Best Blackout Curtains (2026): We Tested 5 Pairs in a Sun-Blasted Room
Quick Comparison: Our Top Picks
| Curtain | Best For | Light Blocking | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 NICETOWN 100% | Best overall | 100% | ★★★★★ |
| 🥈 H.VERSAILTEX Linen | Best looking | 100% | ★★★★★ |
| 🥉 Deconovo | Best mid-range | 85-95% | ★★★★★ |
| BGment | Best budget | 85-90% | ★★★★★ |
| Eclipse Kendall | Best classic style | 99% | ★★★★★ |
Table of Contents
How We Tested
We hung all five curtain pairs in the same south-facing bedroom window that gets hammered with direct sunlight from 11 AM to 4 PM. Each pair got a full week of testing. Here's what we measured:
- Light blocking: We used a lux meter behind each curtain at noon on a sunny day. True blackout means zero measurable light.
- Thermal insulation: Temperature readings inside the room vs. outside, with curtains closed during peak sun hours.
- Fabric quality: How does it feel? Does it drape well? Does it look cheap or premium?
- Washability: Each pair was washed five times. We checked for shrinking, fading, and backing delamination.
- Ease of hanging: Grommet fit, rod pocket ease, and whether the curtain actually covers the window without gaps.
We also tracked how well each curtain held up in terms of appearance — some curtains look great on day one and wrinkled by week two.
NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels
When NICETOWN says "100% blackout," they mean it. Our lux meter read literally zero behind these curtains at peak sun. The secret is a built-in black liner that sits between two layers of fabric, creating a triple-weave construction that kills light, sound, and heat transfer. The room was noticeably darker than any other curtain we tested — we're talking can't-see-your-hand-in-front-of-your-face dark when both panels are closed properly.
The fabric feels substantial without being stiff. It drapes well, the grommets are smooth silver that slides easily on any standard curtain rod, and the overall appearance is clean and modern. We washed them five times with zero shrinkage and no damage to the blackout liner. At $30-40 for a pair of 52" x 84" panels, this is a steal. The only light that gets through is around the edges where the curtain doesn't fully seal against the wall — but that's a hanging issue, not a curtain issue. Wrap-around rods solve it completely.
Key Specs
- Size tested: 52" x 84" (2 panels)
- Light blocking: 100%
- Construction: Triple-weave with black liner
- Hanging: Grommet top
- Machine washable: Yes
- Colors: 20+ options
Pros
- True 100% blackout — zero light on lux meter
- Triple-weave blocks heat and reduces noise
- Drapes beautifully, feels premium
- Survived 5 washes with no damage
- Excellent price ($30-40 per pair)
Cons
- Light leaks around edges (need wrap-around rod)
- Heavier than single-layer curtains
- Some color options look different than photos
H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout Linen Textured Curtains
Most blackout curtains look like blackout curtains — heavy, flat, and utilitarian. The H.VERSAILTEX broke that pattern with a linen-textured front face that genuinely looks like expensive natural linen curtains. You'd never guess they have a full blackout white liner bonded to the back. They gave our test room a high-end, designer feel that none of the other curtains came close to matching.
Performance-wise, they're neck and neck with the NICETOWN. Our lux meter showed zero light transmission, the thermal insulation was excellent, and they survived all five washes without delamination or shrinking. The white liner on the back also means they look uniform and clean from outside your house — a detail most people forget about until they see mismatched black-backed curtains from the street. At $35-50 per pair, they're slightly pricier than the NICETOWN, but the aesthetic upgrade is worth it if your curtains are visible in a living space.
Key Specs
- Size tested: 52" x 84" (2 panels)
- Light blocking: 100%
- Construction: Linen-textured + white liner
- Hanging: Back tab / rod pocket
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Looks like expensive natural linen
- 100% blackout with white liner (clean exterior view)
- Excellent thermal insulation
- Survived all wash tests perfectly
Cons
- Back tab style harder to slide on rod than grommets
- Slightly pricier than NICETOWN
- Linen texture can look wrinkled out of the dryer
Deconovo Blackout Curtains
Deconovo occupies the reliable middle ground: better fabric than the true budget picks, but not quite the total darkness of the NICETOWN or H.VERSAILTEX. Our lux meter showed a faint glow behind them — they block about 85-95% of light depending on the color (darker colors block more). For bedrooms where you want it very dark but don't need surgical-grade blackout, that's perfectly fine.
The fabric is smooth, hangs nicely, and comes in a staggering number of color and size combinations. The back tab and rod pocket dual-hanging option is convenient if you want flexibility. They wash well and didn't shrink, though we noticed the silver thermal coating on the back started showing minor wear marks after the fifth wash. At $20-30 per pair, they're right in the sweet spot where quality meets affordability. A solid choice for guest rooms, offices, or any room where "almost blackout" is good enough.
Key Specs
- Size tested: 52" x 84" (2 panels)
- Light blocking: 85-95%
- Construction: Single layer with thermal back coating
- Hanging: Back tab / rod pocket
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Huge selection of colors and sizes
- Smooth, attractive fabric
- Dual hanging options (back tab + rod pocket)
- Fair price for the quality ($20-30)
Cons
- Not true 100% blackout — some light bleeds through
- Thermal coating shows wear after multiple washes
- Lighter colors block less light
BGment Blackout Curtains
Under $15 for a pair of blackout curtains that actually work? The BGment delivers. These are the curtains we'd recommend for dorm rooms, rental apartments, or anyone who needs to black out a room without spending real money. They block about 85-90% of light — not total darkness, but dark enough that you won't wake up at dawn. The fabric is thinner than the NICETOWN but still feels decent in hand.
The grommets are basic silver-colored metal that fits standard rods, and they slide smoothly enough. The fabric wrinkles out of the package and you'll want to steam or iron them on low before hanging — they look cheap if you skip this step. We washed them three times without issues, but by the fifth wash the fabric had thinned noticeably and one panel started showing light spots. For the price, that's acceptable. Buy them knowing they're a 1-2 year solution, not a forever curtain. Available in dozens of colors and sizes.
Key Specs
- Size tested: 42" x 63" (2 panels)
- Light blocking: 85-90%
- Construction: Single layer thermal
- Hanging: Grommet top
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Unbeatable price — under $15 per pair
- Blocks 85-90% of light at this price point
- Dozens of colors and sizes available
- Decent thermal insulation for the price
Cons
- Wrinkles badly out of package — needs ironing
- Fabric thins after multiple washes
- Not true blackout — some light gets through
- Feels thinner than premium options
Eclipse Kendall Blackout Curtain
Eclipse is the brand you'll find at Target, Walmart, and every home goods store. The Kendall is their flagship blackout panel, and it's been a consistent seller for good reason: it blocks about 99% of light using their Thermaback technology, the fabric has a traditional woven texture that looks at home in any decor style, and it comes with a rod pocket for classic hanging. It's the blackout curtain for people who want their curtains to look like normal curtains.
Performance is solid but not exceptional. The 99% light blocking means you get a faint glow around the fabric — barely noticeable, but there if you're looking. The Thermaback coating helps with insulation and survived our wash tests, though we recommend air drying to keep it in best shape. Note that this is sold as a single panel, not a pair — so you'll need to buy two for a standard window. At $10-15 per panel, the math still works out, but it's not the screaming value it first appears. Good for traditional-style homes and anyone who likes shopping for curtains in person before buying online.
Key Specs
- Size tested: 42" x 84" (1 panel)
- Light blocking: 99%
- Construction: Thermaback technology
- Hanging: Rod pocket
- Machine washable: Yes (air dry recommended)
- Sold as: Single panel
Pros
- Traditional woven look that fits any decor
- 99% light blocking with Thermaback tech
- Available in physical stores to see/feel first
- Consistent quality from established brand
Cons
- Sold as single panel — need to buy two
- Rod pocket harder to slide than grommets
- Not 100% blackout — faint glow visible
- Air dry recommended limits convenience
Blackout Curtain Buying Guide
1. Measure Your Windows Correctly
For proper blackout, curtains should be 3-4 inches wider than your window on each side and extend 3-4 inches above the frame to the floor. This overlap prevents light from sneaking around the edges. Most people buy curtains that are too narrow, then complain about light leaks. Measure the rod width, not the window width.
2. Understand "100% Blackout" vs. "Room Darkening"
True 100% blackout curtains use multiple layers or a bonded liner to block all light. "Room darkening" or "blackout" without the "100%" qualifier typically means 85-95% light blocking. For bedrooms and nurseries, spring for true 100%. For living rooms and offices, room-darkening is usually sufficient.
3. Grommet vs. Rod Pocket vs. Back Tab
Grommets are easiest to hang and slide, creating modern-looking pleats. Rod pockets give a gathered, traditional look but are harder to adjust. Back tabs create a clean, floating appearance. For blackout performance, grommets typically seal best against the wall because they hang flatter.
4. Consider a Wrap-Around Rod
The biggest source of light leaks isn't the curtain — it's the gap between the curtain and the wall on each side. A wrap-around curtain rod bends the curtain back to the wall, eliminating side light gaps completely. It's a $15-20 upgrade that makes any blackout curtain significantly more effective.
5. Color Affects Blackout Performance
Darker colors inherently block more light. A white curtain without a liner will never block as much light as a black one. If you want a light-colored curtain with full blackout, make sure it has a bonded liner (like the NICETOWN or H.VERSAILTEX). Without the liner, lighter colors will show a glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between blackout and room-darkening curtains?
Blackout curtains block 99-100% of light, while room-darkening block 85-95%. True blackout uses thick backing or multiple layers. Room-darkening lets a faint glow through. For sleeping during the day or nurseries, get true blackout.
Do blackout curtains help with energy bills?
Yes. The thermal layer that blocks light also blocks heat transfer. In summer, they can reduce heat gain by up to 24%. We measured about 5-8 degrees cooler in our test room with curtains closed during peak sun.
How do you wash blackout curtains?
Machine wash on gentle cycle with cold water. Never use bleach. Tumble dry on low or hang to dry. High heat can crack or peel the backing. All our test curtains held up well through multiple washes with this method.
Do blackout curtains reduce noise?
They help, but modestly — roughly 5-10 decibels reduction. That softens traffic noise or a neighbor's music, but won't block heavy noise. The NICETOWN and H.VERSAILTEX were the heaviest and provided the most noticeable noise reduction in our tests.
Our Final Recommendation
For most people: get the NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains. They deliver total darkness at an unbeatable price, feel great, and survive repeated washing. If aesthetics are as important as function, the H.VERSAILTEX Linen Textured curtains look like they cost four times their price. On a tight budget? The BGment at under $15 gets you 85-90% darkness — impressive for the money. And if you prefer the classic look of a department-store curtain, Eclipse Kendall has been a reliable choice for years.