Sometimes you pay more for something and it wasn't worth it, in this case it WAS worth it. You get what you pay for, heavy duty, beautiful, great quality curtains. They are true to color and true to size. The "white part" is a bit on the beige side than the white but not by much. They don't block light, but they claim they will either, however since these curtains are such good quality, they do block some light- but with any white based curtain you will get that sun through it glow. Overall I love them and have no regrets.