We are rapidly heading towards the chilly season when we want to wrap up and get cosy. The temperature outside is dropping and the leaves are starting to turn. One of the best ways to keep the warmth in your home is with blackout curtains or blinds. Blackout lining is great for both keeping the light out and keeping the warmth in.
If you remember the old blackout linings that were stiff, black and could often leave your curtains with pinprick holes in them, then you will be relieved to hear that times have changed and we now have soft polycotton linings that feel, look and function beautifully without any stiffness.
History
I was curious about the history of curtains and their linings and discovered that at the turn of the 19th century, when an abundance of windows and glass showed off wealth, the fashion was to have patterned fabric on both sides. This allowed new members of the upper class to display their wealth both from the outside of their home and on the inside.
Autumn/Winter Season
As we approach a season of maximalism it is very possible that the patterned linings are making a comeback. Some of our favourite printed linings, which can be blackout or dim-out, come from Edmund Bell, Iliv, Prestigious Textiles and Bancroft. The trend lends itself best to traditional ticking stripes and dainty designs such as these from Ian Sandersons ‘Little Compliments’ range which, although are not blackout, can still provide a level of light blocking particularly when combined with an interlining or when used with blackout or dim-out face fabrics.
Benefits of blackout lining
Of course there are the practical elements to consider when lining your curtains or blinds. I’ve put together what I consider to be the top 5 benefits to using blackout lining.
1. The first being the light blocking element. Depending on how much you want the room darkened you can either use blackout or dim-out linings. As the names suggest they can create varying levels of darkness in your room.
2. The second is the thermal qualities preventing the cold from radiating in, and the heat from seeping out, meaning your room will stay warmer for longer. We can enhance this effect with a technique called interlining which comprises three layers of fabric to really lock in the heat. This is also a great choice if you are considering the printed linings and a more dim-out style.
3. The third consideration is the protection the lining gives to the curtains or blinds themselves, it is able to protect your ‘face’ (pretty) fabric from getting sun bleached which means they last longer. It is also far easier and cheaper to replace your linings than it is to start over again with new window dressings. This is something we care about as we want your curtains to last both for your benefit and the planet’s.
4. The fourth is the noise cancelling element which means any traffic or outside sounds are reduced by your curtains or blinds. The more layers of fabric you use in your window, the less the outside world can disturb you. This is especially useful in a bedroom window where you want a quiet, undisturbed night of sleep. Interlining your window dressings will also absorb interior sounds which is especially beneficial in a home with wooden floors or a room with a minimalist style. This can prevent echoes and the harshness of multiple voices in your joyful home.
5. The fifth consideration for using a blackout lining is that it will add weight and structure to your curtains. This would be an advantage if you have chosen a fabric that is lightweight and floaty. Adding a blackout lining will give a full and structured drape creating an elegant and orderly finish.
Your home
We know that every home is different and whether or not you choose to go with blackout linings your home will look perfect.
We have years of expertise on our team and will help you make the best choices for your individual interior style.
We look forward to chatting to you both online and in person about all things interiors.
Till next time,