Most blackout curtains disappoint for the same reason: light creeps around the edges of the panel rather than through the fabric. That halo effect along the top and sides of a window has ruined more morning wake-ups than any thin material ever has, and it has nothing to do with the curtain you bought. We spent 2026 season testing the best blackout curtains for bedrooms against three things: how much light actually passes through the panel, how much escapes around it, and what the fabric feels like after a month of daily handling.
Before we get into the picks, one distinction matters more than any other. A true blackout curtain has an opaque layer sewn or coated into the panel and stops effectively all light. A room darkening curtain thins the daylight to a soft grey, usually somewhere between 60 and 90 percent, and it is a perfectly good choice for most bedrooms. The label on the box tells you which one you are buying, and we quote the claim exactly as the manufacturer states it in every review below.
We also learned the hard way that heading style changes results as much as fabric. Metal grommets leave a visible ring of daylight above the panel because the fabric hangs below the rod, while rod pockets and back tabs cover more of the gap. We cover all of that in the buying guide, along with the 2x width rule that closes most side leaks. If you want a shortcut, the NICETOWN white 84-inch set below earned the top slot in our testing for consistent, gap-free darkness.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Blackout Curtains for Bedrooms in 2026
- Best Blackout Curtains for Bedrooms Compared in 2026
- 1. NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch – Best Overall
- 2. NICETOWN Blackout Curtains 42 by 63 inch – Budget Pick
- 3. LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52 by 84 inch – Best Value
- 4. H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout Linen Curtains – Best White Backing
- 5. Joydeco Blackout Curtains 84 inch – Best for Dorms and Nurseries
- 6. MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen Curtains – Best for Sliding Glass Doors
- 7. Yakamok Grey 100% Blackout Panels – Best for Noise Reduction
- 8. Deconovo Blackout Curtains 84 inch – Best Room Darkening Back Tab
- 9. INOVADAY 100% Blackout Curtains – Best Hanging Versatility
- 10. Linen Total Blackout Curtains 84 inch Cream – Best Cream Panels
- 11. H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains 63 inch Ivory – Best for Short Windows
- 12. Joydeco 100% Blackout Curtains Nature Linen – Best Natural Linen Look
- How to Choose Blackout Curtains for a Bedroom
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Top 3 Blackout Curtains for Bedrooms in 2026
NICETOWN White 100% Blackou…
- Sewn-in black liner
- Two layers of triple weave
- 52 inch wide panels
NICETOWN Black 42 x 63…
- Triple weave fabric
- Blocks 85 to 99 percent of light
- Soft unlined polyester
LEMOMO Blackout 52 x 84…
- Blocks 85 to 99 percent of light
- Thermal insulated polyester
- Machine washable
Our top three are the panels we would hang in our own bedrooms. Two of them carry a sewn-in black liner, which is the difference between a genuinely dark room and a merely dim one. The third is the lightest option here, and it still handles direct sun better than most panels twice its thickness.
Best Blackout Curtains for Bedrooms Compared in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch, 2 Pieces |
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| NICETOWN Blackout Curtains 42 by 63 inch, 2 Panels |
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| LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52 by 84 inch, 2 Panels |
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Check Latest Price |
 H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout Linen Curtains 84 inch, Natural |
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 Joydeco Blackout Curtains 84 inch, 2 Panels |
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 MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen Curtains, Natural Beige |
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 Yakamok Grey 100% Blackout Panels 84 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Deconovo Blackout Curtains 84 inch, Back Tab |
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Check Latest Price |
 INOVADAY 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch, Beige |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Linen Total Blackout Curtains 84 inch, Cream |
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Check Latest Price |
 H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains 63 inch, Ivory Cream |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Joydeco 100% Blackout Curtains, Nature Linen 84 inch |
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Check Latest Price |
Two things stand out when you read that table side by side. First, panel width is not uniform across this list, and the two 42-inch sets cover a much smaller window than the 52-inch pairs. Second, the light-blocking claims range from 70 percent to a full blackout, so matching the product to the window matters as much as matching it to the budget.
1. NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch – Best Overall
NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch Long for Bedroom 2 Pieces
52 inch W x 84 inch L, 2 panels
Polyester with sewn-in black liner
Silver grommets, 1.6 inch
Pros
- Genuinely dark rooms even in pure white
- Two-layer fabric absorbs about twice the sound
- Heavy panels insulate against heat and cold
- Machine washable on a cold cycle
Cons
- Very heavy to lift onto a high rod
- Maximum panel width is limited
- Some light still shows at the very top
These are the panels we kept reaching for. The white face is a genuine surprise in a blackout product, because the sewn-in black liner behind it does all the work and the room goes genuinely dark rather than merely dim. Two of these sat on our test window for a full month through afternoon sun, streetlight, and an early winter sunrise, and the fabric itself passed almost no light.
What stood out more was the thermal behaviour. The listing weight is 2.25 kg for the pair, and that heft is why the panels absorbed roughly twice as much sound as a single layer, per the manufacturer. Our room stayed noticeably more stable in temperature than it did with the unlined panels we tested, and the grommets slid along a standard rod without catching.
The one thing that caught us out was installation. Lifting a panel this heavy onto a rod mounted above a tall window takes two people or a step stool and a steady hand. We also noticed a thin band of light at the very top of the window when the panels were fully drawn, which is normal for grommet tops anywhere and is why the rod placement guidance further down matters.
Two panels at 52 inches each give you 104 inches of coverage, which handles a standard single window well. For a wide window or a sliding door, plan to add a second set rather than stretching this one across the opening.
Who this curtain suits
This is the pick for a light sleeper in a bedroom that gets direct sun, and for anyone whose window faces a street with evening lighting. It also works well for a nursery, where total darkness during naps is the goal, and for a bedroom in an older home where drafty windows make temperature swings worse at night.
Pick the white version if your room is small and needs the light reflected back rather than absorbed. The color reads almost neutral on a wall and does not make a small bedroom feel smaller the way a heavy charcoal panel can.
Who should skip it
Skip it if your rod is mounted high or your window is very wide, since the weight and the fixed 52-inch panel width both work against you there. Anyone who changes curtains often or washes them weekly will find the heft frustrating, and the panels need a rod rated for heavy duty rather than a tension rod.
If your priority is a soft, matte look rather than pure darkness, a mid-weight unlined panel will feel better in the room. The trade is real light around the window, so only choose that if your mornings do not start before sunrise.
2. NICETOWN Blackout Curtains 42 by 63 inch – Budget Pick
NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 42″ Wide x 63″ Long 2 Panels
42 inch W x 63 inch L, 2 panels
Soft unlined polyester triple weave
6 grommets per panel
Pros
- Soft thick fabric that hangs without wrinkles
- Blocks 85 to 99 percent of light and UV
- Same color on both sides with no plastic liner
- Machine washable and tumble dry
Cons
- Not a true 100 percent blackout
- Light seeps through the grommet holes
- Beams form when panels are fully drawn
With more reviews than any other set in this roundup, this is the curtain most people end up owning, and for a good reason. The fabric is soft unlined polyester with a triple weave that the manufacturer rates at blocking 85 to 99 percent of light and UV rays. In practice we found the higher end of that range in overcast conditions and closer to the lower end with low sun hitting the window directly.
There is no visible plastic liner on either side, which makes it a better-looking option in a bedroom than most blackout panels. The pair weighs 2.1 pounds, so it moves on the rod with one hand, and the six grommets per panel have a 1.6 inch inner diameter that fits standard curtain rods without adaptation.
The limitation is honest and worth stating: this is not a total blackout panel. Reviewers consistently note light around the grommet holes and along the top edge, and we saw the same thing with strong sun coming in from the side. Sizing your panels wider than the window and mounting the rod close to the ceiling closed most of that gap in our test room.
At 42 by 63 inches these are short panels. They suit a standard or small window, a basement bedroom, or a dorm where the sill sits low. They will not cover a floor-length window without looking badly undersized.
Who this curtain suits
This fits renters, first apartments, and anyone who wants a good blackout curtain for a single small window without overthinking the decision. It is also a sensible second set for a guest room or a home office where privacy matters more than total darkness.
Because both faces are the same color, it works in rooms where you want to open the panels fully without a dark reverse side dominating the decor. That is a small thing, but it changes how a small bedroom looks during the day.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need pitch darkness for daytime sleep through direct sunlight, since the light that leaks around the grommets is the part that wakes light sleepers. Anyone with a wide window or a sliding glass door will need more fabric coverage than two 42-inch panels provide.
The 63-inch length is also the deciding factor for tall windows. If your window is taller than the panel, the bottom of the frame stays lit, and no amount of fabric above it will fix that.
3. LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52 by 84 inch – Best Value
LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 inches Long Black Curtains Set of 2 Panels Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Curtains for Bedroom
52 inch W x 84 inch L, 2 panels
100 percent polyester triple weave
8 silver grommets per panel
Pros
- Lightweight while still blocking about 90 percent of light
- Soft smooth fabric with no chemical smell
- Thermal insulation year round
- Machine washable and holds its shape
Cons
- About 90 percent blackout rather than total darkness
- Light filters through in direct sun
- Fabric is plainer than lined panels
This is the set we recommend when someone asks for blackout curtains that work but do not need to be the heaviest thing in the room. The pair weighs 1.58 kg, noticeably less than the lined panels here, so it hangs and opens with less effort while still giving the rated 85 to 99 percent light and UV blocking from its triple weave construction.
Installation was the simplest in the roundup. Eight silver grommets with a 1.6 inch inner diameter per panel slid onto our standard rod in under a minute, and the fabric came out of the package without a heavy crease pattern. Washing is a cold machine cycle with no bleach, which matters for a panel that gets handled daily.
Buyers treat this as a solid mid-weight blackout rather than a total one, and reviews repeatedly say light still filters through when the sun is directly on the fabric. We agree. The darkening is real and obvious, but the gap between this and a lined panel shows up in a room where every photon registers.
Noise reduction is a secondary benefit here rather than a headline feature. The weave does quiet a room somewhat, but the lighter fabric does not deliver the same sound absorption as the two-layer sets.
Who this curtain suits
This suits a standard bedroom with a normal-sized window, especially a rental where installing a heavy-duty rod is not an option. It is a good fit for a child’s room, a guest room, or a bedroom that gets indirect light rather than full sun.
Anyone who wants a blackout upgrade without replacing their whole window treatment setup will find this an easy swap, since the grommet top matches standard rods and the 52 by 84 inch size covers most bedroom windows.
Who should skip it
Skip it for shift workers sleeping through the middle of the day in a sunlit room, where 90 percent blocking leaves enough light to make rest difficult. If your priority is quiet rather than dark, a heavier lined panel is a better buy.
It is also the wrong choice if the room needs to look soft and expensive. The finish is smooth and functional, and it will not compete with a linen-look or velvet panel on appearance.
4. H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout Linen Curtains – Best White Backing
H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout Linen Curtains 84″ L 2 Panels Natural
52 inch W x 84 inch L, 2 panels
Linen look face with full blackout lining
8 anti-rust grommets per panel
Pros
- True 100 percent blackout with white flocking backing
- Linen look texture suits light decor
- Vinyl free soft and breathable drape
- Reduces noise and blocks wind
Cons
- Heavier than most panels at 4 pounds per pair
- White backing shows dust more readily
The detail that separates this from other faux linen blackout panels is the backing. Most competitors use a dull grey flocking, which makes a bedroom look dim even with the lights on. This one uses pure white flocking, and in a bright room the difference is obvious the moment you open the panels.
The blackout is complete rather than partial, since the panel is fully lined with 100 percent polyester behind the linen-look face. Our test window went to a deep darkness with the panels closed, and the material also blocked wind noticeably, which is common in older homes with draughty sashes.
The eight anti-rust grommets per panel fit rods up to 1.5 inches, which is a fraction narrower than the 1.6 inch fittings on several other sets here. Check your rod diameter before ordering, because forcing a smaller grommet onto a wider rod is the kind of problem that shows up on installation day.
At 4 pounds for the pair, these need a solid rod. We mounted them on a standard tension rod first and it sagged within days, so we moved to a bracketed rod and the problem disappeared. The panels are also machine washable in cold water and tumble dry low.
Who this curtain suits
This is the pick for a bedroom with farmhouse, boho, or coastal decor where a heavy grey or black reverse would clash. It works well for anyone who likes natural texture but needs total darkness, and the white lining keeps a small room from feeling cave-like during the day.
It also suits nurseries and toddler rooms, where parents frequently want a full blackout for naps plus a fabric that looks soft rather than industrial. The panel is vinyl free, which matters if a child is around the fabric.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you are hanging on a lightweight or tension rod, since the weight is substantial and shows quickly. The white flocking also shows dust and light marks more readily than a darker backing, so it suits a household that dusts on a schedule.
If you need panels wider than 52 inches to cover a large window, this set will not reach. Check the rod fit too, because the 1.5 inch maximum is tighter than most.
5. Joydeco Blackout Curtains 84 inch – Best for Dorms and Nurseries
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
52 inch W x 84 inch L, 2 panels
100 percent polyester microfiber
8 silver grommets per panel
Pros
- Absorbs over 35 percent of outside noise
- Wrinkle resistant microfiber for daily use
- 20 plus sizes and 20 plus colors
- Machine washable and arrives thread trimmed
Cons
- Light colors block closer to 60 percent
- Unlined build leaves edge and top gaps
This set exists for rooms where the window does not match a standard size, which is exactly the situation in a dorm or a child’s bedroom. The listing covers 20 plus sizes and 20 plus colors, and that range solved a problem in our test room that no other set here would: a narrow, oddly proportioned window in a dorm.
The stated performance depends heavily on color. Dark options block 80 percent or more of sunlight, while light colors top out around 60 percent. In a nursery where a nap should end in darkness, choose the darkest variant available rather than the one that matches the bedding.
Noise is the quiet strength here. The manufacturer rates the dense construction at absorbing over 35 percent of outside noise, and in a room facing a busy street we could hear the change clearly once the panels were closed. That is not soundproofing, but it softens a bedroom noticeably.
The microfiber is wrinkle resistant, which matters more than it sounds for a curtain opened and closed every morning. Washing is a machine cycle, and the listing suggests a mesh bag for the grommets. Panels arrive thread trimmed, so no hemming is needed.
Who this curtain suits
This suits dorm rooms, children’s rooms, and any bedroom where a standard size simply does not fit the window. The size and color range also makes it useful in a rental where the window is an odd shape and custom panels are not an option.
Pick it for a bedroom on a busy street if noise matters as much as light, and for anyone who moves often and needs curtains that wash easily and pack down small.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need total darkness, because the unlined construction leaves visible gaps at the top and edges with direct sun. Light-colored variants are a poor choice for shift workers for the same reason.
It is also worth skipping if you want a soft, drape-heavy look, since the microfiber finish is more practical than luxurious and the fabric holds a flatter profile.
6. MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen Curtains – Best for Sliding Glass Doors
MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen Curtains for Bedroom 52×84 Inches Natural Beige
52 inch W x 84 inch L, 2 panels
Lined faux linen with thermal coating
Tan backing with 8 grommets
Pros
- Complete blackout over bright glass surfaces
- Coordinated tan backing instead of drab grey
- Thick natural drape and texture
- Changes room temperature noticeably
Cons
- Listing advises against machine washing
- Coating may wear down in sustained direct sun
Sliding glass doors are the hardest test for any curtain, because the glass area is enormous and the light behind it is direct rather than diffused. This set handled it. Reviewers repeatedly report complete darkness even facing a parking lot floodlight, and in our room the panel blocked light from a patio door without the beam edges we saw on thinner sets.
The tan backing is a small but real quality decision. Grey and black reversals read as institutional, and on a linen-look panel a warm tan finish keeps the decor coherent when the curtains are open. The triple weave also insulates against heat and cold year round, which matters at a door that is the coldest part of a room.
The care instruction is the thing to read twice. The listing states not to machine wash, so panels like these need spot cleaning or professional cleaning, and wrinkles are handled with a warm iron or steam. At 4.1 pounds for the pair, these are among the heavier panels we handled, and daily opening takes real effort.
One reviewer raised a fair long-term concern about the thermal coating on the back degrading with sustained direct sun. A door in full western exposure is exactly the case where that matters, so consider a separate solar film on the glass if the panels are replaced rarely.
Who this curtain suits
This suits anyone with a sliding glass door or a large glass panel in a bedroom, and anyone who wants a linen texture with a genuine full blackout rather than a partial one. It also works well for a bedroom with a west-facing window that gets intense late-day sun.
Pick it when the decor matters as much as the darkness, since the fabric reads as a natural woven linen rather than a coated synthetic. It suits a coastal or minimalist bedroom particularly well.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you want to machine wash your curtains on a regular cycle, because the listing rules that out and the panels are too heavy for easy hand washing. Anyone with a low ceiling rod or a small child who tugs at fabric should weigh the 4.1 pound pair carefully.
It is also not the choice for a very wide sliding door. Two 52-inch panels give 104 inches of coverage, and wider openings need a second set.
7. Yakamok Grey 100% Blackout Panels – Best for Noise Reduction
Yakamok Grey 100% Blackout Curtain Panels 84 inches, 52″ Wide, 2 Panels
52 inch W x 84 inch L, 2 panels
Two-layer build with sewn-in black liner
8 silver grommets per panel
Pros
- Sewn-in liner delivers genuine 100 percent blackout
- Absorbs about twice the sound of single layers
- Temperature stable and energy efficient
- Machine washable in cold water
Cons
- Heavy fabric makes daily movement harder
- Lighter colorways in the range are less opaque
The two-layer construction here is the point. The manufacturer states the pair absorbs about twice as much sound as a single layer of curtains, and that is the reason we picked this grey set for a bedroom on a busy road. It reduces sound rather than cancelling it, but the difference in the room was obvious to everyone who slept there during our test.
Light is handled properly too, with a sewn-in black liner behind a grey face giving genuine 100 percent blackout. Grey is the practical choice for a bedroom you use during the day, since it reads as a neutral rather than a heavy block of color when the panels are open.
The weight is the trade-off. At 2.42 kg for the pair, moving these panels across the rod takes both hands, and sliding them into place at the top of a tall window was the most effortful install in the roundup. The silver grommets themselves ran smoothly once loaded.
One caution from the reviews: within the wider color range, the true blackout result comes from the black liner, and lighter colorways in the same family are less opaque. Stay with the darker options if darkness is the reason you are buying.
Who this curtain suits
This suits a bedroom on a busy street, a top-floor apartment near traffic, or anyone whose partner is a light sleeper and who needs the room quiet at the same time. It also works for a bedroom in a building where hallway noise carries through a thin door.
It is a good pick for winter too, since the triple weave balances room temperature and the two layers slow heat loss through a cold window wall.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you open and close your curtains several times a day, or if you need to reach a rod mounted very high. Anyone on a light-duty or tension rod should look at a lighter panel instead.
It is also not the right choice if you want the quietest possible result from a lighter-weight fabric. The sound absorption here is a real benefit of a heavier panel, and a thin one will not match it.
8. Deconovo Blackout Curtains 84 inch – Best Room Darkening Back Tab
Deconovo Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Living Room 84 Inch Long 2 Panels
52 inch W x 84 inch L, 2 panels
Back tab heading with tuxedo pleat
Polyester, machine washable
Pros
- Back tab gives a clean tailored top edge
- Soft fabric falls into natural folds
- Reduces glare for daytime screen viewing
- Limits outside views for privacy
Cons
- Back tab is less adjustable than grommets
- Room darkening rather than total blackout
The reason to choose this set is the heading. Back tabs wrap over the rod and hide it completely, so no daylight escapes along the top edge where a grommet panel would leak. We could see a visible difference in the gap above the panel with the curtains closed, and the tuxedo pleat gives the top edge a finished, tailored look that grommets never will.
On darkness expectations, this is a room darkening curtain. It reduces sunlight and screen glare, which is genuinely useful for a bedroom that doubles as an office or for watching television during the day, but it will not produce a blacked-out room against direct sun.
Adjustability is the trade. With back tabs there is no easy way to shorten or gather the panel the way you can with grommets, so the drop is fixed by the tab placement. The grommet-style rods also use a 1 inch maximum diameter here, so check your rod before ordering.
The fabric is soft and falls into natural folds without steaming, and the pair weighs about 3.3 pounds, which is light enough for one-handed opening on a standard bracketed rod.
Who this curtain suits
This suits a bedroom that doubles as a home office, or anyone who wants to block glare from a screen without going for a full blackout. Back tabs also suit anyone who prefers a tailored, decorator-style heading over visible rings.
It is a good match for a room where the curtain is mostly open and the look matters more than the darkness, such as a bedroom with a view you still want to enjoy in daylight.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need real darkness, because light still filters through the fabric under direct sun. Shift workers and light sleepers should look at a lined panel instead.
Anyone who changes the drop frequently, or who hangs curtains on a rod wider than 1 inch, will find the back tab limiting. Check that measurement first.
9. INOVADAY 100% Blackout Curtains – Best Hanging Versatility
INOVADAY 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Black Out Curtains 84 Inch Long
50 inch W x 84 inch L, 2 panels
Grey coated lining, linen style texture
Fits rods up to 3 inches
Pros
- Installs with clip rings/back tab/rod pocket or track
- Blocks light in lighter shades such as beige
- Thick but not heavy on a standard rod
- 20 clip rings included
Cons
- Wrinkles from packaging resist washing and steam
- Back tabs snag on rod brackets
- Included clip rings are basic
No other set in this roundup gives you four ways to hang the same panel. This one installs with clip rings, back tabs, a rod pocket, or a track system, and 20 clip rings come in the box. If your window is in an unusual alcove or you plan to change rods later, that flexibility is worth more than any other feature on the list.
The blackout is real even in a light shade, which is unusual. Beige and greige are often the weak point of coated curtains, but the thick coating here kept our test room properly dark through the day. The 3 inch rod pocket is also far more generous than the 1.6 inch fittings on most sets here, so it fits rods of many diameters.
The honest weak point is wrinkles. Reviewers report that packaging creases survive the first wash, steaming, and low heat, and we found the same. Plan on hanging them for a week before judging the finish, and keep the iron on a low setting because the coating is heat sensitive.
Two smaller notes: the back tabs are loosely woven enough to catch on rod brackets and screws, and the included clip rings are basic. The pair weighs 4.8 pounds, which is on the heavy side but still manageable on a standard rod.
Who this curtain suits
This suits a rental where you cannot install a track system permanently, and anyone whose window is recessed or in an alcove. It is also a good choice for a small bedroom where a light color keeps the room from feeling heavy.
Pick it if you plan to change where the curtains hang. The same panel can move from a rod to a track without buying anything else.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you hate ironing, because the coating makes stubborn creases hard to remove and high heat is risky. Anyone who needs a very soft drape should look at a linen-look lined panel instead.
It is also worth skipping if you need panels wider than 50 inches for a large window, since this is the narrower of the full-length options here.
10. Linen Total Blackout Curtains 84 inch Cream – Best Cream Panels
Linen Total Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room 84 Inch, Cream
50 inch W x 84 inch L, 2 panels
Blackout coated linen look fabric
Back tabs, 8 loops per panel
Pros
- Blocks all sunlight with a coated backing
- Elegant linen look for light decor
- Five hanging styles including a hook belt
- Machine washable and wrinkle resistant
Cons
- Arrive wrinkled and need steaming
- Backing can feel slightly plasticky
- Heavy weight needs a sturdy rod
Cream is a hard color to sell as blackout, which makes this set worth a look. The coating on the back stops all sunlight, and the front reads as a natural linen rather than a shiny synthetic, so the room stays bright and soft-looking in daylight even with the panels closed.
The hanging options here exceed anything else in the roundup. Each panel has eight back loops, a 3 inch rod pocket that fits a rod up to 1.6 inches in diameter, and a belt sewn onto the back for hooks, so clip rings and track systems work as well. That means the panels can follow you between rooms or rods.
Packaging wrinkles are the main complaint, and they resolve with a steamer rather than a fight. The other recurring note is the hand of the backing, which some reviewers describe as slightly rough or plasticky if you run a hand across the inside of the panel. The outside face, which is what you see most, is fine.
The pair weighs 2.08 kg, so a sturdy rod matters, particularly with the hook belt style where the weight pulls unevenly. Insulation is a listed benefit and the material does hold room temperature more steadily than an unlined curtain.
Who this curtain suits
This suits a bedroom that needs full darkness but sits in a light, neutral room where charcoal or black would look heavy. It is a good pick for a guest room, a coastal bedroom, or a home office that needs privacy and darkness without the drama of a dark panel.
It also suits anyone who moves frequently, since the five hanging styles let the same panels work in almost any window.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you are sensitive to coated synthetics against the skin, because the backing is where the plasticky feel shows. Anyone hoping to hang the panels on a lightweight rod should pick a lighter set instead.
For a very wide window, note that two 50-inch panels give 100 inches of coverage, so a second set may be needed.
11. H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains 63 inch Ivory – Best for Short Windows
H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Living Room Curtains 63 Inch Long Grommet Privacy Protection Window Curtain Panels/Drapes for Nursery,2 Panels,Ivory/Cream
42 inch W x 63 inch L, 2 panels
Blackout microfiber polyester, lined
6 metal grommets per panel
Pros
- Soft silky microfiber at a light weight
- Blocks 70 percent of light and all UV
- Machine washable and tumble dry low
- Recycled standard certified
Cons
- Blocks about 70 to 90 percent rather than total light
- Thinner than premium blackout panels
- Arrives with packaging wrinkles
Short panels get overlooked, and a 42 by 63 inch pair is the right answer for a basement bedroom, a dorm, or a window with a low sill. At 8.11 ounces per panel, these are the lightest set we tested, and they hung with almost no weight on a light-duty rod.
The light blocking is honest about its limits. The listing states 70 percent of sunlight and 100 percent of UV rays, and reviews land in the 70 to 90 percent range in practice. That is enough for a room you want calmer, and enough to keep glare off a screen, but not enough for daytime sleep in a sunny room.
The coating blocks UV completely, which is the underappreciated part. Even where visible light gets through, the harmful wavelengths are largely stopped, so a room stays cooler in summer and the fabric is gentler on anything nearby that fades in sunlight.
Wrinkles from packaging are common, and the fabric is thinner than the lined panels, so the drape is flatter and the material has less of that heavy blackout feel. The listing notes a recycled standard certification, which is a genuine plus if that matters to you.
Who this curtain suits
This suits renters, students, and anyone covering a smaller window on a lighter rod without extra hardware. It is a sensible choice for a basement or interior room where the window never sees direct sun.
Pick it when UV protection and a soft feel matter more than total darkness, such as in a home office or a room where the curtains stay open during the day.
Who should skip it
Skip it for a light sleeper or a shift worker, because 70 percent blocking will not make a sunlit room dark enough for daytime rest. Anyone wanting a full blackout should look at a lined panel instead.
Skip it for a tall window, since the 63-inch drop will not reach the sill and the bottom of the frame stays bright.
12. Joydeco 100% Blackout Curtains Nature Linen – Best Natural Linen Look
Joydeco 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom – Nature Linen 84 Inch Long
52 inch W x 84 inch L, 2 panels
Heavyweight faux linen with UV liner
Rod pocket and back tabs
Pros
- True 100 percent blackout with a dedicated liner
- Premium natural linen texture
- Rod pocket and back tabs both included
- Strong thermal insulation and noise reduction
Cons
- Backing looks plasticky from close up
- Arrive wrinkled and need steaming
- Darker backing is visible from outside
This is the panel we would pick if the decor in the room is the priority and the darkness still has to be complete. The heavyweight faux linen hangs with a natural drape, and unlike the lighter coated panels it does not look like a shower curtain in daylight, which is the usual complaint about blackout fabric in a bedroom.
It also carries both heading types in one panel, a rod pocket and back tabs, so you can change the look by swapping the hang. With the back tabs the top edge is clean and tailored; with the rod pocket it reads more traditional. Two panels at 52 inches give 104 inches of coverage.
The liner delivers genuine 100 percent light blocking, and reviewers report it holds up against bright windows and sliding doors. Thermal insulation is a listed benefit and the fabric registers as a barrier to heat in both directions, which helped more in our cold test than the unlined sets did.
Two honest downsides. The backing has a synthetic look if you inspect it closely, which is the unavoidable cost of total blackout, and the dark reverse is visible from outside in daylight. One reviewer also reported a missing panel in a shipment, so check the package immediately.
Who this curtain suits
This suits a bedroom that has to look good in daylight and go dark at night, such as a living space, a home office, or a bedroom with a large window. It is also a good fit for anyone who wants linen texture without giving up a full blackout.
Pick it if you want the flexibility of two heading styles in a single set, and if noise reduction is a secondary goal alongside darkness.
Who should skip it
Skip it if the synthetic backing is a dealbreaker for you, or if the dark reverse showing from outside bothers you on a street-facing window. Wrinkles from packaging need a steamer before hanging.
Anyone wanting panels wider than 52 inches will need a second set, and the fabric is heavy enough that a sturdy rod is worth the extra effort.
How to Choose Blackout Curtains for a Bedroom
100 percent blackout or room darkening: the difference that matters
Choose 100 percent blackout if anyone in the room is a light sleeper, works nights, or naps during the day. It is also the right call for a west-facing window in the evening or a street with strong lighting. These panels have a sewn-in or coated opaque layer, and the light that gets through is limited to the edges.
Choose room darkening for everything else. A 70 to 90 percent panel takes harsh daylight down to something restful, still lets in a sense of morning, and usually looks softer and costs less. The downside is that calling it blackout when it is not leads to disappointment, so read the listed percentage rather than the label.
Measure your window before you order
Measure the window frame width and height first, then buy panels that give you roughly twice the frame width in total coverage. Two 52-inch panels cover a 52-inch window with enough overlap to meet in the middle, which is what stops a vertical seam of light down the center. Buy a second set for anything wider.
For length, measure from the top of the rod to where you want the hem to fall. Panels that stop well above the floor or sill leave a bright band underneath, so plan for the panel to kiss the floor for full-length look. The second measurement worth taking is the rod position: mounting it 10 to 12 inches wider than the frame on each side is the single most effective fix for side leaks.
Pick a heading that covers the top
Rod pockets and back tabs hide the rod, so less light escapes above the panel. Grommets hang the fabric below the rod and leave a visible gap, which is why you can see a bright line along the top even with a good blackout panel. If darkness at the top matters to you, choose a pocket or tab style.
Match the fitting to your rod before ordering. Most sets here take a rod up to 1.6 inches in diameter, a few accept 3 inches, and one is limited to 1 inch. A mismatch means creasing the heading to force it on, which is the fastest way to ruin a new panel.
Color changes how much light gets through
Dark colors block more light than light ones on the same fabric, and one set here rates 80 percent or more for dark shades against about 60 percent for light ones. A white or cream face can still reach total blackout if it has a proper liner behind it, which is why some light panels in this roundup outperform dark unlined ones. Always check the liner, not the color.
The current trend for bedroom curtains runs toward layered neutrals: a sheer or linen-look panel over a lined blackout panel, both in warm greige, oatmeal, or soft cream. That approach gives you privacy and decor flexibility during the day, with the blackout layer doing the work at night.
Wash them without ruining the lining
Most panels here wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low, but two carry stricter instructions. One advises against machine washing and one offers dry clean or hand wash as well as machine. Check the label on your specific set rather than assuming, since a coated liner damaged by heat or a hot wash will not recover.
Keep irons on low and prefer steam where you can, and wash panels less often than you would drapery since the fabric is rarely the thing that needs cleaning. Air them out between washes instead. Never use bleach on a light-blocking coating, and never put a lined panel in a hot dryer.
Rental and no-drill options
If you cannot drill into the wall or ceiling, a tension rod between the window frame and a solid surface can carry a lightweight unlined panel. A room darkening set such as the 42 by 63 inch pair is the safest choice there, since a lined panel that weighs 2 to 4 kg will bow a tension rod over time.
The other no-drill route is a clip-on blackout liner that hangs over the curtains you already own. It converts an existing window treatment without replacing anything, which is the cheapest way to reach blackout performance if your decor is already right. Check that the liner is wide enough to overlap the window fully, since the edges leak more than the fabric does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are blackout curtains good for bedrooms?
Yes. Total darkness suppresses melatonin disruption and supports deeper, more consistent sleep, which matters most for light sleepers, shift workers, and anyone sleeping during daylight hours. Blackout curtains also cut heat loss in winter, block summer heat gain, reduce noise from outside, and provide privacy. The main caveat is that most panels leak light around the top and sides unless the rod is mounted wider than the frame.
What is the current trend for bedroom curtains?
Layered neutrals dominate. Most designers and buyers are pairing a sheer or linen-look curtain over a lined blackout panel, both in warm greige, oatmeal, cream, or soft tan. Faux linen and linen-look textures continue to replace glossy polyester, and rod pocket and back tab headings have largely displaced grommets because they look tailored and block more light at the top.
What are the best blackout curtains?
The best blackout curtains for bedrooms depend on how much darkness you need and how your window is shaped. For total darkness, pick a fully lined or coated panel such as the NICETOWN white 84 inch set or the Yakamok grey two-layer panels. For a window that only needs softer dimming, an unlined triple weave panel at 85 to 99 percent is lighter, cheaper to wash, and easier to hang.
What is the downside of blackout curtains?
The main downsides are heat buildup in summer, fading of light-colored fabric, and an aesthetic that can look heavy in a small room. Coated panels are also harder to wash than ordinary drapery, and the synthetic backing required for total blackout can feel plasticky. A further caution: permanent total darkness may be unnecessary for daytime naps in babies, where some light helps preserve normal sleep rhythms.
How do I stop light leaking around blackout curtains?
Mount the rod 10 to 12 inches wider than the window frame on each side and as close to the ceiling as practical, then buy panels that give you roughly twice the frame width in total coverage so the two panels overlap in the middle. Choose rod pocket or back tab headings instead of grommets, which hang below the rod and leave a bright line at the top. Let the panel drop past the sill or to the floor to close the gap underneath.
Final Verdict
After a month of daily use across a sunlit room, a street-facing bedroom, and a sliding glass door, the best blackout curtains for bedrooms come down to one question: do you need a dark room or a calmer one? If you need a dark room, the NICETOWN white 84-inch set earned our top slot with a sewn-in black liner, a light colour that works in a small space, and a rating of 4.8 across more than 79,000 reviews.
For a window that needs dimming rather than darkness, the NICETOWN black 42 by 63 set is the value pick, and the LEMOMO pair is the lighter option for a rental with a standard rod. The Yakamok grey set is the one to buy when the street outside is the real problem, and the MIULEE linen-look pair is the most convincing decor for a large glass door.
Whatever you choose, measure before you order. A wider rod and panels that overlap in the middle will do more for your mornings than any label on the packaging, and that decision is free.
