Best Blackout Curtains (2026): Tested in a South-Facing Bedroom
Photo: Pexels (free license)
Quick Comparison: Our Top Picks
| Curtain | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Nicetown Blackout Curtains | $22 | Best overall / best value | ★★★★★ |
| 🥈 BGment Blackout Curtains | $16 | Best budget pick | ★★★★★ |
| 🥉 Deconovo Room Darkening | $18 | Best for nurseries | ★★★★★ |
| H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout | $30 | Best total darkness | ★★★★★ |
| Amazon Basics Blackout | $20 | Best no-frills option | ★★★★★ |
| MIULEE Velvet Blackout | $25 | Best looking | ★★★★★ |
Table of Contents
How We Tested These Curtains
Our test room is a south-facing bedroom that gets absolutely hammered by the sun from about 10 AM to 4 PM. In midsummer, the room temperature climbs 8–10°F above the rest of the house without curtains. It’s the worst-case scenario for any blackout curtain, and that’s exactly why we chose it.
We hung each pair of curtains on the same standard rod (fits 42–72 inch windows) in the same 48-inch window. We tested light blockage at solar noon using a lux meter placed at pillow level, measured room temperature before and after 2 hours of midday sun, and photographed the results. Then we threw each pair through three cold-wash, low-heat tumble-dry cycles and measured for shrinkage and fabric degradation.
Every curtain on this list blocks at least 85% of incoming light. But the difference between 85% and 99% is enormous when you’re trying to sleep during the day, work a night shift, or keep a baby napping past 6 AM.
Light Blockage Results (Measured at Solar Noon)
Measured with digital lux meter at pillow level, south-facing window, clear sky, solar noon.
Nicetown Blackout Curtains
I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect a $22 curtain to outperform panels that cost twice as much. But the Nicetown did exactly that. When we closed these in our south-facing bedroom at noon — full Texas sun, not a cloud in sight — the lux meter at pillow level read 3. Three. The uncovered window was pushing 45,000 lux outside. That’s 99.99% light blockage.
The fabric is a triple-weave polyester with a felt-like backing. It’s not silky, but it’s not plasticky either — somewhere between a thick t-shirt and a fleece blanket. The grommet tops slid smoothly on the rod, and the curtain hung with clean, straight folds without any ironing. After three washes, zero shrinkage. The color (we tested Navy) didn’t fade.
If you work a night shift, have a baby who needs dark rooms for naps, or just hate waking up at 5:30 AM in June, these are the curtains to buy. I literally napped at noon with these closed and forgot what time it was when I woke up. Couldn’t tell if it was 2 PM or 2 AM.
Key Specs
- Fabric: Triple-weave polyester
- Light blocked: 99%+
- Sizes: 29–52" W, 45–108" L
- Colors: 30+ options
- Hanging: Grommets (silver)
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Best light blockage we measured (99%+)
- No shrinkage after 3 washes
- 30+ color options to match any room
- Thermal insulation — dropped room temp 4°F
- Incredible value at $22
Cons
- Fabric feels slightly stiff when new (softens after first wash)
- Silver grommets only — no bronze or black option
BGment Blackout Curtains
At $16 for a pair, the BGment curtains are the cheapest option on this list — and honestly, they punch way above their weight. Light blockage measured at 92%, which isn’t perfect darkness but it’s enough that you won’t wake up from sunlight alone. Think of it as permanent overcast rather than pitch black.
The fabric is thinner than the Nicetown and has a slightly smoother, more synthetic feel. Not unpleasant, just clearly a lighter-weight curtain. The grommets come in both silver and what BGment calls “antique bronze,” which is a nice touch at this price point. We noticed a faint chemical smell straight out of the package, but it disappeared completely after one wash.
After three washes, we measured about half an inch of lengthwise shrinkage — noticeable if you bought floor-length curtains cut to exact size, but not a dealbreaker for most people. If your budget is truly tight and you need curtains for multiple rooms (kids’ rooms, guest rooms), the BGment is the way to stretch your dollars.
Key Specs
- Fabric: Woven polyester
- Light blocked: ~92%
- Sizes: 42–52" W, 45–95" L
- Colors: 20+ options
- Hanging: Grommets (silver or bronze)
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Cheapest pair on our list ($16)
- Bronze grommet option is rare at this price
- Decent 92% light blockage
- Lightweight fabric drapes well
Cons
- Half-inch shrinkage after washing
- Chemical smell out of the box (washes out)
- Not true blackout — some light leaks through
Deconovo Room Darkening Curtains
Deconovo calls these “room darkening” rather than “blackout,” and I appreciate the honesty. They measured at 95% light blockage in our test — better than BGment, not quite Nicetown territory. But what sets them apart is the fabric quality: it’s genuinely soft. Like, you could mistake it for a lightweight blanket. If these are going in a kid’s room where little hands will grab them, the Deconovo feels the nicest of anything we tested.
The silver foil dot pattern on the backside is Deconovo’s thermal insulation layer. It’s not visible from the front, but it does make the curtain slightly stiffer than the front fabric suggests. Thermal performance was solid — 3°F temperature drop in our test room, on par with the Nicetown.
Zero shrinkage after three washes. The color held up perfectly. The rod-pocket design (no grommets) means these hang a bit differently — more gathered, less structured. Some people prefer the look, others don’t. For a nursery or kids’ room, the soft fabric and zero-chemical-smell-out-of-box make these our pick.
Key Specs
- Fabric: Soft polyester with foil backing
- Light blocked: ~95%
- Sizes: 38–52" W, 45–96" L
- Colors: 15+ options
- Hanging: Rod pocket
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Softest fabric in our test
- No chemical smell out of box
- Zero shrinkage after washing
- Good thermal insulation (3°F drop)
Cons
- Not true 100% blackout (95% blockage)
- Rod pocket only — no grommet option
- Foil backing can feel crinkly
H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout Curtains
If the Nicetown is 99% blackout, the H.VERSAILTEX is the curtain for people who want the remaining 1%. This is a two-layer curtain: a decorative front panel bonded to a separate black felt liner. The result is the heaviest curtain on our list and, yes, the darkest. Our lux meter at pillow level read 1. Literally one lux. At noon. In a south-facing room.
The trade-off is weight. These panels are noticeably heavier than every other curtain here, and you’ll want a sturdy rod — the cheap tension rods from the dollar store won’t cut it. The fabric has a linen-textured front that looks upscale and hides the industrial-strength light blocking happening behind it.
We specifically recommend these for shift workers, home theater rooms, and anyone who gets migraines triggered by light. After washing, we noticed about a quarter-inch of shrinkage and the liner layer took slightly longer to dry. Not a major issue, but worth knowing. If absolute darkness is your non-negotiable requirement, this is the one.
Key Specs
- Fabric: Dual-layer (linen front + felt liner)
- Light blocked: 100%
- Sizes: 52" W, 63–108" L
- Colors: 15+ options
- Hanging: Grommets (black or silver)
- Machine washable: Yes (gentle cycle)
Pros
- True 100% blackout — 1 lux at noon
- Linen-texture front looks high-end
- Best thermal insulation (5°F drop)
- Black or silver grommet options
Cons
- Heaviest curtain tested — needs a strong rod
- $30 per pair (most expensive after MIULEE)
- Liner layer slows drying time
Amazon Basics Blackout Curtains
You know what you’re getting with Amazon Basics: no surprises, no frills, and a decent product at a fair price. These curtains blocked 90% of light in our test — the lowest on this list, but still enough to significantly darken a room. If you’re not a night-shift worker and just want your bedroom to be dimmer in the morning, 90% gets the job done.
The fabric is a standard medium-weight polyester. It doesn’t feel luxurious, but it doesn’t feel cheap either. Perfectly adequate. The grommets are sturdy and the curtain hangs straight out of the package with minimal wrinkles. Amazon’s return policy is obviously the easiest in the game, so if they don’t work out, you’re covered.
One thing that bugged us: the color selection is limited compared to Nicetown or BGment. You get maybe 8 basic colors. Also, after three washes, the fabric developed a slightly pilled texture on the back — not visible from the front, but you can feel it. For $20 and the Amazon return policy, these are a safe pick for renters who just need something functional on the windows.
Key Specs
- Fabric: Medium-weight polyester
- Light blocked: ~90%
- Sizes: 42–52" W, 63–96" L
- Colors: 8 options
- Hanging: Grommets (silver)
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Amazon’s hassle-free return policy
- Hangs straight out of the package
- Sturdy grommets
- Fair price at $20
Cons
- Lowest light blockage on our list (90%)
- Limited color selection (8 colors)
- Fabric pilled after washing
MIULEE Velvet Blackout Curtains
Let’s be real: most blackout curtains look like they belong in a college dorm room. The MIULEE Velvet is the exception. These are genuinely beautiful curtains that happen to also block light. The velvet has a subtle sheen that catches light differently depending on the angle — the kind of curtain that makes guests ask, “Where did you get those?”
Light blockage measured at 93%, which puts them in the “room darkening” category rather than true blackout. The velvet front is backed with a standard blackout liner, so the darkness comes from the liner, not the fabric itself. The velvet pile is short and dense — more like suede than plush — and it doesn’t attract pet hair as aggressively as I feared.
Here’s the catch: velvet and washing machines are not best friends. After three washes, the fabric was fine — no shrinkage, no color loss — but the velvet nap went slightly flat in spots. We’d recommend spot-cleaning these and only machine washing when necessary (cold, gentle cycle, hang dry). If you care about how your bedroom looks as much as how dark it is, the MIULEE is the obvious choice.
Key Specs
- Fabric: Velvet front + blackout liner
- Light blocked: ~93%
- Sizes: 52" W, 63–108" L
- Colors: 25+ options
- Hanging: Grommets (gold or silver)
- Machine washable: Yes (gentle, hang dry recommended)
Pros
- Best-looking curtain on this list by far
- Velvet adds sound dampening
- Gold grommet option for warm-toned rooms
- Doesn’t attract pet hair as much as expected
Cons
- Velvet nap flattens with machine washing
- Not true blackout (93%)
- $25 per pair — mid-range pricing
Blackout Curtain Buying Guide
1. “Blackout” vs. “Room Darkening” — What’s the Difference?
There’s no industry standard. Any manufacturer can call their curtain “blackout.” In our testing, true blackout (99%+ light blockage) requires either a triple-weave fabric or a separate bonded liner. Single-layer curtains labeled “blackout” typically block 85–95% of light — which is “room darkening” in practice. Always check the fabric construction, not just the marketing label.
2. Measure Your Windows Correctly
This is where most people mess up. For maximum light blockage, your curtains should extend 3–4 inches beyond each side of the window frame and hang at least 2 inches above the frame. The curtain should also touch or pool on the floor (or sill). Light gaps at the sides and top defeat the purpose of blackout fabric.
3. Grommets vs. Rod Pocket vs. Tab Top
Grommets are the easiest to install and create clean, even folds. Rod pockets create a more gathered, traditional look but are harder to slide open and closed. Tab tops look casual and work well with thinner fabrics. For blackout curtains specifically, grommets win: they create a tighter seal at the top of the window.
4. Thermal Insulation — A Free Bonus
Every blackout curtain on this list provides meaningful thermal insulation. In our south-facing test room, we measured temperature drops of 3–5°F during peak sun hours. Over a summer, that translates to real AC savings. In winter, the same curtains retain heat. If your utility bills are high and your windows are old single-pane, blackout curtains are one of the cheapest insulation upgrades you can make.
5. Washing & Maintenance
All curtains on this list are machine washable, but fabric quality varies significantly after repeated washes. Our rule of thumb: cold water, gentle cycle, low heat or hang dry. Never use bleach on blackout curtains — it destroys the backing. Velvet curtains should be spot-cleaned when possible and machine washed sparingly.
6. Color Matters More Than You Think
Darker curtain colors (navy, black, charcoal) tend to block slightly more light than lighter colors in single-layer curtains. However, with triple-weave or dual-layer curtains, the color of the front fabric doesn’t affect light blockage because the blocking happens in the middle or back layer. If you want a white curtain that blocks 99% of light, choose a triple-weave — don’t assume a white curtain means more light leakage.
7. Sound Dampening — An Unexpected Benefit
Heavy blackout curtains also reduce outside noise. In our test bedroom (which faces a moderately busy street), the H.VERSAILTEX and MIULEE Velvet curtains noticeably muffled traffic noise when closed. Don’t expect soundproofing — these aren’t acoustic panels — but if you live near a road or noisy neighbors, thick blackout curtains take the edge off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do blackout curtains make a room hotter?
No — the opposite. Blackout curtains block solar heat gain through windows. In our testing, rooms with blackout curtains were 3–5°F cooler than the same room with curtains open. The thermal backing reflects heat before it enters the room. In winter, they also prevent heat from escaping through the glass.
Can I use blackout curtains in a living room without it looking like a cave?
Absolutely. Choose lighter colors (white, beige, light gray) for the room-facing side. The MIULEE Velvet in particular looks elegant in living rooms. The key is getting curtains that extend well past the window frame so you can pull them fully open during the day — they stack neatly to the sides and don’t block any light when open.
Why is light leaking around the edges of my blackout curtains?
Edge light leakage is the most common complaint, and it’s almost always a sizing issue, not a curtain quality issue. Your curtain panels need to overlap the window frame by 3–4 inches on each side. Consider a wraparound curtain rod that curves back to the wall, or add velcro strips to the wall edges for a complete seal. Some people also use a curtain valance to block light leakage from the top.
Are blackout curtains safe for kids’ rooms?
Yes, and pediatric sleep specialists generally recommend dark rooms for children’s sleep quality. All curtains on this list are OEKO-TEX or equivalent tested for harmful substances. For safety, make sure curtain cords are out of reach (grommets are safest since there are no cords at all) and that the curtain rod is securely mounted to wall studs, not just drywall anchors.
How long do blackout curtains last?
With proper care (gentle washing, no bleach), expect 5–8 years from a quality blackout curtain before the backing starts to degrade and light blockage decreases. Triple-weave curtains like the Nicetown tend to last longer than coated-backing curtains because the blackout property is woven into the fabric rather than applied as a coating that can peel.
Should I buy one panel or two?
For windows wider than 36 inches, always buy two panels. Two panels give you a center overlap that blocks the light gap a single panel leaves when pushed to one side. For narrow windows (under 36 inches), a single wide panel can work, but we still prefer two panels for the overlap. Most products on this list are sold as pairs (two panels per package).
Do blackout curtains help with sleep quality?
Yes, and there’s solid research behind it. Light exposure suppresses melatonin production, which is the hormone that regulates your sleep cycle. Even small amounts of ambient light during sleep — from streetlights, early morning sun, or electronics — can reduce sleep quality. A dark room helps you fall asleep faster and stay in deeper sleep stages longer. If you’re a light sleeper, blackout curtains are one of the highest-ROI investments you can make for your health.
Final Verdict
For most people, the Nicetown Blackout Curtains ($22) are the answer. They blocked more light than curtains costing twice as much, survived the washing machine without shrinking, and come in 30+ colors. We’ve been using them in our test bedroom for three months now and have zero complaints.
If you need absolute, zero-lux darkness for shift work or migraines, upgrade to the H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout ($30). If your bedroom is also your living room and aesthetics matter, the MIULEE Velvet ($25) looks gorgeous.
And if you’re on a tight budget and need to cover 3–4 windows? The BGment at $16 is the most curtain per dollar you can get.