We Tested the Best Blackout Curtains–These Are Our Favorites for Blocking Daylight (2024)

Our Top Picks

Of the 11 sets of blackout curtains we tested, the Better Homes & Gardens Grommet Blackout Curtain Panel wowed us the most. (Better Homes & Gardensis owned byThe Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) This option is easy to hang, comes in multiple sizes and colors, and earned a perfect score for every attribute we considered during testing, including effectiveness, design, quality, and value.

Out of the package, this blackout curtain impressed us with its soft, heavy fabric. It didn’t feel stiff or rigid like some other options, and it has a textured weave that adds aesthetic appeal. The only downside is the fact that these blackout curtains are dry-clean only, so you can’t throw them in the washer when it’s time for curtain cleaning.

The heading of the curtain has grommets rather than a curtain rod pocket. While a rod pocket can often do a better job of keeping light from passing through, we didn’t experience any light filtration from the curtain or its grommets. The curtain blocked all light from the window, including from a nearby street lamp.Plus, based on our window installation, we found that the grommets made it particularly quick and easy to hang the curtain.

The Better Homes & Gardens Grommet Blackout Curtain Panel can be ordered in various standard curtain widths and lengths. You can pick from solid colors like black, gray, blue, or cream, although if you plan to order multiples, it’s worth noting that some slight differences in shade have been noted. All things considered, we highly recommend this affordable blackout curtain because of its quality, performance, and value.

_{Dimensions: Options ranging from 50 x 63 inches to 50 x 108 inches | Material: 83 percent polyester, 17 percent rayon | Heading: Grommets | Number of Panels: 1}

These blackout curtains are basic, affordable, and functional. When testing the NICETOWN Blackout Curtains, we were thrilled to find that the soft, lightweight material of the curtain doesn’t give off a utilitarian impression. At the same time, they are functional and versatile.

The woven, three-layer design of these curtains utilizes a middle layer of black yarn for blocking light. We tested a light, neutral shade and found that the curtains didn’t stop all incoming light; according to the manufacturer, the darker colors are more effective. We were still satisfied with how well these budget blackout curtains served as a barrier to light (and kept the room cooler with the curtains closed), but we’d recommend a dark color if you want to maximize the effect.

Fortunately, there are dozens of colors available, and you can also order these curtains in just about any size you need to fit your window. They’re sold as a pair, which seals the deal for these being the best budget blackout curtains to buy. Given the affordable price and the abundance of options available, we would recommend these curtains for anyone that doesn’t want to spend a fortune on blackout curtains or who needs curtains on a more temporary basis, like for a dorm room or apartment rental.

How It Performed Long-Term

These curtains are excellent at keeping a room cooler and blocking natural light during early mornings. We think the material could be improved slightly to block out even more light, but this is a minor flaw that still has its merits as the curtains are very easy to maneuver.

_{Dimensions: Options ranging from 34 x 45 inches to 70 by 95 inches | Material: Not listed | Heading: Rod pocket | Number of Panels: 2}

If you’ve avoided blackout curtains because of a stiff feel and drab look, this option from Pottery Barn is worth the spend. These Belgian Flax Linen Blackout 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 some other options, we still determined that they blocked the majority of incoming light, and we’d recommend these splurge-worthy blackout curtains for anyone who places a high value on quality and aesthetics.

One reason you’ll spend more on the Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtain is the fact that it’s available in custom sizes. We think the customization is one of the best parts of this curtain. We were able to select the exact measurements needed for the bedroom window we used for testing. Other blackout curtains typically come in standard lengths and widths, which can be too long or wide for your window. No matter how you plan to hang your curtains, these blackout curtains make the process easy with a three-in-one header that is compatible with a rod, rings, or clips.

The Belgian flax linen material of the curtain is exceptionally style and drapes beautifully, but keep in mind that they must be dry cleaned. The curtains were easy to pull closed and push open along the curtain rod we used for installation. In our experience, these curtains aren’t particularly good at blocking sounds or insulating against hot and cold temperatures, and we’d estimate that the polyester lining blocks about 70 percent of incoming light. Even still, we think these are some of the best-looking blackout curtains to buy and are well worth the cost per panel.

How It Performed Long-Term

Despite being incapable of blocking out 100 percent of light, these curtains are still a wonderful investment for keeping rooms cooler during winter months. They're also very attractive and do not look like typical blackout curtains making them a great choice for homeowners who want to balance functionality and aesthetics.

_{Dimensions: Options ranging from 24 x 24 inches to 156 x 180 inches, custom sizes also available) | Material: Linen, polyester lining |Heading: 3-in-1 construction allows for hanging via rod pocket, hidden tabs, or curtain hooks |Number of Panels: 1}

If utilitarian design holds you back from putting up blackout curtains in your bedroom, you’ll appreciate the modern look of this option. As we experienced during testing, the Threshold Blackout Woven Stripe Curtain Panel doesn’t compromise on design for the sake of functionality. Instead, this on-trend blackout curtain mixes simple black stripes with a solid neutral base while blocking out unwanted light.

During testing, we initially hung the curtains in a living room but decided that they were too good at blocking out light and made the space feel cave-like. That is acceptable for a bedroom if you want to sleep in but can be less ideal for a living space. In the bedroom, the thick, textured material served its purpose. With a rod pocket rather than grommets or tabs, the only obvious light that peeked through was from gaps along the edge of the window (due to the way the curtains were hung for testing, not the curtain itself). Otherwise, we found that the opacity of the material does an admirable job of blocking out light and also provides a measure of insulation during cold weather.

Other features we like about these modern blackout curtains are the fact that they are machine washable for easy care. We wish there were more colors for those who prefer a bolder (or even simpler) curtain over this black-and-cream color combination, but we can’t deduct too many points because it’s a neutral, crowd-pleasing choice. And while some curtains are sold in various lengths, take note that this option is only available in an 84-inch length.

How It Performed Long-Term

We still love these curtains after using them for over a year. They block out a generous amount of light and are great for muffling noise and maintaining preferred room temperature.

_{Dimensions: 50 x 84 inches | Material: 67 percent polyester, 33 percent cotton | Heading: Rod pocket | Number of Panels: 1}

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 wide range of sizes and colors available with this option from NICETOWN. Sold as a set, you can pick from sizes as small as 37 by 63 inches and as large as 70 by 108 inches (a size 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-by-84-inch curtains in blue. In our testing, 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 source of light was from the top of the curtain because the rod didn’t allow the curtain to sit flush against the wall. It should be noted that the color of the curtains displayed online didn’t look the same in person (we expected a soft, calm blue, but the shade we received was much brighter), so be prepared for some variance in color. Regardless, these curtains lived up to our expectations.

Speaking of thick and heavy, we found that these curtains moved smoothly along the curtain rod, but we recommend using two hands to do so because they are heavy. They’re also a bit stiff with a rough texture and not a soft, smooth, flowy curtain. However, the opaque material does an excellent job of blocking light, so it serves its purpose well. The abundance of size options paired with an affordable price means that these blackout curtains are great for renters who may move frequently and don’t want to spend big on custom-size blackout curtains.

How It Performed Long-Term

These curtains continue to perform exactly as we expected. They block out almost all light but be aware that some light may spill over the top of the curtains if you have a rod that hangs several inches away from the wall.

_{Dimensions: Options ranging from 37 x 63 inches to 70 x 108 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Grommet |Number of Panels: 2}

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. We recommend them because room-darkening curtains are usually thick and heavy, sometimes making it harder to keep them fully pulled open when not in use. This set includes two Velcro tie-backs for when you don’t want them to cover your window.

The convenience of having blackout curtains with matching tie-backs is the biggest reason to consider these curtains. But based on our testing experience, you won’t be disappointed in their light-blocking ability. We found that the machine-washable polyester material did not allow any light to filter through; the only incoming light was from the sliver of an 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.

While there are various sizes and colors available for these blackout curtains, color availability isn’t consistent across all sizes. That was true for the 52-by-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}

Most blackout curtains come in solid colors, but we like the light and neutral pattern of this curtain set from Better Homes & Gardens. The modern leaf motif is available in a few color options, including the taupe color we ordered in 50-by-84-inch panels. These blackout curtains are sold individually, so keep that in mind if you need multiple panels to cover the width of your window.

Compared to other blackout curtains, we would say that this option has a more upscale appearance. Even overnight guests commented on the high-quality feel and look of these curtains. More than just good aesthetics, we found that the Better Homes & Gardens Modern Leaves Blackout Curtains did an excellent job of blocking about 90 percent of incoming sunlight. During the day, it was still apparent that the sun was shining outside, but there was plenty of opacity to create a comfortable sleeping environment. The thick polyester material also helped to dampen breakthrough noise from things like fire trucks and police sirens.

We couldn’t find any fault with the function or appearance of these patterned blackout curtains. We wish for more color and size options, but we’d recommend this option for anyone who wants an attractive and effective set of blackout curtains.

How It Performed Long-Term

These curtains have allowed us to get more sleep in an east-facing bedroom. They filter out just enough light so that we can continue sleeping after sunrise and they kept our apartment cool during warmer summer months.

_{Dimensions: Options ranging from 50 x 84 to 50 x 108 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Rod pocket |Number of Panels: 1}

Get rid of glare by picking dark, light-blocking curtains for your home theater—or any room in your house 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 to 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 your bedroom, the neutral shades available complement 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.

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.

How It Performed Long-Term

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 un-interrupted sleep.

_{Dimensions: Options ranging from 52 x 63 inches to 52 x 95 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Rod pocket |Number of Panels: 2}

For an extra-wide blackout curtain to cover a patio door, we recommend this option from Wayfair Basics. The curtain measures 84-by-100 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.

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.

We found the grommet header to make hanging the very 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 to make the task of pulling back the wide, 84-inch-tall curtain easier, but in our experience, the weight of the curtain made using the wand slower and more cumbersome 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}

A set of portable blackout curtains can make 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 cause 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.

All in all, we found these portable blackout curtains to be a handy and unique solution to a common travel problem. They’re available in a few kid-friendly prints or 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 theBetter Homes & Gardens Grommet Blackout Curtain Panelas the best overall option. We found it easy to hang a pair of these curtains, and we were impressed with their soft, quality material and how well it blocked incoming light. For another effective option at a wallet-friendly price, we suggest NICETOWN Blackout Curtains, our best budget pick. These curtains are sold in a two-pack for about the price of a single panel from some other brands. They're available in dozens of sizes and colors, but we found that the darker-colored curtains will offer better light blocking than the lighter hues.

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.

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