Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (2024)

Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (1)

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The struggle to stay asleep or fall into deep sleep during daylight hours is real, especially if you work nights (and snooze during the day), you're a parent, you love sleeping in on weekends, or you're just an avid napper (no judgment!). Your circadian rhythm isn't really programmed to sleep when the sun's out, so if you find your sleep interrupted once a ray of sunlight hits your window, we have two words: Blackout curtains.

Also known as "room-darkening curtains," they're hands-down the best way to block outside light so you can sleep like a baby no matter the time of day. "Darkness plays a crucial role in regulating sleep because it signals to our brains that it’s time to produce melatonin, the hormone that helps control our sleep-wake cycle," says Christiane Lemieux, a renowned designer and founder of modern luxury home furnishings brand Lemieux et Cie. "When exposed to darkness, melatonin levels rise, making us feel sleepy and promoting deep, restorative sleep." Countless studies back this up.

Best blackout curtains

The best blackout curtains provide the right level of room darkening for your room or preferred sleep space. Some guarantee 100 percent light-blocking, while others block most light. There is no one best type—it's all about your personal preference. Because of the construction common to most blackout curtains (many are built with a liner or foam backing), they often have the added benefit of thermal regulation, too. This helps reflect sunlight and heat to keep your room cooler in the summer, and blocks drafts to keep your home warmer in the winter. Noise-blocking is another typical benefit that can help stop unwanted sounds from getting in or out.

What to consider

Like cotton sheets, bath towels, and other soft goods, blackout curtains seem deceptively simple. Picking the first set you find online seems like a quick fix for your tired eyes, but not all are made equal. Options range in price, color, fabric, length, and added features, like temperature control and noise-blocking. But there are a few key things to look for when shopping for your own. These are the most important:

Size and color

It might seem obvious, but you'll want to make sure whatever curtains you're shopping for are available in a size and colorway that match your particular space. If not, none of the other points here matter. Remember, though, that if you find a model you love, but it's unavailable in the size you need, tailoring or hemming is always an option.

Material

As with all curtains, blackout curtains are available in a wide variety of fabrics and materials. Ultimately, "blackout curtains need to be thick and high-quality in order to work," says Courtney Cole, an interior designer at Australian home design company TileCloud. "High-density fabrics like polyester or microfiber are ideal for light-blocking (and last a long time as a bonus!)." Polyester is the most popular, but here are the most common and the pros/cons of each:

  • Polyester: This synthetic fiber is the most widely used in blackout/room-darkening curtains. Even if it's not the main fiber, it's often used as a liner or backing to provide a full blackout effect. That's because it's durable, inexpensive to manufacture, and can be woven very tightly to achieve any opacity in curtains (up to and including complete light-blocking).
  • Cotton: Cotton is warm (visually and literally), natural, and almost always more luxurious looking than polyester and other synthetics. It's often blended with polyester for a more affordable curtain that darkens better than pure cotton alone.
  • Linen: Linen is timeless, classic, and airy—often too airy to stand on its own as a room-darkening curtain fabric. That's why it's often backed with an opaque liner or backing for maximum blackout.

Fixture compatibility

Like all curtains, blackout curtains rely on a specific fixture type for hanging. The most common are grommet, rod pocket, or hanging rings/clips. Be sure to look for products that are compatible with your existing or preferred fixture type.

Opacity

Opacity refers to the amount of light a curtain can block. Full light-blocking curtains are often referred to as "blackout curtains," while "room darkening" curtains typically block out some or most light, but not necessarily all. The right opacity for you depends on your sleep habits, including just how dark you like your room for sleeping and potentially the time of day you most often sleep.

Finally, Cole adds that design is always a consideration. But there are no strict rules. "Choose a material that makes sense for the space," she says. "Color-wise, neutrals are a safe pick, but if a bold and dramatic color makes you happy, go with that."

How we selected

To find the best blackout curtains for every sleep style, room type, and home decor, the WH team consulted several experts and professional designers, plus asked our team of testers and in-house editors for feedback on the brands they love. We researched and thoroughly vetted every curtain to consider fabrics, available sizes, fixture types, design, price, and, of course, how well they actually darkened our space. No matter what type of blackout curtain you're looking for, this final list includes something for everyone.

Read on for our roundup of the best blackout curtains worth buying in 2024, according to designers and editors.

Best Overall

Sun Zero Nordic Theater Grade Extreme Blackout Grommet Curtain (Pair)

Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (9)

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Pros
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (10)Sleek, modern design with smooth-gliding grommets
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (11)Complete blackout opacity
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (12)Thick, luxe-feeling fabric
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (13)Great for blocking out heat during the summer
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (14)Available in more than a dozen colorways
Cons
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (15)Price varies widely based on colorway
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (16)Only one hanging option (grommet)

Polyester is still our go-to pick as the best fabric for blackout curtains, and the Nordic Theater Grade Extreme from Sun Zero is a perfect example of why. Over the past few months, we tested dozens of blackout and room-darkening curtains, and this set is our hands-down favorite for its luxurious fabric, designer good looks, surprisingly affordable price tag, and ability to block out all light.

The fabric has a nice, thick, heavy hand feel that's more luxurious than most other curtains we've tested, especially those made from polyester and other synthetics. That thickness guarantees a complete blackout design with zero light leakage. We also found that the thickness ensured that this curtain was better than most at blocking out heat and sunlight—great for regulating room temperature in the height of summer. After months of testing, our team agreed these panels were a near-perfect blend of good looks, great feel, and full light-blocking capability.

What further sets this curtain apart is the price. It's more affordable than most, with each pair costing less than most single-panel blackout curtains from other, more premium brands. Plus, it's available in almost two dozen colorways, from basics like black and beige to bolder options like gold and orange. So, it's easy to find one that matches your existing home decor.

Our only real gripe is the single hanging option (grommet), compared to several of our other top picks, which offer two, even three, options for maximum versatility.

Read more: Most Comfortable Mattresses

Available SizesAvailable in seven sizes, from 52 x 54 in. to 52 x 120 in.
MaterialPolyester
Fixture CompatibilityGrommet
OpacityFull blackout

Best Budget Buy

SUN+BLK Ecologee Textured Total Blackout Curtain (Pair)

Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (17)

Pros
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (18)Amazing price
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (19)Featherweight design is lighter than most traditional curtains
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (20)Solid thermal and sound insulation
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (21)Durable, 100% recycled construction
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (22)Machine-washable for easy maintenance
Cons
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (23)Limited size and color selection

If budget is your deciding factor, we love this simple blackout curtain from SUN+BLK. The lightly textured design gives it a more luxurious, high-quality look and hand feel than we'd expect at this price point. Thanks to a thin foam backing, the 100 percent recycled polyester construction is ultra-lightweight (lighter than many ordinary curtains we've previously tested!), yet it delivers complete blackout bliss. Bonus: That design also makes for decent thermal and sound insulation, too.

Our only real gripe is the limited selection of sizes (there are only three) and colors (just five). But, the best part? The price. It's more affordable than almost any other blackout curtain we can honestly recommend in 2024. If budget is your deciding factor, this panel is a solid buy!

Available SizesAvailable in three sizes, from 40 x 63 in. to 40 x 95 in.
Material100% recycled polyester
Fixture CompatibilityRod pocket
OpacityFull blackout

Best Velvet Curtain

West Elm Cotton Velvet Blackout Curtain

Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (24)

Pros
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (25)Velvet construction feels rich and luxurious
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (26)Sewn-in liner fully blocks out all light
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (27)Great color selection
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (28)Sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturing
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (29)Two built-in hanging options (rod pocket or back tabs)
Cons
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (30)Only three sizing options

Most experts, including Cole, recommend heavy, dense fabrics, especially for curtains with true blackout capability. The velvet construction of this best-selling curtain from West Elm fits the bill, plus it looks and feels ultra-luxurious to boot. It's a design that's guaranteed to elevate the aesthetic of any room.

"Their velvet texture feels fancy while still effectively blocking out light," says Cole. "These curtains are on the slightly pricier side, but they're a no-brainer choice for those wanting a premium product." If you're looking for maximum light-blocking and premium good looks, this curtain is definitely worth the splurge. Bonus: It comes with dual hanging options for compatibility with rod pockets or back tabs.

Read more: Best Cooling Comforters

Available Sizes48 x 84 in., 48 x 96 in., 48 x 108 in.
Material100% cotton
Fixture CompatibilityRod pocket or back tabs
OpacityFull blackout

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Best (Faux) Linen Curtain

H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Linen Thermal Insulated Window Curtain (Pair)

Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (31)

Pros
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (32)More luxurious look and hand feel than most synthetics
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (33)Excellent thermal regulation
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (34)Great price
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (35)Available in more than a dozen colorways
Cons
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (36)Not quite as handsome or high-quality as genuine linen

This faux linen, thermal blackout curtain from H.VERSAILTEX combines the luxurious look and hand feel of all-natural linen with the intense light-blocking and thermal-regulating properties of synthetic fibers. The result is a curtain that looks great on the rod while providing near-100 percent blackout capability. The design also blocks drafts in the cold months and keeps heat out in the summer—both significantly better than pure linen alternatives.

It's also priced better than genuine linen, so it's far more affordable, making this a great option if you're looking to decorate a large room with multiple windows. With dozens of color options, it's easy to find a colorway that matches your decor.

Available SizesAvailable in six sizes, from 52 x 45 in. to 52 x 108 in.
MaterialFaux linen
Fixture CompatibilityGrommet
Opacity10%

Best Genuine Linen

CB2 European Flax Certified Linen Natural Blackout Window Curtain

Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (37)

Pros
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (38)100% certified European Flax linen looks and feels luxurious
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (39)Available in several tasteful, upscale colorways
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (40)Ultra-clean hems provide a tailored designer look
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (41)Three built-in hanging options add maximum versatility
Cons
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (42)A little pricey relative to our other top picks

We love genuine linen for window treatments that exude a high-end natural aesthetic, feel great, and look gorgeous in virtually any room. When paired with an opaque backing, like this panel from CB2, it's a near-perfect material for blackout curtains. "This option has the breezy linen aesthetic with a blackout lining that ensures total darkness," says Cole. "It's a popular choice for those wanting a stylish and somewhat affordable option."

It's only available in a handful of colorways, but in true CB2 fashion, they're all tasteful and upscale. Also true to the brand is the relatively premium price tag (compared to others in our roundup). But we agree with Cole that this is an option that's worth a little splurge. Plus, we love the three built-in hanging options, which make this panel compatible with almost any window treatment setup right out of the box.

Available Sizes48" x 84", 48" x 96", 48" x 108", 48" x 120"
Material100% certified European Flax linen with a 100% polyester lining
Fixture CompatibilityRod pocket, back tab, or drapery hook
OpacityFull blackout

Best For Short Windows

Fancy Linen LLC Faux Silk Blackout Curtain Set

Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (43)

Pros
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (44)Perfect size for shorter windows
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (45)Thick fabric also dampens unwanted sound
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (46)Good color selection to easily match a wide range of decors
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (47)Very affordable
Cons
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (48)Don't look or feel quite as premium as our other picks

For basements, garages, or any other space with half-height windows where you need a little extra "dark," this shorter curtain set is an excellent near-blackout solution. The 36-inch height is perfect for low-profile windows in private home theater setups, sunken dens, basement workout rooms, and more.

The polyester faux silk fabric is unique among the other options in our roundup. It looks and feels more luxurious than the (dirt-cheap) price tag should allow. With more than a dozen available colorways, from neutrals like black, white, and dark gray to bolder options like yellow, gold, and red, it's easy to find an option that perfectly matches your current decor. Unlike many of the full-blackout picks we recommend, this set blocks out 70 percent of light, making it ideal for rooms other than the bedroom where you might not need or want complete darkness.

What further sets this set apart is the price. It's the cheapest option in our roundup, giving you the option of outfitting an entire space for a couple of hundred dollars, tops.

Read more: Best Cooling Sheets

Available SizesOnly 54 in. W x 36 in. L
MaterialFaux silk (polyester)
Fixture CompatibilityGrommet
Opacity30%

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Best Value

Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window Curtains

Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (49)

Pros
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (50)Heavy polyester construction with full-blackout capability
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (51)Included tie-back loops
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (52)Durable and machine-washable
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (53)Great bang for your buck
Cons
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (54)Tie-backs aren't connected to the panels
  • Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (55)Limited color selection

We're big fans of all things Amazon Basics, and this two-panel curtain set is no exception. Despite the limited color selection, the simple, goes-with-anything aesthetic adds a very approachable price tag, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers. Each panel features hidden rear-hanging loops for a clean, modern pleated look. Every set includes two 100 percent polyester panels with a full-blackout coating, so they're ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and any room where you need serious darkening.

This is the only set in our roundup to offer included velcro tie-backs. Our only gripe is that they're not connected to the panels, which is slightly disappointing as that makes them easy to lose on laundry day. Still, for the price (just a fraction of our most premium picks), it's hard to complain.

Available Sizes52 x 63 in., 52 x 84 in., 52 x 96 in.
Material100% polyester
Fixture CompatibilityAvailable in rod pocket, grommet, or hanging loop options
OpacityFull blackout

Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (56)

Meet the experts

  • Christiane Lemieux is a renowned designer, artist, bestselling author, investor, entrepreneur, and founder of modern luxury brand Lemieux et Cie.
  • Courtney Cole is an interior designer at Australian home design company TileCloud.

Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (57)

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Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (58)

Mike Richard

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.

Designers Say These Cute Blackout Curtains Will Keep Your Room Both Cool And Dark (2024)

FAQs

Will blackout curtains keep my room cool? ›

Blackout curtains and shades will reduce the amount of heat which is transferred via your windows by as much as 24 percent, keeping the rooms where they're installed cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This will allow you to use your heating and cooling system more efficiently and save energy.

How do you use blackout curtains in a sentence? ›

We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to the Collins team. Read more… All the while results drew blackout curtains over that pesky window. Nothing could be wasted, not even one's blackout curtains.

Do blackout curtains make the room completely dark? ›

As for room-darkening curtains, producers often make them by using a less dense fabric liner. They can filter out most light. However, blackout curtains are normally made by special techniques. They can block out all the light.

Which is darker room darkening or blackout curtains? ›

Blackout shades use a fabric that blocks 100% of all incoming light, while "room darkening" usually refers to almost any shade that uses a fabric that blocks between 95% and 99% of the light that enters your room. Anything that blocks less than 95% of the light is usually referred to as light filtering.

Do blackout curtains help with AC? ›

By effectively blocking sunlight, blackout curtains significantly reduce heat gain in a room, leading to a more naturally cool environment. This not only enhances comfort during the hot summer months but also results in lower air conditioning costs.

What color curtains make a room cooler? ›

Well, the answer is white curtain colours keep the room cooler than a black coloured curtain fabric because the colour white reflects the thermal energy and black absorbs it. Still, it is important to consider the thickness of the fabric as well.

What is a good sentence for curtain? ›

The curtains move as if they wanted to say something. He peered out of his curtains looking outside his house. She opened the curtains of the verandah and opened the verandah doors.

Why do people use blackout curtains? ›

Many people use blackout curtains in their sleeping areas to reduce exposure to morning sunlight and other light sources. The human body produces melatonin in the dark. This naturally occurring hormone helps regulate your body's circadian rhythms, or natural sleep-wake cycle.

How do you use blackout curtains effectively? ›

To get the most out of the room-darkening qualities, measure a couple of inches beyond the window frame on all sides. Using wraparound rods (which bring the drapes all the way around to the wall) is another way to ensure that most light will be blocked.

What is the downside of blackout curtains? ›

They could severely limit your natural light

Blackout curtains mimic the effects of darkness. Keeping them closed for extended periods during waking hours can limit your exposure to natural light, which Kahn says can negatively impact your mood and productivity.

Do blackout curtains actually work? ›

The biggest benefit of blackout drapery is their ability to block light from entering a room. This is important for young children and people who work overnight shifts. Sleeping during the day can be difficult because of the sunlight; however, blackout drapery can stop up to 99% of sunlight from entering into a room.

How to make a room super dark? ›

Utilize Light-Blocking Shades

Utilizing light-blocking shades in combination with other window treatments can help to create a dark and peaceful environment for better sleep. Investing in blackout curtains, using eye masks, and blocking light from the bedroom door are ways to make a bedroom darker.

Will blackout curtains keep room cooler? ›

Blackout curtains are frequently used in bedrooms due to their ability to block light and create a dark, relaxing ambiance. Blackout curtains also excel at enhancing insulation and keeping the heat out of a room, making them a prime choice for maintaining a comfortable home temperature.

What is better than blackout curtains? ›

While both blackout curtains and window films are effective, there are distinct advantages to choosing window film. Blackout curtains and drapes create adequate privacy and reduce the amount of light that enters your room. However, they do not block 100% of the light and UV rays.

What is the best color for blackout curtains? ›

For example, a MOONDREAM dim-out curtain or blackout curtain in light colors such as eggshell or white will block out 90% to 95% of the light. To block out 100% of the light you better choose either a blackout curtain in a dark color or a coated fabric curtain (in any color).

Why is my room so hot even with blackout curtains? ›

These can include inadequate air flow, poor insulation, or even the placement and size of the AC unit. It's also important to consider external factors such as sunlight exposure and window efficiency.

Do blackout curtains help in the summer? ›

Blackout curtains can trap heat in during the winter and keep light and heat out during the summer. 10-25% of thermal energy loss goes out the windows. Blackout curtains can curtail this loss by a 25%, reducing your utility bills and greenhouse gases. How Much Do Blackout Curtains Cost and Where Can I Get Them?

What type of curtains keep heat out? ›

Thermal curtains: Thermal curtains are lined with a thin layer of material that is designed to reflect heat. Thermal curtains are the most effective at blocking heat, but they can also be the most expensive. Blinds: Install blinds in your windows and keep them closed during the day to block out the sun's heat.

Should you use blackout curtains in bedroom? ›

Blackout curtains can improve your sleep by reducing light exposure, but they may not fully solve sleep deficiencies and disorders. Other strategies that you can use to boost your sleep hygiene include: Banning smartphones and other devices that emit harmful blue light from the bedroom.

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