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Best Blackout Curtains

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Eclipse Curtains Fresno
Eclipse Curtains
Fresno Modern Blackout Curtain
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

If you want stylish, high-quality curtains to block out most light, our home improvement expert recommends these, and they also muffled outdoor sounds in our testing.

Pros

Garner praise for their noise-reducing capabilities and well-rounded coverage. Outstanding at blocking light. Constructed with high-quality material.

Cons

Fairly thick and heavy. Only available in a few neutral colors.

Best Bang for the Buck
BGment Bedroom Blackout Curtains
BGment
Bedroom Blackout Curtains
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Budget-friendly
Bottom Line

A good pair of curtains that our expert loves thanks to their price point and ability to allow a little bit of light in.

Pros

Comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes to match any bedroom. Has metal grommets which add to the overall durability. Insulates from both heat and cold. Machine-washable design.

Cons

The curtains may get very hot if the sun is against them for too long.

Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains
Utopia Bedding
Blackout Curtains
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Heat Insulation
Bottom Line

These curtains perform very well in most light settings, and they earn our expert's approval.

Pros

The thicker material promotes generous light blockage; not to mention more privacy. The curtains have nice stitching. Choice of several colors.

Cons

Some have complained about the size and placement of the grommets. Fewer size options than some competitors.

Rutterllow Blackout Curtains
Rutterllow
Blackout Curtains
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Sleek & Attractive
Bottom Line

Our expert notes that these curtains hit all the buttons; they are light-blocking and thermal-insulated.

Pros

The blackout effect ranges from approximately 80 to 90%. Available in several colors, with darker shades blocking out more light. Grommet style.

Cons

Material isn't quite as thick as that of some competitors and doesn't completely block light.

Sun Zero Oslo Extreme Blackout Curtains
ChadMade
Polyester Blackout Curtains
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Durable Material
Bottom Line

Be they for living rooms, bedrooms, or gyms; these thermal blackout curtains stand up against harmful sun rays and keep your room as light or dark as you please.

Pros

They don’t just keep out harmful rays and excessive light, they also insulate your room and muffle unwanted noise. They’re easy to install over windows, with adjustable hooks. Cleaning isn’t a chore; in fact, you can machine wash them. Come in beige and many other colors.

Cons

The included hooks aren’t metal; curtain rings are not included, at all.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
160
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best blackout curtains

Everybody loves a sunny day, but sometimes all that sunlight can interrupt a sound sleep. This is especially bothersome if you work the night shift, have a new baby or have other life circumstances that require catching up on sleep in the morning. While you can’t stop the sun’s rays, you can prevent them from coming into your bedroom with blackout curtains.

Made of densely woven material that’s often lined, blackout curtains can completely darken a room even in the daytime. Other blackout curtains simply mute the light, which appeals to those who don’t want a total blackout effect. The thick fabric of quality blackout curtains reduces noise levels, further promoting restful sleep. 

Another benefit of these specialized curtains is the insulating effect of the fabric, which can help control a room’s temperature. Close to one-third of the heating and cooling energy loss in a home occurs through its windows. Blackout curtains help conserve energy and, therefore, energy costs. They’re designed to keep a room cool when the sun is shining and warm when it’s chilly outside.

We assessed models to see how well they block out light, muffle sound and insulate a room. In doing so, we looked at whether these products leave any gaps around a window that let in light. And because appearance is also important, we noted the available curtain lengths, widths and color options to see which options are as attractive as they are functional. In our testing, we found the Eclipse Fresno Modern Blackout Curtain checked all the boxes, making it our top choice. 

Expert Tip
For washing blackout panels, I suggest washing them in cold water and line dry if possible. Dryer heat can break down the blackout material faster than air drying.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

Best blackout curtains

Eclipse Fresno Modern Blackout Curtain

With a superior material that reliably blocks sunlight, the Eclipse Fresno curtain tops our list. In our testing we found it provides outstanding window coverage to prevent light from shining around the edges. And it effectively controls the temperature, so it can keep the room a few degrees cooler in summer or warmer in winter. 

What’s more, the polyester microfiber fabric is effective at muffling noises originating outside the home, such as cars and birds, making these curtains an apt choice for anyone who needs serious light-blocking capabilities or lives in a noisy area.

The Eclipse Fresno blackout curtain, which is ready to hang right out of the box, comes in a single pack, and you can choose from a selection of sizes to fit various window types. Although the curtain only comes in four neutral colors, its stylish grommet design uplifts any room with a modern look. It can also be cleaned in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. 

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BGment Blackout Curtains

The reasonably priced two-pack of BGment curtains comes in various sizes. Anyone who wants window treatments to match their decor will appreciate the selection of 27 color choices, including neutrals, pastels and bold hues. Shiny grommets give them a high-end look.

The quality material of these curtains insulates a room from heat and cold. Although they aren’t total blackout curtains, they expertly dim the effect of the sun while letting in just a little light. They’re also easy to keep clean thanks to the machine-washable design. 

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Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains

If you’re looking for protection against heat and cold while blocking outdoor light, consider the Utopia Bedding blackout curtains. Crafted of dense polyester material, they make a noticeable difference in room temperature control. 

This pair of curtains promotes sleep by blocking 85% to 95% of outdoor light, and the thick, opaque material adds a layer of privacy. You can choose from several sizes and 13 colors with these curtains.

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Rutterllow Blackout Curtains

Rutterllow curtains dim rather than block out light to make indoor areas more inviting. A selection of 19 colors allows most consumers to find a suitable hue for their room decor. We recommend choosing a darker shade if you prefer a higher level of darkening. You can select from several sizes as well. 

With an appealing price tag, Rutterllow blackout curtains come in packs of two. Each panel features attractive silver grommets, and the machine-washable polyester fabric makes cleaning a breeze. 

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Deconovo Blackout Curtains

White linings give these curtains a stylish look and dependable insulation that protects against heat and the sun’s UV rays. The linings, combined with a silver coating and tightly woven polyester fabric, block out most light and soften outdoor sounds. The grommet style looks great and makes the curtains easy to hang on rods

Like other curtains in this class, the Deconovo option comes in sets of two panels and a choice of sizes. Although they come in fewer colors than some competing brands, the 10 available hues, including sky blue, navy blue and red, are attractive and versatile. 

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Eclipse Fret Thermaback Lattice Blackout Curtain

Made by a top brand in blackout curtains, this distinctive panel features a stylish lattice pattern and eye-catching grommets, creating a focal point in any room. It’s available in four color choices and three sizes. 

The decorative appearance of the Eclipse curtain combines with a foam backing to block light and muffle noise. Despite this unique feature, the curtain can be laundered in a washing machine for easy care. It’s an ideal pick for people who want a functional yet fashionable blackout curtain. 

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Exclusive Fabrics & Furnishings Rod Pocket Blackout Curtain

While grommet-style blackout curtains are common, choices exist with other installation mechanisms as well. Made with a pole pocket, tabs and a hook belt, this curtain from Exclusive Fabrics & Furnishings works with different types of rods and rings. 

This elegant curtain provides moderate insulation and light blockage. It mutes outdoor light and is a good choice for those who don't want a total blackout effect. You can find it in 13 color choices and several sizes. Keep in mind that the fabric requires dry-cleaning to keep it looking its best. 

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Wayfair Basics Solid Blackout Grommet Single Curtain

Chances are you’ll find the right color to match your room decor with these curtains, available in 26 shades. The curtain features grommets and comes in a nice selection of sizes to fit different windows. While it doesn’t block out all light, it dims a room enough to keep out the sun’s bright rays. It also muffles outdoor noise. 

This curtain is easy to hang and a breeze to clean. You can place it in the washer on a gentle cycle to give it a quick refresh. 

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Gracie Oaks Olivia Signature Velvet Blackout Curtains

The luscious velvet material of these blackout curtains gives them a luxurious appearance. They block out most light while providing thermal protection and noise reduction. The rod pocket header with hook belt and back tabs makes them highly compatible with numerous curtain rods. 

This fashionable curtain comes in several sizes and 25 colors, making it a practical choice for just about any window and home decor. The special material requires dry-cleaning, which is common for high-end window dressings. 

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Expert Tip
I love customizing store-bought panels with decorative trim. You can stitch or glue decorative trim down the edge of a panel to match your decor and add some interest. Great trims are available online or in fabric stores.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

How we tested

After we researched blackout curtains and their features, we tested the Eclipse Fresno Modern Blackout Curtain to determine how it performed in the following areas. 

Setup 

  • Packaging: We examined the packaging and noted the feel of the fabric and weight upon opening it. We checked for wrinkles in the material and made sure it didn’t have any chemical odors from the manufacturing process. 
  • Installation: We tested the curtain to determine how easy it is to install on a curtain rod.

Appearance 

  • Size: We reviewed the size of the curtain panel to make sure it was even and met the advertised dimensions. 
  • Material: The material of a blackout curtain determines how well it blocks light and noise and provides thermal protection. We assessed the material to see if it allowed light to peek through. We also examined the seams to assess their quality and see if they gave the curtain a finished appearance. 
  • Style: In our assessment, we took a close look at the curtain’s aesthetic appearance.  We wanted to know if it looked nice when placed on a window and whether it would complement room decor. 

Effectiveness 

  • Light control: We scrutinized how well the Eclipse Fresno blocked window light at various times throughout the day. We also checked to see if light could be seen around the edges and corners of the curtain. 
  • Noise control: We evaluated how well the curtain reduced noises from the outside. 
  • Temperature control: In our testing, we examined how well the curtain was able to regulate room temperature.
  • Sleep: We explored whether the curtain’s light-blocking, sound-blocking and temperature-regulating features have the ability to improve sleep.

Choosing the right blackout curtains

Be sure that what you purchase are truly blackout curtains. There are a few other options that will do a similar job, but if you want to block out the most light possible, you want blackout curtains. 

Blackout curtains are manufactured by coating fabric with multiple layers of black foam, creating the blackout effect. A white or lighter-colored layer is then applied to the black layers. A two-pass blackout curtain is created with a layer of black foam and a lighter layer. A three-pass blackout curtain is created with two lighter-color layers of foam and a layer of black between them.

If you’re looking for curtains to match your room’s decor, go with the three-pass type. With two-pass blackout curtains, the black layer of foam may be seen through the fabric. Three-pass curtains have that additional white or lighter-color foam layer to cover up the black.

The only potential negative when considering blackout curtains is aesthetics. Due to their sturdy construction, they aren’t always pretty. While they come in solid colors and patterns, they have a tendency to look rather industrial. Many of the choices for solid colors tend to be neutral hues. Note that unless they are three-pass, patterned curtains tend to let in more light.

Consider the following types of curtains and their functions:

  • Light-filtering curtains are made with semi-opaque fabric. As the name suggests, they filter out a portion of the sunlight, letting in just a small amount. They can also insulate a room to some degree.
  • Blackout or blockout curtains prevent up to 100% of sunlight from entering a room.
  • Thermal curtains can block out sunlight, dampen sound and help reduce your energy costs. However, their primary function is to insulate your room, not block things out. 
  • Blackout liners can be added to your current curtains to achieve the light-blocking effect. This involves minimal work and usually a minimal price.
  • Room-darkening curtains give you darkness as well as privacy. They still allow in a sliver of light, meaning you’ll be able to navigate the room. Though similar to blackout curtains, room-darkening curtains don’t block 100% of the light.
Expert Tip
Instead of using the rod pocket on a panel, which can be hard to slide along a rod, consider adding clip-on rings so panels move more smoothly when you do want to let some light in.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

FAQ

Q. How much do blackout curtains cost? 

A. While you’ve most likely encountered blackout curtains in hotels, you can purchase your own from many of the same retailers that sell regular curtains. Like regular options, blackout curtain prices vary in price. You could pay as much as $500 for a large, elaborate set of blackout curtains and as little as $10 for just one panel. For a good set, expect to pay between $20 and $50 and possibly up to $100.

Q. Is it difficult to hang blackout curtains?

A. They are hung in basically the same manner as regular curtains. However, be sure that your blackout curtains extend a couple of inches beyond the window frame on all four sides to block as much light as possible. Using wraparound rods for the most thorough coverage. Keep in mind that, because these curtains are heavy, you’ll need a sturdy rod.

Q. Can blackout curtains really block out 100% of incoming light?

A. While many manufacturers claim their curtains block out 100% of outside light, this can’t actually be guaranteed. Experts say 100% is difficult to achieve, as light can leak in through the sides, top and bottom depending on how the curtains are hung. 

Q. Are blackout curtains machine-washable?

A. Most blackout curtains are machine-washable. However, as with any fabric, there is no hard-and-fast rule that they’re always machine-washable. Most likely they are, but before you actually buy them, read the label and packaging.

Q. How long do blackout curtains usually last?

A. Because these curtains are much heavier than regular curtains, they are generally thought to be more durable than regular curtains. As long as they’re made well, that durability should last five to 10 years or more.

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