Are Velvet Curtains Blackout?

Short answer up front: Yes — velvet curtains can be blackout, but not every velvet curtain will give you true, pitch-dark blackout on its own. Velvet is naturally dense and great at dimming a room, but for hotel-level or theater-level darkness you usually want a proper blackout lining and a full-coverage installation.

Okay — now let’s unpack that in plain English. I’ll walk you through what “blackout” actually means, why velvet is such a solid option, the real-world differences between velvet alone and velvet with a lining, how to choose and install them so they actually work, and the things people commonly get wrong. I’ll also give practical, no-nonsense tips so you can buy the right curtains (or install the right track) and actually sleep like a champ.

Matte Velvet Room Darkening Curtains

What “Blackout” Really Means

When people say “blackout curtains,” they usually mean curtains that block most — often up to 100% — of visible light so the room is extremely dark even during daytime. That’s important for shift workers, people sensitive to light, home theaters, or nurseries where you need the room dark for naps.

There are two separate factors that determine how dark a curtain will make a room:

• Fabric performance: how much light the fabric and any lining actually stop.
• Installation and coverage: how well the curtain covers the window and seals gaps where light sneaks in (top, sides, bottom).

Why Velvet Does a Great Job — But Might Need Help

Velvet is one of those fabrics that feels—and looks—luxurious. It has a dense weave and a nap (the fuzzy pile) that scatters and absorbs light. That structure means velvet gives you much better room-darkening than thin cotton or sheer fabrics.

But here’s the catch: “room-darkening” ≠ “full blackout.” Velvet alone often gets you deep dimming (good!), but unless it's specifically lined and installed to prevent light leaks, you won’t get absolute blackout (the kind that’s perfect for a sleep clinic or a cinema room).

Glorious Velvet Room Darkening Curtains

Quick metaphor:

Think of unlined velvet as a thick blanket — it’s warm and blocks a lot of wind — but if the blanket doesn’t completely wrap around you or has holes, you’ll still feel drafts. Add a windproof shell (a blackout liner) and zip up the edges (proper mounting and full coverage) and you’re snug as a bug.

Velvet vs Other Fabrics — At a Glance

Velvet Alone vs Velvet With Liner — Side-by-Side

How Much Light Can Velvet Block?

There’s no single number because velvet comes in different weights, pile heights, and colors. In practice:

• Lightweight velvet (thin, cheap) — poor performance.
• True, medium-to-heavy velvet — typically 60–80% light reduction by fabric alone.
• Velvet with a proper blackout lining — can approach 95–100% reduction.

So if you want near-total darkness, don’t rely on fabric alone — get a blackout liner and plan the installation carefully.

Where Velvet Blackout Curtains Shine

Velvet shines in rooms where you want style plus function. Here are the top spots:

• Bedrooms: Especially for light-sensitive sleepers or those who nap during the day.
• Home theaters / media rooms: Velvet reduces screen glare and sound reflections — classic cinema vibe.
• Nurseries: Babies sleep better in dark rooms; velvet + liner helps nap routines.
• Street-facing living rooms: Velvet reduces outside glare and offers privacy.

How to Choose Velvet Curtains That Actually Black Out

Want the easy checklist? Here you go — the practical bits that matter:

1. Pick real, heavy velvet: Look for fabric weight specs like GSM or ounces/yd2. True velvet will feel dense and have a substantial drape.
2. Choose a darker color for better absorption: Dark hues block light better than pale colors.
3. Ask for a blackout lining: 3-pass or 4-pass lining is typical for high-performance blackout.
4. Measure generously: Width: aim for 2×–2.5× the window width for fullness. Height: mount high and wide — go beyond the frame to prevent leaks.
5. Prefer tracks over simple rods if you want total blackout: Ceiling-mounted tracks with side return seals perform best.

Header styles that affect performance

S-fold or pinch pleat headers give fuller coverage and help the curtain sit flatter against the window, reducing light gaps. Grommet/eyelet styles can be stylish but tend to allow more light at the top unless paired with a pelmet or track.

Installation Tips — because installation matters more than you think

Even the best velvet + liner can fail if the curtain doesn't actually cover the window properly. Here's the short version of how to install for real-world blackout:

• Mount high and wide: Put the track or rod above the window frame (sometimes near the ceiling) and extend it 6–12 inches past the sides of the frame.
• Use ceiling-mounted tracks for full coverage: Tracks create a tight seal at the top, reduce gaps, and let the curtain butt against the wall or pelmet.
• Consider side returns or wraparound: Small wing walls or returns stop light from sneaking in at the sides.
• Panel fullness: Aim for 2×–2.5× fullness to avoid thin, see-through stretches when closed.
• Add bottom weights or chains: These help the curtain hang straight and reduce bottom light gaps.

Cleaning & Care — keep that pile looking good

Velvet looks unforgettable when it’s well cared for. But because it’s a plush fabric, it does need some special handling:

• Vacuum gently: Use a soft brush head; vacuum in the direction of the nap.
• Steam instead of ironing: Steam lifts wrinkles and refreshes pile—don’t press a hot iron into the fabric.
• Spot clean carefully: Blot spills; avoid harsh rubbing. For tough stains, professional upholstery or dry-cleaning is safest.
• Avoid sun bleaching: If one side gets heavy sun, rotate panels or use a liner to protect the face fabric.

Common Mistakes People Make

Here are the blunders I see most often (and how to avoid them):

1. Buying “velvet-look” cheap polyester: It may look similar up close, but thin polyester won’t block light or hang well.
2. Under-measuring: Too-narrow panels = light seams. Always measure and then add 10–20% for overlap and fullness.
3. Relying on a rod only: Rods can be fine decor-wise, but tracks with side sealing work better for blackout performance.
4. Ignoring the top gap: If light leaks at the top, a pelmet, valance, or track hidden in a soffit will help.

How Much Will Velvet Blackout Curtains Cost?

Costs vary a lot depending on fabric quality, lining, custom sizing, and installation. Expect a premium price for true heavy velvet with a blackout liner and professional hemming—especially if you need custom lengths or ceiling-mounted tracks. Still, for sleep quality and insulation, many find it money well spent.

Are Velvet Curtains Eco-Friendly?

It depends. Traditional velvet is often made from synthetic fibers (polyester) or blended with silk. There are now performance velvets and recycled-fiber velvets that reduce environmental impact while keeping performance. If sustainability matters, look for:

• Recycled polyester or fibers
• Oeko-Tex or similar certifications
• Durable construction (longer life = lower lifetime footprint)

Do Velvet Blackout Curtains Help Sleep? (Short science)

Yes. Exposure to light at night suppresses melatonin (the sleep hormone). By reducing ambient light, you’re supporting your body’s natural circadian rhythm. Velvet + blackout lining can make a big difference for people who:

• Work night shifts
• Nap during the day
• Live in bright urban environments
• Share bedrooms with early risers

Practical Example — Quick Buying Guide

If you need a quick “what to buy” checklist, here it is:

1. Choose heavy, true velvet (feel the weight).
2. Request a 3-pass or 4-pass blackout lining.
3. Pick a darker color for max darkness.
4. Order panels at 2–2.5× window width for fullness.
5. Install on a ceiling-mounted track that’s wider than the window frame.

Practical Specs to Ask Your Supplier

Installation Options — What Actually Works Best

If you’re serious about blackout, here are the mounting options ranked by effectiveness:

1. Ceiling-mounted track with overlap and side returns: Best seal and least light leakage.
2. Wall-mounted track with pelmet: Very good when a pelmet covers the top gap.
3. Rod with pelmet/valance: Looks great; works if coupled with side coverage and thick lining.
4. Rod alone without pelmet: Easiest to install but most likely to leak light at the top.

Maintenance — Keep the Luxe Look

A few quick, practical tips so your velvet keeps its plush look:

• Vacuum gently every couple of weeks, especially in dusty rooms.
• Steam vertically to refresh the pile after long storage or cleaning.
• Rotate panels if one side receives heavy sunlight to prevent uneven fading.
• For big stains, trust a professional dry cleaner familiar with velvet.

Conclusion

If you want style + serious functionality, velvet curtains are a top choice. They naturally block a lot of light, dampen sound, and add insulation — and with a proper blackout lining and a careful installation (wide, full panels on a ceiling-mounted track or a pelmet-covered rod), they can deliver near-total blackout. In short: velvet gets you most of the way there; the lining and install get you all the way.

Pro tip: If you sleep poorly because of light, velvet with a blackout liner and a ceiling-mounted track is among the most reliable single investments you can make for better sleep.

If you want, I can:

• Help you pick exact specifications (fabric weight, lining type, panel counts) based on your window sizes.
• Create a shopping checklist you can give to a curtain maker or supplier.
• Provide a quick installation sketch (measurements and mount heights) for a ceiling track setup.

And if you prefer a done-for-you option, you can also contact Unicurt — they offer fully customizable curtains with a wide range of patterns and blackout options.

Tell me which you'd like and we’ll get it sorted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are all velvet curtains blackout?

No — not all velvet curtains are true blackout. Velvet alone often provides strong room-darkening (roughly 60–80% light reduction depending on weight and color), but for true blackout you need a proper blackout lining and good installation.

2. Can I add a blackout liner to existing velvet curtains?

Yes. A tailor or curtain shop can sew on a blackout lining to existing panels. That’s a common and cost-effective upgrade that turns beautiful velvet into a functional blackout curtain.

3. Will velvet curtains make my room warmer in winter?

Yes. Velvet combined with an insulating liner will reduce heat loss through windows and can help keep a room warmer, potentially reducing heating needs slightly.

4. Are velvet blackout curtains noisy or heavy to open?

They can be heavy, but if you mount them on a proper track with smooth gliders they open and close quietly. Tracks reduce friction and help heavy panels slide easily.

5. How do I avoid light leakage around velvet curtains?

Install the curtain high and wide (mount above the frame and extend past the sides), use ceiling-mounted tracks or pelmets, add side returns if possible, and choose panels with proper fullness (2×–2.5× window width). Those steps minimize gaps where light sneaks in.