what are the best black out curtains

The Best Blackout Curtains

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Who makes the best blackout curtains?

• BEST OVERALL: PONY DANCE Blackout Curtains
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Sun Zero Oslo Theater Grade Blackout Curtain
• BEST FOR LARGE WINDOWS: NICETOWN Blackout Window Curtain
• BEST THERMAL: MIUCO Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains
• BEST STYLE: Best Home Fashion Tulle Sheer Lace Blackout Curtain
• BEST FOR NURSERIES: NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels

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How to make blackout curtains look good?

The Best Ways to Find Blackout Curtains That Aren’t Ugly

1. Choose light-filtering curtains rather than blackout curtains Blackout curtains vary in their light-blocking abilities and can range from true blackout to light-filtering. ...
2. Look for a drapey, heavy fabric The fabric makes a curtain look either luxurious or cheap. ...
3. Use a double curtain rod

Do Blackout curtains really work?

No, not all blackout curtains are noise-reducing curtains. But, most of the manufacturers market their blackout curtains as noise-reducing curtains. It, however, is not true. Due to the heavy nature of the blackout curtains, they sometimes dampen the sound. But in most cases, these curtains are not effective in reducing sound.

Are blackout curtains a good idea?

Whether you regularly work night shifts or just hate waking up as soon as the sun rises, blackout curtains are an easy way to block out light so you can get better sleep. Not only will they darken your bedroom, but they typically help regulate temperature and block out unwanted noise from outside, too.

What should I look for when buying blackout curtains?

Everything You Should Consider Before Buying Blackout CurtainsQuality of fabric. Blackout curtains usually require some solid and heavy duty fabric that doesn't let light rays penetrate through. ... Color. Color is another factor you want to consider so you can match your room's colors and styles. ... Price. ... Maintenance.

Which curtains block the most light?

blackout curtainsThe greatest benefit of using blackout curtains is they'll block light better than any other curtain. Other benefits of blackout curtains include: Blackout curtains improve energy efficiency by helping to insulate a room. Blackout curtains are thick, so they also help soften outside noise.

What is the best colour for blackout curtains?

Blackout fabrics in black are perfect for those who want a complete absorption of visible light. For those wanting to have the colours of the deep ocean, you can choose to buy blackout fabrics in deep or dark blue colour. Dark blue is very much close to black, which makes it also as efficient in blocking out light.

Do blackout curtains block 100% of light?

As the name would imply, blackout curtains block 100 percent of the sun's rays. This gives you total darkness and makes these curtains perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, dark rooms, and media/theater rooms.

Should blackout curtains touch the floor?

So should curtains touch the floor? The short answer is yes... usually. But when making any decision about your window treatments, whether they're drapes, blinds, or shades, it's important to consider every aspect of style and function so you can choose the best option for your windows and your home.

Should blackout curtains be black or white?

Blackout curtains do not have to be black, or even dark for that matter. The “black” in blackout curtains refers to the room darkening effect of the curtains, not the color itself. Most retailers offer blackout curtains in neutral colors like greys, blues and browns.

How do you choose blackout fabric?

Make sure that the fabric you buy is heavy duty and would not allow the light to pass through. Semi-transparent fabrics may offer a little light blocking, but they will not last long. Choose a fabric that is denser than others since it will give more light protection. Do all blackout curtains come in the colour black?

How wide should blackout curtains be?

Multiply your frame's width by 2.5. To make the blackout curtains more effective, and create a more attractive look, you will want your curtains to have plenty of depth. In order to have enough material for the curtains to fold over themselves several times, they should be at least 2.5 times as wide as your frame.

Are Ikea blackout curtains good?

IKEA's Marjun blackout curtains are the least expensive curtains we recommend, they're nearly as good at blocking light as the Sebastian Insulated curtains, and the fabric and color-blocked design looks better.

How do I stop the lights at the top of blackout curtains?

How To Stop Light Coming In Side And Top Of CurtainsInstall a wrap around curtain rod.Apply tape to the window where there are gaps.Cover gaps on a window with foil.Install blinds that block out light.Add a top valence.Install curtains broader and longer than the window.

What are the different types of blackout curtains?

There are multiple types of curtains, including rod pocket, grommet, pinch pleat, and tailored pleat. The primary blackout curtain types are rod pocket and grommet. Both styles create pleating, though the rod pocket tends to have smaller pleats while the grommet style tends to have thicker pleats.

What's the difference between room darkening and blackout shades?

Room-darkening shades reduce approximately 95-99 percent of light that enters a room. On the other hand, blackout styles can eliminate brightness by up to 100 percent in some cases. They may not make your space pitch black, but they will effectively darken it at any time of day.

What kind of curtains let light in but provide privacy?

Sheer curtains and shades allow plenty of glowing, natural light into your space, while still maintaining some degree of privacy.

Are there curtains that you can see but not in?

Yes, there are solar shades, that based on the weave of the shade material, you can see out of during the day and people cannot see in. The keywords here, are 'during the day'! Solar shades are designed to allow you to see out, but other's not see in, providing daytime privacy. The exact opposite is true at night!

What is the difference between light filtering and sheer curtains?

Opaque materials (thicker weaves, fibers, and yarn) block more light, while sheer, semi-opaque fabrics invite more light into your home. Generally, light-filtering window coverings will block less light than room-darkening treatments.

Can you see through light filtering curtains at night?

During the night, light filtering shades aren't the best solution to protect your privacy. Some shades have better opacities than others and, depending on that, when the light at home is on, and also depending on the external light conditions, people could be able to see silhouettes of people and objects from outside.

How do I properly install blackout curtains?

Blackout curtains are hung on rods, similar to any other type of curtain you might buy. However, to help block out light effectively, you should ha...

Do blackout curtains actually work?

Blackout curtains, depending on which ones you buy, can be highly effective at preventing light from getting into your room while you sleep. They c...

How can I clean blackout curtains?

Ultimately, how you clean your blackout curtains depends on their cleaning instructions. Some blackout curtains can be machine washed in cold water...

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Adrienne Jordan, a freelance writer who has contributed to The Spruce since 2021. More of her home-related writing can be found on MyDomaine. To make this list, she considered each curtain's color and fabric, as well as whether they are blackout curtains or room darkening.

What is a weighted hem curtain?

Designed with a nifty pole pocket with back tabs and a hook belt, the weighted hem ensures that the curtains will stay in place when you need your room darkened. The curtains have thermal insulation that regulates temperature, as well as blackout capabilities for a restful sleep.

How to make sure blackout curtains work?

To make sure that blackout curtains function properly, measure a few inches beyond the window frame and use a wraparound rod. It's also worth noting if the curtains include the necessary hooks, as it'll make installation easier.

What are blackout curtains made of?

Made from Belgian flax linen with a blackout lining, these curtains will give off a chic, airy look while still blocking the light.

How to hang blackout curtains?

Blackout curtains can be installed in the same way as regular curtains or drapes. First, measure the length and width of your window frame. If you already have a curtain rod, you can measure from the rod to where you want your blackout curtains to end to ensure you're buying the desired length. If you'd like to guarantee full blackout coverage, you can even purchase a wraparound rod to hang your curtains on.

What is a handmade curtain made of?

The handmade curtain is offered in a variety of sizes and two header types— rod pocket or tape. Each is made of 100 percent polyester and can be made in a custom size, if necessary. The best part? You can even get a sample of the curtain beforehand, so you can see if the pattern works in your space before you commit.

What is a wallvy forest curtain?

For a fun, lively, and kid-friendly option, consider WallvyStore's Forest Window Curtain. Designed with trees, wolves, birds, and beyond, the printed navy curtain will keep the sun out from your little one's room.

What are the different types of blackout curtains?

Make sure you know how much work you want to put into cleaning your curtains before purchasing. There are multiple types of curtains, including rod pocket, grommet, pinch pleat, and tailored pleat. The primary blackout curtain types are rod pocket and grommet.

What is the blackout curtain panel made of?

Pottery Barn’s Evelyn Linen Blackout Curtain Panel, which is made of cotton, linen, and a polyester blackout liner, doesn’t just fully block out light – it’s also made to block out noise, making it easy to turn your nursery into a dark, quiet, naptime cave.

What is a West Elm curtain?

The West Elm Worn Velvet Curtains are described as having a luxurious, vintage look with a blackout design. Made out of 100% polyester, this curtain looks like worn velvet and has a slight sheen. The curtain comes in a variety of colors, including Pink Grapefruit, Ivory, Metal, Regal Blue, and Olive. The curtain is hung by a rod pocket.

How many grommets are there in a curtain panel?

Each curtain panel has six silver grommets for hanging on a rod. While all the shades offered block light, you might prefer the darker shades, like Black and Navy Blue, for the maximum blackout. This curtain comes in three size options.

Why do we need blackout curtains?

Blackout curtains can be a great way to enhance your sleep environment and contribute to a better night’s sleep.

What is a rod pocket on a curtain?

The curtains have a rod pocket, which is a long pocket at the top of the curtain designed to fit curtain rods. However, they can also be hung from rings and hooks to add extra length to the fabric.

Why is melatonin important?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain in response to darkness that plays an important role in timing our circadian rhythm and getting the body settled down for sleep. Research from 2010 suggests that being exposed to light later in the day may suppress melatonin production and interfere with our ability to fall and stay asleep.

Why are blackout curtains so popular?

Blackout curtains are super popular for nurseries because the darkness makes it easier for babies to sleep soundly during the day. Parents say these curtains from Hughapy work really well at blocking out most sunlight, and little kids of all ages will love the cut-out stars that allow some light to shine through.

How much are blackout curtains?

With prices starting at just $25 for a set of two panels, these blackout curtains from Amazon Basics are one of the most affordable options on this list. They’re available in both rod pocket and grommet styles, and there are 21 colors and six sizes—so you can pick the combination that works best for your home. You’ll also get a pair of hook and loop fasteners for whenever you want to pull back the curtains and let sunlight in. “With both windows shut, it's pitch black even in the middle of the day,” one shopper said. Another called them the “best curtains [they] have purchased,” writing, “The fabric is excellent and the grommets are solid. I mean, I really gave these a solid once-over to try and find something to complain about.”

How to keep sunlight out of window?

One way to keep all the sunlight out is by getting a room-darkening curtain rod, like this curved one from Amazon that wraps around the edges of your window.

Do blackout curtains block light?

Even though these blackout curtains are made of a faux linen material, shoppers say the textured fabric gives them the “linen look without the cost.” While these curtains will definitely block out some light, they won’t have as much of a blackout effect as other options on this list. One reviewer said they still “block enough light to keep rooms cool and sunlight out.” Others mention that they’re pretty impressed with the quality: “I am totally shocked [by] how nice these curtains are,” wrote another. “So many things just don’t hit the quality mark anymore, but these have.”

Do blackout curtains make your room dark?

And with their low price, they’re perfect if you need to add blackout curtains to multiple rooms in your home without spending too much money. While they won’t make your bedroom completely dark, one shopper says they “filter just enough light to darken the room to my needs.”

Do blackout curtains need to be black?

And contrary to popular belief, they don't actually need to be black—white blackout curtains can be just as effective! Since there are many different types of blackout curtains on the market, we sorted through thousands of customer reviews to find the best options for you.

What are the two most common styles of blackout curtains?

The two most common styles for blackout curtains are grommets and a rod pocket.

What is the blackout level on Eclipse?

At Eclipse’s blackout level, this set is designed to block 98 to 99 percent of light and 40 percent of noise from entering a room. This opacity level is ideal for bedrooms, where darkness is helpful to sleep but not so much that it’s tough to navigate around obstacles at night. Choose from eight colors and three lengths: 42-inch by 63-inch, 42-inch by 84-inch, and 42-inch by 95-inch.

What size are blackout curtains?

Size. Most blackout curtains come in standard widths (42 or 52 inches per panel) and a range of lengths. However, you can find blackout curtains in extra-small and extra-large widths and lengths, depending on your window’s shape and size and the rod you choose to install with it.

What size curtains are used for sliding patio doors?

This blackout curtain panel comes in six sizes, from 52-inch by 63-inch all the way to 100-inch by 108-inch. It was clear that these were quality curtains as the fabric is triple-weave polyester, blocking up to 95 percent of outside light sources.

How much light does a blackout curtain block?

A higher number isn’t necessarily always better. In bedrooms, for instance, it’s usually best for blackout curtains to block between 85 and 98 percent of light—not 100 percent—because a small amount of ambient light helps to navigate the room in the dark.

What is a rod pocket?

Rod pockets allow the curtain rod to slip inside the curtain’s fabric, preventing light around the rod from entering the room. This look tends to suit classic spaces.

What size curtains are best for blackout?

Its polyester panels come in three standard sizes (52-inch by 45-inch, 52-inch by 54-inch, and 52-inch by 72-inch) and 10 classic colors. Though the spectrum ranges from black to pure white, the manufacturer recommends darker shades for the best light-blocking power. On those, you can expect 85 to 95 percent light blockage and a significant decrease in ambient noise, too. The rod pocket installation is versatile, so you can hang the curtain directly on the rod or use your own curtain clips.

What is blackout fabric?

Blackout curtains come in a range of materials. The most common is polyester (or microfiber), which is typically machine-washable and wrinkle-resistant. You'll also find blended fabrics, as well as linen and cotton. While it varies, linen and cotton tend to be more prone to wrinkling and aren't always machine-washable.

What are blackout curtains made of?

Thanks to built-in metal grommets at the top, Mainstays Blackout Curtains are easy to hang. These budget-friendly window coverings are made of 100 percent polyester and can be cleaned in a washing machine.

How many rings does driftaway blackout liner have?

The DriftAway Blackout Liner can be installed behind the grommet curtains of your choice for a complete darkening effect. It comes with 16 metal rings and is ready to hang—all you'll need is a curtain rod.

How wide are Mack and Milo curtains?

Each panel has eight metal grommets and measures 52 inches wide with four length options.

What is the best fabric for blackout curtains?

The best fabric for blackout curtains is microfiber, which is a type of polyester. Unlike natural textiles such as cotton and linen, the tightly woven synthetic material tends to do a better job of blocking light and insulating a room.

What is the best curtain for a bedroom?

Lab-tested to block over 99 percent of unwanted light and noise, Eclipse Kendall Curtains are ideal for bedrooms. The energy-efficient design can also help you cut down on heating and cooling costs.

How much light does a curtain block?

While it only blocks 90 percent of light, the curtains are also designed to reduce noise and balance temperatures.

What are the least expensive curtains?

IKEA’s Marjun blackout curtains are the least expensive curtains we recommend, they’re nearly as good at blocking light as the Sebastian Insulated curtains, and the fabric and color-blocked design looks better. But because they only come in one size (and only three colors, gray, lilac, and blue ), they won’t fit in with as wide a range of interiors as our picks with more available colors. For around $50 for a pair of 98-inch curtain panels (which you can hem to fit if necessary), we think they’re a bargain, as long as you like the style.

What are blackout curtains?

The Sebastian Insulated Total Blackout Window Curtains are among the few curtains that completely blocked all light during our testing. They’re the best choice for people with extreme light sensitivity and for shift workers (or anyone else) who sleeps during the day and needs a pitch-black bedroom. They aren’t the prettiest of our picks—the fabric is very, very shiny—but they look better than the other total-blackout curtains we’ve found. We’ve tested them twice, and when installed properly they’ll keep a room cave-dark. Available in six colors and five lengths, these should work with most windows.

How much are Walmart blackout curtains?

Walmart’s Mainstays Blackout Energy Efficient Curtains and the Deconovo Room Darkening Thermal Curtains are both under $15 per panel. They didn’t completely block out light, but they weren’t bad for the low price. We don’t recommend either because the material felt cheap, but if you’re looking for darkening curtains on a tight budget, these wouldn’t be terrible choices.

How to block light from a window?

To completely block all light, you have to install the curtains correctly. Avoid curved rods or any installation that will place the curtains out too far in front of the window. The curtain panels also need to be wide enough and long enough to eliminate light gaps. Berek Awend, formerly of Blackoutcurtains.com, calls this “the dreaded ‘halo effect.’” His company specializes in commercial blackout needs for photography studios, labs, and medical clinics. They know how to eliminate all traces of light. “When measuring outside the window frame, we suggest measuring 12 inches on both sides and above the opening to eliminate that light,” Awend said. If your curtains aren’t touching the floor, allow at least that much extra space along the bottom of the window as well. Depending on how wide your window is, you may need three panels instead of two.

How much does a blackout drape cost?

Easy to buy: We found a lot of custom-made blackout drapes, which can start at $500 a panel and take a while to have made. We looked for more affordable options and also for curtains that are consistently available. To make sure the curtains we recommend will stay in stock, we mainly focused on retailers selling the same styles year after year.

What fabric is used for curtains?

Silk and linen fabric gives these curtains a light weight and beautiful texture, but they don’t block as much light as others we’ve tested.

Which is better, Sebastian or Emery?

The Emery Insulated Total Blackout Window Curtain Panels and the Sebastian curtains are made by the same manufacturer and block the same amount of light, but the Sebastians look better.

Buying Guide

Blackout curtains provide an array of benefits to customers, including adding a unique design to your home’s decor and blocking unwanted sunlight. Take a look at some of the benefits of owning blackout curtains:

Frequently Asked Questions

Blackout curtains are window covers that are lined with fabric that’s designed to prevent outdoor light from penetrating through the window frame. The amount of light these curtains block varies with the material used, though foam-lined products tend to have better blocking abilities.

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