Sheer curtains don't do much in the way of blocking direct sunlight. Window coverings can be much more than a decorative touch in your home if you pay attention to the linings within the curtains. For instance, an insular lining can serve to help keep the home's temperature regulated and dim outside noises. Heavy weaves and double-lined curtains can act as a shield to keep light out. Blackout Curtains Blackout curtains are made of either tightly woven, dense or layered fabric such as felt, velvet or suede. Likewise, a blackout liner, which often is a component of blackout curtains, can be added to a regular curtain to create the same effect. The primary purpose of blackout curtains is to keep light from streaming into the home where it is not wanted, but they also can serve to help insulate the home by blocking direct sunlight. Blackout curtains shouldn't be ironed, bleached or placed in the washing machine because of their often synthetic linings. Spot cleaning with a damp cloth or steaming is the best bet.

Carefully follow the care instructions on the curtain's label. Thermal Curtains Windows tend to be the one of the largest avenues of heat loss in homes because glass is such a poor insulator, and the seal of the window to the frame can degrade over time. Even though thermal curtains also filter out unwanted natural light, they function first as a way to insulate the home. Thermal curtains are either double- or triple-layered heavy fabric with a thick backing of insulate material and often a polyester-film vapor barrier. Thermal curtains generally are made of 100-percent cotton, wool or polyester, and coated on the window side with acrylic foam or a layer of aluminum to protect it from ultraviolet damage. These curtains, because of thick batting, also act as a sound barrier that may muffles some of the noises from busy streets and high-traffic areas. Follow the care instructions on your curtain's label; generally, thermal curtains need to be thoroughly hand-washed with a mild detergent and warm water or placed in the washing machine on the gentle cycle, once a year.

Hang them to dry and lightly iron them if needed. Regular vacuuming/dusting and spot treating with a damp cloth is enough to keep these curtains clean the rest of the year. Sustainability Using either blackout or thermal curtains -- or both -- in your home may help you save on energy costs. They can decrease the amount of money spent on heating and air conditioning because of the curtain's ability to reduce the amount of heat lost in cooler months and reflect heat in the summer. Although window treatments alone won't be able to get rid of drafts in your home, they can be effective with energy conservation. A lot of considerations go into deciding which curtains are the most sustainable and efficient for your home, so carefully assess your needs and do the research; specialized curtains can't do all of the work in decreasing expenditures or environmental footprints, but they can begin you on your journey to a more sustainable and energy efficient home. Deciding Which Suits Your Home Choosing the type of curtain that suits your home mainly depends on what you determine is your biggest problem.

If the home already is thoroughly insulated and natural light is the main issue, go with blackout curtains; evie white lined voile curtainsif outside light doesn't bother you but you're plagued with drafty windows, thermal curtains are the better choice. curtains exningStill, both curtains can work to reduce both issues at least a little bit. ianahb2 curtainsBlackout and thermal curtains easily are found at major retail stores in a wide variety of colors. black curtains megadeth bass tabYou also could create your own with bold, graphic fabrics -- as long as you pay attention to the weave and insulation of the curtain you want to create. homebase gold chenille curtains

References Drea Custom Designs: Thermal Curtains Versus Blackout CurtainsU.S. curtains dubai expatwoman/Getty Images Suggest a Correction Unlock 5% savings by subscribing to 5 products. Used & new (9) from $12.99 Fast, FREE Shipping with Amazon Prime Unlock 5% savings on this product when you subscribe to 5 or more products that arrive in the same month. Skip or cancel any time, and shipping is FREE. FREE Shipping on orders over . DetailsDritz 44328 PinOn Drapery Hooks, 56-Pack FREE Shipping on orders over . Special Offers and Product Promotions Buy Used and Save: Buy a Used "Eclipse 54-Inch by 60-Inch Thermaliner Blackout Pa..." and save 55% off the $27.00 list price. Buy with confidence as the condition of this item and its timely delivery are guaranteed under the "Amazon A-to-z Guarantee". See all Used offers. No need to part with your existing curtains.

Attach the eclipse blackout Thermaliner to any curtain to experience the darkness, silence and beauty of Eclipse curtains. Quickly and easily transform traditional window treatments into curtains that provide light blocking and noise reducing benefits. The eclipse Thermaliner panel has been laboratory-tested to help block over 99% of intrusive light, unwanted noise, and can help save on home heating and cooling costs. National Sleep Foundation studies show that reduced light and noise are optimal for a better night’s sleep. Eclipse thermaliners are perfect for the bedroom, kid’s room or nursery, providing the ideal sleep environment for the whole family. Easy to use hooks provide a simple hanging solution. Rod pocket hanging option fits up to a 1.5” curtain rod. Each Thermaliner panel measures 27” wide to fit panels up to 54” wide. Available in your choice of 60”, 80” and 92” lengths. Each package contains two 27” panels. Easy care, machine washable, tumble dry, do not bleach.

11 x 7 x 7 inches 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Amazon only ships this item within the contiguous 48 United States. Other Sellers on Amazon may ship this item to Alaska, Hawaii and US Territories. This item can be shipped to select countries outside of the U.S. Learn More 3.9 out of 5 stars #21,918 in Home and Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home and Kitchen) #83 in Home & Kitchen > Home Décor > Window Treatments > Draperies & Curtains > Panels If you are a seller for this product, would you like to suggest updates through seller support? Would you like to tell us about a lower price? Compare to Similar Items Deconovo Room Darkening Thermal Insulated Blackout Grommet Window Curtain Panel For Living Room, Greyish White, 42x63 Inch, 1 Panel 54''wide Blackout Drapery Lining White THE FABRIC EXCHANGE - Wholesale Direct! See questions and answers 5 star45%4 star23%3 star14%2 star10%1 star8%See all verified purchase reviewsTop Customer Reviewsvery effective!