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10 Best Blackout Curtains for Bedrooms (September 2026)

I work night shifts at a hospital, and my bedroom faces a streetlight. For three months I tested blackout curtains the way most reviewers don’t: by sleeping through a 10 a.m. sunbeam, a 3 a.m. delivery truck, and a neighbor’s porch light that flickers like a strobe. After cycling through ten models, three earned a permanent spot in my rotation, and the rest had at least one fatal flaw I want to save you from.

This guide to the best blackout curtains for bedrooms is the result of that hands-on testing, plus our team’s broader comparison of light-blocking percentages, fabric weight, noise reduction, and care routines. We focused on real bedroom scenarios: shift workers sleeping during the day, parents sleep-training toddlers, light sleepers on busy streets, and renters who cannot drill into walls. Every curtain on this list blocks at least 85 percent of outside light in dark colors, and the top picks hit the full 100 percent blackout mark.

If you want to blackout a window without curtains at all, our complete guide to blackout windows covers blinds, shades, and tint options. For audio-sensitive bedrooms, our best acoustic curtains for home theaters roundup overlaps nicely with this one. We also ranked whole-bedroom humidifiers for sleep comfort, and if you camp or travel, our best blackout tents list uses the same light-blocking testing framework.

Are blackout curtains actually worth it for bedrooms? Yes. Blackout curtains are one of the most effective upgrades for any bedroom because they block 95 to 100 percent of outside light, which helps regulate melatonin, improves sleep quality, and reduces street noise and outside temperatures. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine consistently links dark sleeping environments to deeper, less-fragmented sleep, and the National Sleep Foundation notes that even small amounts of ambient light can suppress melatonin and shorten REM cycles. If you have ever wondered why you feel groggy on days off despite sleeping eight hours, your curtains are probably the culprit.

Our Top 3 Blackout Curtains for Bedrooms at a Glance

EDITOR'S CHOICE
NICETOWN White 100% Blackout

NICETOWN White 100% Blackout

★★★★★★★★★★4.8/5
  • Sewn-in black liner
  • blocks 100% light
  • noise-absorbing dual-layer
BEST LINEN LOOK
MIULEE Blackout Linen 52×84

MIULEE Blackout Linen 52×84

★★★★★★★★★★4.6/5
  • 100% blackout
  • faux linen texture
  • vintage aesthetic
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All 10 Blackout Curtains We Tested Side by Side

PRODUCT MODEL KEY SPECS BEST PRICE
Product
NICETOWN White 100% Blackout 84 inch
  • Sewn-in black liner
  • 100% blackout
  • dual-layer noise reduction
Check Latest Price
Product
NICETOWN Black 42×63
  • Triple-weave 85-99% light blocking
  • thermal insulated
  • machine washable
Check Latest Price
Product
LEMOMO Blackout 52×84 Black
  • Triple-weave 85-99% light blocking
  • 8 grommets
  • energy efficient
Check Latest Price
Product
ChrisDowa Dark Grey 63 inch
  • Blocks 98% sunlight
  • soft no-smell fabric
  • same color both sides
Check Latest Price
Product
Joydeco Blackout 84 inch Black
  • Absorbs 35% noise
  • 20+ colors
  • wrinkle-free out of package
Check Latest Price
Product
DWCN Blackout 42×63
  • 90-99% light blocking
  • thermal insulation
  • rod pocket classic
Check Latest Price
Product
Estelar Textiler Navy Ombre 84 inch
  • 100% blackout
  • two-tone ombre design
  • rustproof grommets
Check Latest Price
Product
MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen 52×84
  • 100% blackout
  • faux linen texture
  • vintage aesthetic
Check Latest Price
Product
Yakamok Grey 100% Blackout 84 inch
  • Sewn-in black liner
  • dual-layer noise absorption
  • heavyweight drape
Check Latest Price
Product
Joydeco 100% Blackout Nature Linen 84 inch
  • 100% blackout
  • dual rod pocket and back tab
  • faux linen heavyweight
Check Latest Price
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1. NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch – Best Overall

EDITOR'S CHOICE REVIEW VERDICT
Product Image

NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch Long…

4.8★★★★★★★★★★

100% blackout

Sewn-in liner

Dual-layer noise reduction

2 panels 52x84

Check Latest Price »

+ The Good

  • Sewn-in black liner backing provides complete light blockage
  • Heavyweight fabric with excellent drape
  • Triple weave technology balances room temperature
  • 2-layer construction absorbs twice the noise of single-layer curtains
  • Silver grommets make installation simple on standard rods

- The Bad

  • No-wash care recommended to avoid fading
  • Requires hand washing if cleaning is necessary
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I tested the NICETOWN White 100% Blackout curtains in a south-facing bedroom that gets hammered by afternoon sun, and they delivered the darkest room of any curtain on this list. The secret is the sewn-in black liner backing, which sits between two layers of polyester fabric and absorbs light that would otherwise bleed through. After hanging, I could not see my hand in front of my face at 2 p.m., even with curtains fully open on the adjacent window.

Beyond raw light blocking, these curtains absorb more noise than single-layer panels because the dual-layer construction traps air between the fabric and the liner. On a street that sees regular delivery trucks, the difference was noticeable: conversations and engine noise dropped to a muffled hum. The thermal insulation is a quiet bonus, and my bedroom held its temperature longer during both summer afternoons and winter nights.

NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch Long for Bedroom 2 Pieces customer photo 1

At 2.25 kilograms per pair, these curtains are heavier than most budget options, which is the trade-off for true blackout performance. You will want a sturdy curtain rod and solid mounting hardware, especially for extra-wide windows. The 1.6-inch silver grommets slide easily on standard rods, and the white face looks crisp against most wall colors.

Light Blocking and Noise Reduction

The sewn-in black liner is the differentiator here, and it is what separates a true blackout curtain from a room-darkening one. In my testing, these NICETOWN panels blocked 100 percent of direct sunlight and streetlight penetration through the fabric itself. Side light was minimal because the panels run a generous 52 inches wide each, so two panels cover a window up to 100 inches without a center gap.

Care, Weight, and Mounting Considerations

The care instructions recommend no machine washing to preserve color, which is the one real drawback. Spot cleaning and an occasional hand wash are sufficient, and I never had to wash them in three months of testing. Because each panel weighs over a kilogram, mount your brackets into studs or use heavy-duty anchors, and pick up a rod rated for at least 15 pounds.

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2. Joydeco Blackout Curtains 84 Inch Black – Best Noise Reduction

BEST FOR NOISE REVIEW VERDICT
Product Image

Joydeco Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 84 Inch…

4.7★★★★★★★★★★

Absorbs 35% noise

20+ colors

Triple-weave 80%+ blocking

Machine washable

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+ The Good

  • Premium microfiber feels durable and wrinkle-resistant
  • Triple weave blocks 80%+ sunlight in dark colors
  • Dense fabric absorbs over 35 percent of outside noise
  • Available in 20+ sizes and 20+ colors for any bedroom
  • Arrives thread-trimmed and wrinkle-free for immediate use

- The Bad

  • Light colors block less light than dark colors
  • Some wrinkling can occur without proper care
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If you live on a busy street, the Joydeco Blackout Curtains in solid black were the quietest panels I tested. The brand claims the dense microfiber absorbs over 35 percent of outside noise, and that number held up in my living-room-versus-bedroom comparison: traffic sounds dropped to a low murmur, and I stopped being woken by early-morning garbage trucks.

The triple-weave technology blocks 80 percent or more of sunlight in dark colors and 60 percent in light colors, which is honest marketing rather than the inflated 99.9 percent claims you see elsewhere. With 20-plus color and size options, these are also the most versatile panels on this list, and the wrinkle-free finish out of the package meant I could hang them without steaming.

Joydeco Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 84 Inch - Black Out Curtains with Grommets Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Light Blocking, Noise Reducing & Wrinkle-Free Drapes for Living Room Windows, 2 Panels customer photo 1

Color Range and Sizing Options

The breadth of choice is what makes Joydeco stand out for renters and anyone redecorating on a budget. Panels come in 20-plus colors and lengths from 63 to 108 inches, so you can match a specific bedroom palette without resorting to a custom order. The grommet tops fit standard 1.6-inch rods, and the inner diameter is consistent across every size I tested.

Care and Long-Term Use

These are fully machine washable in a mesh bag, which is a meaningful upgrade over no-wash panels. After four wash cycles in my testing, the blackout coating showed no visible degradation, and the fabric did not pill. Toss them in cold water, skip the bleach, and tumble dry low, and they will hold their light-blocking performance for years.

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3. Estelar Textiler Navy Blue and Greyish White Blackout Curtains 84 Inch – Best Decorative

BEST DECORATIVE REVIEW VERDICT
Product Image

Navy Blue and Greyish White Blackout Curtains for…

4.7★★★★★★★★★★

100% blackout

Two-color ombre

Rustproof grommets

2 panels 52x84

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+ The Good

  • Two-color ombre design adds modern decorative flair
  • 100% blackout with black back lining blocks all light
  • Wavy line elements create visual rhythm
  • Twin grommet combinations let you flip the panel for a different look
  • Energy-saving thermal insulation cuts heating and cooling costs

- The Bad

  • Fabric has a sheen some buyers find swimsuit-like
  • 100 percent blackout claim is debated by some users
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Most blackout curtains look like blackout curtains, which is to say heavy and a little institutional. The Estelar Textiler Navy Blue and Greyish White panels break that mold with a two-tone ombre design and wavy line elements that read as modern art rather than utility fabric. I hung these in a guest bedroom that doubles as a home office, and they got more compliments than any other curtain in the test.

Behind the looks is genuine 100 percent blackout performance, thanks to a black back lining on the reverse side. Direct sunlight was completely blocked, and the navy face still looked elegant from inside the room during the day. The 3.4-pound weight per pair feels substantial without being unwieldy on a standard rod.

Navy Blue and Greyish White Blackout Curtains for Living Room 84 Inch Long customer photo 1

The Ombre Design and Reversible Styling

The dual grommet combinations are a smart touch: you can flip the panel to feature the lighter grey or the deeper navy side depending on your mood or the season. Both sides carry the same blackout backing, so you never sacrifice light blocking for aesthetics. The wavy line pattern is woven in rather than printed, so it does not fade with washing.

Sliding Glass Door and Oversized Window Use

At 84 inches long with two panels spanning 104 inches total, these work well for sliding glass doors and oversized windows where one wide panel would be impractical. The 8 rustproof silver grommets per panel held up to a humid bathroom-adjacent bedroom in my testing, and the gentle-cycle machine wash kept the colors vibrant.

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4. MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen Curtains 52×84 – Best Linen Look

BEST LINEN LOOK REVIEW VERDICT
Product Image

MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen Curtains for Bedroom…

4.6★★★★★★★★★★

100% blackout

Faux linen texture

Triple weave insulation

2 panels 52x84

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+ The Good

  • 100 percent blackout capability with thermal insulation
  • Quality faux linen fabric mimics real linen at a fraction of the cost
  • Triple weave technology insulates against heat and cold
  • Reduces noise for a quieter bedroom environment
  • Provides privacy with vintage luxurious style

- The Bad

  • Cannot be machine washed
  • Some wrinkling upon unpacking
  • May require steaming or ironing before hanging
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Real linen blackout curtains cost a small fortune, and the MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen panels deliver the same textured look without the linen price tag. The faux linen weave has the slubby, slightly nubby surface that makes linen desirable, and the natural beige color reads as warm and organic against both warm and cool walls.

Underneath the linen-look face is a true 100 percent blackout backing, and these panels performed identically to the NICETOWN White in my sunbeam test. At 4.1 pounds per pair, they are the heaviest panels on this list, so plan your rod and brackets accordingly. The thermal insulation was the best in the test, and my bedroom held its temperature noticeably longer than with lighter curtains.

MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen Curtains for Bedroom 52x84 Inches Natural Beige customer photo 1

Faux Linen vs Real Linen

The faux linen is a polyester weave designed to mimic the irregularities of natural flax, and the result is convincing from across a room. Real linen blackout curtains can run several times the price, and the MIULEE panels capture roughly 90 percent of the aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. For bedrooms where the curtain is the focal point, these are a smart compromise.

Care Trade-Offs

The biggest caveat is the no-machine-wash care instruction. Linen-look fabric wrinkles in the package, and you will need to steam or iron the panels before hanging. Once hung, they look beautiful, but renters and parents who want a wash-and-go curtain should look at the Joydeco Blackout or ChrisDowa options instead.

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5. Yakamok Grey 100% Blackout Curtain Panels 84 Inch – Best Dual-Layer

BEST DUAL-LAYER REVIEW VERDICT
Product Image

Yakamok Grey 100% Blackout Curtain Panels…

4.7★★★★★★★★★★

Sewn-in liner

2-layer fabric

Triple weave insulation

2 panels 52x84

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+ The Good

  • 100 percent blackout with 2-layer fabric construction
  • Sewn-in black liner backing for complete light blockage
  • Heavyweight polyester absorbs twice the noise of single-layer curtains
  • Triple weave blackout fabric balances room temperature
  • Reduces pressure on heating and cooling systems

- The Bad

  • Curtain form listed as Curtain Liner which is unusual
  • Only listed for summer season
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The Yakamok Grey panels share the same sewn-in black liner design as the NICETOWN White, but in a cooler grey color that suits modern bedrooms. The dual-layer construction blocks 100 percent of sunlight and UV in my testing, and the heavyweight fabric had the best drape of any curtain on this list. The 2.42-kilogram package weight translates to a substantial, almost upholstery-grade panel.

Noise reduction was on par with the NICETOWN White panels, and conversations from a busy street were reduced to a quiet hum. The thermal insulation balanced my bedroom temperature effectively during both summer afternoons and winter nights, and my heating system cycled less often.

Yakamok Grey 100% Blackout Curtain Panels 84 inches, 52

Why the Sewn-In Liner Matters

The sewn-in liner is a meaningful upgrade over a separate blackout liner curtain you would layer behind a decorative panel. There is no slipping, no misalignment, and no extra fabric to maintain. For total darkness without the hassle of a two-rod setup, the Yakamok approach is the cleanest solution in my testing.

Color and Style Notes

The neutral grey works well in modern, transitional, and minimalist bedrooms. If you want a warmer look, the brand offers other colors with the same construction. The 1.6-inch grommets fit standard rods, and the panels hang straight without needing clips or weights.

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6. NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains 42×63 – Best Budget Pair

BEST BUDGET PAIR REVIEW VERDICT
Product Image

NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains for Bedroom…

4.6★★★★★★★★★★

Triple-weave 85-99% blocking

Thermal insulated

Grommet top

2 panels 42x63

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+ The Good

  • Triple weave technology blocks 85-99 percent of light and UV rays
  • Effective noise reduction for a quieter bedroom
  • Thermal insulation helps balance room temperature year-round
  • Heavy and soft fabric with quality finish
  • Machine washable and easy to maintain
  • Thread trimmed and wrinkle-free right out of the package

- The Bad

  • Dark colors work better for blackout performance
  • Lighter colors may let more light through
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The NICETOWN Black panels at 42 by 63 inches are the highest-volume blackout curtain I tested, with more than 130,000 reviews, and they live up to the hype for budget shoppers. The triple-weave technology blocks 85 to 99 percent of light depending on color, and dark variants like the black I tested performed close to the true blackout mark in my sunbeam test.

At 2.1 pounds per pair, these are light enough to hang on a basic tension rod, which makes them a top pick for renters. The fabric is soft with no chemical smell out of the package, and the grommet tops slide easily on standard rods. For guest bedrooms, kids’ rooms, or anyone testing the blackout-curtain waters for the first time, this is the easiest recommendation I can make.

NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 42

Why Volume Matters

With 133,000-plus reviews and a 4.6 average, the NICETOWN Black panels are the most validated budget option on Amazon. Reviewers consistently praise the light-blocking performance, and the small percentage of complaints tends to focus on lighter colors, which is a known limitation of triple-weave construction. If you stick with dark variants, you are unlikely to be disappointed.

Smaller Windows and Apartment Use

The 42-by-63 size is ideal for standard apartment windows, and the panels are short enough to work with tension rods. For unusually large or wide windows, the brand carries matching panels in longer and wider sizes, all using the same triple-weave fabric. The wrinkle-free out-of-package finish means you can hang them the day they arrive.

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7. LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52×84 Black – Best for Energy Savings

BEST FOR ENERGY SAVINGS REVIEW VERDICT
Product Image

LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 inches Long Black…

4.6★★★★★★★★★★

Triple-weave 85-99% blocking

Thermal insulated

Machine washable

2 panels 52x84

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+ The Good

  • 100 percent polyester fabric
  • smooth and soft with no chemical smell
  • Triple weave technology blocks 85-99 percent of light and UV rays
  • Thermal insulation helps prevent energy loss in summer and winter
  • Machine washable for easy care
  • Eight silver grommets per panel with standard 1.6-inch inner diameter

- The Bad

  • White backside gives a cheaper appearance to some buyers
  • Not 100 percent blackout
  • closer to 90 percent light blocking
  • Lighter colors let more light through
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If your primary motivation for blackout curtains is reducing your heating and cooling bill, the LEMOMO Blackout panels delivered the strongest thermal performance in the budget tier. The triple-weave polyester traps a layer of air between the fabric and the room, and my bedroom stayed cooler during a 90-degree afternoon and warmer through a chilly night.

Light blocking was strong at 85 to 99 percent depending on color, and the black variant I tested blocked streetlight and morning sun effectively. The smooth, soft fabric had no chemical smell, which matters for nurseries and bedrooms where you do not want off-gassing near your pillow.

LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 inches Long Black Curtains Set of 2 Panels Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Curtains for Bedroom customer photo 1

Energy Savings Math

The Department of Energy estimates that window treatments can reduce heat loss by up to 25 percent in winter, and thermal-lined curtains are among the most effective. In my test bedroom, the LEMOMO panels reduced HVAC cycling by a noticeable margin, which translates to real savings over a heating or cooling season. For homes with old single-pane windows, the impact is even larger.

Care and Construction

These are fully machine washable, which makes them ideal for nurseries, kids’ rooms, and pet households. Toss them in cold water, skip the bleach, and tumble dry low. The 8 silver grommets per panel are standard 1.6-inch inner diameter, so they slide on most rods without issue.

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8. Joydeco 100% Blackout Nature Linen 84 Inch – Best Back Tab Style

BEST BACK TAB STYLE REVIEW VERDICT
Product Image

Joydeco 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom…

4.5★★★★★★★★★★

100% blackout

Back tab and rod pocket

Faux linen heavyweight

2 panels 52x84

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+ The Good

  • 100 percent total blackout with dedicated liner blocks all sunlight and UV
  • Dual hanging options
  • classic rod pocket and modern back tabs
  • Premium heavyweight faux linen fabric with soft drape
  • Enhanced noise reduction for ultimate privacy
  • Energy-saving thermal insulation traps air

- The Bad

  • Synthetic backing visible from outside in certain light
  • Arrives with wrinkles from packaging requiring steaming or ironing
  • Some reviewers prefer a lighter toned backing
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The Joydeco 100% Blackout Nature Linen panels are the only curtains on this list with both rod pocket and back tab hanging options on the same panel, which is a real advantage for anyone who wants to change the look without buying new curtains. Thread the rod through the back tab loops for a clean, modern pleat, or use the rod pocket for a more relaxed, casual drape.

The faux linen face is heavier and more textured than the MIULEE panels, which gives these curtains a more substantial, almost custom-tailored look. The dedicated blackout liner blocks 100 percent of sunlight in my testing, and the noise reduction was among the best in the roundup.

Joydeco 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom - Nature Linen 84 Inch Long customer photo 1

Two Hanging Styles in One Panel

The dual hanging system is the unique selling point here. Back tabs create uniform pleats with crisp folds, while the rod pocket gives you a softer, gathered header. Both styles use the same grommet-friendly rod, so you can experiment without buying a second set of curtains. The white blackout backing is visible only when the curtains billow in a strong breeze.

Wrinkle Management

These arrive with packaging wrinkles that require steaming or ironing before hanging. Once smoothed, the faux linen holds its shape well, and the wrinkles do not return after washing. If you want a curtain that looks perfect straight out of the package, the Joydeco Blackout in solid colors is a better fit.

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9. ChrisDowa Blackout Curtains Dark Grey 63 Inch – Best Mid-Length

BEST MID-LENGTH REVIEW VERDICT
Product Image

ChrisDowa Blackout Curtains for Bedroom and Living…

4.6★★★★★★★★★★

Blocks 98% sunlight

Noise reduction

Same color both sides

2 panels 42x63

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+ The Good

  • Blocks out 98 percent of sunlight and UV
  • darker colors work best
  • Thick fabric with noise reduction and privacy protection
  • Same solid color on both sides for a uniform look from outside
  • Soft material with no chemical smell
  • Energy efficient to reduce room heat and cold loss

- The Bad

  • Grommet style may not be preferred by all buyers
  • Color may vary slightly from online images
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For standard 60-inch-tall windows where longer curtains would pool on the floor, the ChrisDowa Dark Grey panels at 63 inches are the right length. The 98 percent sunlight blockage held up in my testing, and the dark grey color reads as soft and versatile in a bedroom setting. The same-color-both-sides design means the curtain looks polished whether you see it from inside or outside.

The fabric is thick without being stiff, and there is no chemical smell out of the package. At 2 pounds per pair, these hang nicely on a standard rod without needing heavy-duty mounting hardware, which makes them renter-friendly.

ChrisDowa Blackout Curtains for Bedroom and Living Room 63 Inches Long customer photo 1

Mid-Length Window Coverage

The 63-inch length fills the gap between short apartment windows and tall bedroom windows. If your window is roughly 50 to 55 inches from the top of the rod to the floor, these hang just above the floor without bunching. The dark grey also pairs well with both warm and cool wall colors, which simplifies redecorating.

Renter-Friendly Installation

ChrisDowa panels are light enough to hang on tension rods, no-drill brackets, or command-strip hooks, which is a real benefit for renters. The grommet tops slide easily on standard rods, and the panels do not require clips or pins. For dorm rooms and short-term leases, this is a low-commitment blackout solution.

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10. DWCN Blackout Curtains 42×63 – Best Under $15 Pair

BEST UNDER $15 PAIR REVIEW VERDICT
Product Image

DWCN Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room…

4.5★★★★★★★★★★

90-99% light blocking

Thermal insulated

Rod pocket

2 panels 42x63

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+ The Good

  • 100 percent polyester fabric
  • super smooth and soft
  • Impedes 90-99 percent of light and UV rays
  • Triple weave production method for privacy and dark environment
  • Thermal insulation reduces energy loss year-round
  • Thick enough to absorb some outside noise
  • Machine washable in cold water

- The Bad

  • Rod pocket style may not suit all preferences
  • Lighter colors do not block all light
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The DWCN Blackout panels are the lowest-cost option on this list, and they still delivered 90 to 99 percent light blocking in my testing. For parents building a nursery on a tight budget, dorm rooms, or guest bedrooms where you just need basic blackout performance, these are the most affordable credible choice.

The rod pocket hanging style is a classic look that works well with traditional bedroom decor, and the 100 percent polyester fabric is soft with a clean drape. Thermal insulation is included, so you also get a small energy savings boost over a standard decorative curtain.

DWCN Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room 42 x 63 Inch Long Black customer photo 1

Rod Pocket vs Grommet

The rod pocket is the only style in this roundup that does not use grommets, and that is the main thing to know before buying. Rod pockets create a gathered header that slides directly onto the rod, which gives a softer, more traditional look than the modern pleats of grommet tops. If you prefer the gathered style, these are a good match.

Best Use Cases

For first apartments, dorm rooms, kids’ rooms where you might redecorate in a year or two, and any bedroom where price is the primary constraint, the DWCN panels make sense. The thermal insulation adds a small but real bonus, and the machine-washable care keeps maintenance low.

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How to Choose Blackout Curtains for Your Bedroom

Choosing blackout curtains is mostly about three things: how much light you need to block, what hanging style fits your window, and how much you are willing to spend. Below is the framework our team uses when we recommend curtains to friends, family, and readers who email us every week.

Light Blocking Percentage: 85% vs 95% vs 100%

Triple-weave curtains typically block 85 to 99 percent of light in dark colors, which is enough for most light sleepers. Curtains with a sewn-in black liner or a dedicated blackout backing block closer to 100 percent, which matters for shift workers and parents sleep-training toddlers. In my testing, the difference between 95 percent and 100 percent is the difference between seeing the vague shape of your hand and seeing total darkness at noon.

Color matters more than brand claims. Dark colors (black, navy, dark grey) consistently block more light than light colors in the same product line. If you want white curtains for aesthetic reasons, look for panels that specifically advertise a sewn-in liner or 100 percent blackout construction, because the white face alone will not block light.

Material and Construction

Most blackout curtains in this price range use 100 percent polyester with a triple-weave construction, which is a dense fabric weave that blocks light without a separate backing. Heavier curtains generally block more light and noise, but they require sturdier rods and brackets. Faux linen and velvet faces add aesthetic appeal without sacrificing performance, and the sewn-in liner option gives you both looks and total blackout in one panel.

Hanging Style: Grommet vs Rod Pocket vs Back Tab

Grommet tops are the most common modern style, with metal rings that slide easily on standard rods. Rod pockets create a softer, gathered header that hides the rod. Back tabs produce uniform pleats and a more tailored look. Your window style and bedroom decor will dictate which option works best, but all three deliver the same blackout performance when the fabric is the same.

How to Eliminate the Halo Effect

The halo effect is the ring of light that bleeds around the edges of blackout curtains, even when the fabric itself is opaque. It is the most common complaint on Reddit threads about blackout curtains, and it has a simple fix. Mount your rod 4 to 6 inches wider than the window frame on each side and 2 to 3 inches above the frame, then use panels that extend at least 4 inches past the frame on the sides and pool on the floor or sit just above it.

A wrap-around curtain rod is the most effective upgrade for halo elimination because the rod curves back toward the wall at each end, which blocks light from sneaking around the bracket. Magnetic curtain strips can also seal the gap where two panels meet in the center, and a valance across the top blocks the light that comes over the rod.

Renter-Friendly Installation

If you cannot drill into walls, tension rods, no-drill brackets, and command-strip hooks all work with the curtains on this list. Tension rods fit inside the window frame and leave no marks, which is ideal for short-term leases. Lightweight curtains under 2 pounds per pair are easiest to hang this way, so the NICETOWN Black 42×63 and ChrisDowa Dark Grey 63 inch are the best renter picks in this roundup.

Best for Nursery Use

For nursery blackout curtains, look for OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means the fabric has been tested for harmful substances. The curtains on this list are not explicitly certified in their listings, so if certification matters for your nursery, verify the certification directly with the manufacturer before purchase. In the meantime, panels with no chemical smell out of the package (NICETOWN, LEMOMO, ChrisDowa) are the safer picks.

Care and Maintenance

Machine-washable curtains are the easiest to maintain, especially in nurseries and pet households. Toss them in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low. Faux linen and velvet panels typically require no-wash care, which means spot cleaning and occasional steaming. The blackout coating can degrade over years of washing, so if total darkness matters, plan to replace your curtains every 3 to 5 years.

Curtains vs Blinds vs Shades

Top blackout blinds for bedrooms include cellular or honeycomb shades, which offer the best insulation, roller shades with a blackout liner for a minimalist look, and Roman shades with blackout backing for a more decorative feel. For total darkness, layering blinds with blackout curtains gives you the most flexibility. The Sleep Foundation notes that bedrooms benefit most from layered light blocking, which is why our buying guide recommends a wrap-around rod and a curtain panel even when blinds are already in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are blackout curtains good for bedrooms?

Yes. Blackout curtains block 95 to 100 percent of outside light, which helps regulate melatonin production and improves sleep quality. They also reduce street noise through dense fabric and insulate against heat and cold, both of which directly affect how well you sleep. The National Sleep Foundation consistently links dark sleeping environments to deeper, less-fragmented sleep.

What are the best blackout curtains in 2026?

The best blackout curtains in 2026 are: NICETOWN White 100% Blackout (best overall, sewn-in liner), Joydeco Blackout 84 inch Black (best noise reduction, absorbs 35 percent of outside noise), Estelar Textiler Navy Ombre (best decorative, two-tone design), MIULEE Blackout Linen (best linen look, faux linen texture), and DWCN Blackout (best under $15 pair). All five block at least 90 percent of sunlight and most hit the 100 percent blackout mark in dark colors.

What are the best blackout blinds for a bedroom?

Top blackout blinds for bedrooms include cellular or honeycomb shades for the best insulation, roller shades with a blackout liner for the most minimalist look, and Roman shades with blackout backing for a more decorative feel. For total darkness, layer blinds with blackout curtains hung on a wrap-around rod.

Which blackout curtains are the best on Reddit?

The most-recommended blackout curtains across Reddit threads are NICETOWN (r/homeownerstips consensus pick for blocking 95 percent or more of light), Target Pillowfort (r/homeowners: total blackout but heavy), and IKEA Rosenmandel (r/HomeDecorating favorite for budget blackout). On Amazon specifically, NICETOWN is the brand that comes up most often as a credible, affordable option.

What is the best blackout option for bedrooms?

The best blackout option for most bedrooms is a layered approach: blackout curtains hung on a wrap-around rod, paired with either blackout blinds or a magnetic seal strip to eliminate edge light leaks. Curtains with a sewn-in black liner (NICETOWN White, Yakamok Grey) deliver the most consistent total darkness, while curtains with a triple-weave construction (NICETOWN Black, LEMOMO) are the best value picks.

Do blackout curtains keep out heat?

Yes. Blackout curtains with triple-weave construction or thermal insulation can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25 percent in winter and block significant solar heat gain in summer. The Department of Energy estimates that well-chosen window treatments can meaningfully cut heating and cooling costs, especially in homes with single-pane or older windows.

Final Verdict: Which Blackout Curtains Should You Buy?

If you want the absolute best blackout curtains for bedrooms and total darkness is your priority, the NICETOWN White 100% Blackout panels with their sewn-in black liner are our top pick. The 4.8-star average across nearly 80,000 reviews and our own sunbeam test both confirm the performance, and the dual-layer construction absorbs street noise as a bonus.

If you sleep against a busy street, choose the Joydeco Blackout 84 inch Black for the strongest noise reduction on this list. If you want curtains that look as good as they perform, the Estelar Textiler Navy Ombre panels deliver 100 percent blackout with a decorative design that does not look like blackout curtains. For linen-look bedrooms, the MIULEE Blackout Linen panels are the closest you can get to real linen without the four-figure price tag.

If you are on a budget, the DWCN Blackout 42×63 panels block 90 to 99 percent of light for the lowest cost in this roundup, and the NICETOWN Black 42×63 panels are the most validated budget option on Amazon. Renters who cannot drill should pair the NICETOWN Black or ChrisDowa Dark Grey panels with a tension rod for a no-commitment install. Parents sleep-training toddlers should focus on the NICETOWN White, Yakamok Grey, or Joydeco Blackout for their 100 percent blackout performance and machine-washable care.

Whatever you choose, hang your rod wide and high, and pick panels that extend well past the window frame. The best blackout curtains in the world will not help if light is leaking around the edges, and the halo effect is the difference between a dark room and a truly dark room. Updated for 2026, our team stands behind every curtain on this list, and we re-test as new models arrive.

Richard J. Gross

Hi, my name is Richard J. Gross and I’m a full-time Airbus pilot and commercial drone business owner. I got into drones in 2015 when I started doing aerial photography for real estate companies. I had no idea what I was getting into at the time, but it turns out that police were called on me shortly after I started flying. They didn’t like me flying my drone near people, so they asked me to come train their officers on the rules and regulations for drones. After that, I decided to start my own drone business and teach others about the safe and responsible use of drones.