Best Blackout Curtains

Last Updated: Oct 15, 2021 @ 2:05 pm.

Best 64″ Blackout Curtains: NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains for Bedroom

Let’s take a look at the best blackout curtains!

When talking with our parent readers about buying blackout curtains for the nursery, parents told us they had three main goals: blocking light, blocking noise and blocking heat gain from sunlight.

Of course, folks use blackout curtains for more than just a napping baby—they can help cool a home office. And if your apartment has eastern exposure, keeping that sun from blasting you early in the morning makes these curtains a worthwhile purchase.

After researching the best brands and trying out a few curtains ourselves, we have a couple of tips to keep in mind:

• To block light, choose the darkest curtains. The blackout curtains in this article have three layers—an interior layer to block light is sandwiched between two colored fabric layers. The darker the color of the curtains, the better at blocking the light, based on our testing. Yes, we will recommend a white blackout curtain in this article . . . but that curtain is probably best for blocking noise and/or heat/cold than light.

• Buy a larger size to prevent gaps. The total curtain width should be 1.5 times your window width. If you get a smaller size, gaps can let in light/noise.

• To get out wrinkles, consider a wrinkle release spray. One common complaint about blackout curtains: they arrive overly wrinkled! And even though the curtains are machine washable, the wrinkles sometimes don’t come out. One tip from our readers: use a wrinkle release spray to get rid of the wrinkles!

• Blackout curtains come in two basic lengths: 64″ and 84″ length. Measure carefully before you order!

After trying out several blackout curtains, we pick NICETOWN’s Thermal Insulated blackout curtains as the best 64″ blackout curtains. The dark grey color worked well at blocking light and we liked the overall quality, look and construction of these curtains.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Good thickness.

• Affordable.

• Six grommets along the top of these curtains for hanging (rod not included).

• Blocks 85% to 99% of light and UV rays.

• 20+ colors.

What Needs Work

• Grommets can let in the light.

• Wrinkles can be hard to get out.

• Light can still come in, especially for the lighter colors. That’s why we like the grey or darker colors better.

Best 84” Blackout Curtains: WONTEX Blackout Curtains Thermal Insulated with Grommet Curtains

These curtains impressed not only for their extra length (84″ versus 64″ for other brands) but also their sturdy construction and soft touch fabric.

What We Liked

• Great for sound insulation.

• Blocks UV rays.

• Triple-weave fabric looks pretty.

• Blocks light, heat and noise.

• 8 silver grommets at top of each panel.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

Best White Blackout Curtains: Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window Curtains with Tie Backs

We know, it sounds like a contradiction of terms—how can white blackout curtains actually block out light?

True, white blackout curtains don’t block out all the outside light . . . but we know some folks buy these curtains to block sound or heat/cold. And these curtains will do the trick.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to hang.

• Sturdy.

• Great for a nursery.

• Block most light.

• OEKO-TEX fabric.

• Machine washable, tumble dry low.

• Rod pockets instead of grommets—this helps cut light intrusion.

What Needs Work

• Wrinkles rankle.

Best Budget-Friendly: BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom

Yes, blackout curtains can get rather pricey. We liked these curtains for their overall quality, yet the price doesn’t break the bank. BGment’s blackout curtains would be an excellent choice for a bedroom or apartment with west exposure.

What We Liked

• Soft fabric.

• Block most light, especially darker colors.

• Thick construction.

• Triple weave fabric.

• Machine washable, tumble dry low.

• Thermal insulated.

What Needs Work

• Lighter colors don’t block all the light.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money. 

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!