Best Types Of Privacy Curtains (With Alternatives)
Most of the time, when we’re shopping for curtains, the first thing we keep a look out for is the style, color, and type of curtain.
We could dwell on the particular drapes or whether the color curtain will suit the walls but there’s something way more important to think about when buying curtains and that’s privacy.
Having a curtain that ensures sufficient privacy is essential if you want peace of mind and if you don’t want other people to see inside your personal space.
This also greatly applies to controlling the amount of light that enters which could either disrupt your sleep or wear down your furniture over time.
So, to avoid all of this, having the best privacy curtain on your windows will solve all your problems.
There are a few specific privacy curtains that work well and I’d love to take a few minutes to show you what I’ve found.
If this sounds good, here are your best options:
Table of Contents
Types of Privacy Curtains
Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains are as the name suggests: it completely blocks out light from the space.
Whether you want to catch a quick nap during the day or make sure your room is completely dark at night, these blackout curtains are amazing.
You can hang them in a bedroom, nursery, or home theater for a dark, cozy, and comfortable space.
Blackout curtains are usually made with polyester fabric and they have this light-blocking foam in them that is placed on the back of the curtain. This foam acts as a light barrier and it’s great for darkening the space.
Check out this blackout curtain from Amazon:
The only potential downside is that it may restrict the amount of natural light that enters the space during the day but I guess you can just keep them open when you want the natural light to filter in.
Now you may assume these are only available in the color black but surprisingly, you can find this curtain in almost every color which is fantastic news if you want to match it perfectly to your space.
It’s an overall brilliant option for both privacy at night and blocking out light.
Solid Color Curtains in Opaque Fabrics
Curtains that have the right amount of thickness and texture can work wonders for creating a dark effect which is why solid-color curtains work best.
Better yet, the chances of having a dark room are greater if you opt for darker colors and thicker fabrics. This should ensure privacy and better control of light.
Brown, navy blue, and dark gray are specific colors that work great for this purpose but there are light-colored curtains in this category that should as well.
This type of curtain also adds a flawless and timeless appeal to the space making it a great option in terms of practicality and style.
Double Lined Curtains
Double-lined curtains are two-layer fabric curtains containing a solid color fabric with a linen or muslin backing.
You may see them often used in Roman shades.
These curtains not only look stylish but they’re great for blocking out light from the room and quite useful for making a space feel warmer.
The lined curtains will also ensure that no shape or shadow is shown in the room at night when the lights are on.
Double Curtains
Go for sheer and opaque curtains that will help you get privacy and filter light.
With the combination of sheer and opaque curtains, the sheer curtains are great at allowing light to enter during the day whereas the opaque fabric won’t show too much or any at all of what’s going on inside when the curtains are drawn and this works well for maximum privacy.
Here’s a double curtain you can get from Amazon
This also gives a nice layered look to the window area.
However, it’s important to note that this curtain option may require a double curtain rod to be installed.
Curtain Alternatives: Here’s How To Have Privacy With No Curtains
Now that we’ve gone through the different types of privacy curtains, you might be interested in a few more creative options.
If you’re looking for a temporary or a quick solution to cover your windows, there are a few alternatives you could try that will help you achieve privacy and block out light so that you can enjoy your space.
Take a look at the following and then decide what will work best for your room:
Frosted Glass Effect – Here’s a fantastic way to get complete privacy while keeping style in mind. This involves installing a frosted glass effect on your windows. Most are easily removable and they give satisfying results. Available in many different patterns and styles, this frosted glass effect will make sure it’s difficult to see inside.
Get this frosted glass window film from Amazon
Blinds – Blinds are a good alternative. They offer privacy and a sleek, modern aesthetic that is timeless and suitable for most spaces. There are available in a variety of different styles, colors, and materials which you can choose from to coordinate with your interior.
Window Shades – This is an awesome option if you want a classic, timeless look that offers some privacy and you can control how much light enters the space. Roller shades seem to be the best option in terms of design and style as they are flexible and versatile.
Tall Planters – Place tall planters right in front of the window to obscure the few. Although this doesn’t provide full coverage and I wouldn’t recommend it for a bedroom, it does work for making your window area look better. It’s a good option if you want the bottom half of the windows to be slightly covered.
Lace – Cover your windows with lace as this will provide partial coverage which is better than nothing. Also, it is harder to see inside unless someone really makes the effort to peep through the gaps in the lace. This option is good enough for privacy but it’s way better if you want to add a pretty detail to the windows.
Divider – If you’re okay with partial coverage for tall windows or you just need something to cover the windows, consider placing a room divider. Opt for a stylish room divider so that it doesn’t look awkward or weird until you find a permanent solution that meets your needs.
Check out this gorgeous plum blossom room divider on Amazon:
Final Thoughts
Double-lined curtains, double curtains, solid color curtains, and blackout curtains appear to be the best types of privacy curtains for any space.
These curtains are specifically designed in such a way as to control the amount of privacy and light in the room.
If you want your room to be completely dark while you sleep, go for blackout curtains or solid-color curtains.
Double-lined curtains are great if you want to emphasize style while achieving a decent level of privacy.
A particular curtain you should avoid if you’re concerned about privacy is sheer curtains.
These lightweight and almost see-through curtains will make it easier to see into your room at night, especially if the lights are turned on.
With that said, I hope you’ve found what you were looking for.
If you’re interested in reading more ideas or discovering similar useful tips, check out the following:
How To Cover Glass Doors For Privacy: 7 Best Solutions
