Today blackout shades are a godsend to daytime sleepers and those who like to get some extra shut eye on the weekends. Not to mention the ambiance they create for a home movie viewing. But, did you know that blackout curtains got their start during World War II?
Put That Light Out! There’s A War On!
How To Hide An Entire City
When nighttime air raids threatened many major cities in northern Europe, area-wide blackouts were instated. Allied leaders believed that without man-made light coming from cities, bomber planes would have trouble navigating by sight and reaching their targets.
Image via BBC
Cover up!
Blackout regulations began to be enforced in Britain in 1939. They required that all windows and doors were covered at night so that not even a glimmer could escape to eyes of enemy pilots. The government ensured that blackout material was available and affordable for every household. Black cotton fabric was used most frequently, but in some cases two or three layers had to be used before all light was snuffed out.
Look Out in the Blackout!
The blackout was hazardous and stress inducing to many. Covering and uncovering windows became a tedious chore. Those with wooden window frames could fairly easily tack up curtains, but others with metal or stone frames had a much more challenging task on their hands. Even car headlights and stoplights were covered, save for small slits. Many were injured in motor vehicle accidents and petty crime took a jump.
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