Why Every Prepper Needs Blackout Curtains
When it comes to preparing your home for emergencies, many people forget about their windows. Blackout curtains are a powerful tool for any prepper. They do a lot more than just help you sleep—they can help keep your home hidden, safe, and comfortable during emergencies like power outages, storms, or even civil unrest.
Let’s look at why blackout curtains are an important part of your preparedness plan and how to choose the best ones for your needs.
What Are Blackout Curtains and Why Are They Useful?
Blackout curtains are special window coverings made to block almost all light from coming in or out. They’re thicker and heavier than normal curtains. But for preppers, blackout curtains do even more:
- Block light from escaping so people can’t see you have power or lights on during a blackout
- Reduce noise coming in and out
- Help keep heat in during winter or out in summer, making your home easier to keep comfortable if the grid goes down
- Add a layer of privacy so outsiders can’t see into your home
How Blackout Curtains Add to Your Home’s Security
After an emergency, your home could be a target if it looks like you have power or supplies when others don’t. Blackout curtains stop outsiders from seeing your lights at night. This helps your home blend in during blackouts, civil unrest, or disasters.
They also muffle sounds, which helps keep your activities private—important if you’re running a generator, using radios, or moving around after dark.
Choosing the Best Blackout Curtains for Prepping
Not all blackout curtains are the same. Here are some things to look for when picking the right set:
- True blackout, not just room darkening: Make sure the package says “blackout.” Room darkening curtains aren’t as effective.
- Size matters: Get curtains that are wide and long enough to fully cover your windows, with a little extra on each side to block all gaps.
- Thick fabric: Heavier curtains insulate better and block more light and noise.
- Easy to hang: Choose styles that are simple to put up—this saves time if you need to act fast.
- Easy to clean: Most blackout curtains are machine-washable, which is helpful if you need to keep them clean after storms, fires, or dust events.
Top Choices for Preppers
Here are a few blackout curtain options that work well for preparedness:
- Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Curtains: Affordable, simple to hang, effective at blocking light and insulating. Available in many sizes and colors for any room.
- Pottery Barn Emery Linen/Cotton Blackout Curtains: More expensive, but high-quality and stylish. Great if you want your preps to blend in with your regular home décor.
- IKEA Marjun Blackout Curtains: Budget-friendly choice. Not as blackout as the top picks, but still better than normal curtains and easy on your wallet.
- Eclipse, Deconovo, Nicetown brands: These offer good light blocking at different price points. Some are more stylish, some focus on better blackout ability.
Tips for Installing Blackout Curtains in Your Home
How you hang your blackout curtains matters for prepping. Here are some survival-focused tips:
- Install curtain rods a few inches above and beyond the window frame to cover all edges.
- Layer blackout curtains with regular drapes for extra insulation and to make your preps less noticeable.
- Consider using Velcro or magnets on the sides and bottom to seal all light leaks, especially during a real emergency.
- Keep spare blackout curtains in your supplies so you can cover basement or garage windows if needed.
Blackout Curtains and Emergency Situations
In a disaster, blackout curtains can make a big difference. Here’s how they help in real-life emergencies:
- During power outages: Keep your home dark from the outside if you’re using candles, lanterns, or battery lights.
- After storms or during civil unrest: Hide signs of life and supplies from strangers who might be desperate.
- Extreme weather: Better insulation means you lose less heat in winter or keep cool air inside in a summer blackout.
- Wildfire smoke or dust storms: Thick blackout curtains can help block some dust and ash from entering through windows.
How to Maintain Your Blackout Curtains
For your prepping supplies to work when you need them, you have to take care of them. Most blackout curtains are machine-washable, but always check the label. Keep a backup set in storage if you live in an area with frequent storms or wildfires.
- Wash your curtains at least once a year, or after any big emergency event.
- Check for rips or sun damage if they’re up for long periods.
- Store extra sets in a dry, pest-free place.
Final Thoughts: Make Blackout Curtains Part of Your Prep
Blackout curtains are a simple, affordable upgrade for any prepper’s home. They help you stay hidden, safe, and comfortable—no matter what happens outside. Whether you’re worried about power outages, storms, or civil unrest, these curtains can give you extra peace of mind and security.
Don’t wait for disaster to strike—add blackout curtains to your preparedness checklist today. Your future self will thank you.