Are Blackout Curtains Bad For You? (4 Reasons + 6 Why are They Good)
Jeff "King of the Castle"
Blackout curtains have been a popular choice for people who want to achieve complete darkness in their rooms.
They are perfect for shift workers, night owls, and anyone who wants to sleep in on the weekends.
But, as with any popular product, there have been concerns raised about whether blackout curtains are actually good or bad for you.
Some people believe that they can cause health problems by disrupting natural circadian rhythms, while others argue that they are essential for getting a good night’s sleep.
In this article, I will explore the pros and cons of blackout curtains and try to answer the question: Are blackout curtains good or bad for you?
I’ll look at the benefits of blocking out light, as well as the potential risks associated with it.
I’ll also provide tips on what to consider when buying blackout curtains.
So, if you’re wondering whether blackout curtains are a good or bad choice for your bedroom, keep reading to find out.
4 Reasons Why Are Blackout Curtains Bad For You
So, are blackout curtains bad for you?
Let’s take a look at some of the potential drawbacks of using blackout curtains:
1. They Can Make A Room Feel Claustrophobic
Because blackout curtains block out all light, they can make a room feel small and claustrophobic.
If you are not used to sleeping in complete darkness, it can take some time to adjust. If you are struggling to sleep with the curtains closed, try opening them slightly to let in some light.
This will help you feel less confined in your space and may even help you fall asleep more quickly.
2. They Tend To Be Expensive
While blackout curtains can provide a range of health benefits, they are also more expensive than regular blinds or curtains.
If you are on a tight budget, it might be difficult to justify the added cost of these curtains. That being said, there are a few ways to save money on blackout curtains.
For example, you can look for sales or discounts, or consider buying them secondhand from a thrift shop or online marketplace.
With some careful planning, you can still reap the benefits of blackout curtains while staying within your budget.
3. They Can Reduce Natural Light In Your Home
Blackout curtains can completely darken a space, forcing you to rely on electric lighting to see. This can be problematic if you are someone who enjoys natural light and views in your home.
To mitigate this issue, consider hanging blackout curtains only on the windows that are causing the most light pollution.
This will allow you to still enjoy natural light during the day while also reaping the benefits of a darkened room at night.
Additionally, they can also cause problems by reducing the natural light in your home.
For example, if you are a plant parent who relies on sunlight to keep your plants healthy and vibrant, using blackout curtains may negatively affect them.
Some plants need up to 16 hours of sunlight a day to grow properly.
So, if you are considering using blackout curtains, be sure to do your research and determine whether they will work with your current lifestyle.
4. They Can Be A Fire Hazard
Like any other type of curtain, these curtains can be a fire hazard if they are not installed correctly.
This is because they are made of thick fabric that can easily catch fire.
Additionally, if the curtains are not installed correctly, they can also block exit routes in the case of a fire emergency.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and never place them near an open flame.
With some caution and care, you can avoid any potential accidents or fires.
6 Reasons Why Are Blackout Curtains Good For You
When you’re trying to get some sleep, the last thing you want is light streaming in through your window.
Blackout curtains can be a great way to block out light and create a dark, restful environment in your bedroom.
But are blackout curtains good for you? Let’s take a look at the pros of using blackout curtains in your home.
1. Blackout Curtains Can help You Sleep Better
The main benefit of blackout curtains is that they can block out a significant amount of light.
This is ideal if you are trying to sleep during the day or if you are sensitive to light.
Blackout curtains can create a dark and restful environment, which can help you fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly.
A study also found that people who slept in rooms with blackout curtains reported higher levels of satisfaction with their sleep than those who did not use blackout curtains.
2. The Chances Of Getting Depressed Are Reduced
When you are trying to get some sleep but the light is keeping you awake, it can lead to frustration and even depression.
In one study, participants who slept in rooms with blackout curtains had significantly less risk of suicidal thoughts and depression compared to those who slept in light-exposed rooms.
I know you’re curious about the connection between depression and sleeping.
According to studies conducted by Ohio State University Hospital, sleeping in a lit room disrupts the circadian rhythm.
Our bodies are unable to distinguish between day and night when the circadian rhythm is disrupted.
As a result, mental imbalance occurs, which can lead to depression.
A dark room eliminates any potential sadness brought on by a lack of sleep. So, are blackout curtains good for you? The answer is Yes!
3. They Give The Occupants Of The House A Sense Of Privacy
Blackout curtains provide more privacy than other curtain types because you can’t see through them.
They are often used in bedrooms or home theaters where you want to be able to block out light while still maintaining some level of privacy.
When blackout curtains are drawn, they ensure that not only do they block the sunshine and prevent persons on the inside from seeing what is happening outside, but they also do the opposite.
It gives people who are remaining inside a sense of privacy that no one is peeping through the windows.
Furthermore, blackout curtains are excellent sound absorbers. By drawing the curtains, almost any commotion from outside will be much decreased.
This allows people to concentrate on their work, enjoy a quiet day alone, or simply sleep.
4. Sleeping In A Dark Environment Makes It Easier To Maintain Healthy Body Weight
Blackout curtains can also be beneficial for your health and well-being.
Poor sleeping patterns have been linked to weight gain. Being overweight may result from a lack of sleep, according to research.
When sleep is deprived, women gain up to 55 percent of their body weight, while children gain up to 89 percent.
A dark bedroom, on the other hand, can help you relax and sleep better, making it simpler to maintain a healthy weight.
5. Energy-Saving Blackout Curtains Might Help You Save Money
By blocking out the light and heat from outside, blackout curtains help keep your home cool and reduce your need for air conditioning.
Some curtains, in general, provide excellent insulation.
During the summer, they can keep excess heat out of the house and reduce heat loss from the rooms to the outside.
In this way, blackout thermal curtains are marginally preferable to ordinary blinds.
As a result, consumers can save money that would otherwise be spent on electricity to either warm or cool down the house.
6. Type 2 Diabetes Can Be Prevented By Sleeping In A Dark Room
Now that I have answered the question, “Are blackout curtains good for you?”, I want to touch on one more topic related to blackout curtains and health.
Sleeping in a dark room has been linked to the prevention of type 2 diabetes, which is becoming increasingly common in the United States.
A study conducted by the University of Chicago found that sleeping with the lights on disrupts the circadian rhythm, leading to poor insulin sensitivity.
As a result, blackout curtains are good for you if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
By sleeping in a dark room, you can help prevent the onset of this disease and maintain your overall health.
So, if you are looking for an easy way to improve your health, consider investing in some high-quality blackout curtains.
Factors To Consider When Buying Blackout Curtains
When deciding whether or not to purchase blackout curtains, there are several key factors that you should consider.
Some of these include cost, durability, and ease of installation.
1. Cost
Can you put quality ahead of the price?
When you look at the material that is used to manufacture blackout-grade curtains, you will notice that they are quite expensive.
The reason for this is that the fabrication and the cloth quality were taken into account. Whenever your budget is limited, choose middle-range rates as the better option.
Extremely low prices are a red warning, indicating that they are not long-lasting and of poor quality.
That being said, there are a few ways to save money on blackout curtains, such as by looking for sales or discounts or considering buying them secondhand.
2. Durability
The most important criterion for blackout curtains is a durable, heavy-duty fabric that does not allow any rays to get through.
When it comes to curtains, you want to look at all of the possibilities on the market and see what appeals to you.
Despite this, polyester fabrics are the most recommended because they are known to be hefty and thick.
Nevertheless, this does not imply that these are the only options.
You can mix and match different materials, but at the end of the day, consult with your designer for the best recommendations.
3. Ease Of Installation
Some models may require special tools or additional hardware, which can add to the overall cost.
Look for curtains that are simple to install and do not require extensive installation instructions.
Additionally, blackout curtains are usually heavier than regular curtains, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid any accidents or injuries.
4. Maintenance
While blackout curtains are touted for their durability and ease of care, maintaining them can be quite challenging.
This is because they are often made from a thick, heavy fabric that can trap dust and dirt, making it difficult to clean effectively.
One option is to regularly vacuum or dust your curtains with a microfiber cloth to keep them looking clean and fresh.
Additionally, if possible, you may want to consider machine washing your blackout curtains regularly to remove any trapped dirt or dust.
However, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully first before washing, as some fabrics may not be suitable for this type of cleaning.
5. Overall Light Pollution
Blackout curtains can completely darken a space, reducing the amount of natural light that enters your home.
If you enjoy natural light and views, this may be a key factor in your decision-making process.
You may want to consider lighter curtains or shades that still provide some privacy but allow some light to filter through.
6. Color
While blackout curtains are typically available in dark colors, you may be able to find them in other hues as well.
If you want to add a pop of color to your space, look for blackout curtains in brighter shades.
However, keep in mind that darker colors are more effective at blocking out light.
Are Blackout Curtains Bad For You Or Not?
Now that you know more about blackout curtains, including the pros and cons, you can decide if they are right for you.
Consider your needs and preferences carefully before making a final decision, and be sure to consult with a professional or the manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal results.
Overall, while there are some potential downsides to using blackout curtains, they are generally considered a good choice for people who want to improve their sleep quality or block out light for other reasons.
If you are concerned about the health effects of using blackout curtains, talk to your doctor or another medical professional to get their opinion.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether or not blackout curtains are right for you is to try them out and see how they affect your sleep quality and overall well-being.
