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Total Darkness On Demand
Blockout curtains (also called blackout curtains) are window coverings made from dense, opaque fabric with a specialised light-blocking lining. They’re designed to prevent all light from entering a room when drawn. The lining is typically an acrylic-coated backing that blocks 100% of visible light from passing through the fabric. The decorative front can be any colour or pattern you choose.
Beyond blocking light, blockout curtains also reduce noise from outside, provide insulation that helps regulate room temperature, protect furniture and floors from UV fading, and give you complete privacy at any time of day. At Watson, every blockout curtain is custom made in our own factory across our full fabric range. All our curtain fabrics are fire retardant as standard.
Same Thing, Different Name
Yes. ‘Blockout curtains’ and ‘blackout curtains’ are two names for the same product. In Australia, ‘blockout’ is the more common term. ‘Blackout’ is used more internationally and in some Australian retail stores. Both refer to curtains made from opaque, light-blocking fabric designed to create total darkness. At Watson, we use ‘blockout curtains’ but if you’re searching for blackout curtains, you’re looking at the same thing.
Benefits
Blockout curtains block 100% of visible light when properly fitted. They create a pitch-black environment regardless of the time of day. This is why they're the number one choice for bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms, and shift workers who sleep during the day.
The thick, heavy fabric absorbs sound from outside. While blockout curtains aren't soundproofing, they noticeably reduce traffic noise, neighbourhood sounds, and general outdoor noise. This makes a real difference in bedrooms, especially in urban areas or homes on busy streets.
The dense fabric and lining create a barrier that slows heat transfer through your windows. In winter, they help keep warm air inside. In summer, they block solar heat from entering. This can reduce your reliance on heating and cooling and lower your energy bills. For maximum insulation, choose blockout curtains with a thermal lining.
When drawn, blockout curtains prevent anyone outside from seeing in. Day or night, the opaque fabric provides full visual privacy. Unlike sheer curtains, which become transparent at night, blockout curtains offer consistent coverage around the clock.
Blockout curtains prevent UV rays from reaching your furniture, floors, artwork, and fabrics. UV damage causes fading over time. Blockout curtains eliminate this problem entirely when drawn, extending the life of everything in the room.
The most popular room for blockout curtains. Total darkness improves sleep quality, helps regulate your circadian rhythm, and makes the room cooler in summer. Pair with sheer curtains on a double track for soft light during the day and full blockout at night.
Our Recommendation
Blockout Curtains + Sheer Curtains on double track.
Darkness during nap time makes all the difference for babies and toddlers. Blockout curtains create daytime darkness quickly and reliably. Choose fire retardant fabrics (standard on all Watson curtains) and cordless or motorised tracks for child safety.
Our Recommendation
Blockout Curtains — cordless or motorised for child safety.
Eliminate all external light for a true cinema experience. Blockout curtains are more effective than blinds for media rooms because the floor-to-ceiling fabric coverage eliminates light leakage around the edges that blinds can miss.
Our Recommendation
Heavy Blockout Curtains, full-width coverage.
Blockout curtains give living rooms flexibility. Open them for full natural light. Close them to cut glare while watching TV or to create a cosier atmosphere in the evening. Choose a decorative front fabric that complements your interior.
Our Recommendation
Blockout Curtains in decorative fabric — open during the day, closed for evenings.
Reduce screen glare and create a more focused working environment. Especially useful for west-facing offices where afternoon sun is a problem. Also eliminates backlighting for video calls.
Our Recommendation
Blockout Curtains or Blockout + Sheer on double track.
Choose Your Heading Style
Your heading style determines how the fabric hangs and folds. All heading styles are available across our full blockout fabric range.
Curtain tracks: Hidden behind the curtain for a clean, streamlined look. Operate with a wand or by hand. Best for S-fold headings and modern interiors. Can be ceiling-mounted for a floor-to-ceiling look.
Motorised track options available.
Curtain rods: Visible above the curtain with decorative finials on each end. Add a design element to the window. Work with pinch pleat and pencil pleat headings. Better for traditional and classic interiors. Both work well with blockout curtains.
The choice comes down to your preferred style and heading type. Our consultants can recommend the best option for each room.
SMART HOME READY
Perfect Pairing
Track Options
Blockout curtains alone on a single track. Full darkness and privacy on demand. Add sheer curtains on a double track for daytime light flexibility.
Remote, app, or voice control. Set schedules so curtains close at sunset and open at your wake-up time. Works with Google Home, Alexa, and HomeKit.
Why Watson Blockouts
All Watson blockout curtain fabrics are fire retardant as standard — no upgrade needed.
The acrylic-coated blockout lining prevents any light from passing through the fabric. For maximum darkness, fit curtains wider and longer than the window.
The thick, heavy blockout fabric absorbs sound from outside. Noticeably reduces traffic and street noise in bedrooms.
Pricing Guide
Custom blockout curtains start from $800 per standard window. The final price depends on the fabric, the heading style you choose, such as S-fold or pinch pleat, and the size of your windows. Motorised tracks and a double curtain setup with a sheer pair sit higher in the range.
Book a free consultation for an accurate quote on your specific windows and fabric selection.
Book your free consultation today and we’ll bring samples to your home, measure your windows, and give you a clear quote. No obligation.
Blockout curtain fabric needs to be felt to be appreciated. The weight, the density, the drape. These are things you can’t judge from a photo.
Book a free in-home consultation and we’ll bring blockout curtain samples to your home. See the colours against your walls. Feel the fabric. Compare options in your own light.
We measure your windows, recommend the right fabric, heading, and track, and give you a clear quote. No obligation.
Plus, you’ll get up to 25% off your order when you book today.
Real Watson Homes
Your Questions Answered
Yes. ‘Blockout’ is the more common term in Australia. ‘Blackout’ is used more internationally. Both refer to the same product: curtains made from opaque, light-blocking fabric designed to create total darkness.
Custom blockout curtains start from $800 per standard window, depending on fabric, heading style and window size. Motorised tracks and double curtain setups add to that. Book a free consultation for an accurate quote.
The fabric itself blocks 100% of visible light. In practice, some light may enter around the edges of the curtain where it meets the wall or window frame. For maximum darkness, fit curtains wider and longer than the window, use a ceiling-mounted track, and consider adding a pelmet to cover the top gap.
Yes. They’re the most popular choice for bedrooms. Total darkness improves sleep quality by supporting your body’s natural circadian rhythm. They also reduce noise and regulate temperature. Pair with sheer curtains on a double track for daytime light and nighttime darkness.
Yes. Mount your blockout curtains on a motorised track for remote, app, or voice control. Set schedules so they close at sunset and open at your wake-up time. Works with Google Home, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.
Yes. This is called a double curtain setup and it’s our most popular curtain configuration. The sheer curtain hangs on the inner track for daytime light and privacy. The blockout curtain hangs on the outer track for nighttime darkness and insulation.
All Watson blockout curtains are made from fire retardant fabrics as standard. This is a safety requirement we take seriously for every curtain we manufacture.
Regular vacuuming with a brush attachment removes dust. Most blockout curtains can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth. Some fabrics are machine washable on a gentle cycle. Dry cleaning is recommended for heavier or delicate fabrics. Always check the care instructions for your specific fabric.
Blockout curtains (also called blackout curtains) are window coverings made from dense, opaque fabric with a light-blocking lining. They are designed to prevent all light from entering a room when drawn. They also reduce noise, provide insulation, protect against UV fading, and give complete privacy.
Yes. The dense fabric and lining create a barrier that slows heat transfer through your windows. In winter, they help keep warm air inside. In summer, they block solar heat. For maximum insulation, choose curtains with a specialised thermal lining. Double curtains (blockout plus sheer) insulate even better because of the air gap between the two layers.
Yes. The thick, dense fabric absorbs sound and reduces outside noise. They will not soundproof a room, but they make a noticeable difference for traffic noise, neighbourhood sounds, and general outdoor noise. Heavier fabrics provide more noise reduction.
Blockout curtains are designed to block light completely. Thermal insulated curtains also block light but include a specialised lining that provides extra heat resistance. If your main goal is darkness and privacy, standard blockout is enough. If you want to reduce energy bills in a home with extreme temperatures, thermal insulated curtains are the better investment.
Customer Stories
Verified Customer · Google Review
Verified Customer · Google Review
Verified Customer · Google Review
Complete Guide
Not sure which blockout curtains are right for your home? Our detailed guide covers everything you need to know about choosing between blockout and blackout curtains, fabric options, and how to get the best results in every room.
Watson Blinds offers custom blockout curtains (blackout curtains) made to measure in our own local factory.
Our blockout range includes standard blockout, thermal insulated, and fire retardant fabrics in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures. Available in S-fold, pinch pleat, and pencil pleat heading styles on curtain tracks or rods.
Pair with sheer curtains on a double track for complete day-and-night flexibility. Motorised track options available.
Every curtain is custom measured, professionally installed, and backed by a lifetime warranty. Visit our showrooms in Canberra (Fyshwick), Batemans Bay, Nowra, or Wagga Wagga, or book a free in-home consultation today.
