Decorating your home can be both fun and confusing at the same time. You want to choose the right items so that your home exhibits your personal style and flair. The first place to start is at your windows. The window coverings you choose are arguably one of the most important decorating decisions you are going to make. If you have been considering blackout curtains, here are the pros and cons to help you make your decision:
Pro #1: Blackout Curtains Provide Energy Savings
During World War II, blackout curtains were used to hide people. The curtains were simply drawn shut and the enemy could not see who was inside the home. The curtains were also used to make it difficult for planes to find residential areas. Regular curtains did not provide this type of protection because the light from the inside could enable combat enemies to see in.
Today, people don't use blackout curtains to hide. Instead, they are used to prevent too much sunlight from coming in. During the summer, the sun can heat up a room through a window greatly. When this happens, your air conditioner will have to operate harder in order to cool the room. Blackout curtains prevent this so that your air conditioner doesn't have to work so hard, allowing you see cheaper energy bills.
Pro #2: Blackout Curtains Are Safer for Small Children
If you have small children in the home, specifically toddlers, you will find that blackout curtains are somewhat safer for them. Blinds have cords, drawstrings, or other types of mechanisms that a toddler can easily get their hands on. A disaster can strike when the child decides to wrap these mechanisms around their neck.
Pro #3: Blackout Curtains Are Available to Match Any Décor
Blackout curtains come in any colour. You can match them up to your wall colour, or create a contrasting look in your home by choosing a totally different colour of curtains.
Con #1: Blackout Curtains Totally Darken a Room
When you purchase blackout curtains, prepare yourself for the fact that your room will be very dark when the curtains are closed. You may need to operate additional lamps or other lighting in order to obtain the look and feel you want for your room. This is especially true if you plan to read, but would like the curtains drawn while doing so.
Con #2: Blackout Curtains May Need Extra Accessories for Style
Some people find blackout curtains to be lacking in style. If you like the idea of saving energy and making the room safer for young children, but would still like to add a little bit of flair to the design, you do have options.
Purchase a valance to go across the top, or choose a sheer or lace panel to go behind the blackout curtains.
Con #3: Blackout Curtains Can Be Expensive
Depending on where you shop, and the style of blackout curtains you choose, some brands can be expensive.
As you are shopping for window treatments for your home, check out blackout curtains to decide whether you feel they will be appropriate for your home. As with anything else, the pros and cons to blackout curtains is really all about what's right for you and your family. Share this with those who have young children in their home, and those who may be hoping to redecorate soon.
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