Blockout vs 100% Blackout Curtains: What's the Difference and Which Should You Buy?

Choosing the right curtains can make a surprising difference to how your home looks and feels. Whether you're trying to keep the morning sun out of your bedroom, reduce afternoon glare in your living room or enjoy more privacy at night, the right window coverings can help create a more comfortable space. When shopping for blockout curtains in Australia, you'll often come across two popular options: regular blockout curtains and 100% blackout curtains.

At first glance, they might look similar. Both are designed to reduce unwanted light, improve privacy and provide an additional layer of insulation around your windows. However, there's an important difference in how effectively they block light and how their fabrics are constructed. So, blockout vs 100% blackout curtains: which should you choose? Let's compare their features, benefits and best uses to help you find the right curtains for your home.

1. What Are Blockout Curtains?

Blockout curtains are designed to significantly reduce the amount of sunlight entering a room. Unlike standard decorative curtains, which may allow considerable light to pass through the fabric, blockout curtains typically use densely woven materials or specialised fabric construction to achieve a room darkening effect.

For example, triple woven blockout curtains feature multiple woven layers that help prevent sunlight from passing through the material. At Wonderland Store, the Triple Woven Blockout Eyelet Curtains are designed to block approximately 95–99% of sunlight, depending on the colour. This level of light reduction makes them a practical choice for many everyday living spaces.

Benefits of Blockout Curtains

• Excellent light reduction: Helps minimise harsh sunlight and unwanted glare.
• Better daytime privacy: Provides coverage for bedrooms, living rooms and street-facing windows.
• Thermal comfort: The thicker fabric can help reduce heat transfer around windows.
• Soft fabric appearance: Triple woven designs offer a smooth, decorative finish.
• Versatile styling: Available in different colours to complement modern and traditional interiors.

Blockout curtains are particularly useful when you want a darker room without necessarily needing the highest possible level of light blocking.

Product Spotlight: Triple Woven Blockout Eyelet Curtains

View Triple Woven Blockout Curtains at Wonderland Store

These curtains feature three layer woven polyester construction with a soft sateen twill finish.

Key features:

• Advertised to block 95–99% of sunlight, depending on colour.
• Triple woven polyester fabric.
• Thermal insulating properties.
• Available in six colours.
• Eyelet design for easy installation on a curtain rod.
• Multiple widths with 160 cm and 230 cm drops.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, home offices and spaces where strong light reduction and an attractive fabric finish are priorities.

Note: This product is sold as one curtain panel, so check how many panels your window requires.

2. What Are 100% Blackout Curtains?

While regular blockout curtains significantly reduce sunlight, 100% blackout curtains are designed to prevent light from passing through the curtain fabric itself. They generally achieve this through specialised materials, blackout linings or opaque coatings. One common construction uses microfiber fabric combined with a thick backing that prevents light penetration.

For example, Wonderland Store's 100% Blackout Microfiber Eyelet Curtains feature a soft microfiber material with a thick white brushed coating.

This construction is designed to provide complete light blocking through the curtain material. It's important to understand that 100% blackout fabric doesn't automatically guarantee a completely dark room. Light can still enter through gaps above, below and around the sides of the curtains.

Benefits of 100% Blackout Curtains

• Maximum fabric light blocking: Designed to stop light from passing through the material.
• Excellent bedroom privacy: Helps prevent visibility through closed curtains.
• Reduced morning sunlight: Particularly useful in east-facing bedrooms.
• Greater control over room darkness: Ideal for people who prefer a very dark sleeping environment.
• Thermal insulation: The coated fabric can provide an additional barrier around windows.

These features make 100% blackout curtains especially appealing for bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms.

Product Spotlight: 100% Blackout Microfiber Eyelet Curtains

View 100% Blackout Microfiber Curtains at Wonderland Store

These curtains combine microfiber fabric with a thick white brushed backing for effective light blocking.

Key features:

• 100% blackout fabric construction.
• Soft microfiber material with a coated backing.
• Thermal insulating properties.
• Available in white, dark grey, black and sand.
• Easy to install eyelet heading.
• Multiple widths and 160 cm or 230 cm drops.
• Supplied as a set of two panels.

Best for: Bedrooms, nurseries, shift workers' bedrooms and entertainment rooms where maximum light control is important.

3. Blockout vs 100% Blackout Curtains: Key Differences

Although both curtain types offer light control and privacy, their construction and intended performance are different.

The biggest difference is the level of light blocking provided by the fabric.

For everyday living spaces, high quality triple woven blockout curtains may provide more than enough light reduction. However, if you are particularly sensitive to light or need to sleep during the day, choosing a 100% blackout fabric may be more suitable.

4. Which Curtains Are Better for Bedrooms?

Bedrooms are one of the most common places to install blockout curtains. Early morning sunlight, nearby streetlights and outdoor lighting can all make it difficult to maintain a dark sleeping environment. If you prefer sleeping in a darker room, curtains with strong light-blocking performance can help.

For Everyday Bedrooms

Triple woven blockout curtains are a versatile choice for most bedrooms. They significantly reduce sunlight while maintaining a soft, decorative appearance that works well with different bedroom styles.

They are ideal if you want:

• Reduced morning sunlight.
• Better privacy.
• A comfortable sleeping environment.
• A range of colours to match your bedroom décor.

For Light Sensitive Sleepers and Shift Workers

If you work night shifts, sleep during the day or prefer the darkest possible bedroom, 100% blackout curtains are worth considering. Their opaque fabric helps minimise incoming light, even when the sun is shining directly onto the window. For the best results, choose generously sized curtains and install them to minimise gaps around the window.

Our recommendation: Choose 100% blackout curtains when maximum darkness is your priority. Choose triple woven blockout curtains when you want excellent room darkening combined with flexible styling.

5. Do Blockout Curtains Help Keep Rooms Cooler in Summer?

In Australia, window coverings aren't just about privacy and sleeping comfort. They can also help manage indoor temperatures throughout the year. During summer, sunlight entering through windows can increase indoor heat. During winter, uncovered windows can contribute to heat loss. Both blockout and 100% blackout curtains can help by adding a layer of insulation between the window and the room.

Benefits During Summer

Closing suitable curtains during hot, sunny periods can help:

• Reduce direct sunlight entering the room.
• Limit solar heat gain through windows.
• Improve comfort in sun-exposed living spaces.
• Reduce the need for cooling in some conditions.

Benefits During Winter

When properly fitted, curtains can also help reduce heat loss around windows and make indoor spaces feel more comfortable. The effectiveness depends on several factors, including fabric construction, window size, installation and how closely the curtains fit.

Which is better for thermal insulation?

A coated 100% blackout curtain may provide effective thermal insulation, but it isn't automatically more insulating than every triple woven curtain. For thermal performance, curtain thickness, backing and installation quality all matter.

6. Which Curtains Are Better for Living Rooms?

For living rooms, the ideal choice often depends on how much natural light you want throughout the day. Some homeowners prefer a bright, welcoming living room with the flexibility to reduce glare when needed. Others want stronger light control for watching television, especially in rooms with large west facing windows.

Choose Triple Woven Blockout Curtains If:

• You want to reduce glare without focusing on complete darkness.
• You prefer soft woven fabrics.
• You're decorating a family living room or lounge.
• You want privacy and everyday comfort.

Choose 100% Blackout Curtains If:

• Your television faces a window with strong sunlight.
• You want a darker environment for movies.
• Your living room receives intense direct afternoon sun.
• Maximum fabric light blocking is important.li>

For a more flexible window treatment, consider pairing blockout curtains with sheer curtains. Sheers can soften incoming daylight and provide some daytime privacy, while your blockout curtains can be closed when stronger light control is needed.

7. Why Curtain Size and Installation Matter

Even the best blackout fabric may not deliver the result you expect if the curtains are too narrow, too short or poorly installed. One of the most common reasons for unwanted light entering a room is insufficient window coverage. For example, curtains that finish exactly at the window frame may allow sunlight to enter around their edges.

To improve performance:

Measure beyond the window frame. Choose curtains wide enough to extend beyond both sides of the window, helping minimise side gaps.

Consider the curtain drop. Longer curtains can reduce light entering underneath, depending on the installation.

Install the rod or track higher. Positioning curtains above the window can help reduce light entering over the top.

Allow sufficient fullness. Curtains should have enough fabric to form natural folds while covering the entire window when closed.

Check panel quantities. Some curtains are sold individually, while others come in pairs.

For example, Wonderland Store's Triple Woven Blockout Eyelet Curtains are sold as individual panels, whereas the 100% Blackout Microfiber Eyelet Curtains come in a two panel set. Always check the product dimensions and number of panels before ordering.

8. Explore More Blackout Curtain Options at Wonderland Store

Wonderland Store offers different curtain designs to suit various interiors and installation preferences. Here are three options worth considering.

Triple Woven Blockout Eyelet Curtains

Best for: Everyday room darkening and modern styling.

Shop Triple Woven Blockout Curtains

Featuring a soft woven finish and strong sunlight reduction, these eyelet curtains are a practical choice for bedrooms, living rooms and other everyday spaces.

100% Blackout Microfiber Eyelet Curtains

Best for: Bedrooms requiring maximum fabric light blocking.

Shop 100% Blackout Eyelet Curtains

With a thick coated backing and soft microfiber construction, these curtains are designed for people who want a darker, more private indoor environment.

100% Blockout Pinch Pleat Curtains

Best for: A tailored curtain appearance with strong light control.

Shop 100% Blockout Pinch Pleat Curtains

These coated microfiber curtains combine 100% blackout fabric with a pinch pleat style installation. They offer a more tailored appearance for bedrooms, living rooms and other spaces where both curtain styling and light control matter. The two panels are supplied flat, with pleats formed using curtain hooks, which may need to be purchased separately.

Wonderland Store Address and Contact Details

Wonderland Store
18 Taunton Drive
Cheltenham VIC 3192
Australia

Phone: 0416 527 720
Email: ellenliu2006@163.com

Warehouse Opening Hours

The Cheltenham warehouse is currently open by appointment only:

Monday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Booking a Warehouse Visit

Wonderland Store invites customers who want to see sample products to visit its Cheltenham warehouse. Visits are by appointment only, and the website asks customers to text the store to arrange an appointment.

To arrange a visit:

Text or call: 0416 527 720
Address: 18 Taunton Drive, Cheltenham VIC 3192

Online support is also available during working hours from Monday to Friday.

For shoppers who do not need to visit the warehouse, the coral fleece bathrobe can be purchased directly through the Wonderland Store website by selecting the preferred size and colour and completing checkout online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are blockout curtains the same as blackout curtains?

The terms are often used interchangeably. However, not all products offer the same level of light blocking. Some blockout curtains reduce most sunlight, while products labelled 100% blackout are designed to prevent light from passing through the fabric. Always check the actual product specifications.

Do 100% blackout curtains make a room completely dark?

Not necessarily. The fabric may block 100% of light passing directly through it, but sunlight can still enter through gaps around the curtains. Proper sizing and installation are essential for the darkest possible result.

Are blackout curtains good for Australian summers?

Yes. Suitable blackout curtains can help reduce sunlight and solar heat gain through windows, particularly during hot afternoons. Their effectiveness depends on fabric construction, window coverage and installation.

Can you get 100% blackout curtains in white?

Yes. Some 100% blackout curtains are available in white because an opaque backing prevents light from passing through the fabric. Wonderland Store offers white coated microfiber blackout curtains.

Which is better for a nursery, blockout or 100% blackout?

Both can be suitable. If your priority is creating a consistently dark environment for daytime naps, 100% blackout curtains may provide better light control. Ensure all curtain cords and other window-covering components are installed safely and kept away from children's sleeping areas.

Are 100% blackout curtains more expensive?

Not always. Pricing depends on fabric, size, heading style, construction and the number of panels included. Compare the total cost of covering your window rather than looking only at the price of one pack.

Final Verdict: Which Curtains Should You Buy?

Both regular blockout curtains and 100% blackout curtains can improve the comfort, privacy and appearance of your home.

The best choice depends on the room and how much darkness you need.

Choose triple woven blockout curtains if you want:

• Excellent sunlight reduction.
• Soft and decorative fabric.
• Everyday privacy and thermal comfort.
• A versatile option for living rooms and bedrooms.

Choose 100% blackout curtains if you want:

• Maximum light blocking through the fabric.
• A darker sleeping environment.
• Better control over strong sunlight.

• Curtains suited to bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms.