When shopping for curtains, many people tend to focus only on color, design or material while overlooking a very important criterion: the sun-blocking level (light-blocking level). In fact, this is a criterion that directly affects heat protection, furniture protection, energy savings and overall comfort for users.

Not every space needs 100% light-blocking curtains. Some areas only need a 70-80% blocking level to still make use of natural light, while a bedroom or home theater room needs an almost absolute blocking capability.

So what percentage of sun-blocking is right for curtains? Let's find out in detail in the article below. What Percentage of Sun-Blocking Should Curtains Have? How to Choose the Right Light-Blocking Level for Every Space. 

What is a curtain's sun-blocking level?

The sun-blocking level is the proportion of sunlight that is blocked as it passes through the curtain. This figure is usually expressed as a percentage (%).

For example:

• 50%: Blocks about half of the light.
• 70%: The light is softer, but the room is still bright.
• 90%: Significantly reduces sunlight and heat.
• 95-100%: Almost no light passes through.

Besides light, quality curtains can also:

• Reduce heat radiation.
• Limit UV rays.
• Protect wooden floors, sofas, rugs and furniture from fading.
• Help save energy on air conditioning.

Common light-blocking levels today

1. Curtains with about 50% light-blocking

This type of curtain is suited to spaces that need plenty of natural light.

Advantages

• The space always stays bright.
• Saves lighting electricity.
• Brings a spacious, airy feeling.

Suitable for

• Cafes.
• Showrooms.
• Living rooms with little sun.
• Display spaces.

2. Curtains with 70% light-blocking

This is a popular blocking level for households.

Advantages

• Limits harsh sun.
• Still lets in natural light.
• The space feels more pleasant during the day.

Suitable for

• Living rooms.
• Dining rooms.
• Apartments.
• Townhouses.

3. Curtains with 90% light-blocking

This is a balanced choice between sun protection and aesthetics.

Advantages

• Reduces heat effectively.
• Limits glare.
• Increases privacy.

Suitable for

• Bedrooms.
• Offices.
• Home offices.
• West-facing apartments.

4. Curtains with 95% light-blocking

This is a premium curtain line chosen by many households.

Outstanding advantages:

• Almost complete sun protection.
• Effective UV protection.
• Good heat reduction.
• Supports daytime sleep.

5. Curtains with 100% light-blocking (Blackout)

This type of curtain can block almost all light.

Suitable for

• Bedrooms.
• Baby rooms.
• Home theaters.
• Studios.
• Meeting rooms.
• Hotels.

Advantages:

• Not disturbed by light.
• Good insulation.
• Helps save air-conditioning electricity.
• Increases privacy.

Choosing the light-blocking level for each space

Living room

The living room needs a balance between light and privacy.

Recommendation:

70-90%

You can combine:

• Voile curtains.
• Double-layer fabric curtains.

This is a solution that is both beautiful and flexible when adjusting light.

Bedroom

This is an area that needs quiet and darkness for rest.

Recommendation:

90-100%

Especially suitable for:

• Night-shift workers.
• Families with young children.
• People sensitive to light.

Home office

Too much light can easily cause screen glare.

Recommendation:

70-90%

This helps:

• Protect your eyes.
• Increase concentration.
• Reduce heat in the working space.

Office

Modern offices commonly use:

• Roller blinds.
• Venetian blinds.
• Rainbow curtains.

Suitable blocking level:

70-90%

Study room

Should not be too dark.

Recommendation:

60-80%

Ensures enough light for reading and studying.

Factors that affect sun-blocking ability

Fabric material

Some fabrics have better light-blocking ability:

• Multi-layer polyester.
• Blackout fabric.
• Acrylic-coated fabric.
• Foam-backed fabric.
• Triple-woven fabric.

Color

Darker colors tend to:

• Absorb light better.
• Block light more effectively.

Lighter colors:

• Create a feeling of spaciousness.
• Reflect heat well.
• Bring a modern look.

Curtain type

Light-blocking ability also depends on the design:

• Double-layer fabric curtains.
• Roman curtains.
• Roller blinds.
• Rainbow curtains.
• Honeycomb blinds.
• Wood blinds.

Each type has a different light-adjustment level.

Should you choose 100% light-blocking curtains?

Blackout curtains aren't always the optimal choice.

If used in a living room, the space may become:

• Dim.
• Stuffy.
• Poorly ventilated.

In many cases, curtains with 70-90% light-blocking combined with voile curtains provide better usability and aesthetics.

Tips for choosing the right sun-blocking curtains

To choose the right product, you should consider:

• The sun direction of your home.
• Window area.
• Interior color.
• Desired level of privacy.
• Day and night usage needs.
• Insulation capability.
• Investment budget.

Accurate measurement and proper installation also contribute to improving the curtain's light-blocking effectiveness.

Sun-blocking curtain trends in 2026

In 2026, the curtain market is focusing on solutions that are both beautiful and smart:

• Double-layer curtains combining voile and thick fabric.
• Premium blackout curtains.
• Remote-controlled automated curtains.
• Eco-friendly materials.
• Dust-resistant, UV-resistant fabric.
• Neutral color tones such as cream, beige, gray and light blue.

These products don't just focus on light-blocking ability but also on comfort and harmony with modern interior design.

Why choose a reputable curtain installer?

Quality curtains only reach their full potential when properly advised and installed. A reputable installer will help you:

• Conduct an on-site survey and recommend the right light-blocking level.
• Choose the right material, color and curtain style for each space.
• Install with precise measurements, minimizing light gaps.
• Provide a clear warranty and support maintenance when needed.

Investing in a quality product from the start helps save on repair and replacement costs down the line.

What percentage of sun-blocking is right for curtains? The answer depends on the intended use and the specific space. For living rooms, a 70-90% blocking level usually provides the best balance between natural light and heat protection. For bedrooms, 90-100% is the ideal choice for a quiet, private, restful space.

Besides the blocking ratio, you should also pay attention to material, color, design and installation quality so your curtains can perform at their best. Choosing correctly will keep your home cool, save energy, protect furniture and elevate the aesthetic value of your living space.

>>See more:  Top 10 Beautiful, Modern Living Room Curtain Designs Trending in 2026