How to choose curtains in India: blackout, sheer, fabric and size
People search this as “how to choose curtains blackout vs sheer india” · updated 2026-08
Short answer
For a bedroom facing direct sun, use a 3-pass blackout curtain (or a heavy 250+ GSM polyester weave) to cut heat and light. For living rooms, layer sheer plus a medium-weight curtain. Always buy total curtain width equal to 2-2.5x your window width, or the pleats will look flat.
- "Blackout" is a coating spec, not a colour — dark curtains are not automatically blackout.
- Width multiplier matters more than fabric price for how the curtain looks.
- West-facing windows in India benefit more from thermal lining than from AC tonnage upgrades.
Which type for which room
| Type | Light blocked | Best room |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer / net | 10-20% | Living room daytime privacy |
| Room darkening | 60-90% | Living room, study |
| 3-pass blackout | 95-100% | Bedroom, nursery, shift workers |
| Thermal lined | 90%+ plus heat | West / south-facing windows |
Measuring, in three steps
- Rod width x 2 to 2.5 = total fabric width you need across all panels.
- Drop: floor-length looks taller; sill-length suits kitchens and small windows.
- Add 4-6 inches above the frame when fixing the rod to make the room look higher.
Common follow-up questions
Do blackout curtains reduce room temperature?
Yes — a thermal-lined blackout curtain on a sunny window can cut a couple of degrees of heat gain and reduce AC load.
Polyester or cotton curtains?
Polyester holds pleats, resists fading and is easier to maintain. Cotton looks softer but wrinkles and fades faster in strong Indian sun.