Best Overall
Better Homes and Gardens Grommet Blackout Curtain Panel
- Effectiveness5/5
- Design5/5
- Quality5/5
- Value5/5
- We found that these curtains were very effective and we liked the soft yet flexible fabric.
We found that these curtains were very effective and we liked the soft yet flexible fabric.
- Color options are limited to solid shades like gray, blue, and black.
Color options are limited to solid shades like gray, blue, and black.
If you’re looking for basic but high-quality blackout curtains that deliver on their promises to block out light, the Better Homes and Gardens Solid Woven Textured Grommet Blackout Curtain Panel is your best bet. These curtains received the highest possible score in all categories we tested and easily earned the top spot on this list.
We found these curtains are simple to install. They’re hung using a metal grommet top and come with an included curtain rod. Note that they’re sold separately as a single panel, so you may need to purchase two depending on the size of your window.
We raved about the soft yet flexible fabric on these curtains, which is a blend of polyester and rayon. The curtain panels held their shape really well, a feature that we found almost as important as light-blocking ability. The panels drape beautifully, aren’t overly rigid, and come together nicely to prevent slivers of light from peeking through.
Most importantly, though, we found these curtains to be quite effective at blocking out light. We used them in a room with a street lamp right outside of the window and reported that once the curtains were installed, we couldn’t see any light at night whatsoever and this curtain beat the ones we had used previously.
While we felt that there were enough available color options, the shades are somewhat basic and limited—you’ll find solid neutrals such as black, blue, gray, and tan, but not much variety or patterns if that’s important to you.
How It Performed After Six Months
We've used these curtains every night for six months, and we haven't noticed any change in quality. It blocks out all the light coming into our bedroom, allowing us to sleep in on the weekend.
Product Details: Size: 50 x 63 inches | Material: Polyester, rayon | Number of Panels: One | Hanging Method: Metal grommet top
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MCKENZIE RAMBUSH
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MCKENZIE RAMBUSH
Best Thermal Insulated
Nicetown Blackout Curtains
- Effectiveness4.3/5
- Design5/5
- Quality4.5/5
- Value4.5/5
- We found the curtains blocked a ton of light and are easy to open and close.
We found the curtains blocked a ton of light and are easy to open and close.
- We tested a lighter-colored curtain and it didn’t completely stop the light from coming in.
We tested a lighter-colored curtain and it didn’t completely stop the light from coming in.
Some blackout curtains merely block light; others, such as the Nicetown Black Blackout Curtain Blinds, go a step further and also have thermal-insulated fabric that prevents the sun’s rays from overly heating a room. These blackout curtains are an excellent choice for anyone looking for solid light-blocking curtains that also help keep their space nice and cool.
We tested these in an apartment and noted that our bedroom was always a little cooler than the rest of the space. However, we noticed even more of a difference after we started using these curtains.
Installation was not complicated. The curtains are sold in a set of two and hung using a rod with a pocket. Once installed, we found that these blackout curtains mostly delivered, though we tested a lighter color and noticed that it doesn’t completely stop light from coming in. Regardless, we were still happy with the results.
The curtains are lightweight, soft, and easy to maneuver. We also appreciated that they’re machine-washable and wash well; we didn’t notice any wear and tear after washing them. Though they’re on the thinner side, we noted that they don’t feel cheap.
Importantly, these also don’t look like blackout curtains. They simply look nice and high-quality, we noted, and we loved how soft the material is and how well the curtains fit in with our overall space. Plus, the curtains are available in more than 30 different colors, so you’ll have plenty of options to fit your style.
While the color variety is a plus, keep in mind that the retailer says the darker shades are superior at blocking out light—so if that’s your main goal, you’ll want to choose black, navy, or one of the other dark colors.
How It Performed After Six Months
Throughout testing, we found that these continued to keep our room cool. While it didn't block light as well as other options we tested, they blocked enough for us to ditch our sleep mask that we had used prior to hanging the curtain.
Product Details: Size: 70 x 84 inches | Material: Not listed | Number of Panels: Two | Hanging Method: Rod pocket
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / PAIGE VANDEWIELE
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / PAIGE VANDEWIELE
Best Linen
Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtain
- Effectiveness4/5
- Design5/5
- Quality4.8/5
- Value4/5
- There are more than 20 width and 150 length options to choose from.
There are more than 20 width and 150 length options to choose from.
- Though these curtains do block light, we felt that they aren’t as effective as other options on this list.
Though these curtains do block light, we felt that they aren’t as effective as other options on this list.
If you’re searching for blackout curtains to cover a window with non-typical dimensions or simply want as close a fit as possible, you’ll often need to invest in custom curtains—and those can cost upwards of $1,000. A more affordable option is Pottery Barn’s Custom Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtains; this dark flax color is available in an impressive number of size combinations, including more than 20 width and 150 length options.
Our favorite part about these sheets was the customization, as we were able to choose the exact measurements we needed for our window. Not to be missed, however, is the material they’re made of, which is 100% Belgian flax linen with a polyester backing. We noted that the fabric is flexible and high-quality.
The curtains drape nicely, which we suspected is partly due to the soft, casual weight of the linen. We loved the design of the curtain overall and found that this one was lighter and easier to open and close than the other ones we’ve used.
The retailer offers three hanging methods with these curtains: You can opt for a rod pocket, back tabs, or ring top depending on your preference. Curtain hooks are included, though note that round rings and clip rings are sold separately.
However, as stylish and well-fitting as these curtains are, they’re not 100% effective at blocking light, we found. In addition to some light filtering in, they also aren't soundproof or insulating. We estimated that these curtains blocked about 70% of sunlight; so while they do help make a noticeable difference, they’re ultimately not the best option on this list.
How It Performed After Two Years
We've owned these curtains for over two years, and the quality has remained the same. While not a true blackout curtain, we still think they're worth the splurge for those looking for an attractive light-filtering curtain.
Product Details: Size: 24 x 24 inches | Material: Belgian linen flax | Number of Panels: One | Hanging Method: Rod pocket, back tabs, or ring top
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICOLE LUND
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICOLE LUND
Best Portable
Amazon Basics Portable Window Blackout Curtain
- Effectiveness4.7/5
- Design4/5
- Quality4.8/5
- Value5/5
- Because they’re hung with suction cups and less expensive than other options, these blackout curtains are ideal for travel or a baby’s nursery.
Because they’re hung with suction cups and less expensive than other options, these blackout curtains are ideal for travel or a baby’s nursery.
- It was a little difficult to get the curtain back into the storage pouch.
It was a little difficult to get the curtain back into the storage pouch.
Anyone who has struggled to get a baby to nap during the day or sleep past 5 in the morning knows how essential a dark room is for solid sleep. With their moon-and-stars design, heavy-duty light-blocking material, and easy on-off suction cups, these Amazon Basics blackout curtains are ideal for a baby’s nursery or traveling with young children.
Unlike the other blackout curtains on this list, most of which are hung with a curtain rod, these are installed with suction cups along the edges. The suction cups stick to your window (you’ll want to make sure the glass is clean and the suction cups dry for good adhesion) and can be adjusted to close any gaps.
The benefit of the suction cups is that the curtains are easy to stick on and peel off, making them highly portable. During testing, we found that they can be a bit of a pain to use, however, and it’s not seamless to open and close them.
We used these in a bedroom with a baby, who often wakes early from the morning light and could also benefit from blackout curtains to nap during the day. We noted that the curtains blocked around 90% of the light when the sun was out, which was greatly appreciated.
The curtains themselves are stiff polyester, a sturdy, durable material that works well when hung with the suction cups. Though they’re offered in a few patterns, it’s fair to say that these are far from the most stylish blackout curtains on the market. If you’re looking for curtains that will elevate a space and drape nicely, these probably aren’t the best pick for you.
Still, they’re just right for a nursery or travel. We appreciated the portable storage pouch but did note that it’s much harder to fold the curtains down to size to fit back into the pouch when you’re done using them.
How It Performed After Six Months
After months of daily use, these portable curtains are still performing well and the suction cups haven't lost their ability to stick. While the daily setup process is more cumbersome than traditional curtains, we think it's well worth the hassle for a short period while traveling.
Product Details: Size: 50 x 78 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Panels: One | Hanging Method: Suction cups
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / STELLA YU
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / STELLA YU
Best Pattern
Better Homes and Gardens Rod Pocket Blackout Curtain Panel
- Effectiveness4.8/5
- Design4.4/5
- Quality4.5/5
- Value5/5
- We liked the look of these curtains and noted that they also muffle outside sounds.
We liked the look of these curtains and noted that they also muffle outside sounds.
- It has fewer color and size options than other picks.
It has fewer color and size options than other picks.
The Better Homes and Gardens Modern Leaves Rod Pocket Blackout Single Curtain Panel was one of the top-scoring blackout curtains we tested. After using them for two weeks, we felt that they were one of the most effective blackout curtains we had ever tried.
Made of a polyester and linen blend with a polyester liner, these curtains (which are sold as individual panels) have a stylish appearance and versatile leaf pattern, one of the few patterned blackout curtains on the market. We noted that they feel high quality and look nice in a room, and they even received compliments from guests we had over.
When it comes to blocking out light, these curtains mostly deliver on their promises, although they’re not quite as effective as our best overall option. We estimated that the curtains blocked about 90% of light and while there is some light coming through, it was still dark enough to sleep in the room undisturbed.
We tested these curtains on a home on a busy street frequented by ambulances, fire trucks, and police sirens. During testing, we found that breakthrough noises such as these were far less noticeable once these blackout curtains were installed, an added benefit that we appreciated.
Although they look very nice, these curtains do feel a little rough and stiff and we found that it took a reasonable amount of effort to slide them across the rod. We did not wash them during the testing period, but it’s possible that doing so would soften them up and make it easier to open and close the panels. Though we liked these curtains overall, we would have appreciated more size and color options to choose from.
How It Performed After Six Months
These curtains have kept our bedroom dark and cool during bright, sweltering summer days. They block light so well that we don't wake up for hours after sunrise. The quality hasn't faltered, and our guests have even complimented their appearance.
Product Details: Size: 50 x 84 inches | Material: Polyester and linen | Number of Panels: One | Hanging Method: Rod pocket and back tab top
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ALIYAH RODRIGUEZ
Best Size Options
Nicetown Blackout Curtain Panels
- Effectiveness4.5/5
- Design4.4/5
- Quality4.5/5
- Value5/5
- There are tons of color and size options, and they also do a very good job of blocking out light.
There are tons of color and size options, and they also do a very good job of blocking out light.
- They’re quite heavy and we needed two hands to open them.
They’re quite heavy and we needed two hands to open them.
With these Nicetown 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels, you have your choice of 30 colors and 34 sizes, so they’re the best option if you have a large space or need a more specific size curtain.
While testing these, we found that they blocked the majority of the light coming through and kept the room quite dark overall. Light was able to get in on the top of the curtain rod where it was away from the wall a bit, but we didn’t have a valance to resolve the issue. Being able to select the exact length of your window helps these curtains more effectively block light from below, too, we noted.
Made of a polyester blend, these curtains are on the heavy side. We would have preferred that they were softer and lighter as we needed two hands to open them. However, they added that while the double paneling does add weight, it also seems to keep the room darker.
If you’re looking for a high-end blackout curtain to fit your home’s aesthetic, these might not be the best choice for you. While they very effectively block light, are easy to install, and are well-priced, we pointed out that they’re not the most stylish option. However, we would still recommend them for a guest room, kid’s room, or dorm room where darkness and sleep are the focus.”
We also found that the in-person color for the curtains they chose didn’t quite match what is pictured online. Though there are 30 color options to choose from, which is a large variety, we ordered a blue set and found that it was much brighter than we had expected it to be.
How It Performed After Six Months
During our long-term testing, we moved these curtains to a different room and still didn't notice any change in quality. The curtains have blocked all kinds of light from entering our apartment, including our neighbor's holiday lights.
Product Details: Size: Multiple options | Material: Polyester blend | Number of Panels: Two | Hanging Method: Metal grommets (curtain rod sold separately)
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / TAYLOR FOX
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / TAYLOR FOX
Best Heavy Duty
Sun Zero Oslo Theater Grade Blackout Curtain Panel
- Effectiveness5/5
- Design4.5/5
- Quality4.5/5
- Value5/5
- These curtains are 100% blackout and less expensive than other options.
These curtains are 100% blackout and less expensive than other options.
- The color options are limited to more neutral shades.
The color options are limited to more neutral shades.
These Sun Zero Oslo Theater Grade Extreme Total Blackout curtains deliver a full blackout effect. While testing these at home they blocked 100% of the light and when fully closed, we didn’t have any light filtering through.
The Sun Zero curtains are hung with a rod, which is not included. Made of polyester, the panels, which are sold individually, have a silky texture and are on the heavier side, though we noted that the curtain rings manage the weight well.
The curtains were able to slide open easily and closed and the material feels soft and smooth to the touch, we added. This is also a good option for those with pets, as we didn’t notice any dog hair attached to the curtain throughout testing.
In addition to blocking the sun’s rays, these Sun Zero curtains can also maintain a comfortable temperature in your space. We used these curtains for several days that were 90°F and over and found that keeping them drawn helped the room stay cool.
While not fully customizable, there are five sizes and seven color options. We opted for the mushroom brown color and while we thought it had a nice appearance and hung well, we noted that it had a slight sheen and they wished it was a little more matte.
These curtains are machine-washable, and while we did not wash them during the testing period, we steamed the panels to release a few wrinkles.
How It Performed After Six Months
We've washed these curtains multiple times and have not seen any change in quality or durability. Even with direct sun exposure, they haven't faded in color. During the hot summer months, the curtains both blocked lights and kept our room cool.
Product Details: Size: 52 x 95 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Panels: One | Hanging Method: Rod (sold separately)
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MICHELLE EHRICH
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MICHELLE EHRICH