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Curtains usually handle three jobs. They shade a window, add a bit of privacy and dress up a room. Blackout curtains do all of that and then go a step further.
They are built to keep out nearly every trace of light, which puts you in charge of how bright a room gets. That control matters whether you want a truly dark bedroom or a living room dim enough for an ultra-short throw projector.
The best blackout curtains tend to use heavier fabric than ordinary ones, and that thickness is what stops the light. Some are woven with dark fibers that strengthen the effect even more.
One caution before you shop: not every blackout curtain blocks 100 percent of the light. Plenty of them stop most of it and let a little through, so read the details closely.
Extras are common too. Some panels insulate, which helps a room stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter. In the best case, that may be enough to let you put away the cooling sheets or the electric blanket.
Other panels carry a lining that absorbs sound, so street noise has a harder time getting inside.
Function is only half the story, because a curtain also has to suit the room. Think about how it looks, what it is made of, how easy it is to set up and how it hangs.
Here is a shopping tip. If you want a pair, make sure the listing actually includes two panels, since many of these curtains are sold one at a time.
Below are seven blackout curtains that give you real control over the light coming into your home.
Eclipse Thermal Liner: A Blackout Layer for Curtains You Already Own
Upsides
- Hooks onto the curtains you already have
- Cuts light well
- Works behind existing drapes or by itself
Downsides
- Runs too narrow for many windows
Available sizes: 27 x 92, 27 x 80 or 27 x 60 inches
Color: White
Fabric: Polyester
Hanging style: Drapery hooks, rod pocket
Panels per pack: 2
Maybe you own drapes you love and do not want to swap them out. In that case, a blackout liner lets you reinforce what you have instead of starting over.
This liner arrives as a set of two panels, and each panel is only 27 inches wide. It comes in three lengths, so tall windows and glass doors can probably be covered.
Be aware that the width runs narrow. Depending on your window, you may need a few sets and a little creativity to cover the whole thing.
Setup is easy, because the included hooks attach the liner directly to your current curtains. A rod pocket is built in as well, so you can hang the liner on its own if you prefer. Just know that it looks plain that way.
The liner cuts down on light, sound and heat in a meaningful way. It does not match the extreme performance of true blackout curtains, but it works and should be enough for most people.
Wayfair Basics Panel: Extra-Wide Coverage for Big Windows
Upsides
- Extra-wide panel
- Plenty of colors to pick from
- Pull wand included
Downsides
- Not as light-tight as some other options
Size: 84 x 100 inches
Color choices: 15
Fabric: Polyester
Hanging style: Grommets
Panels per pack: 1
Big windows and glass doors call for a wide curtain, and this one from Wayfair delivers. The panel measures 100 inches across.
It does not stop light as thoroughly as the Amazon Basics pair further down, and some shoppers may actually prefer that. No light-reduction percentage is listed. Still, the effect is clearly noticeable when you close it on a sunny day.
Even so, closing it makes the room properly dark, particularly at night. You can pretty much shut out street light and street noise for undisturbed sleep.
For an affordable curtain, it looks good, and it comes in 15 solid colors. It also glides open smoothly. Because of how large it is, though, it feels quite heavy.
Pony Dance Blackout Curtains: Sizes and Colors for Every Window
Upsides
- Cuts light effectively
- Offers both back-tab and rod-pocket hanging
- Heavy, durable feel
Downsides
- Only the darker colors keep light out well
Sizes: Many options, from 29 x 24 up to 52 x 108 inches
Colors: 28
Fabric: Polyester
Hanging style: Rod pocket, back tab
Pony Dance is the pick for shoppers who want lots of choice. With so many sizes and 28 colors, you can probably find a fit for every window in the house.
The seller recommends the darker shades for the best light blocking. Reviews suggest skipping the light colors entirely.
The gray panels perform well, giving a room a dark and private feel whenever you want it.
These are not 100 percent blackout, so expect a little light to get in, especially when the sun is at full strength. Outside noise is barely audible, which shows how well the curtains insulate a room.
The dual headings are a nice touch. With both a rod pocket and a back tab, you can hang the curtains whichever way you like.
The thick fabric also feels durable enough to last a long time.
Town & Country Luxe Catarina: A Blackout Panel Layered With a Sheer
Upsides
- The curtain and sheer layers together look classy
- Reduces light well
- Simple to hang
Downsides
- Falls short of full blackout
Sizes: 52 x 120, 52 x 108, 52 x 96, 52 x 84 and 52 x 63 inches
Colors: 11
Fabric: Polyester
Hanging style: Grommets
Panels per pack: 2
This set suits anyone who loves layered window treatments. It includes a light-blocking curtain plus a white sheer overlay.
The sheer on top gives the pair a softer, breezier look than typical blackout drapes. The sateen-like finish adds to the decorative feel.
The maker rates the fabric Opacity 3, which sits just below full blackout, so some light still gets through. In practice, it is opaque enough to stop most light, likely 85 percent or higher. A room can stay very dark even at midday.
Color makes a difference here, as it does with other blackout curtains. Darker shades stop more light than lighter ones, so factor that into your pick. Black pearl is among the 11 options.
Amazon Basics Darkening Curtains and Their Velcro Tie-Backs
Upsides
- Stops light effectively
- Velcro tie-backs included
- Looks good for what you pay
Downsides
- The tie-backs are not attached to the panels
Sizes: 52 x 84 and 52 x 96 inches
Colors: 4
Fabric: Polyester
Hanging style: Rod pocket (grommets on some versions)
Panels per pack: 2
These curtains include Velcro tie-backs. Wrap one around a panel to open the curtain partway and let some light in.
The ties are not attached to the curtain, so you will probably lose them at some point.
Light blocking is excellent. It is not 100 percent, but it comes close, so a room stays dark during the day.
Some light does slip through the gap between the two panels. Pick the width that suits your specific windows.
We strongly recommend the rod-pocket version, because it looks much nicer. The grommet style resembles a shower curtain a little.
IKEA Majgull: Heavy-Duty Darkness in Four Dark Shades
Upsides
- Excellent at keeping light out
- Insulates well
- Heavy, substantial feel
Downsides
- Few sizes and colors to choose from
Sizes: 57 x 98 or 57 x 84 inches
Colors: Four, all darker shades
Fabric: Polyester
Hanging style: Rod pocket, back tabs
Panels per pack: 2
Light-blocking power is the main attraction here. Practically no light passes through the fabric.
The only brightness in the room seems to sneak in around the edges.
The Majgull also insulates well, so it can help you manage a room’s temperature all year. It dampens some noise as well, although cars outside are still audible.
Looks are not its strong suit. The curtains are not especially pretty, but they get the job done, so shoppers who want a more premium style may prefer to look elsewhere.
It comes in two lengths and four dark colors. Each panel weighs over four pounds.
Pottery Barn Peace & Quiet: A Dense Curtain That Shuts Out Light and Noise
Upsides
- No light passes through the fabric
- Three ways to hang it
- Oeko-Tex certified
Downsides
- Pricey
- Just two colors
Sizes: 50 x 108, 59 x 96 or 50 x 94 inches
Colors: 2
Fabric: Polyester
Hanging style: Rod pocket, back tabs, ring tops
Panels per pack: 1
This curtain feels very dense, which raises high hopes for its light blocking. It delivers: the fabric is literally pitch black, apart from the light that enters at the edges.
To keep every last bit out, find a way to secure the panel flush to the wall.
A fair amount of noise gets filtered out as well, and the panel insulates the room at the same time. That makes it a veritable shield of a window treatment.
The textured look is another plus.
Three heading options come with it: a rod pocket, back tabs and ring tops. You can hang it however you like. The rod pocket is the one we recommend, because it minimizes the light that seeps through the cracks.
The one wish is for more colors. Only two hues are offered, which limits your decorating options.
Liam Henderson
Turning an obsession with deep research into guides that actually make sense is what keeps me up at night. I focus on stripping away the online noise so you get clear, actionable insights you can actually use, without having to dig through pages of fluff.