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The struggle to stay asleep or fall into deep sleep during daylight hours is real, especially if you work nights (and snooze during the day), you're a parent, you love sleeping in on weekends, or you're just an avid napper (no judgment!). Your circadian rhythm isn't really programmed to sleep when the sun's out, so if you find your sleep interrupted once a ray of sunlight hits your window, we have two words: Blackout curtains.
Also known as "room-darkening curtains," they're hands-down the best way to block outside light so you can sleep like a baby no matter the time of day. "Darkness plays a crucial role in regulating sleep because it signals to our brains that it’s time to produce melatonin, the hormone that helps control our sleep-wake cycle," says Christiane Lemieux, a renowned designer and founder of modern luxury home furnishings brand Lemieux et Cie. "When exposed to darkness, melatonin levels rise, making us feel sleepy and promoting deep, restorative sleep." Countless studies back this up.
Best blackout curtains
The best blackout curtains provide the right level of room darkening for your room or preferred sleep space. Some guarantee 100 percent light-blocking, while others block most light. There is no one best type—it's all about your personal preference. Because of the construction common to most blackout curtains (many are built with a liner or foam backing), they often have the added benefit of thermal regulation, too. This helps reflect sunlight and heat to keep your room cooler in the summer, and blocks drafts to keep your home warmer in the winter. Noise-blocking is another typical benefit that can help stop unwanted sounds from getting in or out.
What to consider
Like cotton sheets, bath towels, and other soft goods, blackout curtains seem deceptively simple. Picking the first set you find online seems like a quick fix for your tired eyes, but not all are made equal. Options range in price, color, fabric, length, and added features, like temperature control and noise-blocking. But there are a few key things to look for when shopping for your own. These are the most important:
Size and color
It might seem obvious, but you'll want to make sure whatever curtains you're shopping for are available in a size and colorway that match your particular space. If not, none of the other points here matter. Remember, though, that if you find a model you love, but it's unavailable in the size you need, tailoring or hemming is always an option.
Material
As with all curtains, blackout curtains are available in a wide variety of fabrics and materials. Ultimately, "blackout curtains need to be thick and high-quality in order to work," says Courtney Cole, an interior designer at Australian home design company TileCloud. "High-density fabrics like polyester or microfiber are ideal for light-blocking (and last a long time as a bonus!)." Polyester is the most popular, but here are the most common and the pros/cons of each:
- Polyester: This synthetic fiber is the most widely used in blackout/room-darkening curtains. Even if it's not the main fiber, it's often used as a liner or backing to provide a full blackout effect. That's because it's durable, inexpensive to manufacture, and can be woven very tightly to achieve any opacity in curtains (up to and including complete light-blocking).
- Cotton: Cotton is warm (visually and literally), natural, and almost always more luxurious looking than polyester and other synthetics. It's often blended with polyester for a more affordable curtain that darkens better than pure cotton alone.
- Linen: Linen is timeless, classic, and airy—often too airy to stand on its own as a room-darkening curtain fabric. That's why it's often backed with an opaque liner or backing for maximum blackout.
Fixture compatibility
Like all curtains, blackout curtains rely on a specific fixture type for hanging. The most common are grommet, rod pocket, or hanging rings/clips. Be sure to look for products that are compatible with your existing or preferred fixture type.
Opacity
Opacity refers to the amount of light a curtain can block. Full light-blocking curtains are often referred to as "blackout curtains," while "room darkening" curtains typically block out some or most light, but not necessarily all. The right opacity for you depends on your sleep habits, including just how dark you like your room for sleeping and potentially the time of day you most often sleep.
Finally, Cole adds that design is always a consideration. But there are no strict rules. "Choose a material that makes sense for the space," she says. "Color-wise, neutrals are a safe pick, but if a bold and dramatic color makes you happy, go with that."
How we selected
To find the best blackout curtains for every sleep style, room type, and home decor, the WH team consulted several experts and professional designers, plus asked our team of testers and in-house editors for feedback on the brands they love. We researched and thoroughly vetted every curtain to consider fabrics, available sizes, fixture types, design, price, and, of course, how well they actually darkened our space. No matter what type of blackout curtain you're looking for, this final list includes something for everyone.
Read on for our roundup of the best blackout curtains worth buying in 2024, according to designers and editors.
Best Overall
Sun Zero Nordic Theater Grade Extreme Blackout Grommet Curtain (Pair)
Now 37% Off
Pros
Sleek, modern design with smooth-gliding grommets- Complete blackout opacity
- Thick, luxe-feeling fabric
- Great for blocking out heat during the summer
- Available in more than a dozen colorways
Cons
- Price varies widely based on colorway
- Only one hanging option (grommet)
Polyester is still our go-to pick as the best fabric for blackout curtains, and the Nordic Theater Grade Extreme from Sun Zero is a perfect example of why. Over the past few months, we tested dozens of blackout and room-darkening curtains, and this set is our hands-down favorite for its luxurious fabric, designer good looks, surprisingly affordable price tag, and ability to block out all light.
The fabric has a nice, thick, heavy hand feel that's more luxurious than most other curtains we've tested, especially those made from polyester and other synthetics. That thickness guarantees a complete blackout design with zero light leakage. We also found that the thickness ensured that this curtain was better than most at blocking out heat and sunlight—great for regulating room temperature in the height of summer. After months of testing, our team agreed these panels were a near-perfect blend of good looks, great feel, and full light-blocking capability.
What further sets this curtain apart is the price. It's more affordable than most, with each pair costing less than most single-panel blackout curtains from other, more premium brands. Plus, it's available in almost two dozen colorways, from basics like black and beige to bolder options like gold and orange. So, it's easy to find one that matches your existing home decor.
Our only real gripe is the single hanging option (grommet), compared to several of our other top picks, which offer two, even three, options for maximum versatility.
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| Available Sizes | Available in seven sizes, from 52 x 54 in. to 52 x 120 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester |
| Fixture Compatibility | Grommet |
| Opacity | Full blackout |
Pros
- Amazing price
- Featherweight design is lighter than most traditional curtains
- Solid thermal and sound insulation
- Durable, 100% recycled construction
- Machine-washable for easy maintenance
Cons
- Limited size and color selection
If budget is your deciding factor, we love this simple blackout curtain from SUN+BLK. The lightly textured design gives it a more luxurious, high-quality look and hand feel than we'd expect at this price point. Thanks to a thin foam backing, the 100 percent recycled polyester construction is ultra-lightweight (lighter than many ordinary curtains we've previously tested!), yet it delivers complete blackout bliss. Bonus: That design also makes for decent thermal and sound insulation, too.
Our only real gripe is the limited selection of sizes (there are only three) and colors (just five). But, the best part? The price. It's more affordable than almost any other blackout curtain we can honestly recommend in 2024. If budget is your deciding factor, this panel is a solid buy!
| Available Sizes | Available in three sizes, from 40 x 63 in. to 40 x 95 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% recycled polyester |
| Fixture Compatibility | Rod pocket |
| Opacity | Full blackout |
Pros
- Velvet construction feels rich and luxurious
- Sewn-in liner fully blocks out all light
- Great color selection
- Sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturing
- Two built-in hanging options (rod pocket or back tabs)
Cons
- Only three sizing options
Most experts, including Cole, recommend heavy, dense fabrics, especially for curtains with true blackout capability. The velvet construction of this best-selling curtain from West Elm fits the bill, plus it looks and feels ultra-luxurious to boot. It's a design that's guaranteed to elevate the aesthetic of any room.
"Their velvet texture feels fancy while still effectively blocking out light," says Cole. "These curtains are on the slightly pricier side, but they're a no-brainer choice for those wanting a premium product." If you're looking for maximum light-blocking and premium good looks, this curtain is definitely worth the splurge. Bonus: It comes with dual hanging options for compatibility with rod pockets or back tabs.
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| Available Sizes | 48 x 84 in., 48 x 96 in., 48 x 108 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Fixture Compatibility | Rod pocket or back tabs |
| Opacity | Full blackout |
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Best (Faux) Linen Curtain
H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Linen Thermal Insulated Window Curtain (Pair)
Pros
- More luxurious look and hand feel than most synthetics
- Excellent thermal regulation
- Great price
- Available in more than a dozen colorways
Cons
- Not quite as handsome or high-quality as genuine linen
This faux linen, thermal blackout curtain from H.VERSAILTEX combines the luxurious look and hand feel of all-natural linen with the intense light-blocking and thermal-regulating properties of synthetic fibers. The result is a curtain that looks great on the rod while providing near-100 percent blackout capability. The design also blocks drafts in the cold months and keeps heat out in the summer—both significantly better than pure linen alternatives.
It's also priced better than genuine linen, so it's far more affordable, making this a great option if you're looking to decorate a large room with multiple windows. With dozens of color options, it's easy to find a colorway that matches your decor.
| Available Sizes | Available in six sizes, from 52 x 45 in. to 52 x 108 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Faux linen |
| Fixture Compatibility | Grommet |
| Opacity | 10% |
Pros
- 100% certified European Flax linen looks and feels luxurious
- Available in several tasteful, upscale colorways
- Ultra-clean hems provide a tailored designer look
- Three built-in hanging options add maximum versatility
Cons
- A little pricey relative to our other top picks
We love genuine linen for window treatments that exude a high-end natural aesthetic, feel great, and look gorgeous in virtually any room. When paired with an opaque backing, like this panel from CB2, it's a near-perfect material for blackout curtains. "This option has the breezy linen aesthetic with a blackout lining that ensures total darkness," says Cole. "It's a popular choice for those wanting a stylish and somewhat affordable option."
It's only available in a handful of colorways, but in true CB2 fashion, they're all tasteful and upscale. Also true to the brand is the relatively premium price tag (compared to others in our roundup). But we agree with Cole that this is an option that's worth a little splurge. Plus, we love the three built-in hanging options, which make this panel compatible with almost any window treatment setup right out of the box.
| Available Sizes | 48" x 84", 48" x 96", 48" x 108", 48" x 120" |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% certified European Flax linen with a 100% polyester lining |
| Fixture Compatibility | Rod pocket, back tab, or drapery hook |
| Opacity | Full blackout |
Pros
- Perfect size for shorter windows
- Thick fabric also dampens unwanted sound
- Good color selection to easily match a wide range of decors
- Very affordable
Cons
- Don't look or feel quite as premium as our other picks
For basem*nts, garages, or any other space with half-height windows where you need a little extra "dark," this shorter curtain set is an excellent near-blackout solution. The 36-inch height is perfect for low-profile windows in private home theater setups, sunken dens, basem*nt workout rooms, and more.
The polyester faux silk fabric is unique among the other options in our roundup. It looks and feels more luxurious than the (dirt-cheap) price tag should allow. With more than a dozen available colorways, from neutrals like black, white, and dark gray to bolder options like yellow, gold, and red, it's easy to find an option that perfectly matches your current decor. Unlike many of the full-blackout picks we recommend, this set blocks out 70 percent of light, making it ideal for rooms other than the bedroom where you might not need or want complete darkness.
What further sets this set apart is the price. It's the cheapest option in our roundup, giving you the option of outfitting an entire space for a couple of hundred dollars, tops.
Read more: Best Cooling Sheets
| Available Sizes | Only 54 in. W x 36 in. L |
|---|---|
| Material | Faux silk (polyester) |
| Fixture Compatibility | Grommet |
| Opacity | 30% |
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Pros
- Heavy polyester construction with full-blackout capability
- Included tie-back loops
- Durable and machine-washable
- Great bang for your buck
Cons
- Tie-backs aren't connected to the panels
- Limited color selection
We're big fans of all things Amazon Basics, and this two-panel curtain set is no exception. Despite the limited color selection, the simple, goes-with-anything aesthetic adds a very approachable price tag, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers. Each panel features hidden rear-hanging loops for a clean, modern pleated look. Every set includes two 100 percent polyester panels with a full-blackout coating, so they're ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and any room where you need serious darkening.
This is the only set in our roundup to offer included velcro tie-backs. Our only gripe is that they're not connected to the panels, which is slightly disappointing as that makes them easy to lose on laundry day. Still, for the price (just a fraction of our most premium picks), it's hard to complain.
| Available Sizes | 52 x 63 in., 52 x 84 in., 52 x 96 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% polyester |
| Fixture Compatibility | Available in rod pocket, grommet, or hanging loop options |
| Opacity | Full blackout |
Meet the experts
- Christiane Lemieux is a renowned designer, artist, bestselling author, investor, entrepreneur, and founder of modern luxury brand Lemieux et Cie.
- Courtney Cole is an interior designer at Australian home design company TileCloud.
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Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.
