These are my favorite curtains I've ever had! I needed curtains that helped with temperature control, blocked out light when we needed it, were easy to clean, and still looked beautiful. I ordered my first pair a few years ago. Once I discovered how good these were, I moved towards purchasing a total of 4 pairs for my house. They do a fantastic job keeping the house cool in the summer when the afternoon sun hits the back of our house. They also keep out light during these same times so you can watch tv. I have the white ones and I wouldn't say that they are "blackout", but they are very close to that. I don't have kids, but my friends with kids have made spaghetti hand prints on them and it was very easy to clean. You can't tell at all that it ever happened. We've gotten so many compliments from our friends and family. I am so happy to have these beautiful curtains!