The Best Blackout Curtains The Spruce Has Tested

Best Overall

Sun Zero Nordic Blackout Grommet Curtain

$42 at Amazon

The Sun Zero Nordic Blackout Curtains wowed us the most of the 17 blackout curtain sets we tested. This option boasts a high-quality design, comes in multiple sizes and colors, and blocks light effectively. They were also effective at keeping the room cooler and blocking heat during sunny summer afternoons. After using them for six months, we found ourselves needing to crack them open a bit in the morning to avoid sleeping in—they're that good at blocking out light.

Out of the package, we were impressed with the thick and sturdy material. We liked that it wasn’t overly heavy or stiff like other options; the fabric felt flexible and pleasantly soft. These curtains are also machine washable, making the cleaning process a breeze. We still haven't had to wash them at all after six months of use though, as they still look fresh and new.

We set up this set in a primary bedroom with a glass sliding door, layering them over an existing window shutter. We were pleased to find that the curtains blocked light much better than the shutter. They created a near-dark environment together, perfect for limiting the bright morning sun and for shielding the last bit of moonlight trying to sneak in on movie night.

The heading of the curtain has grommets rather than a curtain rod pocket. While a rod pocket often better prevents light from passing through, we found that these curtains were still highly effective and offered a sleek look. Plus, grommets typically make it quick and easy to hang the curtain and they allow for the curtains to be smoothly opened, in our experience.

These curtains are available in 22 chic hues, but the price can vary depending on your color choice. We opted for the sage green color, which looked especially stylish but slightly more pastel than the product photo online. For us, this was a pleasant surprise but buyers may want to plan ahead for potential, slight color variations.

You can also choose from eight size options to match your window’s dimensions. All things considered, we highly recommend this affordable blackout curtain because of its quality, performance, and value. 

_{Dimensions: Eight options from 52 x 54 inches to 104 x 108 inches | Material: Not listed | Heading: Grommets | Number of Panels: 2}

Best Budget

IKEA Majgull Blackout Curtains

$40 at Ikea

The IKEA Majgull Blackout Curtains are a solid pick if you’re looking for a basic and reliable blackout curtain. During testing, we were thrilled with how they blocked out around 95 percent of light, allowing just a bit through around the edges. They work well at night, but we found that they block out light effectively even when the sun is high in the sky.

We used these curtains in a household situated near a highway and found that, while they didn’t block out sound completely (most curtains don't), they did help limit some of the noise from passing cars. What’s more, they helped reduce the heat from the morning sun and kept the room from getting warmer than normal.

In terms of stitching and overall construction quality, these blackout curtains are quite basic. We think these would be a great option for kids' rooms where blocking light is a priority over style. The polyester fabric felt durable, but we don’t think the curtains offer a particularly stylish look compared to other options on the market. We opted for the dark blue option, which was more similar to royal blue upon arrival. 

Note that these blackout curtains are available in a limited range of colors and sizes, so they may not be the best option if you don’t have a standard-sized window. We had to cut ours to fit, but we were seriously impressed with how well the cut edge held up through six months of use (no fraying at all). We've kept them clean with a vacuum attachment and haven't noticed any wear and tear or fading either.

_{Dimensions: 57 x 98 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Grommets | Number of Panels: 2}

Best Linen

Quince European Linen Blackout Curtain

View on Quince.com

These linen curtains from Quince bring beautiful style to your bedroom, living room, or anywhere you need to filter light without sacrificing style. If you’ve avoided blackout curtains because of a stiff feel and drab look, the elegant linen construction may change your mind. The fabric is high quality, flexible, and exceptionally soft, and the lining drapes nicely, too.

While our testing revealed that this set isn't as light-blocking as other options, we still determined that these panels blocked the majority of incoming light (around 80 percent) when used on an east-facing bedroom window. They worked even better when we moved them to a north-facing room.

We also like that these curtains have both a rod pocket and back tab, both of which look stylish and sleek. This product consists of a linen curtain and polyester lining, rather than a singular piece of fabric. We found that we could throw them in the laundry with our other curtains with no regard to color, and they still look great after six months of that.

At $89 for a single panel, these curtains come at a higher price point than other options on this list. However, they're still a wonderful investment for anyone seeking a high-quality and stylish option. They're also attractive and do not look like typical blackout curtains, making them a great choice for those who want to balance functionality and aesthetics.

_{Dimensions: Three options from 48 x 84 inches to 48 x 108 inches | Material: Linen, polyester | Heading: Rod pocket, back tab | Number of Panels: 1}

Best Upgrade

Gracie Oaks Olivia Signature Velvet Curtains

$48 at Wayfair

Offering both function and style, the Gracie Oaks Olivia Signature Velvet Curtains are definitely an upgrade from your typical blackout curtain. In our testing, we found they blocked nearly all light (90 to 95 percent) with only a bit of light leaking through the break in between the panels. We've used them with two curtain rods in different rooms through six months of testing and remain seriously impressed.

Not only did they also muffle sounds slightly, but we found that they actually helped improve the air quality of the bedroom where the curtains were placed, as they blocked dust from getting into the room, according to changes in room air purifier readings. 

We’re also huge fans of the flexible and soft velvet material, which offers an elegant look. They aren’t overly stiff or thick but have a nice medium weight that looks and feels high quality. They require professional cleaning to deal with stains, but we've gotten by just fine by vacuuming the curtains and using a lint brush to keep them looking brand new.

The curtains draped nicely, but note that there’s a fair amount of fabric so we weren’t able to pull the curtains completely to the side. They also have a weighted hem to prevent movement. The curtains have a rod pocket top and back tabs for your choice of installation. 

There's also a whopping 29 colors and 13 sizes to choose from—including one that's perfect for patio doors. Considering the simple yet timeless design and impressive performance during testing, we think these would work well in just about any room.

_{Dimensions: 13 options from 50 x 63 inches to 100 x 120 inches | Material: Velvet | Heading: Hook belt, back tab | Number of Panels: 1}

Best Liner

Rose Home Fashion Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain Liner

$20 at Amazon

When you want the benefits of light blocking but prefer the look of your existing curtains, you might consider a blackout liner. We particularly like this highly effective and well-designed one from Rose Home, which impressively blocked 100 percent of light during testing (though if your curtain rod holds them away from the wall at all, some light will leak out).

The material is a stiff plastic, which helped with insulation as well. The liner felt moderately heavy and flexible overall, and we were generally impressed with the durability and quality. Plus, it’s machine washable for easy upkeep. We haven't had to wash it after six months though, as we haven't noticed even a speck of dust stick to the smooth fabric.

While moving the liner on the curtain rings was smooth, keeping the liner and curtains aligned was a bit trickier. Additionally, we found that the loops in the rod pocket were a bit of a tight fit for our curtain rod, so you may have to opt for the included rings if you have a larger rod. The white liner matches well with most styles of curtains, and you can choose between six sizes to pair with your window size. 

_{Dimensions: Six options from 27 x 59 inches to 50 x 92 inches | Material: Polyester | Heading: Rod pocket or rings | Number of Panels: 2}