James Ashworth
Why British Summers Play Havoc with Sleep
There is something lovely about a long British evening — the garden still light at nine, the chance for a late stroll, the feeling that the day has stretched. But when you turn in at your usual time, that lingering daylight can work against you. Your brain relies on fading light to release melatonin, the hormone that signals it is time to sleep. In midsummer, sunset in the UK can be as late as 10pm in the north, and sunrise can arrive before 5am. Even a sliver of light through the curtains is enough to tell your body clock that the day is not over. The result is a delayed sleep phase: you lie awake, then struggle to wake when the alarm goes. Blackout curtains are not a luxury; they are a simple, effective way to recreate the darker evenings your body expects.
What Makes a Curtain Truly Blackout?
The term "blackout" is used loosely. A true blackout curtain blocks almost all light — typically 99% or more — while a "dim-out" curtain merely reduces it. The difference lies in the lining. A separate blackout lining, usually a tightly woven polyester with a dense white or grey coating, is sewn behind the main fabric. This is more effective than a curtain that simply has a dark colour. Colour alone cannot stop light; only a dense, opaque layer can. You may also see "thermal" linings, which add insulation but do not always block light completely. For summer sleep, prioritise a lining that is specifically rated blackout. Woven three-pass linings tend to be more durable than foam-backed versions, which can crack and peel over time, especially in warm rooms.
Key Features to Look For When Buying
When you shop for blackout curtains, look beyond the pattern. These details make the difference between a dark room and a slightly gloomy one.
- Lining type: Choose a separate blackout lining rather than an integrated one. It gives a better drape, and if the lining wears out you can replace it without buying new curtains.
- Fabric weight: Heavier fabrics — velvet, wool blends, or triple-weave cottons — hang straighter and block more light. A lightweight cotton with a blackout lining will still let a glow through the weave.
- Heading style: Pencil pleat, pinch pleat, and goblet headings create folds that overlap and seal the top. Eyelet curtains are easy to hang but leave gaps at the top where light spills through.
- Colour and weave: A tight weave matters more than a dark colour. However, a light-coloured face fabric reflects summer heat back into the room, which helps you stay cool.
- Size and overlap: Buy curtains at least one and a half times the window width, ideally twice. The side edges should overlap the wall or window frame by 10–15 centimetres so light cannot sneak around them.
Fitting Tips for a Darker Bedroom
Even the best blackout curtain will leak light if it is fitted poorly. Start by measuring carefully. Mount your track or pole 15–20 centimetres above the window recess and extend it 15–20 centimetres beyond each side. An outside mount — fixing the track to the wall above the recess — blocks more light than an inside mount. For the top gap, add a pelmet or valance, or choose a curtain with a covered heading. If you have a bay window or a skylight, consider combining blackout curtains with a blackout blind. At the sides, you can fit side channels or use magnetic tape to hold the curtain edge against the wall. Finally, check the bottom: a curtain that just brushes the floor is less likely to let light under than one that hangs short.
Staying Cool While Keeping the Light Out
Blackout curtains have a happy side effect: they insulate. In summer, close them during the day to keep the sun's heat out, then open the windows in the early morning or late evening to flush the room with cooler air. Choose a light-coloured lining or face fabric to reflect heat rather than absorb it. Avoid heavy rubberised coatings, which can trap warmth. If you want daytime privacy without losing the breeze, layer a sheer voile next to the glass and keep the blackout curtain pulled back. A fan placed near the window can draw cooler air in from outside. The goal is darkness for sleep, not a stuffy room.
Caring for Your Blackout Curtains
To keep your curtains working well for years, treat the lining gently. Vacuum them occasionally with a brush attachment on a low setting. Always check the care label: many blackout linings are wipe-clean only or require dry cleaning. Avoid tumble drying, which can shrink the lining and crack the coating. If you need to remove creases, steam rather than iron — a hot iron can melt the blackout layer. Re-hem the bottom if the lining shrinks unevenly. With a little care, a good pair of blackout curtains will serve you through many British summers, helping you fall asleep at your usual time even when the sun refuses to set.
