Blackout Curtains or Light Filtering Curtains: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the right curtains is not only about colour and style. The fabric type also makes a big difference in how much light enters the room, how much privacy you have and how comfortable the space feels.

Two popular options are blackout curtains and light filtering curtains. Both are useful, but they are designed for different needs. In this blog, we explain the differences so you can choose the best curtains for your room.

What are blackout curtains?

Blackout curtains are designed to block as much light as possible. They are made from heavier or specially lined fabrics that reduce daylight from entering the room. They are especially useful in rooms where darkness is important, such as bedrooms and children's rooms.

Blackout curtains are a good choice if you want:

• A darker room
• More privacy
• Better sleep comfort
• Less glare from outside lights
• A cosy and quiet feeling

What are light filtering curtains?

Light filtering curtains allow daylight to enter the room while softening the light. They do not make the room completely dark, but they create a comfortable and natural atmosphere. They are often used in living rooms, dining rooms and spaces where you want privacy without losing daylight.

Light filtering curtains are a good choice if you want:

• A bright and soft atmosphere
• Daylight during the day
• Privacy without full darkness
• A lighter interior look
• A natural and elegant finish

Which curtains are best for the bedroom?

For bedrooms, blackout curtains are usually the best choice. A darker room can help create a more comfortable sleeping environment, especially if your bedroom faces the street or receives early morning sunlight.

Blackout curtains are also useful if you work night shifts, have young children or simply prefer a darker room. If you still want a soft decorative look during the day, you can combine blackout curtains with sheer or light filtering curtains.

Which curtains are best for the living room?

For living rooms, light filtering curtains are often a better choice. They allow daylight to enter while creating privacy and softness. Light filtering curtains make the room feel warm and comfortable without making it too dark. They are ideal if you want a bright living space with a relaxed atmosphere.

However, if your living room receives strong sunlight or you want to reduce glare on a television screen, blackout or dim-out curtains can also be useful.

Which curtains are best for a children's room?

For children's rooms, blackout curtains are usually recommended. They help make the room darker for naps and bedtime, especially during summer months when it stays light outside for longer. A darker room can also help children relax more easily in the evening.

For extra softness and style, you can choose blackout curtains in colours that match the room's interior.

Which option gives more privacy?

Both blackout and light filtering curtains can provide privacy, but in different ways. Light filtering curtains reduce visibility from outside during the day while still allowing light in. However, in the evening, when lights are on inside, visibility from outside may increase depending on the fabric.

Blackout curtains provide stronger privacy because they are thicker and block more visibility. This makes them especially suitable for bedrooms and rooms facing the street.

Which option gives better light control?

Blackout curtains offer the strongest light control because they block most of the light. They are ideal if you want darkness or less glare. Light filtering curtains offer softer light control. They do not block light completely, but they reduce sharp sunlight and create a pleasant glow in the room.

Choose blackout curtains if you want maximum darkness. Choose light filtering curtains if you want soft daylight.

Do blackout curtains also help with temperature?

Blackout curtains can help make a room feel more comfortable because the thicker fabric may reduce heat from direct sunlight and add an extra layer in front of the window. They are not the same as full insulation, but they can help improve comfort, especially in rooms with strong sun exposure.

Light filtering curtains are lighter and mainly help with atmosphere, privacy and softening daylight.

Can you combine blackout and light filtering curtains?

Yes, combining both can be a very good solution. For example, you can use light filtering curtains during the day for privacy and natural daylight, and blackout curtains in the evening or at night for darkness and comfort. This combination works especially well in:

• Bedrooms
• Children's rooms
• Living rooms
• Street-facing rooms
• Large windows

So, which curtains should you choose?

Choose blackout curtains if you want:

• A darker room
• Better sleep comfort
• More privacy
• Less outside light
• A cosy feeling in bedrooms or children's rooms

Choose light filtering curtains if you want:

• Natural daylight
• A soft and elegant atmosphere
• Privacy during the day
• A bright living space
• A lighter interior look

The best choice depends on the room, the amount of daylight, your privacy needs and the atmosphere you want to create. At Gordijn Op Maat, we make curtains fully made to measure, so they fit your windows and interior perfectly.