Best Blackout Curtains 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Nov 07, 2024

Whether it’s the streetlight outside your window, traffic lights from cars driving past or a particularly bright phase of the moon, exterior light pouring into the bedroom can make it really difficult to fall asleep. A simple workaround? Blackout curtains. We think the best blackout curtains overall are from Sun Zero Nordic. In addition to complete blackout coverage, they come in a range of colors and size options and feature a stylish grommet top that’s easy to open and close.

The best blackout curtains can block out light, keep you cool and help promote restorative rest.

We spoke with home design experts and researched the market to find the very best options across multiple categories. Not only do the best blackout curtains block annoying exterior light, they also help reduce heat transfer, according to interior designer Audrey Scheck. “Installing this type of curtain can keep the room cooler in summer and warmer in winter,” she says. Ahead, find our recommendations for blackout curtains that keep the bedroom as dark and comfortable as possible.

Amazon

Hanging type: Grommet | Material: Polyester | Number of panels: 1 or 2 | Dimensions: 52 x 84 inches | Key features: Full blackout coverage, wide range of colors and sizes, machine washable

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If your goal is to make your room as dark as possible, our top choice is these affordable theater-grade panels. Sun Zero’s blackout curtains have a tightly woven liner that blocks 100% of sunlight, reduces outside noise by up to 45% and boosts your home’s energy efficiency by up to 50%, according to the brand. The grommet top makes for easy opening and closing. The panels, which are sold in pairs or individually, are available in multiple sizes and a broad range of colors. They’re also machine washable, though you should use an iron or steamer to smooth away any wrinkles after cleaning. They are also a good value—one pair of panels costs about $40 at Amazon.

What the reviews say: With over 12,700 reviews and an overall rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon, these are highly rated blackout curtains. Customers report that they’re well-constructed and work as promised. “They truly made our room pitch-black,” says one. Another 5-star review says that it already feels “cooler in my house, so the price was worth it. It’ll pay for itself once I get the next electric bill.”

Amazon

Hanging type: Grommet | Material: Polyester | Number of panels: 2 | Dimensions: 52 x 84 inches; 52 x 96 inches | Key features: Machine washable, triple-weave fabric with thick blackout coating

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These blackout curtains from Amazon Basics are suitable for folks on a budget, plus they block sunlight and UV rays, reduce outside noise and improve energy efficiency. The curtains meet Oeko-Tex Standard 100, meaning they’re certified for meeting high environmental standards. Triple-weave polyester is durable and machine washable, and the curtains are sold in sets of two. While they’re only available in two colors and two sizes at this price point, they’re all priced under $32 per set, making these curtains an all-around great buy.

What the reviews say: With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 4,500 reviews for these curtains, customers are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about their performance and value. One, who notes that she’s purchased higher-end blackout curtains before, writes, “What I did not expect is how superior these would be at blocking the sun. They’re also Standard 100 Oeko-Tex, so it was a win-win.” Another reviewer says: “We really like the look and function of these curtains, especially for the price. They darken the room enough to sleep or watch a movie without having to sacrifice the lightness of the decor.”

Quince

Hanging type: Back tab or pole top | Material: European linen and polyester blackout liner | Panels: 1 | Dimensions: 48 x 84 inches; 48 x 96 inches; 48 x 108 inches | Key features: 9 colors and 3 panel lengths, free shipping and returns

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These stylish blackout curtains are made from European flax and have a polyester blackout liner for a stylish blend of textured good looks and premium light-blocking benefits. Quince has linen blackout curtains in nine colors, with a choice of three panel lengths. The panels can be hung in two different ways, so you can decide whether to use the fabric tabs on the back or the rod pocket. Quince’s dry-clean only blackout curtains are also a great value for linen. They’re sold separately, with a single 84-inch panel costing about $90.

What the reviews say: Reviews praise the curtains for incredible quality. One happy customer calls them “Amazing curtains. Totally blackout. Super heavy and luxurious feel and look. They are the perfect natural white. I have looked everywhere for this exact curtain and you really cannot beat the price.” Another writes, “​​We ordered some blackout ones of these for our bedroom and loved them so much that we bought them for the rest of the house. Super high quality and beautiful material in a soft linen look.”

West Elm

Hanging type: Back tab or pole pocket | Material: Polyester | Panel: 1 or 2 | Dimensions: 48 x 84 inches; 48 x 96 inches; 48 x 108 inches | Key features: Choice of colors and panel length, subtle sheen, machine wash and dry

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The Worn Velvet Curtains from West Elm are a stylish way to block light and bring a little elegance into your home. The sewn-in polyester blackout liner blocks light to darken your space, while a two-in-one construction gives you a choice of hanging styles. The brushed velvet has a subtle sheen and the heavy drape expected of the material. Use the pole top for a gathered aesthetic or the back tabs for a structured, pleated effect. Choose from ten colors and three panel lengths. Bonus: While many velvet options are dry clean only, this one can be machine washed in cold water and tumbled dry. Just be prepared to iron or steam these curtains to smooth wrinkles and amp up shine.

What the reviews say: West Elm doesn’t publish customer reviews on its website, but the brand was mentioned by name by several of the experts we consulted for this story.

Wayfair

Hanging type: Rod pocket | Material: Polyester | Panels: 1 | Dimensions: 40 x 63 inches; 40 x 84 inches; 40 x 96 inches | Key features: Wide range of colors, maximum coverage, noise-reducing design, thermal insulation

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Wayfair’s solid blackout curtains are lined with an insulated, textured foam that not only provides maximum blackout coverage, but also helps muffle outside noise and boosts thermal insulation. There are 13 colors and three panel sizes options, with a rod pocket top that creates a pleated effect.

We like that these Wayfair curtains are machine washable for easy care, although you may need to iron or steam them to get initial wrinkles out after taking them out of the package. Another thing to keep in mind is that each panel is sold separately, so if you need a set, purchase two. Fortunately, they’re well-priced, currently on sale for $15 apiece.

What the reviews say: Over 5,500 reviewers have good things to say about these blackout curtains, and many praise their thermal benefits. “They are the best blackout [curtains] for heat and light,” writes one. Another calls them “perfect for blocking out sun and heat.”

Pottery Barn

Hanging type: Rod pocket, back tabs, ring top | Material: Polyester | Panels: 1 | Dimensions: 50 x 84 inches; 50 x 96 inches; 50 x 108 inches | Key features: Crafted in a Fair Trade-certified factory, machine washable

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Pottery Barn makes its Peace & Quiet blackout curtains with dense polyester fibers that are tightly woven to block light while still offering a lightweight appearance. The blackout liner, which is also constructed with polyester, blocks light, dampens noise and insulates for improved temperature regulation year-round. The curtains, which are sold individually, are available in two colors and three lengths, and Pottery Barn manufactures them in a Fair Trade-certified factory. You have multiple options for hanging with a three-in-one construction and included curtain clips, or you can purchase round curtain rings separately. Plus, the curtains can be machine washed and tumbled dry.

What the experts say: Pottery Barn doesn’t publish customer reviews on its website, but Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal designer at Nufacet Interiors, recommends the store for its range of options. “Pottery Barn has a number of excellent selections,” she says.

Everhem

Hanging type: Customizable | Material: Customizable | Panels: Customizable | Dimensions: Customizable | Key features: Customizable configuration, fabric and lining, free swatches

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Scheck calls Everhem a go-to for custom window treatments. The company makes customizing your blackout curtains incredibly user friendly, with a robust library of tutorials that walks you through the entire process from measurement to installation. Choose the configuration, fabric, color, pleat and liner, and get a digital preview of your creation as you build it. Add your measurements (a step that comes with clear, concise directions) and your custom blackout curtains are ready to order. You also have the option of booking a video consultation with one of Everhem’s design experts to walk you through the process. You can order fabric swatches for just the cost of shipping.

What the reviews say: One customer writes, “The drapery and hardware quality is amazing. I ordered the linen-blend drapes with blackout lining and am thrilled with how they turned out. They are the perfect finishing touch on the room and make everything look more polished and put-together.” Another review says: “I’ve ordered window treatments from many other companies, both online and in person, and no one makes it as pleasant and stress-free as Everhem.”

Teepee Joy

Hanging type: Back tab or hidden clips | Material: Cotton | Panels: 1 | Dimensions: 25 x 63 inches; 25 x 84 inches; 25 x 96 inches; 25 x 108 inches; 50 x 63 inches; 50 x 84 inches; 50 x 96 inches; 50 x 108 inches | Key features: Large selection of patterns, hang type and coverage, free swatches and custom dimensions available

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Blackout curtains are a must-have for babies and kids who take naps. Teepee Joy makes its curtains with midweight cotton and offers a choice of blackout or privacy linings, so you can decide how much light you want blocked throughout the day. The curtains come in a wide selection of kid-friendly designs to complement bedroom and nursery themes, including cute animals, hearts, pirates, celestial bodies and abstract patterns in bright colors. In addition to eight standard sizes, custom sizes are also available, with two options for hanging. On the downside, these curtains are dry clean only.

What the reviews say: Customers appreciate the quality and wide selections of patterns from Teepee Joy, which has an average of 5 out of 5 stars on both its own site and Etsy. “I was unsure as to whether or not these were worth the price, but they are,” says one reviewer. “They are good quality and very sturdy; the blackout curtains worked perfectly in my son’s nursery, and I didn’t have to sacrifice design.”

Pottery Barn

Hanging type: Back tab, rod pocket, ring top | Material: Belgian flax | Panels: 1 | Dimensions: 50 x 84 inches; 50 x 96 inches; 50 x 108 inches; 50 x 120 inches; 100 x 84 inches; 100 x 96 inches; 100 x 108 inches; 100 x 120 inches | Key features: Lightweight, wide range of colors and sizes

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These lightweight linen curtains combine 100% Belgian flax with a 100% polyester blackout liner to keep light out. The curtains are made in factories certified by Fair Trade, which helps ensure safe and fair labor practices, with sustainably sourced materials that meet stringent environmental and social standards. They’re also certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which means they’re safe from over 1,000 harmful substances.

The curtains are enzyme washed for a soft, lived-in look right out of the packaging, and they come in over 20 muted colors and eight sizes. Panels are sold individually and should be dry cleaned only.

What the reviews say: While Pottery Barn doesn’t share customer reviews on its website, a 5-star Google review calls them “a great product” and says they’re “as described.”

Amazon

Hanging type: Rod pocket, back tab | Material: Polyester | Panels: 2 | Dimensions: 27 x 59 inches; 27 x 80 inches; 27 x 92 inches; 50 x 59 inches; 50 x 80 inches; 50 x 92 inches | Key features: Range of sizes, machine washable

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If you have existing curtains that aren’t blocking enough light, this blackout curtain liner could be an easy fix. Sold in two-panel sets with a choice of sizes, these 100% polyester curtain liners are insulated to not only block light, but thermal heat and noise as well. They install with the included drapery rings (which are hidden once installed) and work on curtains that hang via rod pocket or back tabs. Plus, these curtain liners can be machine washed and dried for easy care.

What reviews say: These blackout curtain liners are highly rated on Amazon. According to one customer, they’re a “good quality addition to the curtains I have, making them light-blocking [and] room-darkening.” Another says, “I loved my curtains and didn’t want to replace them, so [this is a] win-win. They work very well.”

The Forbes Vetted team of sleep experts has researched and written dozens of sleep stories, and we leaned into that background to assemble this list.

We based our recommendations for the best blackout curtains on our own research, the guidance of our experts and consumer reviews.

Being clear about the type of light blocking you need can help you zero in on the right options. Depending on the thickness of the liner, blackout curtains may not offer complete coverage. “The lining on the back is what makes it blackout, not the fabric you see when you’re in the room,” explains interior designer Zara Khan. Here’s what else to keep in mind as you shop.

Because the goal is blocking light, the best style for blackout curtains is generally a rod pocket or back tabs. Tab top (also known as “cubicle”) or hanging rings may allow more light into the room at the top of the curtain, unless the curtain rod is mounted well above the window and is not parallel to the top of the window pane.

Polyester is a popular material for blackout curtains, primarily because it’s durable, inexpensive and easy to clean. But be clear on your overall goal. Designer Audrey Scheck says that polyester does have a substantial blackout effect, but notes that her team prefers natural materials like cotton or linen. “It will help keep the overall feel of the space light and airy when they’re not in use,” she says.

In many cases, these natural materials are used with a polyester liner to block light. The key is focusing on the quality of the liner. Khan says that’s what ultimately creates the blackout coverage. She advises holding the curtain or liner up against the light to see exactly how much light it blocks.

Keep in mind that how you clean blackout curtains depends on what you buy. Some can be machine washed, but others may need to be dry cleaned to protect the material. Before making a purchase, make a point of checking the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions so that you’re clear on care and maintenance requirements.

Blackout curtains aren’t just utilitarian, they can also add to the look and design of the room. Fortunately, curtains with light-blocking liners are available in many different fabrics, colors and styles, so consider what would work best with your decor.

In addition to darkening a room, curtains can also serve to block sound from outside and help regulate the temperature of a room. Some blackout curtains are designed to provide more sound or heat absorption, so keep this in mind if one of these functions is also important to you. Velvet curtains are particularly good for absorbing sound, and heavy curtains and thicker curtains provide more insulation for reducing heat transfer.

This is a great solution for bedrooms, since you want to both minimize the amount of light and get an ideal temperature for sleeping, according to Khan. Curtains with insulating properties can even help you save on your energy bills, because you may not need to crank up the AC or heat as much at night.

If the goal is to block as much light as possible, the best colors are dark shades like black or very dark gray. Dark colors absorb light more efficiently than lighter colors. But Jensen makes an important point: Efficacy is largely dependent on the thickness and quality of the fabric used in a particular blackout curtain. “A tightly woven, dark, thick fabric lined with a light-blocking layer will be the most effective at blocking light,” she says.

There are also options for dimming or darkening a room. Depending on the level of opacity, some curtains diffuse light instead of blocking it. You may prefer full blackout curtains in the bedroom but dim-out or room-darkening curtains in other parts of your home, where complete darkness isn’t as important.

Dim-out curtains are designed to reduce the amount of light entering a room without blocking it completely. “They soften the light, creating a dim effect rather than providing complete darkness,” says Jensen. Room-darkening curtains are somewhere between blackout and dim-out. “Their light-block effectiveness lies anywhere between 95% and 99%—ideal for TV rooms where complete darkness isn’t a necessity,” she adds.

To effectively block light, it’s important that blackout curtains are long enough to fully cover the window. Curtains that aren’t long enough—or mounted high enough—allow light to seep in around the borders. From a design perspective, curtains that are long enough to lightly brush the floor help accentuate the height of your window. Position them several inches above and beside the window to ensure they fully deliver on the blackout effect.

“The best color is typically black or very dark shades of gray,” says Jensen. That’s because dark colors absorb light more efficiently, preventing it from creeping into a room.

One of the perks of blackout curtains is their thermal-insulating properties. Because they do a great job of blocking sunlight, they help reduce heat transfer into the room during the summer. They also help keep heat inside during the winter.

The thickness of the liner determines the amount of light coming through, which is what differentiates different types of light-blocking curtains. Blackout curtains typically have the thickest and most tightly woven liners, while dim-out curtains are designed to reduce the amount of light entering a room without blocking it completely. Room-darkening curtains fall somewhere in the middle.

If you’re after complete blackout, look for curtains that promise 100% coverage. Darker colors, like black and dark gray, block more light than lighter colors. A dark curtain made with tightly woven fabric that’s lined with a durable light-blocking layer is the most effective option.

Polyester and microfiber are good choices for blackout fabrics. Many blackout curtains pair polyester liners with another fabric, such as cotton or linen. The polyester backing faces the window to effectively block light, while the fabric that faces into the bedroom adds texture and style. Polyester liners may also be coated to add insulating properties.

We selected the Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen as the best sustainable blackout curtains, added more specs describing each product and expanded our buyer’s guide.