Do these curtains block out light completely?

No. They are light filtering, so they dim daylight and add privacy but let some light through. For a dark bedroom you would need a blackout liner or blackout panels.

How wide a window will two panels cover?

Each panel is 38 inches wide, so the pair covers about 76 inches flat. For a gathered look, plan on roughly one and a half to two times the window width in fabric.

Can I wash velvet curtains in a machine?

Yes, these are machine washable. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and hang to dry, and avoid a hot iron directly on the pile.

What rod do I need for the rod pocket?

A standard rod that fits the pocket depth, typically around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Measure the pocket before buying a rod, since a thick decorative rod may not fit.

Are the pleats adjustable?

No. The pleats are sewn in, so the fullness is fixed. You cannot change how gathered the panels look the way you can with pleat hooks on a traverse rod.

How do these compare with plain polyester panels?

The velvet gives more weight, a softer sheen and better drape than thin polyester. The trade-off is that velvet collects more lint and usually needs gentler care.