The 8 Best Blackout Curtains to Buy in 2018

• 01 of 08

  Best Overall: Nicetown Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains

  Excellent

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  Available in two lengths (42” x 63” and 42” x 84”) and 16 solid colors from bright to neutral, the Nicetown Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains are made of three different layers of microfiber fabric to block sunlight and provide thermal insulation. Reviews praise them for truly blocking out sunlight and find the decorative outer layer of fabric to have a soft, satin-y appearance. The grommet top with 1.6” diameter will fit standard-sized curtain rods and stand up well to heavy use. Each package contains two curtain panels. These panels are machine washable and dryable (cold water and low heat) and can stand up to quick ironing or steam cleaning. The set includes two curtain panels.

• 02 of 08

  Runner-Up, Best Overall: Deconovo Grommet-Top Blackout Curtains

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  Available in six sizes (42 ”x 63”, 23” x 84”, 42” x 95”, 52” x 63”, 52” x 84” and 52” x 95”) and more than 20 solid-color options, Deconovo’s Blackout Curtain panels each includes four 100% polyester layers of material: One for blackout, one for thermal insulation (to reflect sunlight), and two for a decorative finish on the front and back. Reviewers love the near-complete blackout properties, especially for blocking light during the day due to a noticeable difference in room temperatures when the curtains are in use and even a reduction in street noise while using the curtains. The grommet-style (1.6” interior measurement) hanging mechanism works well in modern homes and stands up to heavy use. The set includes two curtain panels.

• 03 of 08

  Best Rod Pocket: AmazonBasics Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Set with Tie Backs

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  Offered in nine colors (mostly neutrals and a few shades of blue) and three lengths (52” x 63”, 52” x 84” and 52” x 96”), the AmazonBasics Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Set with Tie Backs are styled in a more traditional way, with an integrated pocket to thread the curtain rod through that creates a ruffle at the top of the curtain. The set includes two Velcro tie-backs to pull back the curtains when not in use. These curtains are made from 100% polyester and are woven with triple-weave technology to achieve the blackout effect with a single layer of fabric, for a softer effect than you get from multi-layered curtains. They are machine washable (but not dryable). Reviewers love the thick fabric and total light-blocking. The set includes two curtain panels.

• 04 of 08

  Best Jacquard: Royal Hotel Willow Jacquard Blackout Window Curtain Panels

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  Available in 10 colors and five sizes (84” x 63”x, 84” x 84”, 84” x 96”, 84” x 108”, and 84” x 120), the Royal Hotel Willow Jacquard Blackout Window Curtain Panels are made of 100% polyester with a textured decorative panel with a satin-look finish. Behind the decorative fabric, a foam layer blocks light and offers thermal insulation. The panels comes with a set of two and are machine washable. The panels have stands 1.6” opening grommets for hanging. Reviewers like the formal look of the curtain panels but warn that they can be damaged with a high-heat iron.

  Continue to 5 of 8 below.
• 05 of 08

  Best Dual-Layer: Best Home Fashion Tulle Sheer Lace & Blackout Curtain Set

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  Available one length (52” x 84”) and 27 colors, the Best Home Fashion Mix & Match Tulle Sheer Lace & Blackout Curtain Set actually comes with four panels in each set: Two blackout drapes in your selected color or pattern, plus two sheer drapes that can either be layered over the blackout panels for a romantic effect, or added alongside the panels to have variable light coverage. All four panels have bronze grommet with the standard 1.6” diameter. The blackout panels are made of a single layer of triple-weave 100% polyester fabric, which weaves black thread inside the fabric to get the blackout effect. The panels are machine washable. Reviewers were impressed with the light-blocking ability and like the effect of the tulle lace sheers.

• 06 of 08

  Best Patterned: FlamingoP Ikat Fret Grommet Blackout Window Curtain Panels

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  Possibly the most stylish of the bunch, FlamingoP Ikat Fret Grommet Blackout Window Curtain Panels are available in two patterns (Quatrefoil and Ikat Fret), 13 colorways, three curtain panel sizes (52” x 63”, 52” x 84” and 52” x 96”) and a valance. While not 100% light-blocking (manufacturer tests found 75% to 92% light blocking, with darker panels blocking more light, and reviewers reported the same), the curtain panels are made from a single layer of 100% polyester fabric. They are machine-washable and come in a set of two with the standard 1.6” opening for the grommet hangers.

• 07 of 08

  Best Kids: Target Pillowfort Cloud Print Twill Light Blocking Curtain Panel

  

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  Available in gender-neutral grey and white cloud print and three lengths (42” x 63”, 42” x 84” and 42” x 95”), the Target Pillowfort Cloud Print Twill Light Blocking Curtain Panel has a decorative layer of polyester and cotton-blend fabric backed by light-blocking form. The curtain is machine-washable and blocks a significant amount of light, though the manufacturer does not claim 100% light blocking. Note that these panels are sold individually, rather than in sets like most decorative blackout curtain panels — most windows will require two curtain panels. Reviewers find the material thick and sturdy and like the cute print.

• 08 of 08

  Best Travel: Dream Art Portable Blackout Blinds Curtain with Suction Cups

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  Available in two colors (black and blue) and a single size (51” x 72”), the Dream Art Portable Blackout Blinds Curtain with Suction Cups is meant for use in hotel rooms, dorm rooms or in any room where you do not want to install permanent curtain hardware. The package comes with a single curtain panel. The curtain panel rimmed with suction cups to adhere to the window you’re covering and includes Velcro strips to adjust the size of the curtain to fit the window. While the curtain does not claim 100% blackout, reviewers are very satisfied with the light blockage and portability of the curtain (it weighs 1.1 pounds and comes with a travel bag). Unlike some of the other curtains, this panel is not meant to be decorative but more of a temporary solution. Reviewers also say that the suction cups work best when you follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean the surface they’re sticking to first.   

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Products Tested by

How We Tested

Our reviewers spent 144 hours testing one of our readers’ favorite blackout curtains. They installed the curtains in their own bedrooms and made sure to sleep in to see how well they really blocked sunlight. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these blackout curtains, from their material to their effectiveness. We've outlined the key points here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.

What to Look for in Blackout Curtains

Blackout vs. room darkening Though both types of curtains sufficiently block light, blackout curtains will keep the room as dark as possible. Consider room-darkening curtains for kids’ rooms, since a completely dark environment during naps can upset their circadian rhythm.

Installation To make sure that blackout curtains function properly, measure a few inches beyond the window frame and use a wraparound rod.

Colors and fabric Despite the name, blackout curtains come in a wide variety of colors — including white. Fabric options are limitless too. Polyester and other synthetic materials are typically more budget friendly than linen or cotton.

Test Results: Nicetown Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains (Best Overall)

Excellent

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What We Like

• Easy installation

• Durable material

• Effective at light blocking

What We Don't Like

• Cheap-looking rivets

• Color darker than advertised

Installing these curtains was a breeze for our testers. “Because of the large grommet openings at the top of the curtains,” one reviewer explained, “I was able to slide my current curtains out and string these in and have them ready for use within seconds.” Plus, once set up, the curtains proved to be very effective. “I was able to actually sleep in on certain days with the blackout curtains up,” reported one tester. “This would be virtually impossible with the amount of light that comes in during the morning hours.” On the other hand, our testers felt that the curtains’ metal rivets looked “cheap,” and one reviewer reported that the navy blue color she received was darker than the one displayed online. “It wasn’t a deal breaker for me,” she said, “but I can see people being misled by this and being upset if they’re looking for a particular shade.”