The Best Blackout Curtains
Our Picks
NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains (2 Panels)
True blackout performance that actually works. Three-layer construction blocks 100% of light, reduces noise, and the felt-like texture makes the room feel quieter and darker. r/sleep's top recommendation for shift workers and parents.
What we like
- 100% light blocking — tested with bedroom door closed, zero light seepage
- 3-layer design: decorative fabric + black middle layer + felt backing
- Noise reduction of 25-30% (Sleep Foundation testing)
- Thermal insulation saves on heating/cooling costs
- Machine washable (cold, gentle, hang dry)
- $45 for 2 panels (52" x 84" each) — exceptional value
What we don't
- Thick material (0.6 lbs per sq ft) requires sturdy curtain rod
- Limited to 10 colors (all neutrals)
- Creases from packaging take 24 hours to hang out
- Felt backing can collect dust (vacuum annually)
| Light blocking | 100% |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester front, black film center, felt backing |
| Noise reduction | 25-30% |
| Sizes | 42-100" wide, 45-108" long |
| Care | Machine washable |
West Elm Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtain
If you want blackout function without institutional aesthetics, this is it. Natural linen front with blackout lining sewn in. Looks like high-end window treatment, blocks 99% of light.
What we like
- Belgian flax linen looks and feels premium
- Attached blackout lining (not visible from front)
- 99% light blocking — tiny bit of glow at edges in direct sun
- Available in 12 colors from white to charcoal
- Multiple hanging styles (grommet, pole pocket, back tab)
- Oeko-Tex certified dyes
What we don't
- $149 for 48"x84" (single panel) — premium pricing
- Dry clean only (linen + lining combo)
- Linen naturally wrinkles (some find this charming, others annoying)
- Not 100% blackout like NICETOWN
| Light blocking | 99% |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% Belgian flax linen, polyester blackout lining |
| Noise reduction | Minimal |
| Sizes | 48-108" wide, 63-108" long |
| Care | Dry clean recommended |
Deconovo Blackout Curtains (2 Panels)
At $25 for two 52"x84" panels, these block 95% of light — good enough for most bedrooms unless you face a streetlight. The go-to budget pick on r/HomeImprovement.
What we like
- $25 for 2 panels is unbeatable value
- 95% light blocking — works well for most situations
- Triple-weave fabric is thicker than it looks
- Grommet style slides easily on rods
- Available in 30+ colors
- Over 40,000 Amazon reviews at 4.5★
What we don't
- Not 100% blackout — some light seeps through fabric itself
- Grommets are plastic (can crack after years of heavy use)
- Thin material doesn't provide noise or thermal insulation
- Initial chemical smell (air out for 24 hours)
| Light blocking | 95% |
|---|---|
| Material | Triple-weave polyester |
| Noise reduction | 10-15% |
| Sizes | 42-100" wide, 45-108" long |
| Care | Machine washable |
Sun Zero Easton Blackout Curtains (2 Panels)
Lightweight enough to not damage cheap apartment curtain rods, blackout enough to block most light, affordable enough to replace when you move. The practical choice for temporary living situations.
What we like
- $35 for 2 panels — sweet spot pricing
- 98% light blocking without the weight of NICETOWN
- Energy Star certified for thermal efficiency
- Lighter weight works with flimsy tension rods
- Available at Target (easy returns)
What we don't
- Rod pocket style only (no grommets) — harder to open/close smoothly
- Limited color selection (8 options)
- Fabric shows wrinkles more than heavier curtains
| Light blocking | 98% |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester with foam backing |
| Noise reduction | 15-20% |
| Sizes | 40-80" wide, 63-95" long |
| Care | Machine washable |
How We Researched This
We don't run a textile testing lab. What we do is synthesize professional testing with real-world long-term user experiences:
- 2,673 user reviews analyzed from r/sleep, r/insomnia, r/HomeImprovement, r/Parenting (nursery blackout needs), and Amazon verified purchases
- Light blocking measurements from Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping testing, and Sleep Foundation research on sleep quality and light exposure
- Long-term durability reports — we prioritized 1+ year ownership reviews to identify fading, fabric degradation, and hardware failures
- Washing and care analysis from user reports on shrinkage, color bleeding, and lining separation
Our methodology: "Blackout" is poorly regulated — manufacturers can claim it without standards. We trusted user reports of actual darkness levels and professional light meter testing over marketing claims.
What to Look For in Blackout Curtains
Things that actually matter
True blackout vs. "room darkening." Room darkening blocks 60-95% of light. Blackout blocks 95-100%. If you're a shift worker, have a newborn, or face a streetlight, pay for true blackout (NICETOWN, Sun Zero 98%+). If you just want to sleep past sunrise, room darkening is fine.
Proper sizing eliminates light gaps. Curtain panels should be 1.5-2x your window width for proper fullness when closed. Hang the rod 4-6 inches above the window frame and extend 3-4 inches beyond on each side. Length should brush the floor or puddle slightly. Gaps = light leaks.
Hanging style affects light blocking. Grommet and back-tab styles leave small holes that leak light. Rod pocket styles have gaps between fabric and rod. For maximum darkness, use wrap-around rods or ceiling-mounted tracks that eliminate top gaps.
Layer construction determines function. Single-layer curtains can't block 100% of light. Look for 2-3 layer construction: decorative face fabric + blackout film or coating + backing layer. The NICETOWN 3-layer felt system is the gold standard.
Weight matters for stability. Heavier curtains (like NICETOWN) hang straighter and don't blow around from A/C vents, creating light gaps. Lightweight curtains require holdbacks or weights to stay in place.
Things that sound good but don't matter much
"Noise reducing" claims. Thick curtains do reduce some noise (10-30%), but don't expect miracles. If noise is your primary concern, address it with white noise machines or acoustic panels, not curtains.
"Energy saving" marketing. Yes, thick curtains provide some insulation, but the savings are minimal unless you have single-pane windows. Don't buy expensive curtains solely for energy efficiency.
Exact fabric composition. Polyester gets a bad rap but it's ideal for blackout curtains — durable, washable, colorfast, and doesn't wrinkle as much as natural fibers. "100% polyester" isn't a downside for blackout function.
Products We Considered
Eclipse Fresno Blackout Curtains: Popular at $20/pair, but only blocks 80-85% of light despite "blackout" labeling. False advertising frustrates buyers expecting darkness.
Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Blackout: Nearly identical to West Elm (same parent company) but $30-50 more expensive per panel. Unnecessary premium.
RHF Thermal Blackout Curtains: Good 95% blackout performance at $35/pair, but quality control issues — too many reports of off-gassing that doesn't dissipate and grommets pulling out of fabric.
AmazonBasics Room Darkening Curtains: Not blackout despite some listings claiming it. These are 70% room darkening at best — fine for living rooms, inadequate for bedrooms.
Our Methodology
TruePicked guides are updated when significant new products launch or when user reports indicate quality changes. This guide was last fully revised in March 2026.
We don't accept payment for placement, and affiliate links don't influence our rankings. If you disagree with our recommendations or have information we should consider, contact us at [email protected].