Curtain Fabric Guide: Blackout, Dimout, Sheer & More

Choosing the right curtain fabric is just as important as choosing the design. The material you select affects lighting, privacy, mood, and temperature inside your home.

In this guide, we break down the most common curtain fabric types used in Malaysia — especially for custom-made curtains.

🖤 1. Blackout Curtains (Total Light Block)

Best for: Bedrooms, nurseries, home theatres, or shift workers

✅ Features:

• Blocks 95–100% of sunlight
• Helps reduce heat and save on air-cond bills
• Offers maximum privacy
• Often comes with rubber coating or thick triple-weave backing

📌 Common Styles:

• Often paired with sheers
• Suitable for eyelet, s-fold, or pleated styles

💡 Ideal for those who like to sleep in total darkness or reduce heat in west-facing rooms.

🌤️ 2. Dimout Curtains (Partial Light Block)

Best for: Living rooms, study rooms, offices

✅ Features:

• Blocks 70–90% of sunlight
• Allows soft daylight to filter in without glare
• Feels lighter than blackout
• Comes in a wide range of colours & textures

📌 Common Styles:

• Can be used alone or layered with sheer
• Suitable for all curtain designs

💡 Perfect if you want some light during the day but still maintain privacy.

☁️ 3. Sheer Curtains (Soft, Light & Airy)

Best for: Layering with blackout or dimout, day use, living spaces

✅ Features:

• Transparent or semi-transparent fabric
• Softens direct sunlight
• Adds an elegant, airy feel
• Filters light while maintaining outward visibility

📌 Common Types:

• Voile, organza, linen-look sheer, netting

💡 Use sheers behind blackout curtains for both style and flexibility — open blackout during the day, close sheer for privacy.

🏡 4. Day & Night Curtain Combo

This is the most popular setup in Malaysia:

• Day curtain (sheer) + Night curtain (blackout/dimout)
• Gives you flexibility: Light filtering during the day, full privacy at night
• Stylish, hotel-like look

💡 Highly recommended for bedrooms and living rooms.

💡 Tips for Choosing the Right Fabric

Room Type	Recommended Fabric
Bedroom	Blackout + Sheer
Living Room	Dimout or Sheer Combo
Kitchen	Dimout / Roller Blind
Home Office	Dimout
Baby’s Room	100% Blackout
Studio/Glass Wall	Ceiling-to-floor Blackout or Sheer

🧶 Other Fabric Options (Advanced)

• 🪡 Jacquard: Heavyweight, patterned, textured. Formal and luxurious.
• 🪟 Linen / Linen Blend: Light, casual, breathable. Not total blackout.
• 🧵 Polyester: Common and affordable. Easy to maintain.
• 🧵 Velvet: Thick, heavy, great sound absorption. Luxurious touch.

🧽 Care & Maintenance

• Blackout: Wipe or dry clean only (avoid machine wash)
• Dimout & Sheer: Hand wash or delicate cycle
• Avoid strong detergent or bleaching
• Dry under shade to prevent fading

📌 Final Thoughts

When choosing curtain materials, think about:

• Purpose: Total darkness or soft light?
• Privacy needs
• Room type
• Style & mood you want to create
• Maintenance level

Still unsure? Let our consultant help match the best material for your lifestyle and budget.

Contact RB Curtain & Blind for a Free Consultation