Blackout curtains 'home studio'

K

kartracer

Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,178
Edit My Images
No
I have a room at home in which I've just made some space for a 'home studio'. Its just about big enough for 3/4 length shots. Anyway, the curtains presently hanging are very light, which doesn't help with keeping it warmer in winter, nor do they cut flash/lights from glaring on the windows outside.

I found these ---- http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0026GL5LO/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&psc=1 --- on Amazon, which match the type of curtain pole we have. And firstly, that makes me wonder, how can that type of pole (which does not seal off the top of the curtain flush with the wall) actually blackout (light in or out)?

If their thermal performance is anything like claimed, that would be great.

As for colour, black would not look good against the decor/walls. I'm thinking chocolate, olive or beige might work. But are any of those more or less problematic in terms of using flash? There would be some reflected light. Up until now, I've mainly shot during the daytime, leaving the curtains open, but want to make more use of the space in the evening.

Overall, do these look like a good idea, or not? Any alternatives?
 
I had blackout lining on my bedroom curtains at the old house to assist with my sleeping rather than for any photographic purposes. While it does not allow light to pass through, there is as you say some leakage around the sides. At night the leakage caused by artificial lighting (streetlights, cars etc) at night is very low, they make a huge difference IMO.

In full daylight the leakage is significant, it's enough to move around easily and even read without the lights on - to be effective in making the room dark then you would need to make them completely sealed.
 
kartracer said:
firstly, that makes me wonder, how can that type of pole (which does not seal off the top of the curtain flush with the wall) actually blackout (light in or out)?
Click to expand...

It doesn't. Yet again an advert suggests it has overcome some of the more basic laws of physics. There are probably enough weasel words to keep the lawyers happy though.

You can buy blackout lining from "any good department store" (John Lewis) which hangs behind the curtain. If you're having curtains made then just specify blackout lining. It won't block off light in a different part of the room though ;)
 
The ad sounds too good to be true. I noticed the same company is advertising on eBay, but compared to the 35 Pounds (approx.) all in price, on eBay they're asking 35 Pounds plus near on 30 Pounds postage (which then might attract duty and VAT). Seems like a big sales push. Think I'll just get some heavy lined curtains, and look into the backing optoin.
 
"Blackout" when referring to curtains tells you the light-blocking performance of the lining, it doesn't imply a perfect fit (it's up to you to fit an over-size curtain pole etc if that's what you need). Dunelm Mill have a good range, a very good range of the eyelet type you're looking for (frustrating as I was looking for the other type) with the blackout lining.
 
Alastair said:
"Blackout" when referring to curtains tells you the light-blocking performance of the lining, it doesn't imply a perfect fit (it's up to you to fit an over-size curtain pole etc if that's what you need). Dunelm Mill have a good range, a very good range of the eyelet type you're looking for (frustrating as I was looking for the other type) with the blackout lining.
Click to expand...

Thanks, They do seem to have a good range. A silly question, are the width sizes stated, the overall width of the window opening, or the width per curtain? I'm guessing its the latter?
 
I had to ask.. but if the curtains are 90" wide, that's 90" per curtain.. but for a window 90" wide you need a 90" pair of curtains.. which gives you 180" of fabric width, but allows for all the folds and pleats.

If you don't bunch them up as much you can stretch it a little longer.. so if I remember right, I'ms using a pair of 90" curtains on a 120" wide bay window and just not having as many folds. It fits, but doesn't look quite as neat as it does on the packet.
 
By chance I noticed a neighbour had those curtains I linked on Amazon. They look like they're made of cardboard, so I'll forget those! Its always going to be it and miss with off-the-shelf curtains, but that will have to do.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top