Blackout curtains, like all curtains, can offer privacy and add a little style to your windows serve a similar purpose—but they're made for a slightly different purpose. Constructed out of thicker material or woven with special dark fibers, blackout curtains block out incoming light, keeping rooms (like your bedroom) shielded against light, heat, cold, and noise.
In hopes of achieving a better night's sleep, we put 11 blackout curtains to the test at home. We hung a variety of different shades over our bedroom windows to assess just how well they could keep light, sound, and temperature changes from interrupting our sound sleep. From the thickness and appearance of the curtains to their ease of installation and effectiveness, we considered every last detail.
After this rigorous testing (and a missed alarm clock), we can say that these are the best blackout curtains for bedrooms, living rooms, nurseries, home theaters, and any other space in your home.
Now Testing! We are currently testing Quince's European Linen Blackout Curtain. We will provide an update on our testing findings soon.
Our Top Picks
Best Budget:
Best with Tie-Backs:
Best for Home Theater:
Best for Patio Doors:
Wayfair Basics Solid Blackout Thermal Grommet Patio Door Single Curtain Panel at Wayfair$29
What We Like
Easy to hang
Excellent at blocking light
Multiple colors available
Textured weave
What We Don't Like
Dry-clean only
Colors don’t always match
Of the 11 sets of blackout curtains we tested, the Better Homes & Gardens Grommet Blackout Curtain Panel wowed us the most. (Better Homes & Gardensis owned byThe Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) This option is easy to hang, comes in multiple sizes and colors, and earned a perfect score for every attribute we considered during testing, including effectiveness, design, quality, and value.
Out of the package, this blackout curtain impressed us with its soft, heavy fabric. It didn’t feel stiff or rigid like some other options, and it has a textured weave that adds aesthetic appeal. The only downside is the fact that these blackout curtains are dry-clean only, so you can’t throw them in the washer when it’s time for curtain cleaning.
The heading of the curtain has grommets rather than a curtain rod pocket. While a rod pocket can often do a better job of keeping light from passing through, we didn’t experience any light filtration from the curtain or its grommets. The curtain blocked all light from the window, including from a nearby street lamp.Plus, based on our window installation, we found that the grommets made it particularly quick and easy to hang the curtain.
The Better Homes & Gardens Grommet Blackout Curtain Panel can be ordered in various standard curtain widths and lengths. You can pick from solid colors like black, gray, blue, or cream, although if you plan to order multiples, it’s worth noting that some slight differences in shade have been noted. All things considered, we highly recommend this affordable blackout curtain because of its quality, performance, and value.
Dimensions: Options ranging from 50 x 63 inches to 50 x 108 inches | Material: 83 percent polyester, 17 percent rayon | Heading: Grommets | Number of Panels: 1
What We Like
Dozens of size and color combinations
Lightweight material that is easy to maneuver
Same material on both sides of curtain
Sold in a set of two panels
What We Don't Like
Lighter colors don’t block all incoming light
These blackout curtains are basic, affordable, and functional. When testing the NICETOWN Blackout Curtains, we were thrilled to find that the soft, lightweight material of the curtain doesn’t give off a utilitarian impression. At the same time, they are functional and versatile.
The woven, three-layer design of these curtains utilizes a middle layer of black yarn for blocking light. We tested a light, neutral shade and found that the curtains didn’t stop all incoming light; according to the manufacturer, the darker colors are more effective. We were still satisfied with how well these budget blackout curtains served as a barrier to light (and kept the room cooler with the curtains closed), but we’d recommend a dark color if you want to maximize the effect.
Fortunately, there are dozens of colors available, and you can also order these curtains in just about any size you need to fit your window. They’re sold as a pair, which seals the deal for these being the best budget blackout curtains to buy. Given the affordable price and the abundance of options available, we would recommend these curtains for anyone that doesn’t want to spend a fortune on blackout curtains or who needs curtains on a more temporary basis, like for a dorm room or apartment rental.
How It Performed Long-Term
These curtains are excellent at keeping a room cooler and blocking natural light during early mornings. We think the material could be improved slightly to block out even more light, but this is a minor flaw that still has its merits as the curtains are very easy to maneuver.
Dimensions: Options ranging from 34 x 45 inches to 70 by 95 inches | Material: Not listed | Heading: Rod pocket | Number of Panels: 2
Pottery Barn Classic Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtain Review
What We Like
3-in-1 construction offers three different hanging options
Belgian flax linen fabric is durable and stylish
Multiple size options, with custom sizing available
What We Don't Like
Dry-clean only
Doesn’t block all incoming light
If you’ve avoided blackout curtains because of a stiff feel and drab look, this option from Pottery Barn is worth the spend. These Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtains bring beautiful style to your bedroom, living room, or anywhere you need to filter light without sacrificing style. While our testing revealed that they aren’t as light-blocking as some other options, we still determined that they blocked the majority of incoming light, and we’d recommend these splurge-worthy blackout curtains for anyone who places a high value on quality and aesthetics.
One reason you’ll spend more on the Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtain is the fact that it’s available in custom sizes. We think the customization is one of the best parts of this curtain. We were able to select the exact measurements needed for the bedroom window we used for testing. Other blackout curtains typically come in standard lengths and widths, which can be too long or wide for your window. No matter how you plan to hang your curtains, these blackout curtains make the process easy with a three-in-one header that is compatible with a rod, rings, or clips.
The Belgian flax linen material of the curtain is exceptionally style and drapes beautifully, but keep in mind that they must be dry cleaned. The curtains were easy to pull closed and push open along the curtain rod we used for installation. In our experience, these curtains aren’t particularly good at blocking sounds or insulating against hot and cold temperatures, and we’d estimate that the polyester lining blocks about 70 percent of incoming light. Even still, we think these are some of the best-looking blackout curtains to buy and are well worth the cost per panel.
How It Performed Long-Term
Despite being incapable of blocking out 100 percent of light, these curtains are still a wonderful investment for keeping rooms cooler during winter months. They're also very attractive and do not look like typical blackout curtains making them a great choice for homeowners who want to balance functionality and aesthetics.
Dimensions: Options ranging from 24 x 24 inches to 156 x 180 inches, custom sizes also available) | Material: Linen, polyester lining |Heading: 3-in-1 construction allows for hanging via rod pocket, hidden tabs, or curtain hooks |Number of Panels: 1
What We Like
Rod pocket instead of grommets
Machine washable
Neutral design
What We Don't Like
Single color option
Only available in 84-inch length
If utilitarian design holds you back from putting up blackout curtains in your bedroom, you’ll appreciate the modern look of this option. As we experienced during testing, the Threshold Blackout Woven Stripe Curtain Panel doesn’t compromise on design for the sake of functionality. Instead, this on-trend blackout curtain mixes simple black stripes with a solid neutral base while blocking out unwanted light.
During testing, we initially hung the curtains in a living room but decided that they were too good at blocking out light and made the space feel cave-like. That is acceptable for a bedroom if you want to sleep in but can be less ideal for a living space. In the bedroom, the thick, textured material served its purpose. With a rod pocket rather than grommets or tabs, the only obvious light that peeked through was from gaps along the edge of the window (due to the way the curtains were hung for testing, not the curtain itself). Otherwise, we found that the opacity of the material does an admirable job of blocking out light and also provides a measure of insulation during cold weather.
Other features we like about these modern blackout curtains are the fact that they are machine washable for easy care. We wish there were more colors for those who prefer a bolder (or even simpler) curtain over this black-and-cream color combination, but we can’t deduct too many points because it’s a neutral, crowd-pleasing choice. And while some curtains are sold in various lengths, take note that this option is only available in an 84-inch length.
How It Performed Long-Term
We still love these curtains after using them for over a year. They block out a generous amount of light and are great for muffling noise and maintaining preferred room temperature.
Dimensions: 50 x 84 inches | Material: 67 percent polyester, 33 percent cotton | Heading: Rod pocket | Number of Panels: 1
What We Like
Sold in a set of 2 panels
Available in many colors
Effective at blocking light
What We Don't Like
Colors may differ in-person
Heavy to open and close
If you are looking for blackout curtains to fit a window with a unique size, like a picture window in the living room or a small window in a guest room, check out the wide range of sizes and colors available with this option from NICETOWN. Sold as a set, you can pick from sizes as small as 37 by 63 inches and as large as 70 by 108 inches (a size big enough to cover a sliding glass door).
We purchased and installed a set of NICETOWN Blackout Curtains over a bedroom window, choosing a set of 52-by-84-inch curtains in blue. In our testing, we estimated that these curtains block 90 to 95 percent of incoming light from the bright city street outside the window. We found that the thick, heavy curtains blocked light exceptionally well, and the only source of light was from the top of the curtain because the rod didn’t allow the curtain to sit flush against the wall. It should be noted that the color of the curtains displayed online didn’t look the same in person (we expected a soft, calm blue, but the shade we received was much brighter), so be prepared for some variance in color. Regardless, these curtains lived up to our expectations.
Speaking of thick and heavy, we found that these curtains moved smoothly along the curtain rod, but we recommend using two hands to do so because they are heavy. They’re also a bit stiff with a rough texture and not a soft, smooth, flowy curtain. However, the opaque material does an excellent job of blocking light, so it serves its purpose well. The abundance of size options paired with an affordable price means that these blackout curtains are great for renters who may move frequently and don’t want to spend big on custom-size blackout curtains.
How It Performed Long-Term
These curtains continue to perform exactly as we expected. They block out almost all light but be aware that some light may spill over the top of the curtains if you have a rod that hangs several inches away from the wall.
Dimensions: Options ranging from 37 x 63 inches to 70 x 108 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Grommet |Number of Panels: 2
AmazonBasics Room Darkening Blackout Curtains Review
What We Like
Includes Velcro tie-back for each curtain
Available in various sizes and colors
Machine washable
What We Don't Like
Limited color selection for some sizes
Blackout curtains are best suited for keeping light out, but you may want to let in some light during waking hours. If that’s the case, consider a pair of blackout curtains with tie-backs, like this set from Amazon Basics. We recommend them because room-darkening curtains are usually thick and heavy, sometimes making it harder to keep them fully pulled open when not in use. This set includes two Velcro tie-backs for when you don’t want them to cover your window.
The convenience of having blackout curtains with matching tie-backs is the biggest reason to consider these curtains. But based on our testing experience, you won’t be disappointed in their light-blocking ability. We found that the machine-washable polyester material did not allow any light to filter through; the only incoming light was from the sliver of an opening between the two curtain panels. The rod pocket header easily fits over our existing curtain rod, but it’s nice to know that you can also order the Amazon Basics Blackout Curtains with a grommet or back pocket to accommodate different methods of hanging the curtains.
While there are various sizes and colors available for these blackout curtains, color availability isn’t consistent across all sizes. That was true for the 52-by-96-inch curtains, which we ended up ordering in white because of the limited color options. We found that the blackout liner gave the white curtains a blue hue, but that’s not unheard of for light-colored blackout curtains. All summed up, we’d recommend these blackout curtains for anyone who wants to effectively block incoming light at night but keep the curtains tidy with matching tie-backs during the day.
Dimensions: Options ranging from 42 x 63 inches to 52 x 96 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Rod pocket (hidden loop and grommet options also available) |Number of Panels: 2
What We Like
Beautiful, high-quality design
Machine washable
Thickness helps reduce noise
What We Don't Like
Limited size and color options
Most blackout curtains come in solid colors, but we like the light and neutral pattern of this curtain set from Better Homes & Gardens. The modern leaf motif is available in a few color options, including the taupe color we ordered in 50-by-84-inch panels. These blackout curtains are sold individually, so keep that in mind if you need multiple panels to cover the width of your window.
Compared to other blackout curtains, we would say that this option has a more upscale appearance. Even overnight guests commented on the high-quality feel and look of these curtains. More than just good aesthetics, we found that the Better Homes & Gardens Modern Leaves Blackout Curtains did an excellent job of blocking about 90 percent of incoming sunlight. During the day, it was still apparent that the sun was shining outside, but there was plenty of opacity to create a comfortable sleeping environment. The thick polyester material also helped to dampen breakthrough noise from things like fire trucks and police sirens.
We couldn’t find any fault with the function or appearance of these patterned blackout curtains. We wish for more color and size options, but we’d recommend this option for anyone who wants an attractive and effective set of blackout curtains.
How It Performed Long-Term
These curtains have allowed us to get more sleep in an east-facing bedroom. They filter out just enough light so that we can continue sleeping after sunrise and they kept our apartment cool during warmer summer months.
Dimensions: Options ranging from 50 x 84 to 50 x 108 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Rod pocket |Number of Panels: 1
Best for Home Theater
Sun Zero Extreme Total Blackout Curtain Panel
What We Like
Designed to block 100 percent of light
Neutral color options
Not as expensive as other options
What We Don’t Like
Material has a slight sheen
Get rid of glare by picking dark, light-blocking curtains for your home theater—or any room in your house that can benefit from a cozy, movie theater-like ambiance. For that purpose, we recommend the Sun Zero Oslo Blackout Curtain Panel. After testing a pair of these curtains, we can vouch for their claim to block all incoming light. When fully closed, no light filtered into the room, and they also seemed to insulate the room against the intense heat outside during the testing period.
Whether you plan to use these blackout curtains in your home theater or your bedroom, the neutral shades available complement a range of decor styles. While the polyester material has a smooth, silky texture on the front and back, we were surprised by the slightly shiny finish to the fabric and would’ve preferred a more matte finish. That may be a matter of personal preference and is unlikely to be noticed while watching your favorite movies or shows on the big screen.
The Sun Zero Oslo Blackout Curtains have a pocket header for a curtain rod, so if you were planning on hanging your curtains using grommets or clips, you’d have to change course to accommodate this option. They’re available with a 52-inch width and in various lengths ranging from 63 to 95 inches.
How It Performed Long-Term
We love using these curtains instead of the roman shades in a bedroom to extend the life of the roman shades and create more privacy in the bedroom. They blocked out the early morning sun during the summer and allowed us to experience un-interrupted sleep.
Dimensions: Options ranging from 52 x 63 inches to 52 x 95 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Rod pocket |Number of Panels: 2
Best for Patio Doors
Wayfair Basics Solid Blackout Thermal Grommet Patio Door Single Curtain Panel
What We Like
Extra wide single panel
Available in multiple colors
Machine-washable
Includes curtain pull wand
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t block all incoming light
For an extra-wide blackout curtain to cover a patio door, we recommend this option from Wayfair Basics. The curtain measures 84-by-100 inches and is available in over a dozen colors. Based on our testing experience, we feel that this option has a quality look and feel, although we wish it blocked even more light from entering the room. Even still, the approximately 70-percent reduction of incoming light is plenty to darken a patio doorway and serve as a barrier from sunshine and outside noises.
This thermal curtain also helps to insulate the room against cold drafts or hot temperatures. That’s worth noting if you’re specifically looking for blackout curtains for a sliding patio door, since the large panels of glass can be a significant source of heat loss in the winter or a cause of rising temperatures in the summer.
We found the grommet header to make hanging the very large curtain panel fast and easy. The curtains pull back easily and drape nicely over our curtain holdbacks, which was one of our favorite features of this blackout curtain. There is a curtain pull wand to make the task of pulling back the wide, 84-inch-tall curtain easier, but in our experience, the weight of the curtain made using the wand slower and more cumbersome than pulling back the curtain by hand.
Rather than hanging several individual blackout curtain panels side by side, the Wayfair Basics Blackout Patio Door Curtain Panel is a simple solution for most standard sliding doors. It blocks enough light to improve the comfort of your room and looks nice when pushed back during the day.
Dimensions: 100 x 84 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Grommets | Number of Panels: 1
What We Like
Includes carrying case
Velcro tabs for adjustable curtain length
Variety of colors and prints to choose from
What We Don't Like
Gaps between suction cups allows some light to filter through
Must take down the curtains if daylight is desired
A set of portable blackout curtains can make the difference between tossing and turning or enjoying a good night's sleep while away from home. We put a pair of the Amazon Basics Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtains to the test, evaluating how easy it was to set up the curtains, how effective they were at blocking light, and if the portable design seemed practical enough to claim space in a suitcase.
These travel blackout curtains impressed us with their ability to block light. The suction cups allow some pockets of light to pass through, but we still found them effective enough to buy one more hour of sleep for a baby and even cause us to miss the wake-up call from an alarm clock. You do have to take the curtains down if you want to enjoy a view out the window during the day—the suction cup design means you can't push the curtains back as you would with a curtain rod. If you leave the blackout curtains in place, it seems about 90 percent of the light is blocked, based on our testing experience.
When considering the features that make these blackout curtains so portable, there are a few things to keep in mind. The suction cups adhere best to a clean window; if you struggle to get the curtain to stay in place, a quick cleaning might be necessary. In addition, the curtain folds up into its travel bag, which is convenient for slipping it into your suitcase or backpack, but since the material is quite thick and stiff, it took some effort to refold the curtain into a size that fits well in the bag. Finally, these curtains measure 50 inches wide and 78 inches long, but they have Velcro pieces around the edge, so you can adjust the curtain as needed to fit the window. That’s a big plus since each place you stay will likely have different sizes of windows.
All in all, we found these portable blackout curtains to be a handy and unique solution to a common travel problem. They’re available in a few kid-friendly prints or some basic solid colors if you want a simpler option.
Dimensions: 50 x 78 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: None | Number of Panels: 1
Final Verdict
After testing blackout curtains for effectiveness, design, quality, and value, we recommend theBetter Homes & Gardens Grommet Blackout Curtain Panelas the best overall option. We found it easy to hang a pair of these curtains, and we were impressed with their soft, quality material and how well it blocked incoming light. For another effective option at a wallet-friendly price, we suggest NICETOWN Blackout Curtains, our best budget pick. These curtains are sold in a two-pack for about the price of a single panel from some other brands. They're available in dozens of sizes and colors, but we found that the darker-colored curtains will offer better light blocking than the lighter hues.
How We Tested the Blackout Curtains
We tested 11 different blackout curtains (along with seven additional blackout shades) in our own homes to see how well they blocked light and held up to routine use. We hung each curtain from an existing or new curtain rod and noted how easy it was to set up. We considered the look and feel of the materials and construction to assess the curtain's quality.
Next, we put the curtains to use over a set period of time to gauge their effectiveness, observing how well the material blocked light and whether the design allowed for any light to peek around the curtain. We also noted if the curtains muffled noise or offered noticeable insulation from the heat, and if we experienced any improvements in our sleep. We evaluated the design of the curtain, including how easy it was to open and close the curtain and whether it hung from tabs, curtain rings, grommets, or rod pockets. Lastly, we reviewed our testing insights and considered the price point of each curtain to give it an overall value score.
What to Look for in Blackout Curtains
Size and Color Options
To be effective, you need the proper size curtains for your window. That’s why most blackout curtains come in a range of common sizes, usually anywhere from 42 to 54 inches wide and between 63 and 95 inches long. That being said, not all windows are the same size, which can pose a problem if you’re shopping for the best curtains for large windows or very small windows.You need a blackout curtain (or a pair of curtains) that will completely cover your window for maximum effectiveness.
In that case, look for blackout curtains that can be ordered in custom sizes, like the Pottery Barn Custom Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtains, our best splurge option. In contrast to conventional blackout curtain sizes, these curtains can be ordered in widths as narrow as 24 inches or as wide as 156 inches. Options for length are even more broad—pick your perfect length between 24 and 180 inches.
Material
The material and construction of any type of curtain will affect its performance and aesthetics. You’ll find that the majority of blackout curtains are polyester, but there are options for other materials, too.
- Polyester: This synthetic fiber is a very common choice for blackout curtains. It’s durable and can be woven tightly to produce an opaque curtain that is very effective at blocking light. Even curtains made from other materials just about always have a polyester lining for a blackout effect.
- Cotton: For a natural fiber option, some blackout curtains are made of cotton. Many velvet curtains are made of cotton and add a luxe look to the room. Cotton is sometimes also blended with polyester; that’s the case for the Threshold Blackout Woven Stripe Curtain Panel, our best modern pick for shoppers who want a simple yet design-forward set of blackout curtains.
- Linen: Linen blackout curtains are a chic, stylish way to darken up any space in your home. While linen itself has a rather airy, loose weave, it’s paired with an opaque liner or backing material. The result is an organic-looking curtain that serves the same function as heavier, stiffer blackout curtains made of polyester.
Style
The style of blackout curtain you choose will depend on how you plan to hang it. Blackout curtains typically have a header with grommets or a pocket for a curtain rod. Other header options are designed with the use of curtain rings or clips in mind. Here’s what to know about each style of curtain.
- Grommets: This style of blackout curtain has metal rings inset along the header of the curtain. A curtain rod is inserted through the rings for a modern, casual look.
- Rod pocket: A blackout curtain with a rod pocket conceals the curtain rod inside for a simple, clean appearance. Be sure to check the width of the rod pocket to make sure it’s compatible with the diameter of the curtain rod you plan to use.
- Rings or Clips: The header of some blackout curtains has loops that are designed for use with curtain rod rings or clips.
If you want the most versatile style of blackout curtain, look for a version with a 3-in-1 header. This means that the curtain can be hung with a rod, grommets, or clips. Our best splurge pick, the Pottery Barn Custom Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtain, has this adaptable style header, which is another reason it earns our nod for the best splurge option.
Opacity Type
The more opaque a curtain is, the less light will pass through it. Blackout curtains vary in opacity, with some options claiming to block 100 percent of light. Natalie Dautovich, Ph.D., Environmental Fellow at the National Sleep Foundation says: “Even small sources of light can be disruptive for sleep and some environmental light is not within an individual's control.” An opaque blackout curtain can eliminate all light from filtering through. Other curtains are less opaque and may block about 75 to 95 percent of incoming light. Curtains that are less than 100 percent light-blocking are sometimes referred to as light filtering.
The option that is best for you in terms of opacity depends on how little light you hope to see through the curtain material. Daytime sleepers will likely desire a total blackout curtain to mimic nighttime conditions. But if you’re concerned about oversleeping your alarm clock in the morning, then a blackout curtain with some light transparency may be a better choice. We found that the Better Homes & Gardens Modern Leaves Blackout Curtains, our choice for best pattern, blocked about 90 percent of incoming light. We could tell that the sun was shining outside, but the room stayed comfortably dim enough for a daytime nap.
Interior designer Sarah Bernard points out that "the tighter the fabric's weave, the less light will pass through." Triple-weave polyester blackout curtains can be very effective in blocking light. Another suggestion from Bernard is to layer curtains for a more effective blackout option, and you can push back one or two curtains during the day for a more sheer look. "It's also important to consider the return of the curtains, as light can peek through the edges if the curtains don't cover the perimeter of the windows," she adds. In addition, consider a thick, more heavily folded fabric, since that will also create more volume and light-blocking opportunities according to Bernard.
Standout Features
Insulation
The thick, heavy material typically used for blackout curtains can also contribute to keeping the temperature of the room more stable. Some blackout curtains are designated as thermal curtains. Usually, these curtains have three layers of material, rather than just a triple weave of fibers that includes a black fiber for room-darkening.
The thicker, heavier material of a thermal curtain helps to insulate the room and block against cold air from outside. In addition, the blackout liner keeps the sun’s rays from entering the room and causing temperatures to rise during the hot summer months. The Sun Zero Oslo Blackout Curtains, our best for home theater option, are described as thermal curtains; in our experience, we found that the curtains did seem to help the room stay cooler in the face of 90-degree temperatures outside during the testing period. So if you're looking for a way to reduce how often or long you need to run your bedroom's fan or air conditioner, a blackout curtain might help.
Noise Reduction
Blackout curtains aren’t just good for blocking out light. They can also help to create quieter surroundings in your room. The thick material of a blackout curtain helps to muffle noise from the street or backyard. With that in mind, you should shop for heavy, three-layer blackout curtains that can better absorb incoming sound if noise reduction is one of your primary objectives. (If you're looking to muffle substantial noise from outside, you might want to give a white noise machine a go, as well.)
FAQ
Are blackout curtains soundproof?
Blackout curtains can be a sound barrier, but they're not soundproof. "Some blackout curtains can help dampen noise, but they will not fully soundproof a room," says Bernard. "Curtains can help to interrupt sound traveling into the space, with thicker, layered curtains creating more opportunities to minimize noise."
What is the best material for a blackout curtain?
Polyester is considered one of the best materials for a blackout curtain. This synthetic fiber is durable, affordable, and often machine washable. That being said, not all blackout curtains are machine washable because of the thick, heavy nature of the curtain.You might have to clean your curtains in another way if they won't fit in your washer or aren't recommended for machine-washing on the care label.
Do blackout curtains make a room hotter or cooler?
Blackout curtains can accomplish both, since the thick material can assist in regulating the temperature of a room. "In the hotter months, they can help block out the sun, helping maintain cooler temperatures," says Bernard. To maximize the effect, she suggests that you keep the curtains closed during the warmest hours of the day. When temperatures are colder outside, "blackout curtains can reduce drafts from windows and insulate the space, helping to trap heat," adds Bernard.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Erica Puisisis a freelance writer, product tester, and home decor expert who also writes for MyDomaine. To curate this collection of the best blackout curtains, she thoroughly reviewed our testing insights. The curtains were put through the rigors of everyday use in our own homes, where we evaluated them based on effectiveness, design, quality, and value.
Our Experts:
- Natalie Dautovich, Ph.D., Environmental Fellow at National Sleep Foundation
- Sarah Bernard, interior designer
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