Product Education

When you're shopping for curtains, you'll see two terms pop up over and over: "Blackout" and "Light Filtering." They sound similar, but they do completely different jobs and create totally different atmospheres in a room.

Choosing the wrong one is the difference between a sun-drenched living room and a bedroom that feels like a cave. So, which one do you actually need? Let's break it down, nice and simple.

Blackout Curtains: Your Personal Eclipse

Think of blackout curtains as the "off" switch for the sun.

What They Do: They are designed to block 95% to 100% of outside light. They use a special tight weave, a foam backing, or an inner lining to prevent any light from getting through.

The Vibe: They create a dark, cozy, cave-like environment. Perfect for sleeping in.

You Need Them If:

You're a light sleeper and even a sliver of dawn wakes you up.

You work night shifts and need to sleep during the day.

You have a baby or toddler who needs to nap in a dark room.

You want to turn your living room into a pitch-black home theater for movie marathons.

Your neighbor's security light is basically a lighthouse pointed at your bedroom window.

Bonus Points: They are also fantastic insulators, helping to block out heat in the summer and cold in the winter, which can help your energy bills. They also muffle sound.

Light-Filtering Curtains: The "Golden Hour" Effect

Think of light-filtering curtains as the "dimmer" switch for the sun. They don't block the light; they manage it.

What They Do: They are semi-sheer. They let sunlight pass through but diffuse it, cutting down on harsh glare and filling your room with a soft, gentle glow.

The Vibe: Bright, airy, and open. They provide privacy from the outside world during the day (people can't really see in) but still let you enjoy all that natural light.

You Need Them If:

You want privacy in your living room or kitchen without sacrificing daylight.

Your main goal is to create a warm, inviting, and bright atmosphere.

You love waking up naturally with the morning sun.

You want to cut down on the glare on your TV or computer screen without making the room dark.

You're going for that breezy, relaxed "California Cool" or Scandinavian look.

Heads Up: At night, when the lights are on inside, people will be able to see shadows and shapes through them from the outside.

The Bottom Line: It's About the Room's Job

There's no "better" option—it all depends on what you need the room to do.

For sleeping and media rooms? Blackout is almost always the answer.

For living spaces, kitchens, and home offices? Light-filtering is usually the way to go.

And remember, you can always have both! Layering a light-filtering sheer behind a blackout curtain on a double rod gives you the best of both worlds.