermal curtains are the better choice if you want to maintain energy efficiency and reduce utility costs. While they'll make your room darker, not all of them will block 100% sunlight like blackout curtains will. These curtains won't be as beneficial for sleep and privacy as blackout curtains. However, there are options available that provide blackout functionality as well. 

The bottom line is that if you want to increase darkness in a room and ensure privacy, choose blackout curtains. If energy-efficiency is more important to you, opt for thermal curtains instead. Both curtains provide some of the same benefits. However, some products are an even better hybrid of the two. If needed, consider getting curtains that do a great job of providing both types of benefits such as the NICETOWN Halloween Black Blackout Curtains.