Are you a nightshift worker that sleeps during the day and often needs a way to block out that intruding sunlight? Or are you a new parent who needs clever ways to block out sunlight when sleep-training your baby?
Either way, blackout curtains are the solution. I will show you how to make a blackout curtain with grommet tops so that it’s easy to open and close.
What Are Blackout Curtains?
The technology underlying these drapes is pretty straightforward. Standard drapes can be converted into blackout drapes by sewing a densely woven material into the lining or back of the drapes.
Because the drapes prevent the passage of natural light and ultraviolet rays, the room is rendered entirely dark, making it a perfect setting for getting some shut-eye.
If they are appropriately hung, room darkening curtains can block out 99.9% of the light coming in from outside. Because they are appropriate for use during various seasons, they can be appreciated at any time of the year.
What Are Grommet Tops?
“Grommet tops” is a term used to describe curtains with oversized holes on the top that are big enough to allow the curtain rod to pass through them.
These curtains are convenient because they can be opened and closed fast and effortlessly. The rings allow the curtains to glide along the curtain rod.
Best Fabrics for Blackout Curtains
The most common materials used to make blackout curtains are polyester or a combination of cotton and polyester. You won’t be satisfied with any old variety of polyester, though.
The cloth must be as dense and substantial as possible. The fact that these fabrics are woven more closely together is the primary factor that contributes to their usefulness. This helps block out any light that would otherwise penetrate.
Heavyweight Polyester
As its name suggests, heavyweight polyester is a type of polyester fabric that is denser and more densely woven than other types of polyester.
There are instances in which polyester fabric is described as having a heavy weight. On the other hand, there will be situations when it is not as clear, in which case you will need to check the tag attached to the bolt of cloth.
You want to choose heavy polyester for your blackout curtains because of its density and easy cleaning. This fabric is also fade-resistant.
Heavy Microfiber
Microfiber is a luxurious polyester fabric with a velvet-like smoothness and softness. Due to its increased thickness and tighter weave compared to regular microfiber, heavy microfiber will block out less light. If you’re still unsure whether the cloth is heavy enough, just make sure it weighs 350 GSM or more.
Polycotton Blend
You can finish it off with a heavyweight poly-cotton blend fabric. This cloth is frequently used for blackout curtains without additional layers of foam. This means that it will not be able to block as much light, nor will it be able to insulate or dampen noise as well.
However, it is still a viable alternative for blackout curtains, both in terms of price and accessibility, and it is widely available. Because of its resilience, longevity, resistance to wrinkling, and resistance to fading, this fabric is an excellent choice for making blackout curtains.
How to Make Blackout Curtains with Grommet Tops
What You Need
- Blackout curtain panels
- Tape measure
- Grommets
- Grommet tape
- Scissors
- Pins
- Iron
Step One: Measure the Windows
If you make your own blackout curtain panels, ensure they are eight inches long to leave extra folds for grommet installation. When measuring the windows, account for the hem allowance and height of the curtain rod.
Step Two: Add Grommet Tape
Fold the top of the blackout curtain panel four inches in. Press it down using an iron so that the fold stays in place. Center the grommet tape on this 4-inch fold and secure it using pins. Be careful with positioning the first and last holes so they aren’t on the edge of the curtain panel.
Step Three: Cut the Holes
Drive a sharp pair of scissors in the center of the first hole so that it pokes the material through. Cut out the circle-shaped fabric using the holes in the grommet tape as your template. Repeat the process for all the holes in the grommet tape.
Step Four: Add the Grommets
Turn the curtain panels over so that you are now looking at the side that faces the room. Place the raised part of the grommet in the hole on the panel’s front. Hold it in place, and use your other hand to place the prong grommet side on the back of the curtain.
When it’s over the raised center, press it down to secure the two grommet parts together. Repeat the process until all the grommet rings are in place.
FAQs
Are blackout curtains a good idea?
The primary advantage of blackout curtains is that they are superior to other types of curtains in their ability to block light. They can also increase a room’s energy efficiency by acting as an insulator. As a result of their thickness, blackout curtains also serve to dampen noise from the street.
What’s the difference between block-out and blackout curtains?
They both block light from entering a room to varying degrees depending on the type of obstruction. Aside from that, they come in various levels of room insulation and noise reduction. Blackout curtains are usually more efficient in blocking out light.
Do blackout curtains keep the room cool?
Since blackout curtains don’t allow natural light to enter the room, they also keep out some of that heat, so the room stays cooler.
The Bottom Line
Blackout curtains offer many benefits, even if most of them aren’t 100 percent efficient at filtering out sunlight. They are great for that extra hour of sleeping on a Sunday morning or if you are a night shift worker that has to squeeze in some sleep during the day.
Now you know how to make a blackout curtain with a grommet top, so go shop for some proper blackout fabric on our site and make yours today!