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100% blackout: what that really means
A standard blackout curtain blocks most of the light but often lets through halos at the edges, bottom, and seams. The result is partial blackout, which is unsuitable for situations where total darkness is required.
A 100%* opacity rate means that the fabric itself does not allow any photons to pass through.
Situations where 100% makes all the difference:
Daytime sleep : shift workers, night shifts, recovery. Even a halo of light is enough to disrupt the circadian rhythm and sleep quality.
Baby's room : total darkness promotes sleep and lengthens naps. Particularly effective in summer when evenings remain light until 10 p.m.
Home cinema : a projection screen loses contrast as soon as any light source remains. Total blackout restores deep blacks.
Teleworking and video conferencing : mastering natural light to avoid reflections on the screen and backlighting in video calls.
*Under optimal installation and testing conditions.
Obscuration rate by tissue density
| Category | Density | Concealment | Heat gain | Sound attenuation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard thick curtain | 150-300 gsm | 40 to 70% | 1 to 2°C | 5 to 7 dB |
| Mid-range | 300 to 500 gsm | 70 to 90% | 2 to 4°C | 12 to 18 dB |
| High performance | 500+ gsm | 95 to 100% | 5 to 7°C | 18 to 25 dB |
| Kurtens | 22 oz/yd² | 100%* | Up to 7°C* | 22 dB* |
*Data from tests performed under optimal conditions.
Confusion between blackout curtains and thermal curtains is common, and this is not a problem because at Kurtens our fabrics combine both properties.
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Blackout curtains are defined by their light-blocking rate, 100%* at Kurtens. Their main function is to darken the room.
Thermal curtains are defined by their resistance to heat exchange; their role is to insulate against the cold in winter and the heat in summer.
*Under optimal installation and testing conditions.
To go further, check out our comparison of thermal blackout curtains vs. simple blackout curtains.
A 100% blackout curtain may not live up to its promise once installed. The reason is simple: the light halos don't come from the fabric itself, but from poorly covered edges.
That's why choosing the right size, or opting for custom-made, is just as important as the fabric itself.
The three vanishing points of light in an improperly sized curtain:
- The sides : a 2 cm gap between the curtain and the wall lets in two slivers of light visible in the dark
- The bottom : the floor game creates a band of light that is enough to wake a sleeper.
- The top : if the curtain doesn't go up far enough above the window, light will pass through.
At Kurtens, our standard sizes are calculated to cover the most common French windows with the recommended overhangs. And if your window is atypical, the custom option allows you to enter your exact dimensions with a lateral overhang of 15 to 20 cm on each side, a drop to the floor of 2 to 3 cm, and a height extending sufficiently above the glazing. In both cases, 100% blackout is guaranteed under optimal installation conditions.
Kurtens blackout curtains are made to order with a free option and to your exact dimensions. The process is simple and takes less than two minutes.
Choose your color from our 7 shades: grey, off-white, cream, mint green, green, lilac, or blue. Each color offers exactly the same blackout, thermal, and soundproofing performance.
Select your size: 4 standard sizes are available (100x150, 150x230, 250x230, 300x270 cm) or enter your custom dimensions to the nearest centimeter. The maximum height is 270 cm, the width is free. For bay windows or atypical windows, custom-made ensures complete coverage without light halo.
Choose your hanging type according to your existing curtain rod, then confirm your order. Your curtain is manufactured and shipped within 2 to 3 weeks with free delivery in mainland France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
Need help with dimensions? Check out our size guide. For large windows and bay windows, discover our custom wide curtains collection and our custom bay window curtain collection.
Choosing a blackout curtain depends on its primary use and the type of window to be equipped.
For a living room or a remote work office, blackout curtains can eliminate screen glare and control brightness during video conferences. If you also want to filter out outdoor noise (busy street, neighbors), our curtains offer 22 dB of sound attenuation in addition to blackout.
For a home cinema or projection room, total darkness is essential to render deep blacks on screen. Custom-made curtains are particularly recommended in this case, as even the slightest light halo can compromise the experience.
To learn more, consult our complete guide to understand the difference between blackout, dimming, and opaque curtains, or discover our custom soundproof curtains if sound insulation is your main priority.
For a bedroom or a baby's room, total blackout is the priority. A custom-made curtain fitted to your dimensions eliminates light leaks that disturb sleep. In summer, it also blocks solar heat thanks to its thermal properties (up to 7°C of measured gain between the window and the room).
ANSES confirms that exposure to artificial light at night disrupts biological rhythms and sleep, and recommends total darkness to allow the internal clock to synchronize.
For a living room or a home office, blackout curtains eliminate glare on screens and control brightness during video conferences. If you also want to filter out outside noise (busy street, neighbours), our curtains offer 22 dB of sound attenuation in addition to blackout.
For a home cinema or projection room, total darkness is essential to achieve deep blacks on screen. Custom-made curtains are highly recommended in this case, as even the slightest light halo compromises the experience.
To learn more, consult our complete guide to understand the difference between blackout, dimming and opaque curtains, or discover our custom soundproof curtains if sound insulation is your main priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 100% blackout curtain?
A 100% blackout curtain is a curtain whose fabric lets no light through*. Unlike partial blackout curtains that filter 85 to 95% of the light, 100%* guarantees total darkness regardless of the outside light intensity.
*Under optimal installation and testing conditions.
What is the difference between blackout curtains and opaque curtains?
Opaque means that you cannot see through the fabric. Blackout means that the fabric lets no light through, even in direct sunlight. A curtain can be opaque without being completely blackout.
Do blackout curtains protect against the heat in summer?
Yes, because our curtains are 3-in-1 (blackout, thermal, and soundproof). When closed during the day facing the sun, a blackout curtain blocks the sun's rays.
Is a blackout curtain suitable for a baby's room?
Yes, it's actually one of the most recommended uses. Total darkness promotes sleep and lengthens naps, especially in summer when the light is slow to disappear.
Do blackout curtains provide protection against noise?
A classic blackout curtain offers slight sound attenuation through mass effect, but this is not its primary function. For true sound insulation, you need a curtain designed with a high-density fabric specifically chosen for sound absorption. Kurtens curtains combine both: 100% blackout* and 22dB* of measured sound attenuation in a single curtain.
*Data from tests conducted under optimal conditions.
What is the difference between a blackout curtain and a light-filtering curtain?
A dimming curtain filters light without blocking it entirely: it lets in soft, diffused light while preserving privacy during the day. A blackout curtain completely blocks light to create total darkness. The choice depends on the use: dimming for the living room during the day, blackout for the bedroom, home cinema, or any room where complete darkness is necessary. Discover our dedicated article
Is it better to sleep with or without blackout curtains?
Studies (links to studies: link 1, link 2) on sleep show that darkness promotes the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Blackout curtains are particularly beneficial if you sleep in an environment with light pollution (streetlights, signs), if you work shifts, or for children's rooms in summer when it gets light very early. A curtain combining blackout and thermal insulation, like those from Kurtens, also maintains a stable temperature conducive to sleep.
What size should I choose for a custom blackout curtain?
Measure the width of your window and add 15 to 20 cm on each side to cover side light leaks. For the height, measure from the curtain rod's fixing point to the floor and add 2 to 3 cm so that the curtain barely touches the floor without dragging. If your window exceeds standard sizes, enter your exact dimensions in our custom configurator (maximum height: 270 cm).
What is the delivery time for a custom blackout blind?
Each custom curtain is made to order. Please allow 5 to 7 days for manufacturing and 5 to 10 days for delivery. Delivery is free in metropolitan France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
Can I order a custom blackout curtain for a bay window?
Yes. Our custom curtains cover all widths, with a maximum height of 270 cm. For wide bay windows, we recommend ordering two fitted panels that meet in the center without letting light through.
