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Blackout Fabric

What is Blackout Fabric?

Blackout fabric is a curtain or interior fabric developed to block a high percentage of incoming light. The blackout effect is usually created through a dense weave, multiple fabric layers or a special coating on the back of the fabric. Depending on the quality, blackout fabrics can range from dim-out fabrics that reduce light to full blackout qualities that block almost all light.

Unlike decorative curtain fabrics, blackout fabric is chosen primarily for function. It can still have an attractive appearance, but its main purpose is to darken a room, provide privacy and improve comfort. Some blackout fabrics are plain and minimal, while others are available in decorative colours, textures or printed designs.

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Specifications

  • Construction Dense woven fabric, often coated or multi-layered
  • Composition Usually 100% polyester, sometimes with acrylic coating or backing
  • Fabric weight Within the Nooteboom Textiles range, we mainly see blackout qualities between approximately 65 and 230 g/m²
  • Stretch No stretch, woven fabric
  • Abbreviations PES = polyester, PAC = acrylic coating where applicable
  • Appearance Dense, smooth or lightly textured, often matte with functional backing

What are the properties of blackout fabric?

The main function of blackout fabric is light control. A dense weave, opaque yarn system, coating or layered construction prevents more light from passing through than a standard decorative curtain fabric. The fabric is generally stable and non-stretch, which helps it hang consistently when used for curtains. Coated qualities can be more sensitive to folding, high heat and needle marks than uncoated woven fabrics.

How does blackout fabric feel?

The hand feel depends strongly on the construction. Some blackout fabrics feel relatively smooth and supple, while coated or heavier qualities can feel firmer and more compact.

The reverse may also feel different from the face when a functional backing is used. For curtain production, both drape and surface finish should therefore be assessed rather than judging the fabric only by its light-blocking function.

Applications

Care Instructions

Care depends on the coating and finish. Many blackout fabrics should be cleaned carefully at low temperature or professionally cleaned. Do not bleach. Avoid high-temperature tumble drying, as heat can damage coatings or backing layers. Iron only on the front side at low temperature if allowed by the care label, and never iron directly on a coated backing.

Certifications

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 may be available depending on the specific article. For hotel, public building or contract interior use, also check whether flame-retardant certification or other technical standards are required.

Practical Tip

When choosing blackout fabric, check whether the fabric is full blackout or dim-out. Full blackout is best for bedrooms, hotels and spaces that need strong light control, while dim-out fabrics are suitable when you want privacy and reduced light without complete darkness.

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Written by

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

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