How do you feel when the first rays of the sun blast on your face brightly on a Sunday morning when you’re just cozying up to get some more sleep? Pretty irritating, right? Of course, it’s very irritating when you have to wake up earlier than you should have because of the sunlight. It’s most likely that your curtains allow sunlight to pass through. If you hate the early sunlight so much, maybe it’s time you change them and replace them with those that can actually block out those irritating rays.
So, what are the best types of curtains that can actually block sunlight? Well, there are a few things you should know. A curtain’s ability to block sunlight depends on various factors including;
The Type of Fabric: Close-weave curtains block sunlight better than open-weave drapes. In this case, you might want to get curtains made of close-weave fabric such as cotton or velvet.
Thread Count: Curtains made of fabric with high thread-count are capable of blocking sunlight better than those with low thread-count. In this case, the higher the thread count, the better.
Multiple Layers: Curtains with multiple layers are capable of blocking sunlight better than those with single layers.
These are some of the things to look for when selecting a curtain to block out sunlight. It’s easy to find such curtains as many stores in Singapore have them in stock. That being said, check out the best types of curtains to block sunlight in your home.
Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains are perfect for the bedroom as they help prevent early morning sunlight from robbing you of your sleep. If you have kids, getting them to sleep early in the evening can become much easier as the room will be dark.
-Blackout curtains are made of foam-backed, opaque and extra woven fabric to block external light from passing through. They are ideal for the bedroom, third shift workers, and travelers. They are also available as curtain linings which you can stitch to your curtains to keep the sun out.
Reflective Curtains
Reflective curtains have two advantages.
-One, if your home doesn’t have an air conditioner, these curtains can help keep heat out due to their reflective nature. Instead of being absorbed into the curtain fabric, with the reflective curtain, the sun’s rays are reflected.
-Two, the curtains help keep sunlight away from the house. They are made of plastic, with the shiny reflective side facing outwards. By reflecting sunlight, it helps keep sunlight away, especially from the bedrooms.
And the fact that they’re made of plastic makes them durable and fade-resistant. You would save a lot of money purchasing these types of curtains.
Curtains with Multiple Layers
-Layered curtains work great as sunlight blockers. By layered, it means two or three curtains hang together. The layers form a perfect shield against sunlight.
-The perfect combination is usually some light lace curtains for the evening, and thicker curtains to cover them. The thicker curtains can either be tied in the twilight or parted.
-The layered curtains are especially great for bringing in a cool breeze on a hot afternoon
Light Coloured Curtains
Light coloured curtains are perfect for summer as they help block out sunlight. Actually, many homes and offices in Singapore use light coloured curtains during the hot season to block sunlight.
-Light coloured curtains such as white, creams, and peaches are great sunlight blockers. This is because they reflect sunlight, unlike heavy coloured curtains such as black, green, and blue which tend to absorb it.
-You should know that the color of curtains also determine how much heat is absorbed; where light coloured curtains reflect heat while heavy coloured ones absorb it. So, the lighter the colour of your curtains, the more sunlight and heat will be blocked.
Curtains with Lining
Curtains with linings not only prevent sunlight from entering the house, but also block sound.
– If your curtains do not have a blackout cloth, a lining would make a perfect shield against sunlight. Some curtains are bought with lining attached to them while for others; you have to purchase separately and stitch them together or have a local tailor do it for you.
-Curtain linings come in a range of lengths and sizes. Be sure to take the measurements of your curtains before purchasing them to ensure that they fit. Also, ensure that they match the shade of your curtains.
Curtains with Fabrics that Block Sunlight
Some curtains are made of fabrics that do a better job at blocking sunlight while others are not.
-Cotton is one of the best curtain fabrics because apart from allowing for free air circulation during a hot afternoon, cotton fabric is also thick enough to block sunlight. Of course, not all curtains made from cotton are thick enough to block sunlight- some maybe thinner depending on the style and design. Therefore, check for the thickest cotton curtains available in the stores.
-Velvet is another great choice as it’s also thick and more so, the fabric is close-weaved. The outer side of velvet is a bit thick, which makes it an excellent fabric for curtains designed for blocking sunlight.
-Silk is also great at preventing sunlight from entering the house, although it’s most effective when boosted by a thick lining.
The Best Ways to Hang Your Curtains to Keep Sunlight Out
Sunlight can peep past the curtains if you leave too much space between the curtain and the window. To keep the light out completely;
-Hang the curtains as close to the windows as possible
-Allow the curtains to fall on the floor or onto the window sill
-Seal the curtains on the side of the wall using Velcro tape
-Ensure that the curtains overlap at the center
This will keep out sunlight so you or your kids won’t have to wake up early on a Sunday morning.
Now that you have an idea of the best type of curtains for blocking sunlight to look for, your search has been made less complicated. It won’t hurt to go store after store looking for the best quality curtains, and of course, the best deals. Moreover, if you’ve always wanted to replace your curtains to complement your new floor or furniture, it would definitely be an added advantage.