The Best Editor-Tested Blackout Curtains You Can Buy Right Now

If you can’t get enough sleep, have a hefty electricity bill because of drafty windows, or prefer your room on the darker side, blackout curtains could be your new BFF. In addition to serving a variety of purposes — from blocking out noise to giving your room a decorative flair — the best blackout curtains will help you cut down on sleepless nights and, hopefully, even gain some energy back.

What’s more, blackout curtains will trap heat during the winter and hold in air-conditioned air during the warmer months, making sure your space is the optimal temperature. The Apartment Therapy team has many fans of this home essential, so we put a bunch to the test to find the very best blackout curtains. Find out which of the options we tried — from Quince to Pottery Barn to West Elm — is right for you.

What’s your main goal? Are you mostly interested in blocking out light or insulating your space? Are you hoping to use the blackout curtains on their own or to layer them behind sheer or decorative curtains? Do you want them to absorb outside noise as well? Take stock of your priorities and read on to discover how to find the best blackout curtains for your home.

First things first: Blackout curtains should be able to do as their name suggests and keep natural light from shining through. Beneficial for nurseries, home theaters, and your dream home in the Arctic Circle, blocking out light can help you and your family stay on consistent sleep schedules, let you enjoy movies sans glare, and even customize and redirect the lighting in your home.

Want to hang a piece of art or painting, but you’re afraid the noontime sunrays from the adjacent window may damage it over time? Blackout curtain. Have a fabulous accent wall you want to direct rays to during golden hour? Blackout curtain, drawn halfway.

It could be time to face the fact that your windows aren’t impenetrable shields between you and the outside world. Whether preventing cool winter drafts from creeping in or precious heat and AC from slipping out, blackout curtains add a weighted, usually thick layer of insulation. If this is your goal, consider curtains that fall to the floor, fully closing in around the window for optimal fortification (of your home and bank account — considering the money you’ll save on electricity bills).

Blackout curtains can also insulate your home from outside health hazards like seasonal allergens, urban pollution, and smoke.

That’s right — you can even use your curtains to block out or lessen outside noise. Not only does this add to their function in home theaters, but it can also mean the difference between a comfortable night’s sleep in your small city apartment and moving out of your urban abode entirely. Keep honking cars, music, and voices to a minimum without raising the volume of your sound machine, and keep your space as private as you like.

The material you’ll mostly see when it comes to blackout curtains is polyester or some sort of blend. It can be crafted to meet the specific needs of the curtain’s design and tailored to be more sound- and/or lightproof. Polyester can also yield durable and shiny velvets, among other luxe materials, for a beautiful look that’s also easily washable — essential if you’re simultaneously blocking out pollen or pollution.

Tip: If you have pets, especially cats, who like to claw at curtains, polyester and polyester blends are ideal for hiding or preventing snags.

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Products are free of harmful synthetics and dyes.
• Fair Trade Certified: Products are created in alignment with the economic standards in place for manufacturers to equitably distribute the benefits of ingredient, material, or product trade.

Curtains aren’t cheap, especially those of high quality or longer lengths. Polyester tends to bring the price down a bit, but expect to pay between $35 to upwards of $200 per panel for long, high-quality blackout curtains that will last. That said, this isn’t the case for our best budget-friendly pick (more on that below).

We tested a wide range of blackout curtains and judged them on the following criteria:

• Performance: Do they block light? Do they insulate heat and AC? Do they reduce outside noise or block pollutants?
• Appearance: Do they lend to a room’s decor? Are they something worth displaying proudly?
• Durability: Are they washable? Will they fade over time?

Forget draping big, dark curtains just for the sake of blocking light — SunZero’s Nordic Blackout Curtains allow you to keep the integrity of your space’s indoor lighting and decor scheme. They effectively block light no matter which color you choose — even pearl white. The all-polyester curtains are available in 15 colors and six sizes, making them a solid choice for any window. 

“Light had been disrupting both my boyfriend’s and my sleep patterns for months. He’d wake up way earlier than he meant to, and I’d struggle to fall asleep with our regular, non-blackout curtains,” says former deputy commerce editor Alicia. “The blackout curtains evened us out, and we’re no longer waking up exhausted due to too much light, whether it’s man-made or natural.”

“I was surprised by how stylish and lightweight the curtains were,” Alicia adds. “We have a flimsy curtain rod that was almost pulled down by the regular curtains, but Sun Zero’s don’t strain our tension rod.” The curtains have grommet holes, making them incredibly quick and easy to hang, and once they’re up, you immediately get the added bonus of up to 50% reduction of lost energy, up to 45% noise reduction, and, of course, 100% light blockage.

Read our full review of the Sun Zero Nordic Blackout Curtains.

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for affordable 100% blackout curtains, even with short windows.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% polyester
• Heading Style: Grommet
• Colors: 15 options
• Sizes: Six sizes, ranging from 52×54 inches to 52×120 inches
• Care: Machine washable on cold; tumble dry on low

Our budget-friendly pick — the Ecologee Total Blackout Curtains — is the real deal when it comes to achieving total blackout in any room without breaking the bank. In testing, AT contributor Kendall was so impressed by their ability to block natural light that she even draped a panel directly over a forcefully bright spotlight, which is a bulb that shouldn’t be looked at with the naked eye, and there wasn’t even a sparkle detectable behind it.

These aren’t any heavier than your average curtain — in fact, they may even be lighter — nor do they have that unappealing plasticky look or feel typical of inexpensive curtains. On the contrary, they are among the most attractive blackout curtains we tried. They are backed with an extremely thin and flexible layer of foam, which absorbs any and all light rays from behind while allowing the recycled polyester outer material to remain lighter in color.

Lastly, the rod pocket heading allows the curtains to work with your curtain rod’s design (especially if you have one made for blackout curtains) without giving way to any sneaky rays that can come through grommets or other heading styles.

Who It’s Best For: Those ready to invest in interior design-friendly blackout curtains; those who want a luxe-looking velvet; those who prefer rod pocket headings.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% recycled polyester
• Heading Style: Rod pocket 
• Colors: Four options
• Sizes: Three, ranging from 40×63 inches to 40×95 inches
• Care: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

Drafty windows are the enemy of anyone who loves a warm, cozy space in the winter. And if you invest in central heating, they can also be the enemy of your bank account. Whether or not you simply get chilly when you sleep, West Elm’s Worn Velvet Blackout Curtains are a saving grace during cold weather. These brushed, low-pile velvet curtains have sewn-in blackout liners and pleated rod pocket headings that give them a strikingly luxe appearance while allowing them to block heat from escaping.

After testing for a month in New York City’s winter, tester Kendall noticed that her space was significantly warmer without increasing the heat output. For those who enjoy the historical relic that is radiator heat and don’t get to choose the temperature, layering these blackout curtains over strategically opened or closed windows effectively lets you customize when and where you feel the warmest.

Kendall also noticed that the thick hem at the panel’s end creates a seal between the window and the floor, making floors warmer and more comfortable. The price of each panel is reflected in its weighty, plush, and glamorously robust look and feel. In testing, the curtains didn’t fade, shrink, wrinkle, or otherwise distort after multiple washes, which is necessary since the knit weave — gross as it may sound — collects quite a bit of the pollution from outside.

Who It’s Best For: Those ready to invest in interior design-friendly blackout curtains; those who want a luxe-looking velvet; those who prefer rod pocket headings.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% polyester
• Heading Style: Rod pocket or back tabs
• Colors: 10 options
• Sizes: Three, ranging from 48×84 inches to 48×108 inches
• Care: Machine wash cold; tumble dry on low

The best-selling Best Home Fashion Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains offer an elegant pop of color in five shades, from beige to blue. These energy-saving curtains are durable, machine washable, and easy to install. Plus, they’ll assist with preserving the temperature of your indoor space, which means you can rely less on cooling or heat and keep your energy bill from rising.

Since they come as a pair, these beautiful curtains can be used together or separately, depending on the size of your windows. That means you could save even more money in the long run. “I like the curtains! My roommates and I still want some light entering our living room, so we only have two out of three windows covered,” says former news and culture assistant editor Noella. “The neutral shade will essentially match anything, so I’m excited for them to pair well with whatever else we add to our shared space.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who want inexpensive curtains that effectively help to insulate temperature in their home.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% polyester
• Heading Style: Grommet
• Colors: 15 options
• Sizes: Three sizes, ranging from 52×54 inches to 52×96 inches
• Care: Machine washable

When it comes to blackout curtains, West Elm not only has ultra-stylish options, but highly effective ones as well. The Crossweave Blackout Curtains, which can be purchased individually or as a pair, are just one tried-and-true example. Fair Trade Certified and available in three neutral colors, the blackout curtains sport a subtle woven texture and have a sewn-in blackout lining. While the brand recommends the curtains for nurseries and bright bedrooms, they can also work in any room to tone down outside light and sound.

“The West Elm blackout curtains are hearty, plain, and functional. I was impressed by the thick material and neutral tones that complement any room. They completely darkened my room that has full sunlight and had a very straightforward setup,” says former email editor Carolyn. “I would say that the thickness is the biggest plus. Since I live in Los Angeles, the temperature regulation was less needed, but did help with the draft on colder days, which I was surprised by.”

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for blackout curtains that effectively insulate indoor temperatures; those looking for blackout curtains with a built-in liner; those who want multiple hanging options for their blackout curtains.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% polyester
• Heading Style: Rod pocket or back tabs
• Colors: Three options
• Sizes: Three sizes, ranging from 48×84 inches to 48×108 inches
• Care: Machine wash cold

If one of your fears is dragging down the feel of a room with heavy blackout curtains, you’re not alone. You’re also in luck because Quince has a solution in the form of the Raw Silk Room Darkening Curtain. This brand continues to be an editor- and reader-favorite at Apartment Therapy for bed blankets, bath towels, pillows, and even luggage. Now, blackout curtains can be added to the bunch. The Raw Silk Room Darkening Curtain is our pick for bedrooms and nurseries for multiple reasons, including but not limited to appearance, effectiveness, and room darkening options.

Available in four neutrals, from ivory to navy, the curtain features a raw silk top that gives it a soft and textured look that instantly elevates the room. “I wanted a light and airy look still, which is hard to achieve with blackout curtains, but the raw silk really gives that effect,” says social media director Rachel. “They definitely do block light very nicely and have a variety of options for hanging styles.”

You also have the choice of two types of liners. If total blackout isn’t your goal, you can select the 100% cotton light-filtering option for substantial room darkening. To go darker, the blackout liners have both a 100% cotton liner working in tandem with a 100% polyester liner to shield the room from unwanted light at any time of the day.

Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer blackout curtains with a lightweight appearance; those looking for curtains that are available in blackout and darkening styles.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% raw silk with dual 100% cotton and 100% polyester liners
• Heading Style: Rod pocket and back tabs
• Colors: Four options
• Sizes: Three sizes, ranging from 48×84 inches to 48×108 inches
• Care: Dry-clean only

Upgrading regular decorative curtains into blackout versions of themselves is as simple as pairing them with a compatible liner. Fortunately, Pottery Barn makes it super easy to find one. The Universal Blackout Curtain Liner, sold individually, can be used with ring, grommet, tab top, and fabric loops on a single rod. If you’re using a double rod, the liner can only accommodate pole top curtains. The liner comes with nine curtain hooks, and yes, it’s conveniently machine-washable.

“I am a longtime fan of Pottery Barn blackout curtains. My twins’ rooms have been outfitted with Pottery Barn Kids blackout curtains for over 10 years,” says ad operations director Valerie. “The Pottery Barn Universal Blackout Curtain Liner provides the same outstanding quality and durability with the added flexibility to use with your existing curtains. They are easy to install and work with a variety of drapery styles.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a blackout effect without needing to purchase new curtains.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% polyester
• Heading Style: Grommet, ring, tab top, and fabric loop
• Colors: One option
• Sizes: Three options, ranging from 49.5×80 inches to 49.5×104 inches
• Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle; tumble dry low

*Honorable Mention: If you need narrower blackout liners to pair with curtains you already love, the Best Home Fashion Vapor Other Blackout Curtain Liners could be for you. These triple-weave fabric liners earned top marks in light blockage and thickness suitable for blackout needs. Former senior commerce editor Ian says, “These are great. They match any aesthetic, were super easy to hang on a tension rod we already had, and they’re great for blocking light.” Read our full review here.

As experts in the home and design space, we put products to the test right where they matter: at home. Whether it’s the gadget on everyone’s wish list or the coolest-looking design finds, we bring these products into our personal spaces and test them for weeks and even months at a time to see how well they live up to their claims. Do those sheets still feel silky smooth after a couple of washes? Does that mattress remain firm or soften up too soon? Are those bath towels really quick drying or do they need an extra spin in the machine? We’ll let you know. 

Within each of our reviews, we also break down the different ways that we critique products. In some cases, we’re testing products head-to-head on things like price, ease of use, and durability. In others, we’re comparing new products to personal favorites or ones we’ve tested in the past. No matter what, we’ll always break down the ins and outs of a product. At the end of the day, we’re consumers, too, so we’ll provide you with all the information we’d want — and then some.

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