Blackout curtains, like all curtains, can offer privacy and add a little style to your windows—but they're made for a slightly different purpose. Constructed out of thicker material or woven with special dark fibers, blackout curtains block out incoming light, keeping rooms (like your bedroom) shielded against light, heat, cold, and noise.
In hopes of achieving a better night's sleep, we put 17 blackout curtains to the test at home. We hung a variety of shades over our bedroom windows to assess just how well they could keep light, sound, and temperature changes from interrupting our sleep. From the thickness and appearance of the curtains to their ease of installation and effectiveness, we considered every last detail.
After this rigorous testing (and a missed alarm clock), we can say that these are the best blackout curtains for bedrooms, living rooms, nurseries, home theaters, and any other space in your home.
Our Top Picks
Best Budget:
Best Splurge:
Best Size Options:
Best With Tie-Backs:
Best for Home Theater:
Sun Zero Oslo Theater Grade Blackout Curtain Panel at Amazon$23
Best for Patio Doors:
Wayfair Basics Blackout Thermal Door Curtain Panel at Wayfair$31
What We Like
Sleek design with smooth grommets
Excellent at blocking light
Thick, high-quality fabric
What We Don’t Like
Price varies depending on color
The Sun Zero Nordic Blackout Curtains wowed us the most of the 17 blackout curtain sets we tested. This option boasts a high-quality design, comes in multiple sizes and colors, and blocks light effectively.
Out of the package, this blackout curtain impressed us with its thick and sturdy fabric. We liked that it wasn’t overly heavy or stiff like other options; the fabric felt flexible and reasonably soft. The curtains are also machine washable, making the cleaning process a breeze.
In our testing, we set up these curtains in a primary bedroom over a glass sliding door and were impressed by their performance. The curtains blocked a significant amount of light and made a huge difference in the darkness of the room.
We paired these curtains with an existing window shutter underneath and found that the curtains blocked light much better than the shutters. They created a near-dark environment together, perfect for limiting the bright morning sun.
The heading of the curtain has grommets rather than a curtain rod pocket. While a rod pocket often better prevents light from passing through, we found that these curtains were still highly effective and offered a sleek look. Plus, based on previous testing, grommets typically make it particularly quick and easy to hang the curtain.
These curtains are available in 22 chic hues, but the price can vary depending on your color choice. We opted for the sage green color, which looked especially stylish but slightly different than the product photo online.
You can also choose from eight size options to match your window’s dimensions. All things considered, we highly recommend this affordable blackout curtain because of its quality, performance, and value.
Dimensions: Eight options from 52 x 54 inches to 104 x 108 inches | Material: Not listed | Heading: Grommets | Number of Panels: 2
What We Like
Slight noise reduction
Nicely insulating
Basic and value-packed
What We Don’t Like
Limited size and color selection
Cheaper look and construction
Value-packed and functional, the IKEA Majgull Blackout Curtains are a solid pick if you’re looking for a basic and reliable blackout curtain. When testing these curtains, we were thrilled they blocked out around 95 percent of light with just a bit of light filtering through around the edges.
We used these curtains in a household situated near an interstate highway and found that while they didn’t block out sound completely, they helped reduce some of the noise from passing cars. What’s more, they helped reduce the heat from the morning sun and kept the room from getting warmer than normal.
In terms of stitching and overall construction quality, these blackout curtains are quite basic. We think these would be a great option for children’s bedrooms where blocking light is a priority over style. The polyester fabric felt durable, but we don’t think the curtains offer a particularly stylish look compared to other options on the market.
Note that these blackout curtains are available in a limited range of colors and sizes, so they may not be the best option if you don’t have a standard-sized window. We opted for the dark blue option, which was more similar to royal blue upon arrival.
Dimensions: 57 x 98 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Grommets | Number of Panels: 2
What We Like
Soft, high-quality feel
Flexible fabric
Stylish look
What We Don’t Like
Not the most effective at blocking out light
If you’ve avoided blackout curtains because of a stiff feel and drab look, this option from Quince is worth the spend. These linen curtains bring beautiful style to your bedroom, living room, or anywhere you need to filter light without sacrificing style.
While our testing revealed that they aren’t as light-blocking as other options, we still determined that they blocked the majority of incoming light (around 80 percent), and we’d recommend these splurge-worthy blackout curtains for anyone who places a high value on quality and aesthetics.
We like that these curtains have both a rod pocket and back tab, both of which look stylish and sleek. This product consists of a linen curtain and polyester lining, rather than a singular piece of fabric. The linen fabric is high quality, flexible, and exceptionally soft, and the lining is very soft and drapes nicely.
At $89 for a single panel, these curtains come at a higher price point than other options on this list. However, these curtains are still a wonderful investment for anyone seeking a high-quality and stylish option. They're also attractive and do not look like typical blackout curtains, making them a great choice for homeowners who want to balance functionality and aesthetics.
Dimensions: Three options from 48 x 84 inches to 48 x 108 inches | Material: Linen, polyester | Heading: Rod pocket, back tab | Number of Panels: 1
What We Like
Soft and flexible velvet texture
Aesthetically pleasing look
May help reduce dust and improve air quality
What We Don’t Like
Some light leakage in the middle
Offering both function and style, the Gracie Oaks Olivia Signature Velvet Curtains are definitely an upgrade from your typical blackout curtain. In our testing, we found they blocked nearly all light (90 to 95 percent) with only a bit of light leaking through the break in between the panels.
Not only did they also muffle sounds slightly, but we found that they actually helped improve the air quality of the bedroom where the curtains were placed, as they blocked dust from getting into the room, according to changes in room air purifier readings.
We’re also huge fans of the flexible and soft velvet material, which offers an elegant look. They aren’t overly stiff or thick but have a nice medium weight that looks and feels high quality. The curtains draped nicely, but note that there’s a fair amount of fabric so we weren’t able to pull the curtains completely to the side. They also have a weighted hem to prevent movement. The curtains have a rod pocket top and back tabs for your choice of installation.
We like that you can choose from 29 colors and 13 sizes—considering the simple yet timeless design, we think these would look nice in just about any room. And given their performance during testing, these curtains are certainly a no-brainer in our book.
Dimensions: 13 options from 50 x 63 inches to 100 x 120 inches | Material: Velvet | Heading: Hook belt, back tab | Number of Panels: 1
What We Like
Blocks out light completely
Heavy, high-quality material
Can be paired with existing curtains
What We Don’t Like
Small loops
If you want the benefits of light blocking but prefer the look of your existing curtains, you may consider a blackout liner. We particularly like this highly effective and well-designed one from Rose Home. We found this liner the most effective option during testing, as it blocked out 100 percent of the light when fully closed. The material is also quite thick, which helped with insulation as well.
The material of the liner was a stiff plastic, with a smooth side that faced the window and a more textured side that faced the curtains. The liner felt moderately heavy and flexible overall, and we were generally impressed with the durability and quality. Plus, it’s machine washable for easy upkeep.
While moving the liner on the curtain rings was smooth, keeping the liner and curtains aligned was a bit trickier. Additionally, we found that the loops in the rod pocket were a bit of a tight fit for our curtain rod, so you may have to opt for the included rings if you have a larger curtain rod. The white liner matches well with most styles of curtains, and you can choose between six sizes to pair with your window size.
Dimensions: Six options from 27 x 59 inches to 50 x 92 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Rod pocket or rings | Number of Panels: 2
What We Like
Heavy-duty and durable
Available in many colors
Effective at blocking light
What We Don't Like
Colors may differ in-person
Heavy to open and close
If you are looking for blackout curtains to fit a window with a unique size, like a picture window in the living room or a small window in a guest room, check out the range of sizes and colors available with this option from Nicetown. Sold as a set, you can pick from sizes as small as 37 x 40 inches and as large as 70 x 108 inches (big enough to cover a sliding glass door).
We purchased and installed a set of Nicetown Blackout Curtains over a bedroom window, choosing a set of 52-x-84-inch curtains in blue. We estimated that these curtains block 90 to 95 percent of incoming light from the bright city street outside the window.
We found that the thick, heavy curtains blocked light exceptionally well, and the only visible light was from the top of the curtain because the rod didn’t allow the curtain to sit flush against the wall.
While we found that these curtains moved smoothly along the curtain rod, we recommend using two hands to do so because they are heavy. They’re also a bit stiff, with a rough texture—not a soft, smooth, flowy curtain. However, the opaque material does an excellent job blocking light, so it serves its purpose well.
After six months of testing, these curtains continue to perform exactly as we expected. They block out almost all light, and we’ve even had trouble getting out of bed in the mornings. The curtains remained durable and were easy to take down when we decided to change what room they were in.
Overall, the abundance of size options paired with an affordable price means these blackout curtains are great for renters who may move frequently and don’t want to spend big on custom-size blackout curtains.
Dimensions: 41 options from 37 x 63 inches to 70 x 108 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Grommet |Number of Panels: 2
What We Like
Tie-backs have velcro for easy fastening
Available in various sizes and colors
Machine washable
What We Don't Like
Tie-backs are not connected to curtains
Blackout curtains are best suited for keeping light out, but you may want to let in some light during waking hours. If that’s the case, consider a pair of blackout curtains with tie-backs, like this set from Amazon Basics. This set includes two Velcro tie-backs to use when you don’t want the curtains to cover your window.
The convenience of having blackout curtains with matching tie-backs is the biggest reason to consider these curtains. Just note that the tie-backs are not attached to the curtains themselves, so you’ll have to keep track of them when they’re not in use.
Based on our testing experience, you won’t be disappointed in their light-blocking ability, either. We found that the machine-washable polyester material did not allow any light to filter through; the only incoming light was from a small opening between the two curtain panels.
The rod pocket header easily fits over our existing curtain rod, but it’s nice to know that you can also order the Amazon Basics Blackout Curtains with a grommet or back pocket to accommodate different methods of hanging the curtains.
There are various sizes and colors available for these blackout curtains, but color availability isn’t consistent across all sizes. That was true for the 52-x-96-inch curtains, which we ended up ordering in white because of the limited color options.
We found that the blackout liner gave the white curtains a blue hue, but that’s not unheard of for light-colored blackout curtains. All summed up, we’d recommend these blackout curtains for anyone who wants to effectively block incoming light at night but keep the curtains tidy with matching tie-backs during the day.
Dimensions: Options ranging from 42 x 63 inches to 52 x 96 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Rod pocket (hidden loop and grommet options also available) |Number of Panels: 2
Best for Home Theater
Sun Zero Oslo Theater Grade Blackout Curtain Panel
What We Like
Completely light blocking
Very insulating
Smooth, silky texture
What We Don’t Like
Material has a slight sheen
Get rid of light glare by picking dark, light-blocking curtains for your home theater—or any room that can benefit from a cozy, movie theater-like ambiance. For that purpose, we recommend the Sun Zero Oslo Blackout Curtain Panel. After testing a pair of these curtains, we can vouch for their claim that they block all incoming light. When fully closed, no light filtered into the room, and they also seemed to insulate the room against the intense heat outside during the testing period.
Whether you plan to use these blackout curtains in your home theater or bedroom, the neutral shades will work with a range of decor styles. While the polyester material has a smooth, silky texture on the front and back, we were surprised by the slightly shiny finish to the fabric and would’ve preferred a more matte finish. That may be a matter of personal preference and is unlikely to be noticed while watching your favorite movies or shows on the big screen.
After six months of testing, we’re happy to report that these curtains have held up nicely, maintaining their structure and look. We love using these curtains instead of the Roman shades in a bedroom, to extend the life of the Roman shades and create more privacy in the bedroom. They blocked out the early morning sun during the summer and allowed us to experience uninterrupted sleep.
Note that the Sun Zero Oslo Blackout Curtains have a pocket header for a curtain rod, so if you were planning on hanging your curtains using grommets or clips, you’d have to change course to accommodate this option. They’re available with a 52-inch width and in various lengths ranging from 63 to 95 inches.
Dimensions: Seven options from 52 x 63 inches to 52 x 95 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Rod pocket |Number of Panels: 2
What We Like
Extra wide single panel
Available in multiple colors
Machine-washable
Includes curtain pull wand
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t block all incoming light
For an extra-wide blackout curtain to cover a patio door, we recommend this option from Wayfair Basics. The curtain measures 84 x100 inches and is available in over a dozen colors. Based on our testing experience, we feel that this option has a quality look and feel, although we wish it blocked even more light from entering the room.
Even still, the approximately 70-percent reduction of incoming light is plenty to darken a patio doorway and serve as a barrier from sunshine and outside noises. We’ve tested these curtains in our home for six months and we continue to be impressed with their performance and look.
This thermal curtain also helps to insulate the room against cold drafts or hot temperatures. That’s worth noting if you’re specifically looking for blackout curtains for a sliding patio door since the large panels of glass can be a significant source of heat loss in the winter or a cause of rising temperatures in the summer.
The grommet header made hanging the large curtain panel fast and easy. The curtains pull back easily and drape nicely over our curtain holdbacks, which was one of our favorite features of this blackout curtain.
There is a curtain-pull wand which made pulling back the wide, 84-inch-tall curtain easier, but in our experience, the weight of the curtain caused the to be wand a slower and more cumbersome method than pulling back the curtain by hand.
Rather than hanging several individual blackout curtain panels side by side, the Wayfair Basics Blackout Patio Door Curtain Panel is a simple solution for most standard sliding doors. It blocks enough light to improve the comfort of your room and looks nice when pushed back during the day.
Dimensions: 100 x 84 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Grommets | Number of Panels: 1
What We Like
Includes carrying case
Velcro tabs for adjustable curtain length
Variety of colors and prints to choose from
What We Don't Like
Gaps between suction cups allows some light to filter through
Must take down the curtains if daylight is desired
A set of portable blackout curtains can mean the difference between tossing and turning or enjoying a good night's sleep while away from home. We put a pair of the Amazon Basics Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtains to the test, evaluating how easy it was to set up the curtains, how effective they were at blocking light, and if the portable design seemed practical enough to claim space in a suitcase.
These travel blackout curtains impressed us with their ability to block light. The suction cups allow some pockets of light to pass through, but we still found them effective enough to buy one more hour of sleep for a baby and even caused us to miss the wake-up call from an alarm clock.
You do have to take the curtains down if you want to enjoy a view out the window during the day—the suction cup design means you can't push the curtains back as you would with a curtain rod. If you leave the blackout curtains in place, it seems about 90 percent of the light is blocked, based on our testing experience.
When considering the features that make these blackout curtains so portable, there are a few things to keep in mind. The suction cups adhere best to a clean window; if you struggle to get the curtain to stay in place, a quick cleaning might be necessary. In addition, the curtain folds up into its travel bag, which is convenient for slipping it into your suitcase or backpack, but since the material is quite thick and stiff, it took some effort to refold the curtain into a size that fits well in the bag.
Finally, these curtains measure 50 inches wide and 78 inches long, but they have Velcro pieces around the edge, so you can adjust the curtain as needed to fit the window. That’s a big plus since each place you stay will likely have different sizes of windows.
After six months, these curtains still work well, and we’ve found that the size is large enough to accommodate most window sizes. Just note that installing the curtains requires more effort and time than your standard blackout curtains. All in all, these portable blackout curtains are a handy and unique solution to a common travel problem. They’re available in a few kid-friendly prints, and some basic solid colors if you want a simpler option.
Dimensions: 50 x 78 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: None | Number of Panels: 1
Final Verdict
After testing blackout curtains for effectiveness, design, quality, and value, we recommend the Sun Zero Nordic 2-pack Theater Grade Extreme 100 Percent Blackout Grommet Curtain Panel Pair as the best overall option. We loved the sleek design, light-blocking capabilities, and high-quality fabric. We also love the IKEA Majgull Blackout Curtains, our best budget pick. This basic option is value-packed and effective at both noise reduction and insulation.
How We Tested the Blackout Curtains
We tested 17 different blackout curtains (along with seven additional blackout shades) in our own homes to see how well they blocked light and held up to routine use. We hung each curtain from an existing or new curtain rod and noted how easy it was to set up. We considered the look and feel of the materials and construction to assess the curtain's quality.
Next, we used the curtains for two weeks to gauge their effectiveness, observing how well the material blocked light and whether the design allowed for any light to peek around the curtain. We also noted if the curtains muffled noise, offered noticeable insulation from the heat, and improved our sleep.
We evaluated the design of the curtain, including how easy it was to open and close the curtain and whether it hung from tabs, curtain rings, grommets, or rod pockets. Lastly, we reviewed our testing insights and considered the price point of each curtain to give it an overall value score.
In addition to our standard testing, we conducted long-term testing to see how the blackout curtains held up over time, checking in after six months for most products. We considered the durability of each blackout curtain and noted how they may have stood up to daily use. We analyzed our testing scores with our supplemental research to compile this list of blackout curtains we believe are the best on the market.
When Shopping for Blackout Curtains, Look For
Various Size and Color Options
You need a blackout curtain (or a pair of curtains) that will completely cover your window for maximum effectiveness. That’s why most blackout curtains come in a range of common sizes, usually anywhere from 42 to 54 inches wide and between 63 and 95 inches long. That being said, not all windows are the same size, which can pose a problem if you’re shopping for the best curtains for large windows or very small windows.
In that case, look for blackout curtains available in a range of sizes, like the Nicetown Blackout Window Curtain (best size options). In contrast to other options, these curtains can be ordered in widths as narrow as 37 inches or as wide as 70 inches.
An Appropriate Material
The material and construction of any type of curtain will affect its performance and aesthetics. You’ll find that most blackout curtains are polyester, but there are options for other materials, too.
- Polyester: This synthetic fiber is a very common choice for blackout curtains. It’s durable and can be woven tightly to produce an opaque curtain that is effective at blocking light. Even curtains made from other materials almost always have a polyester lining for a blackout effect. Our best budget pick, the IKEA Majgull Blackout Curtains, is made from polyester.
- Cotton: For a natural fiber option, some blackout curtains are made of cotton. Many velvet curtains are made of cotton and add a luxe look to the room. Cotton is sometimes also blended with polyester, which can lower the overall cost of the curtain.
- Linen: Linen blackout curtains are a chic, stylish way to darken up any space in your home. While linen itself has a rather airy, loose weave, it’s paired with an opaque liner or backing material. The result is an organic-looking curtain that serves the same function as heavier, stiffer blackout curtains made of polyester. Our best splurge pick, the Quince European Linen Blackout Curtain, is a high-quality option that feels exceptionally soft.
Compatible Hanging Fixtures
Blackout curtains typically have a header with grommets or a pocket for a curtain rod. Other header options are designed for curtain rings or clips. Here’s what to know about each curtain-hanging fixture.
- Grommets: This style of blackout curtain has metal rings inset along the header of the curtain. A curtain rod is inserted through the rings for a modern, casual look.
- Rod pocket: A blackout curtain with a rod pocket conceals the curtain rod inside for a simple, clean appearance. Be sure to check the width of the rod pocket so it’s compatible with the diameter of the curtain rod you plan to use.
- Rings or Clips: Some blackout curtains have headers with loops designed for use with curtain rod rings or clips.
If you want the most versatile style of blackout curtain, look for a version with a 3-in-1 header, meaning the curtain can be hung with a rod, grommets, or clips. Our most stylish pick, the Gracie Oaks Olivia Signature Velvet Curtains, has this adaptable style header, with the option to install via hook belt or back tab.
Your Desired Opacity
The more opaque a curtain is, the less light will pass through it. Blackout curtains vary in opacity, with some options claiming to block 100 percent of light. Natalie Dautovich, Ph.D., environmental fellow at the National Sleep Foundation, says, “Even small sources of light can be disruptive for sleep, and some environmental light is not within an individual's control.”
An opaque blackout curtain can eliminate all light from filtering through. Other curtains are less opaque and may block about 75 to 95 percent of incoming light. Curtains that are less than 100 percent light-blocking are sometimes labeled “light-filtering.”
The opacity best for your household depends on how little light you hope to see through the curtain material. Daytime sleepers will likely desire a total blackout curtain to mimic nighttime conditions. But if you’re concerned about oversleeping your alarm clock in the morning, a blackout curtain with some light transparency may be a better choice.
We found our best splurge pick, the Quince European Linen Blackout Curtain, blocked about 80 percent of incoming light. We could see the sun shining outside, but the room stayed comfortably dim enough for a daytime nap.
Interior designer Sarah Barnard says, "The tighter the fabric's weave, the less light will pass through." Triple-weave polyester blackout curtains can be very effective in blocking light. Another suggestion from Barnard is to layer curtains for a more effective blackout option, and you can push back one or two curtains during the day for a more sheer look.
"It's also important to consider the return of the curtains, as light can peek through the edges if the curtains don't cover the perimeter of the windows," she adds. In addition, consider a thick, more heavily folded fabric, since that will also create more volume and light-blocking opportunities, according to Barnard.
Standout Features
Added Room Insulation
The thick, heavy material typically used for blackout curtains can also contribute to keeping the temperature of the room more stable. Some blackout curtains are designated as thermal curtains. Usually, these curtains have three layers of material, rather than just a triple weave of fibers that includes a black fiber for room-darkening.
The thicker, heavier material of a thermal curtain helps to insulate the room and block against cold air from outside. In addition, the blackout liner keeps the sun’s rays from entering the room and causing temperatures to rise during the hot summer months.
The Sun Zero Oslo Blackout Curtains, our best for home theater option, are described as thermal curtains; in our experience, we found that the curtains did seem to help the room stay cooler in the face of 90-degree temperatures outside during the testing period. So if you're looking for a way to reduce how often or long you need to run your bedroom's fan or air conditioner, a blackout curtain might help.
Outside Noise Reduction
Blackout curtains aren’t just good for blocking out light. They can also help to create quieter surroundings in your room. The thick material of a blackout curtain helps to muffle noise from the street or backyard.
With that in mind, you should shop for heavy, three-layer blackout curtains that can better absorb incoming sound if noise reduction is one of your primary objectives. (If you're looking to muffle substantial noise from outside, you might want to give a white noise machine a go as well.)
FAQ
Are blackout curtains soundproof?
Blackout curtains can be a sound barrier, but they're not soundproof. "Some blackout curtains can help dampen noise, but they will not fully soundproof a room," says Bernard. "Curtains can help to interrupt sound traveling into the space, with thicker, layered curtains creating more opportunities to minimize noise."
What is the best material for a blackout curtain?
Polyester is considered one of the best materials for a blackout curtain. This synthetic fiber is durable, affordable, and often machine washable. That being said, not all blackout curtains are machine washable because of the thick, heavy nature of the curtain.You might have to clean your curtains in another way if they won't fit in your washer or aren't recommended for machine-washing on the care label.
Do blackout curtains make a room hotter or cooler?
Blackout curtains can accomplish both since the thick material can assist in regulating the temperature of a room. "In the hotter months, they can help block out the sun, helping maintain cooler temperatures," says Bernard. To maximize the effect, she suggests that you keep the curtains closed during the warmest hours of the day. When temperatures are colder outside, "blackout curtains can reduce drafts from windows and insulate the space, helping to trap heat," adds Bernard.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer specializing in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. Pineda uses blackout curtains daily in her NYC apartment, as they offer privacy, noise reduction, and light blocking. They're a lifesaver for summer mornings when she wants to sleep in as the sun comes up earlier.
Our Experts:
- Natalie Dautovich, Ph.D., environmental fellow at National Sleep Foundation
- Sarah Barnard, interior designer
- Erica Puisis, freelance writer for The Spruce
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