Leslie Saul, architect and licensed interior designer with Saul & Associates, says to start by asking: “How many blackouts do you need?” or “Are you looking for thermal properties over the windows as well?” Having these questions in mind can make all the difference. Founder of The Drape, Angela Boswell, says that you can test out curtains with just one rule: “100% blackout should block the light from a cell phone camera.” If some light gets through, then this is a more sheer window treatment than you’re looking for. “When curtains are closed, and a room is dark, it will start to appear to get lighter over time as your eyes adjust,” Boswell reminds. “It is the same effect as walking into a movie theatre.” While it may be ideal to shop for curtains in-person–to touch and feel the quality of the material–online shopping can also land some great quality curtains that will be perfect for your needs. To help, we selected the top blackout curtains available, considering the price, size, material, color and design options, and blackout effect. Where retailers like Pottery Barn offer high-quality and specially designed blackout curtains, others like Deconovo offer a more affordable option in various colors. Pony Dance is the whole package and our best pick overall. Here are the 12 best blackout curtains. Keep in Mind: Installation is time intensive. Highly rated by reviewers, Pony Dance’s blackout curtains are multi-functional. They reduce noise and regulate room temperatures by blocking the cold or excess heat. Without liner features, these curtains are both thick and soft. If you’re looking for an easier installation process, the back tab and rod pocket hanging method may not be as quick to install as grommet curtains. But even with the inconvenience for some, Pony Dance’s blackout curtains stand out as the most affordable and effective option. Price at the time of publish: $30 Size: 52 x 72 inches | Material: Polyester, polyester blend | Number of Panels: Two | Hanging Method: Back tab and rod pocket Keep in Mind: While it does darken a room, it doesn’t block out light 100% as it promises. This product comes in two panels without a stiff liner, allowing you to easily drape your curtains. These grommet curtains come in many design options and are top-rated by customers for durability and value for the cost. Price at the time of publish: $33 Size: 42 x 63 inches (smallest size) | Material: Polyester | Number of Panels: Two | Hanging Method: Grommet Keep in Mind: Some curtains may not block out light 100% depending on which color/fabric you choose. The thermal insulated curtains come with two panels and a variety of colors. Easy to install with its grommet, this product can be well-paired to match any drape style you choose. Price at the time of publish: $37 Size: 29 x 18 inches (smallest size) | Material: Polyester | Number of Panels: Two | Hanging Method: Grommet Keep in Mind: These curtains are not for the budget-conscious. Made from 100% Belgian flax linen, these curtains come in 10 colors and eight different sizes. This medium-weight fabric curtain also offers three hanging methods and has a 100% polyester blackout lining. However, this is a more expensive option, ranging from $149 to $329. Additionally, these blackout curtains are sold as individual panels, not sets. Price at the time of publish: $149 for 50" W x 84" L Size: 50 x 84 inches (smallest size) | Material: Belgian Flax | Number of Panels: One | Hanging Method: Rod pocket, back tabs, or ring top Keep in Mind: These curtains are at a higher price point. Available in four lengths, the curtain is made with 70% cotton and 30% linen, with a 100% cotton lining and a blackout sheet lining made with 100% polyester. It comes in seven colors and 12 sizes. These curtains are on the higher end, ranging from $75 to $169. Price at the time of publish: $109 for 44" W x 63" L Size: 44 x 63 inches (smallest size) | Material: 70% cotton and 30% linen | Number of Panels: One | Hanging Method: Loops or pole pockets Keep in Mind: These curtains do not offer 100% blockage when used. Easy to install, this product comes with two panels and eight metal grommets. However, if you’re looking for 100% blackout curtains, Miuco may not be for you. It only blocks 98% of sunlight. Still, if thermal insulation is your top concern, Miuco’s products are a great option. Price at the time of publish: $61 Size: 58 x 63 inches (smallest size) | Material: Polyester, Polyester blend | Number of Panels: Two | Hanging Method: Grommet Keep in Mind: Some consumers have complained that the drape colors do not match what is advertised. This soft and durable curtain is available in a variety of colors and lengths to suit your room’s needs. They even have more contemporary styles. Easy to take care of, these curtains are sold in single panels to protect against exterior cold or heat. Along with noise reduction, these curtains block out 98% of light and prevent 100% UV ray filtration. Price at the time of publish: $27 Size: 52 x 63 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Panels: One | Hanging Method: Grommet Keep in Mind: You are purchasing one panel per package. Deconovo’s blackout curtains come in a whopping 33 colors. These grommet curtains are thermal insulated and come in a variety of sizes. Though they are only sold one panel per package, their prices are relatively affordable. Price at the time of publish: $35 Size: 42 x 63 inches (smallest size) | Material: Polyester, Polyester blend | Number of Panels: One | Hanging Method: Grommet Keep in Mind: Like most items at West Elm, these blackout curtains are on the higher side, price-wise. Blocking out both light and noise, West Elm’s blackout curtains are also effective in lighter material colors. Not only are these blackout curtains capable of being layered, but they are also fabricated in a fair trade-certified facility. Though on the pricier end, they come in two different hanging methods to match your room’s needs. Plus with West Elm’s lineup of curtains, they have custom sizing options and different textures to layer. Price at the time of publish: $45 for individual in 44"W x 80"L Size: 44 x 80 inches (smallest size) | Material: Polyester, Polyester blend | Number of Panels: One | Hanging Method: Rod pocket (bunched) or back tabs (pleated) Keep in Mind: These blackout curtains are more of an investment, price-wise. Sure to add a luxurious feel to any room, Sun Zero’s curtains are 100% blackout with extreme thermal blackout technology. Sun Zero’s panels are sold individually. They tend to come in longer lengths. Price at the time of publish: $34 Size: 50 x 63 inches (smallest size) | Material: Velvet | Number of Panels: One | Hanging Method: Back tabs Sold individually or in pairs through Wayfair, the curtains are available in a variety of lengths. Hung on grommets, these curtains are versatile to fit in any room in your home. However, if you’re looking for 100% blackout, you may need to look elsewhere, as some of these curtains do not completely insulate or block out sunlight. Price at the time of publish: $52 Size: 50 x 54 inches | Material: Sateen (varies) | Number of Panels: Two | Hanging Method: Grommet Price at the time of publish: $37 Size: 50 x 58 inches | Material: Blackout fabric | Number of Panels: Two | Hanging Method: Grommet Look at product reviews before making the final decision, and remember that quality doesn’t always need to be pricey. If you’re stumped, Saul says you can always hire “a professional independent designer to help you sort out the best option for you functionally and aesthetically.”
What to Know About Before Shopping for Blackout Curtains
Size
How large your blackout curtains are can affect how much blackout effect you obtain. For example, lighter or shorter materials may cause some light to leak. Before purchasing, blackout curtains begin by measuring your windows to determine what size you’ll need and have an aesthetic in mind to get you started.
Material
There are various materials available to make the best blackout curtains, including polyester, linen, cotton, velvet, woven fabric, and foam back. Having more layers, “Foamback is a technology where foam is spread on the back of the fabric. This creates a layer that will block light,” Boswell explains. The more layers you have, the more light is blocked. However, this can also make your fabric stiff and heavy. “Woven blackout is a triple-layer fabric that is tightly woven,” says Boswell. “The interior yarns are black, and the outer yarns can be white or dyed any color.” If you’re adding a lining, you can use either of these options. It is also important to match the material to your room’s design. With numerous options available, you don’t need to sacrifice style for effectiveness.
Number of Panels
Similar to sizing, the number of panels determines how much physical material you will have. As Boswell says, “light management is a personal preference.” So if you want your room to be completely blackout, you may need more than one panel of curtains.
Hanging Method
“How the curtain rod is mounted will improve the performance of the curtains,” says Boswell. To get the most effective blackout, “mount the rod three inches to either side of the window and at least four inches higher. This will allow the curtain panels to cover where the wall and the window meet and reduce light peeking through,” says Boswell. Whether it’s a grommet, back tab, or pole pocket, the installation matters.
Your Questions, Answered
How do blackout curtains work?
“Any curtain that you hang will block some amount of light. There is not a universal standard, so every brand has its own iconography and descriptions,” says Boswell. Still, 100% blackout curtains should block the light from a cell phone camera. Blackout curtains use foam or opaque materials to block out light. The level of opacity will affect how much sunlight will be blocked. With foamback technology or woven blackout, darker colors will provide a more effective blackout. The best blackout curtains also offer other perks, such as thermal insulation to regulate your room’s temperature.
What is the best length of blackout curtains for your home?
To determine the best length of blackout curtains for your home, first ask, how many blackouts do you need? As Saul says, to obtain a complete blackout, you need “side tracks and top and bottom tracks for a blackout shade, and then perhaps decorative draperies for aesthetic reasons.” If you’re satisfied with mostly blackout, a typical blackout shade with cover drapery will work, Saul says. Nonetheless, always measuring your windows is always a great place to start.
Can you wash blackout curtains?
Always double-check the manufacturer’s care label. The type of fabric will determine how best to wash it. There are many ways to clean blackout curtains, including dusting, vacuuming, hand washing, machine washing, or dry cleaning. Some of the best blackout curtains will be easier to clean than others. It’s important to remember (and consider) this before purchase.
Who We Are
Dr. Nafeesah Allen is a multilingual freelance writer who has been writing about homes and decor for Better Homes & Gardens since 2021. To better understand the roles blackout curtains serve in the home and what factors help them to perform their best, Nafeesah consulted Leslie Saul, architect and licensed interior designer with Saul & Associates, and Angela Boswell, founder of The Drape. She researched well-reviewed curtains and compared factors discussed by the sleep and fabric pros, then narrowed the results and reviewed published information and customer reviews before making the final list of the best on the market today.
