Linen curtains have become a staple in modern interiors, loved for their relaxed elegance and breathable texture. While plain linen drapes beautifully, they often leave rooms bathed in sunlight—a dealbreaker for night-shift workers, or anyone craving a cinema-worthy dark room. So, can linen curtains truly become blackout? The answer is yes—with a few clever tricks. Let’s dive into how to blend linen’s organic charm with total light control.

What Are Linen Blackout Curtains?

Linen blackout curtains are a hybrid solution that pairs natural linen fabric with a specialized blackout lining. Unlike standard linings, blackout liners are engineered to block 99% of light. They typically feature:

‒ Multiple layers: A foam core sandwiched between woven fabrics to eliminate light leaks.

‒ Thermal properties: Many liners also insulate rooms, reducing energy costs.

‒ Discreet design: The liner attaches to the back of the linen panel, preserving the front’s texture and color.

Key Distinction:

Lined linen curtains use a basic lining for modest light reduction (30–50%).

Linen blackout curtains use advanced liners for near-total darkness (95–99%).

Do Linen Curtains Block Light on Their Own?

Plain linen’s light-blocking ability depends on its weave and weight:

Lightweight linen sheers: Filter sunlight but allow it to stream through, creating a soft glow. Ideal for cafés or layered window treatments.

Heavy linen weaves: offer slightly better coverage but still permit light around edges and through fibers.

How to Make Linen Curtains Blackout

Transforming linen into blackout curtains requires adding a liner. Here are three effective methods:

Sew-In Blackout Liners

For a permanent, polished look, sew a blackout liner to the back of your linen panel.

Steps:

‒ Measure your curtain panel’s width and length.

‒ Cut the liner 2 inches narrower and 1 inch shorter than the panel to avoid bulk.

‒ Sew the liner to the top edge (inside the rod pocket or header tape) using a sewing machine or fabric glue.

‒ Hem the sides and bottom for a clean finish.

Pro Tip: Use a white blackout liner with white linen curtains to prevent a grayish tint.

Clip-On or Detachable Liners

For renters or those who want flexibility, attach a separate blackout liner using clips or hooks.

Tools: Curtain clips, tension rods, or adhesive hooks.

Steps:

‒ Hang your linen curtains as usual.

‒ Attach the liner to a second rod or directly to the linen using clips.

‒ Adjust the liner to overlap edges by 1–2 inches for full coverage.

Example: A client used this method in her living room, pairing linen sheers with blackout panels on separate rods for adjustable light control.

Dual-Layer Curtain Setups

Install two rods and hang linen curtains on the outer rod and blackout panels on the inner rod. This lets you:

‒ Use linen alone for soft light filtering.

‒ Add blackout panels for total darkness.

‒ Layer both for insulation and style.

 

Pros and Cons of Linen Blackout Curtains

Benefits:

Natural Aesthetic: Retain linen’s texture and organic feel.

Improved Insulation: Blackout liners often reduce heat loss in winter and keep rooms cool in summer.

Multi-Functional: Perfect for bedrooms, nurseries.

Downsides:

Added Weight: Blackout liners make curtains heavier, requiring sturdier rods.

Potential Stiffness: Some liners may reduce the linen’s signature drape.

Maintenance: Liners may need occasional steaming to remove wrinkles.

How to Add a Blackout Liner to Existing Curtains

Retrofitting sheer curtains with a blackout liner is a budget-friendly DIY project. Here’s how:

1. Measure: Record your curtain’s width and length. Add 4 inches to the width and 2 inches to the length for hems and overlaps.

2. Choose Liner Fabric: Opt for a white or neutral-toned blackout fabric (like our thermal-backed polyester) to avoid discoloring the linen.

3. Attach:

Sewing: Hem the liner’s edges and stitch it to the top of the panel.

No-Sew: Use fabric glue or iron-on hem tape for a quick fix.

Clips: Attach the liner to the back of the panel using rustproof clips.

Hang: Test the curtains to ensure no light leaks around edges.

Lined vs. Unlined Linen Curtains

Adding a liner transforms linen curtains’ performance:

- Unlined: Airy and lightweight, ideal for living rooms or kitchens where light control isn’t critical.

- Lined (Standard): Provides privacy and minor light reduction, suitable for dining rooms or home offices.

- Lined Blackout: Offers total darkness and insulation, perfect for bedrooms or nurseries.

Design Considerations: Can You Have White Linen Blackout Curtains?

Absolutely! Achieving blackout functionality with white linen doesn’t mean sacrificing elegance. Here’s how:

White Blackout Liners: Choose a liner in the same shade as your linen to avoid a grayish tint.

Layering: Pair white linen sheers with blackout panels on separate rods for adjustable coverage.

Tight Weave: Opt for a densely woven white linen (like Belgian flax) to minimize light penetration before adding a liner.

Example: A client used our Zoe Linen-Look Café Curtains with white blackout liners in her kitchen, creating a bright, airy space that stayed dark during late-night baking sessions.

Natural Beauty Meets Functionality

Linen curtains can absolutely be blackout—without losing their organic charm. Whether you sew in a liner, use clips for flexibility, or layer panels for versatility, the key is choosing the right method for your space. Explore our collection of linen curtains and blackout liners to create a serene, stylish sanctuary that’s as functional as it is beautiful.