What Is GSM in Blackout Curtain Fabric?
When choosing blackout curtains, customers often ask about GSM in blackout curtain fabric. GSM is an important fabric specification, but it is not the only factor that decides curtain quality.
A higher GSM may mean the fabric is heavier, but it does not always mean the curtain is better. Blackout performance, fabric structure, coating type, softness, drape and curtain style should also be considered.
What Does GSM Mean?
GSM means grams per square metre. It measures the weight of fabric based on one square metre of material.
For example, a fabric with a higher GSM is usually heavier than a fabric with a lower GSM. In curtain fabric, GSM can help customers understand the general weight, thickness and feel of the material.
However, GSM only tells you the fabric weight. It does not fully explain how the curtain will look, hang or perform in a real room.
Is Higher GSM Always Better for Blackout Curtains?
Not always.
For blackout curtains, a higher GSM can sometimes mean the fabric feels thicker or more substantial. But blackout quality does not depend on GSM alone.
A curtain fabric can be heavy but still feel stiff. Another fabric may have a similar GSM but hang more softly and look more elegant. This is why customers should not judge blackout curtain fabric only by weight.
When comparing blackout fabrics, it is better to look at the complete fabric performance, not only the GSM number.
What Else Affects Blackout Curtain Quality?
Several factors can affect the quality and performance of blackout curtains:
- Fabric density
- Weaving structure
- Blackout performance
- Coated or non-coated construction
- Softness and hand feel
- Drape and fold performance
- Fabric colour
- Curtain fullness
- Track and installation method
This is why two blackout fabrics with similar GSM can still feel very different. One may be softer and more suitable for home interiors, while another may feel more structured or practical.
Coated vs Non-Coated Blackout Fabric
GSM is also connected to how the blackout fabric is made.
Some blackout curtains use a coating layer on the reverse side of the fabric. This coated backing helps block light and can be practical for simple blackout needs.
Other blackout fabrics are non-coated. These fabrics usually rely more on yarn density, fabric structure and weaving method to achieve light control. Non-coated blackout fabric often feels softer and more fabric-like, with a more natural drape.
If you want a softer curtain finish, especially for bedrooms, living rooms or S-Curve curtain styles, non-coated blackout fabric may be worth considering.
Why GSM Matters for S-Curve Curtains
For S-Curve curtains, also called wave fold curtains, fabric weight and drape are both important.
If the fabric is too stiff, the waves may not fall naturally. If the fabric is too light, it may not create the desired fullness or structure.
This is why GSM should be considered together with softness, drape and fabric construction. A good blackout fabric for S-Curve curtains should not only block light, but also hang smoothly and create clean wave folds.
What Should Customers Ask Before Ordering?
Before ordering blackout curtains, it is helpful to ask more than just “What is the GSM?”
You can also ask:
- Is the fabric coated or non-coated?
- How does the fabric feel?
- Is it suitable for S-Curve or wave fold curtains?
- What blackout level can it provide?
- Does it have good drape?
- Is it suitable for bedrooms or living rooms?
These questions give a more complete understanding of the fabric than GSM alone.
Final Thoughts
GSM in blackout curtain fabric is useful because it helps describe fabric weight. But it should not be the only standard when choosing blackout curtains.
Blackout performance, fabric density, coated or non-coated construction, softness, drape and curtain style all matter.
If you are not sure which blackout fabric is suitable for your room or project, you can send us your window size, curtain style and fabric preference. We can help recommend a suitable option based on your needs.
Explore Lemonho custom curtains:
Custom Curtains Australia | Made to Measure | Factory Direct
View blackout curtain options:
Blackout Curtains | Lemonho
Read also:
Coated vs Non-Coated Blackout Curtains
FAQ
Is higher GSM better for blackout curtains?
Not always. Higher GSM usually means heavier fabric, but blackout curtain quality also depends on fabric density, weaving method, blackout performance, softness and drape.
What does GSM mean in curtain fabric?
GSM means grams per square metre. It measures the weight of the fabric, but it does not fully describe the fabric quality or curtain performance.
Is GSM the only thing to check when choosing blackout curtains?
No. You should also check whether the fabric is coated or non-coated, how it feels, how it hangs, and whether it suits your curtain style and room needs.