Register Login
support
shop
menu
close
  1. Home
  2. Knowledge hub
  3. Fabric guide
  4. Blackout Fabric
Black Out Fabrics wholesale

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.

Go to Blackout collection

Specifications

  • Construction: functional interior fabric with an opaque construction, coating, backing or a combination of these techniques.
  • Composition: within the current Nooteboom Textiles range, mainly polyester (PL), with some qualities also containing polyurethane (PU).
  • Weight: within the Nooteboom Textiles range, Blackout is mainly around 65 to 230 g/m².
  • Stretchability: current qualities are non-stretch.
  • Abbreviations: PL = polyester, PU = polyurethane.

What Are the Properties of Blackout Fabric?

The main property of Blackout is its ability to reduce light transmission much more strongly than a standard decorative curtain fabric. Depending on the quality, this effect can be created by dense opaque yarns, several textile layers or a functional coating or backing. Blackout fabrics are generally stable and non-stretch, which helps them hang consistently in curtain applications. Coated or backed qualities may require more careful handling because high heat, strong folds and needle holes can affect the functional layer.

How Does Blackout Fabric Feel?

The hand of Blackout varies considerably depending on its construction. Lightweight qualities can feel relatively thin and flexible, while denser or backed fabrics can feel fuller, firmer and more compact. When a functional coating or backing is present, the front and reverse sides may also have a noticeably different hand.

Applications

  • Curtains and drapes: suitable when strong light control and privacy are required.
  • Curtain lining: lightweight Blackout qualities can be placed behind decorative fabrics to increase darkening.
  • Bedroom curtains: useful when incoming daylight needs to be strongly reduced.
  • Blinds and window coverings: suitable when the construction of the individual fabric matches the intended system.
  • Hotels and contract interiors: possible when relevant technical and flame-retardancy requirements have been verified.
  • Studios and presentation spaces: useful where control over incoming daylight is important.

Wash Instructions

  • Washing temperature: always follow the article-specific care instructions, as constructions with coatings or backings may require different cleaning methods.
  • Drying advice: avoid unnecessary high temperatures and follow the drying instructions of the individual quality.
  • Ironing instructions: use low heat only when permitted and avoid applying high heat directly to a functional backing or coating.
  • Dry cleaning: only when allowed by the care instructions of the individual article.
  • Special considerations: avoid bleach, excessive friction and sharp folding of coated or backed qualities.

Other Information

  • Certifications: selected current qualities carry OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Product Class II and this should always be checked per article.
  • Width: current Blackout qualities are available at approximately 145 to 150 cm wide.
  • Light blocking: performance varies according to the individual quality, colour, construction and installation.
  • Construction: Blackout qualities can differ significantly in how the light-blocking effect is created.
  • Contract use: Blackout performance does not automatically mean that a fabric meets flame-retardancy or other contract requirements.

What Is the Difference Between Blackout and Dimout?

Blackout and Dimout both reduce incoming light, but they provide different levels of darkening. Blackout is designed for much stronger light blocking, while Dimout deliberately allows part of the incoming light to pass through. The visible result also depends on the fabric colour, window dimensions and curtain installation.

Read more in our Dimout Fabric Guide.

Does Blackout Fabric Block 100% of the Light?

Not necessarily. Blackout fabrics are designed to provide very strong light blocking, but the exact performance should always be checked for the individual quality. Even a highly opaque fabric cannot create complete darkness if light enters around the sides, top or bottom of the curtain.

Is Blackout Fabric Always Coated?

No. Blackout describes the light-blocking performance of the fabric rather than one fixed construction method. The effect can be created through an opaque textile construction, multiple layers, a coating or a functional backing. This distinction is important during processing because coated and uncoated qualities can behave differently when stitched, folded or pressed.

Can Blackout Fabric Be Used as a Curtain Lining?

Yes, selected lightweight Blackout qualities can be used as a lining behind a decorative curtain fabric. This allows the outer fabric to determine the visual appearance while the Blackout layer contributes additional light control. The weight, drape and care requirements of both fabrics should be checked together before production.

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.

FAQ

What is Blackout fabric used for?
Blackout is mainly used for curtains, drapes, curtain linings and other window coverings where strong light control is required.
Is Blackout the same as Dimout?
No, Blackout is designed to block considerably more light, while Dimout still allows part of the incoming light to pass through.
Does Blackout fabric make a room completely dark?
Not automatically, because both the performance of the fabric and light entering around the window covering influence the final result.
Is Blackout always made from polyester?
Polyester is the main fibre in the current Nooteboom Textiles range, while some qualities also contain polyurethane.
Can Blackout fabric be washed?
This depends on the individual construction, coating or backing, so the care instructions of the specific quality should always be followed.
Is Blackout fabric flame retardant?
Not automatically, because flame-retardant performance is a separate technical property that must be verified for the individual article.

Do you have a specific question about Blackout Fabric or an application?
Our AI assistant will help you immediately.

Ask a question

Back

Written by

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

Posted on

Last updated on

Placed in

Added to cart

Welcome back

0
ART.NR.

You still have 0 articles in your cart

View cart Continue shopping