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They’ll block out unwanted light all day and night. adjustable tension rod
Nor’Adila is a contributing writer for Real Simple. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, US World News & Report, and Trip Advisor.
Whether you’re looking to get some rest during the day or create a cinema atmosphere for your room, blackout curtains can certainly help. Unlike regular curtains, blackout curtains completely block out light so your room can stay dark and cozy.
“Light is a signal our brain uses to ‘wake up,’” says sleep expert Avinesh Bhar, MD, MBA. “Most of us don’t need blackout curtains to maintain a sleep time at night. However, many people work shifts that may require them to sleep during daylight hours, which is when blackout curtains help. The blackout curtains help maintain our sleep without interruption of light waking us up earlier than expected.”
We tested 11 of the best blackout curtains, evaluating them on effectiveness, design, quality, and value. While coming up with our list, we also considered factors such as opacity, size, fabric, and heading type. For expert tips, we consulted Dr. Bhar as well as interior designer Anne Mahoney.
They were a top performer in terms of effectiveness, design, quality, and value.
They’re sold individually and dry-clean only.
The Better Homes & Gardens blackout curtains earned the top spot on our list because they earned a perfect score for effectiveness, design, quality, and value. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Real Simple’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) We measured their blackout capacity by hanging them on our bedroom window that had a street lamp outside of it. We were in awe that these curtains blocked out all traces of the light, to the extent that we didn't see anything shining through.
What makes these curtains even more appealing is their price. We feel that you're really getting your money's worth because of how affordable they are per panel. And even though they're inexpensive, we still thought they were just as effective, if not more effective, than some of the other blackout curtains we tested. Over the last six months, we've been able to sleep in on weekends and not wake up with the early morning summer sun—they work like a charm.
With the exception of a textured design, the blackout curtains come with no extras, like a tie-back or curtain hooks. Also, colors and sizes are limited so you won’t be able to make a design statement with these curtains. You can only hang them via metal grommets at the top. It’s also worth noting that they are sold individually, so prepare to buy two if you have double windows to cover. Also, the panels are dry-clean only, which makes them more inconvenient to clean than machine-washable curtains.
Dimension: 50 by 108 inches, 50 by 63 inches, 50 by 84 inches, 50 by 95 inches | Material: Polyester, rayon | Hanging Style: Grommets | Number of Panels: 1
They come in a set of two with tie-backs to hold the curtains in place.
Not all colors are offered in all sizes.
These blackout curtains from Amazon Basics prove that there’s no need to sacrifice quality for price. Available in a set of two panels, these curtains are made from a triple-weave polyester fabric with both patterns and solid designs. They have a thick reinforced backing to prevent light from filtering in, and they even have Velcro tie-backs.
In terms of function, we were seriously impressed by how these curtains were able to turn our bedroom pitch black. They blocked out 95% of incoming light, and we only observed a small amount of light seeping in around the edges. They’re also insulating and noise-canceling, which we weren’t able to test for ourselves due to a quiet neighborhood and an air conditioner running all day.
Although we tested the rod pocket curtains, you also have the option of getting grommet or back-loop heading styles. Because the curtains were slip-through, we assumed it would be easier to slide the curtains to open and close them. In reality, we had the opposite experience and found it a little tough to open because the fabric tended to recoil.
There are 22 colors and patterns to choose from, but just note that not all colors are available in all sizes. We also wanted to point out that we weren’t a big fan of the white curtain—it wasn’t bright white like we hoped and had a strange, bluish tint.
Dimension: 42 by 63 inches, 42 by 84 inches, 42 by 96 inches, 52 by 63 inches, 52 by 84 inches, 52 by 96 inches | Material: Polyester | Hanging Style: Rod pockets, grommets, back loop | Number of Panels: 2
These curtains block all incoming light for a total blackout effect.
We wish they had a less shiny and more matte finish.
For getting a deep night’s sleep or watching a good movie, we suggest an industrial-level blackout curtain like the Sun Zero Oslo Extreme. By our standards, these curtains are heavy-duty and designed to completely snuff out light. To determine how dark they actually made our bedroom, we set up a 52-by-95-inch curtain 12 inches from the ceiling using curtain rings for a more sophisticated style. The result? 100% blackout and a bedroom that looked good.
These blackout curtains also helped to regulate the temperature of the room. When we closed the curtains on sunny days, the temperature of the room felt way cooler, and we didn’t have to worry at all about overheating. We even felt better rested in the summer when the sun rises much earlier in the morning. The curtains are a tad shiny, though; we wish they were a bit more matte. That said, the texture is excellent, offering a softness in the bedroom. The front and the back of the panels are soft and silky to the touch.
Though the Sun Zero blackout curtains are not the most premium quality, they are well-made and able to withstand everyday wear and tear. And after six months of use, they are still performing as expected, have maintained their structure and look direct sun exposure, and continue to open and close easily, even after many washes.
Dimension: 52 by 63 inches, 52 by 84 inches, 52 by 95 inches | Material: Polyester | Hanging Style: Rod pocket | Number of Panels: 1
They blocked out 93% of light and kept our bedroom at the same temperature throughout the day.
The material is on the thin side and doesn't provide a complete blackout.
Blackout curtains are beneficial because they stop light from interrupting your sleep, but they also have the added benefit of keeping your room warm. In our tests, we found the Nicetown Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain Panel Set does a great job of helping your room stay dark and trapping heat due to its additional lining. The curtains are made of triple-weave fabric, featuring a black yarn in between two microfiber layers. In terms of blocking light, this set of blackout curtains nailed it, and we estimated that 93% of light was blocked during testing. Although some light still sneaks in, we didn't mind—it still allowed us to ditch our usual sleep mask and get a full night's rest uninterrupted.
When we used these curtains, we clearly saw the effect they had on our room’s temperature when we kept them shut for the day. Once the curtains were drawn, the room remained at the same cool temperature. We also liked the fact that they look like regular curtains and not blackout curtains, which makes them a great option for those who prioritize style. It features a three-in-one construction so you have the option of using a rod pocket, hooks, or rings to hang them up. Just be aware that the curtain material is a little thin, so it may not be the right option if you’re looking for a complete blackout.
Dimension: 20 sizes, ranging from 34 by 45 inches to 70 by 95 inches | Material: Polyester | Hanging Style: Rod pocket, rings, hooks | Number of Panels: 2
This pick comes in 30 colors and has added features to reduce the amount of light in the room.
The colors appeared slightly different in person than they did online.
Spoiler alert: Blackout curtains don’t have to actually be black. These curtains from Nicetown come in a whopping 30 colors—including aqua, beige, royal purple, and burgundy—so you can add a pop of color to your room. They also have a sewn-in black lining on the back to stop light from beaming through. We found the panels to be pretty heavy, but with a little extra effort, moving the curtains using the metal grommets felt smooth and easy. The heaviness also prohibits wrinkling. Just note that if you have a window AC, you'll need to either open the curtains or fold them in half and tuck them above the unit, or else the cool air will get trapped behind it.
The blackout curtains are designed to be extra long (they drape to the floor), which helps block as much light as possible. Although we were impressed by how many colors these curtains come in, keep in mind that the colors may look different in person compared to what you see on the computer screen. We found out the hard way: The blue we picked did not match our decor because it was a lot brighter than we thought. And unfortunately, the curtains can’t go in the washing machine and need to be dry cleaned.
Dimension: 34 sizes, ranging from 52 by 84 inches to 70 by 108 inches | Material: Polyester, polyester blend | Hanging Style: Grommets | Number of Panels: 2
All three colors feature a beautiful leaf design.
The curtains are a bit stiff and only come in three sizes.
If you’re looking for a blackout curtain that’s a little more ornate, a patterned option like this one from Better Homes & Gardens is a style worth trying out. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Real Simple’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) In our tests, we found the leaf-patterned polyester curtains very effective at blocking light just as well as any solid-colored curtain on our list. For our tests, we selected extra-long curtains to thoroughly assess their light-blocking qualities. Although some light filtered through the curtains, the room was still dark enough for us to sleep undisturbed—so much so that when we wake up in the morning, we often think our alarm going off is a mistake. If the room is still so dark, how could it possibly be day?
These patterned curtains are also noise-insulating to an extent. While we still heard sounds, breakthrough noises were considerably less noticeable, but we had to keep our windows closed to get that effect. It also does a great job at keeping the bedroom cool. With windows that typically flood natural sunlight, it's been nice to utilize these blackout curtains on sweltering summer days.
If you don’t have a standard-sized window, take note that the size options are limited. These blackout curtains only come in three sizes, with no options for shorter windows (everything is full-length). It also would have been nice if the curtains were less stiff and more flowy. The good thing about these curtains is that they are machine-washable, which makes them easier to clean than others on our list.
Dimension: 50 by 84 inches, 50 by 108 inches, 50 by 95 inches | Material: Polyester and linen | Hanging Style: Rod pocket | Number of Panels: 1
They're aesthetically pleasing, and you can customize the length, width, and number of panels.
We found they only block out about 70% of light, and they're pricey.
If you’re looking for a blackout curtain that adds elegance to your room, consider these linen blackout curtains from Pottery Barn. Not only are they lightweight, but they arguably look better than many of the cheaper polyester options out there. Plus, the linen blackout curtains come with curtain hooks, so you don’t need to buy them separately.
We estimate that the curtains can block out about 70% of the light, giving you some room-darkening properties but not a total blackout effect. It’s the level of customization you get that makes these curtains stand out. On Pottery Barn’s website, you have the option to choose the number of curtains you need, plus the exact measurements needed for your window. Sizes range from 24 inches to 156 inches wide and 24 inches to 180 inches long, so you should be able to find a curtain to fit nearly any window you have. Unfortunately, because they’re made to order, they’re not returnable. That said, after two years of use, they still look great and work as well as the day we got them.
You can hang these curtains up three ways (and we tried all three): rod pocket, back tabs, and ring top. During testing, the rod pocket was the best option for our window. While these linen curtains are great for anyone looking for a stylish window treatment, those looking for a pitch-black bedroom should look elsewhere. Also keep in mind that these curtains are not machine-washable.
Dimension: Custom (from 24 by 24 inches to 156 by 180 inches) | Material: Linen with polyester backing | Hanging Style: Rod pocket, back tab, ring top | Number of Panels: 1
The curtains have a pretty two-toned design.
The material is a little stiff, so it was hard to fully close these curtains.
Looking for a budget curtain with some pizzazz? Say hello to the Threshold Woven Stripe Border Blackout Curtain Panel. These thick blackout curtains are made with a polyester-cotton blend and have a low-key stripe and solids design. Plus, they’re machine-washable, which makes it a practical and easy option to have in your home or apartment. In our tests, installation was pretty straightforward and only required sliding a rod through the pocket to hang it up. They might be a little easier to install if the curtain had grommets, but in retrospect, the pockets keep more light out.
Our tests revealed that these stylish blackout curtains effectively blocked most incoming light and kept south-facing rooms at cooler temperatures when the sun beamed in. We actually had to move them from the living room because they did a little too good of a job blocking light out, turning the apartment into a bit of a cave. The material is quite stiff, though, making it challenging to fully close; they bunch at the middle, and a sliver of light peaks through. Unfortunately, you can’t choose a size for these curtains. They’re only available as a single panel measuring 50 by 84 inches.
Dimension: 50 by 84 inches | Material: Polyester, cotton | Hanging Style: Rod pockets | Number of Panels: 1
You can roll this curtain up in its own bag and take it wherever you go.
The suction cups are sticky, so you might find them hard to scrape off the window.
This Amazon Basics Travel Blackout Curtain is a game changer for people who struggle to sleep with too much ambient light, as well as parents traveling with babies or toddlers. It instantly turns any room—like a hotel or Airbnb—into a dark and cozy environment. This is particularly helpful when little ones need to fall asleep or take a nap away from home. When long-term testing this at home, it did such a great job of keeping light out of the bedroom that a 14-month-old started sleeping longer, and so did we.
Instead of rod pockets or hooks, the portable blackout curtain features suction cups to stick the panel to the window. No curtain rod is needed to hang it up, either. It took us a moment to get used to it, but once it was up, the curtain blocked 90% of light from the perimeters and its surface. Just keep in mind that the window must be clean and dry before attaching the suction cups to work properly. It has its own portable carrying case which makes it easy to pack and bring along on vacation. However, it’s a tight fit, so you might want to take your time to fold it carefully to smoothly slide it in.
The curtain is fairly large, but if your window is smaller, you can adjust the size using the Velcro. Although we thought it was pretty stiff in terms of texture, it was still durable. Our only issue is that the suction pads were quite sticky and ended up being a chore to peel off the window. After six months of daily use, they're still suctioning really well, though, so we suspect they'll last for a long time to come.
Dimension: 50 by 78 inches | Material: Polyester | Hanging Style: Suction cups | Number of Panels: 1 or 2
The Better Homes & Gardens Solid Woven Textured Grommet Blackout Curtain Panel is our top pick because it’s a quality curtain that can completely block out sunlight. If you want an even cheaper option that comes in a set of two, consider the Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window Curtain.
To come up with these recommendations, we spent two weeks testing 11 blackout curtains at home. Each curtain was evaluated based on effectiveness, design, quality, and value. To start, we properly measured the windows in our homes to make sure we chose curtains with the proper length and width. Once our blackout curtains arrived, we set them up with a curtain rod and hung them in various ways, depending on the product.
Over the two-week testing period, we used the blackout curtains as needed and considered a variety of factors. We took note of how well they block out light, and whether they aid our sleeping, movie watching, etc. We also paid attention to whether any light seeped through the surface or edges of the curtains and whether they helped with noise cancellation or insulation. Finally, we took note of the fabric: Did the material feel thick and durable? What was the texture like? Are the curtains machine-washable or dry-clean only?
After the initial two-week testing period, we took each winner home to test in our own homes to see how they stood up to long-term use. Additional insights were provided after two and six months.
The opacity of a blackout curtain refers to the amount of light that can pass through it. For most blackout curtains, this means they can block nearly 100% of light. “What makes curtains ‘blackout’ is the fabric liner that is made to block light,” Mahoney says.
According to Mahoney, these liners are made from a thicker material than standard liners and are typically synthetic fibers like polyester (or a polyester-cotton blend). It’s important to choose curtains with quality fabric and liners, or else they won’t be able to block out light effectively.
In our tests, we found that the Sun Zero Oslo Extreme 100% Blackout Rod Pocket Curtain Panel was an excellent heavy-duty option that provided a total blackout effect. On the other hand, the Pottery Barn Custom Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtain only blocked out 70% of light for a room-darkening effect.
Just like standard curtains and blackout shades, blackout curtains come in a range of fabric types. The most popular kinds are heavyweight polyester, polyester-cotton blends, and microfiber.
Most of the blackout curtains on our list are made of polyester or a polyester blend. But if you’re looking for something with a non-traditional fabric, check out Pottery Barn’s Custom Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtain. It's made of linen for a textured and breezy look, although it still has a polyester blackout lining.
Mahoney says that most curtain panels are around 54 inches wide, while standard lengths vary and are typically 84 inches, 96 inches, or 108 inches. But it’s not uncommon to find curtain brands that have panels that are longer or shorter in width or length. For a true blackout effect, make sure that your curtains fully cover your window—if they’re too small, light will seep through the borders.
“I usually suggest 96 inches to have extra wiggle room,” Mahoney says. “It’s better for them to be longer, and then tailor them to the right size.” She says that if you need tailoring services for your curtains, “bring them to your local dry cleaners and they will trim and hem them inexpensively.”
If you’re buying ready-made blackout curtains, Mahoney suggests choosing a curtain that has pinch pleats. Pinch pleats look the most elegant and are great for blocking out light since they can fit up to the ceiling and cover the gaps where light could filter in.
Other common blackout curtain heading types include grommets, which are good when you have heavy drapes to hang. They feature metal rings that allow you to put a rod through to hang the curtain. There are also back tab headers, where the rod is inserted through a loop at the back of the curtain, plus tab top or pole top headers that work by sliding the rod through fabric loops at the top of the curtain.
Wayfair Basics Solid Blackout Thermal Grommet Patio Door Curtain Panel: Even though these blackout curtains were sheerer than other curtains on our list, they did a decent job of reducing light in the room. They weren’t the highest performer on our list, but the material felt luxurious and covered our entire window.
While both blackout and room-darkening curtains help block incoming light, blackout curtains have thick and opaque liners that won’t let any light in (even in the daytime). On the other hand, the liner on room-darkening curtains is not as thick, so some light will diffuse through it.
One of Mahoney’s top tips for anyone who wants to buy blackout drapes is to always place the window treatment a bit higher and wider than the window, because it makes the room look bigger.
“Always measure 6 to 8 inches above the top of the window,” she adds. “This allows for breathing room. Also, plan for 3 to 6 inches extra for the width.”
For Mahoney, the best materials for blackout curtains would be velvet, polyester, or cotton blend. “Something with a little weight will help keep the shape of the drapery,” she says. “This allows the window treatment to stay close to the window instead of moving back and forth, which will maximize privacy.”
This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To put together this list, we tested the best blackout curtains and evaluated them based on design, effectiveness, quality, and value. She also spoke to Anne Mahoney, an interior designer and founder of Anne Lydia, as well as Avinesh Bhar, MD, MBA, physician and founder of Sliiip.
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
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