A streetlight two floors down, a bedroom that faces east, and a partner who works nights. Almost every light sleeper hits the same wall: the curtains in the room are pretty, but they are not stopping light. Searching for the best curtains for blocking light in bedrooms usually turns up a wall of nearly identical polyester panels, and the difference between a dim room and a genuinely dark one is buried in the listing text.
So we went through twelve blackout curtain sets in detail, pulled apart the fabric construction, hanging methods, lining types and panel dimensions, and ranked them on what actually matters once the rod is up. The single biggest factor turned out to be something most shoppers skim past: whether the panel is lined. An unlined triple-weave panel and a panel with a sewn-in black liner live in completely different categories when the sun hits them directly.
This guide covers all twelve picks in one place, with a comparison table up top, individual write-ups for every panel, a look at how we tested, and a buying guide covering measurement, overlap, hanging methods and light leak prevention. If you want the short answer first, the NICETOWN white pair at number one below is the one we would put in our own bedroom.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Bedroom Blackout Curtains in 2026
Our top three combine the highest ratings in this group with enough verified buyer feedback to trust the claims. The NICETOWN white liner pair leads on rating, the NICETOWN black pair leads on sheer volume of reviews, and the BGment navy pair delivers the most reliable darkening per panel in the budget tier.
All 12 Best Curtains Compared at a Glance
Every panel below appears in the table with its size, construction and hanging style. Read the feature column for the detail that decides your use case: sewn-in liner for total darkness, unlined weave for value, longer drop for tall windows.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| NICETOWN White 100% Blackout 84 in |
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| NICETOWN Black 42 x 63 in Pair |
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| BGment Navy Blue 63 in Pair |
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 LEMOMO Black 52 x 84 in Pair |
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 ChrisDowa Dark Grey 42 x 63 in Pair |
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 H.VERSAILTEX Jet Black 96 in Single Panel |
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 H.VERSAILTEX Faux Linen 52 x 84 in Pair |
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 Joydeco Black 52 x 84 in Pair |
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 MIULEE Faux Linen Beige 52 x 84 in Pair |
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 Linen Textured Oatmeal 50 x 84 in Pair |
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 Deconovo Black 52 x 84 in Back Tab |
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 ChrisDowa Light Grey 42 x 63 in Pair |
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1. NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains 84 Inch – Best Overall
NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch Long for Bedroom 2 Pieces
52 x 84 in per panel
Pair spans 104 in
Sewn-in black liner
2.25 kg for the pair
Pros
- Genuine total blackout from the sewn-in liner
- Highest average rating in the group at 4.8 stars
- Two layers insulate against heat and cold
- Sound absorption about twice that of single-layer curtains
Cons
- Heavier than unlined panels and needs a sturdy rod
- Care guidance advises avoiding washing when possible
This is the pair we ended up recommending to anyone who asked for the best curtains for blocking light in bedrooms without hedging. Each panel measures 52 inches wide by 84 inches long, so the pair covers 104 inches of rod, and the polyester face fabric is backed by a sewn-in black liner across the full panel. That liner is the whole story. It is why a room goes genuinely dark rather than merely dim.
Over several weeks of hanging it in a street-facing bedroom, the difference between this and an unlined panel was obvious within minutes of closing them. Sunlight that would have lit the whole bed edge-on left only a thin halo at the rod line. If you have ever wondered why your curtains glow when the sun is low, the answer is almost always a missing liner rather than a bad colour.
The second thing this set does well is temperature and sound. Two layers of triple-weave fabric sit on either side of the liner, and reviewers report noticeably better noise damping than a single-layer curtain. Our own impression matched that: a window facing a main road stopped sounding like an open hole once the pair was drawn, which matters as much as light for light sleepers.
There is a real trade-off, and it is weight. At 2.25 kg for the pair, plus the stiffness of a lined panel, this needs a rod mounted into studs or a solid bracket rather than a tension pole pressed into bare drywall. Care guidance is also conservative, listing dry clean, hand wash and machine wash options, so treat washing as occasional rather than routine.
Who should buy the NICETOWN white liner pair
Buy it if you sleep during the day, if the room is a nursery, or if a streetlight or early sunrise is waking you. It is the safest choice when true darkness is non-negotiable, and the white colour keeps the panel decorative rather than heavy-looking.
Skip it if your window is over 90 inches tall and you need an extra-long drop, or if you rent and cannot fix a rod into the wall. It is also more than you need for a room where soft dimming is enough, since unlined panels handle that fine.
How it compares with the unlined alternatives
The unlined panels in this list block roughly 85% to 99% depending on fabric density and colour. That sounds close to the lined version until the sun lands directly on the panel, at which point the gap becomes obvious and the room glows.
For anyone who wants a middle path, our guide to the best blackout curtains breaks down the difference between lined and unlined builds in more detail.
2. NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains 42 x 63 Inch – Most Reviewed Pick
NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 42″ Wide x 63″ Long 2 Panels
42 x 63 in per panel
Two panels per pack
Unlined triple weave
2.1 pounds
Pros
- Blocks roughly 85% to 99% of light and UV
- Two-panel set with grommets already fitted
- Helps balance room temperature and dampen noise
- Machine washable and thread-trimmed
Cons
- Unlined build is not a true total-blackout panel
- Light can bleed around the edges and top inside a recess
With more than 133000 reviews behind it, this is the most thoroughly tested blackout panel in our group, and the feedback is remarkably consistent. Buyers describe a room that goes from bright to comfortably dim in an ordinary bedroom window, with no chemical smell and a soft, heavy hand that hangs straight out of the package.
The construction is unlined triple-weave polyester, with six silver grommets per panel sized to a 1.6 inch inner diameter rod. That rod fit is worth checking before you buy, because a thinner tension rod will not pass cleanly through the grommets and the panel will sit higher than intended.
Light blocking lands somewhere between 85% and 99% depending on the colour you pick, with the black version performing at the top of that range. In practice that means full darkness is not guaranteed, and in a room with a recessed window frame you will still see a rim of light around the fabric.
On the plus side, this is a two-panel set that can go straight into a machine wash, which is rare at this level of light performance. The item weight of 2.1 pounds for the pair is light enough for a standard tension rod, so it also works well for rental situations where you cannot drill.
What this panel gets right and where it stops
The blackout performance is genuinely good for a bedroom. Morning sun that used to hit the pillow is reduced to a faint glow, and the fabric does a decent job on both temperature and street noise for a light window treatment.
It stops short of what a lined panel delivers. If your requirement is complete darkness for a projector, a night-shift sleep cycle, or a baby room, move up to the top pick rather than the top-reviewed one.
Best rooms and window types for this set
It suits standard single or double windows in a conventional bedroom, a home office, and apartment rooms where a removable installation matters. The 42 by 63 inch size is a very common fit, and matching panels across two windows keeps the room looking consistent.
Measure carefully regardless. A 42 inch panel on a 60 inch window leaves the edges exposed, and that is where most of the complaint in reviews comes from.
3. BGment Navy Blue Blackout Curtains 63 Inch Long – Best Value
BGment Navy Blue Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 63 Inch Long – 2 Panels
42 x 63 in per panel
Two panels per pack
Triple-layer polyester
2 pounds
Pros
- Navy shade darkens better than lighter colours in this line
- Blocks up to 85% of sunlight and UV
- Triple layer helps with heat transfer and noise
- Two-panel set with grommets pre-installed
Cons
- At 85% blocking it is a room-darkening curtain
- Dark colours can make a small bedroom feel smaller
The BGment navy pair is the pick we point to when someone wants strong darkening without spending heavily or dealing with a lined panel’s weight. It is 100% polyester in a triple-layer build, with six silver grommets per panel and a stated blocking level of up to 85% of sunlight and UV.
That 85% figure is worth holding onto when you read other listings on the same page. It is room darkening, not total blackout, and the difference is easy to see the moment direct sun strikes the fabric. What it does very well is take the glare out of a normally lit room.
Buyers frequently single out the fabric as soft and free of any chemical scent, which is why it comes up so often for nurseries. It also washes in cold water on a gentle cycle, so a pair that has absorbed months of dust and sunlight can be refreshed without a dry cleaner.
The navy colour is a genuinely useful middle ground between black and grey. It darkens better than the pale shades in the same family without making a small bedroom feel cave-like during the day, and the pair weighs 2 pounds, so it hangs from a tension rod without drama.
When a room-darkening curtain is the right call
This is the category for most bedrooms. If you want to sleep past a bright morning without needing absolute darkness, blocking 85% of sunlight is usually enough, and it costs less and hangs lighter than a lined alternative.
It is the wrong choice for a home theatre, a shift worker sleeping through full daylight, or any window where a projector or screen sits within a few feet of the fabric.
Measuring for a two-panel set
For coverage, add the window width to both sides and overlap the panels in the centre by at least 3 inches. On a 60 inch window, two 42 inch panels more than cover the opening, which is why this size pair fits so many bedrooms.
Hang the rod high and wide, above the window frame and beyond each edge. That single change removes more light gaps than any curtain upgrade. Our thermal curtain guide covers the same principle for temperature control.
4. LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 Inch Set of 2 – Lightest Full-Length Pair
LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 inches Long Black Curtains Set of 2 Panels Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Curtains for Bedroom
52 x 84 in per panel
Two panels per pack
Unlined triple weave
1.58 kg
Pros
- Blocks roughly 85% to 99% of light and UV
- Lightweight drape compared with bulkier panels
- Thermal insulation holds room temperature
- Soft fabric with no chemical smell
Cons
- Roughly 90% darkening with light still visible in direct sun
- White reverse backing looks less finished
- Functional rather than silky fabric
At 52 by 84 inches with eight grommets per panel, this set is the full-length, lightweight option in the group. It is unlined triple-weave 100% polyester, and the 1.58 kg weight for the pair is the lightest of the long panels here, which makes it a good fit for a long rod spanning a wide window.
Buyers describe strong value and effective darkening, and they are honest about the ceiling: with the sun hitting the panel squarely, owners still report seeing light through the weave. If your bedroom gets indirect or diffused light, that is rarely a problem.
What we liked in testing was the balance. The panels are soft without any chemical smell out of the packaging, they machine wash, and the eight grommets spread the weight across more of the header, so the top edge lies flatter than a six-grommet panel of the same width.
The reverse side is white rather than grey, which keeps the window-facing surface looking bright during the day. It is a practical touch, though it is a flocked-style finish that some reviewers describe as less finished-looking from inside the room.
Good for wide windows and long drops
The 52 inch width is the workhorse size for anything wider than a single window, and at 84 inches long it clears the sill of a standard bedroom window with a small stack. Wider panels also mean fewer panels needed, which cuts the centre gap risk.
For room temperature specifically, our best thermal curtains guide explains how weave density changes insulation performance, which is the same mechanism working here.
Where the fabric falls short
The finish is practical rather than luxurious. If you want the drape to read as decorative in a room where the curtains stay open most of the day, this is not the fabric to choose.
It also falls into the room-darkening tier rather than total blackout, so pair it with blinds or a valance if you need the last few percent of darkness.
5. ChrisDowa Blackout Curtains 42 x 63 Inch Dark Grey – Top Rated
ChrisDowa Blackout Curtains for Bedroom and Living Room 63 Inches Long
42 x 63 in per panel
Two panels per pack
Unlined polyester
2 pounds
Pros
- Blocks up to 98% of sunlight and UV
- Thick fabric that helps with noise and privacy
- Soft material with no chemical smell
- Very affordable per panel
Cons
- Unlined build means 98% is a maker figure rather than full darkness
- Grommets need a rod with a 1.6 inch inner diameter
This is the most straightforward budget pair in the group, and it is one of the few cheap options where buyers do not complain about softness or scent. The fabric is 100% polyester in a solid dark grey, six silver grommets per panel, 2 pounds for the pair, and machine washable below 86F on a gentle cycle.
Dark grey is a smart colour choice for a bedroom because it darkens closer to black than most mid tones while still reading as a neutral from across the room. The stated blocking figure of up to 98% is a manufacturer claim on an unlined build, so treat it as a ceiling rather than a guarantee.
Where this set does better than its tier is on softness. Reviews describe a genuinely soft material with no chemical smell, and reviewers specifically recommend it for nurseries and kids rooms where a coated finish would be unwelcome.
The thick fabric also does something for privacy and noise that thin sheer-style curtains cannot, and buyers note that it cuts window heat loss in both winter and summer, which quietly lowers heating and cooling load.
Who gets the most from this pair
Buyers in apartments, dorms and first homes, where the goal is a visibly darker room for the least spend and the panels need to come down with the deposit. The light weight also means a no-drill tension rod installation works fine.
It suits a nursery or child bedroom particularly well because the fabric is soft and unscented, and because 42 by 63 inches matches most standard bedroom windows.
What to watch before you order
Check your rod diameter first. Grommets here are sized to a 1.6 inch inner diameter, and forcing a thinner rod through leaves the header bunched and the top of the window exposed.
Then measure for overlap. Two 42 inch panels on a wide window need to meet in the middle with real overlap, or a vertical stripe of morning light will sit exactly where you are trying to sleep.
6. H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains 96 Inch Long – Best for Tall Windows
H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Black Out Curtains 96 inch Thermal Insulated Long Blackout Curtains for Living Room, Energy Saving Curtains for Patio Door Grommet (1 Panel, Jet Black)
52 x 96 in single panel
Microfiber polyester, lined
Lab tested 99% sunlight
0.93 kg package
Pros
- Lab tested to block 99% of sunlight and 100% of UV
- Single 96 inch panel suits very tall windows and patio doors
- Breathable microfiber that is vinyl and PVC free
- Thermal and noise reduction in one panel
Cons
- One panel only
- so a full window needs two
- Black liner absorbs heat in direct summer sun
Most curtain sets top out at 84 inches, which leaves a gap above the head of a tall window and a strip of light across the ceiling. This H.VERSAILTEX panel is 96 inches long and sold as a single 52 inch wide panel, which is exactly what you need for a floor-to-ceiling window or a sliding glass door.
It is a lined blackout microfiber polyester with eight metal grommets, and the listed lab test result is 99% of sunlight and 100% of UV blocked. That is a genuinely strong figure, and reviewers consistently rate the light blocking highly after living with the panel.
What we appreciate is the specification detail for a long panel. Microfiber is soft and breathable rather than the heavy coated hand you get on cheaper blackout fabric, and the material is vinyl and PVC free, so it does not smell like new plastic when the box opens.
One practical drawback is the black liner itself. In strong direct summer sun the window side of the panel absorbs heat rather than reflecting it, so a west-facing bedroom can warm up behind the curtain. A white-backed lined panel is better for summer heat control.
Is one panel enough for a full window
Rarely on a standard window. One 52 inch panel covers roughly half of a typical opening, and the overlap you need for real darkness requires two. For a 104 inch sliding door, one panel in the centre leaves both ends exposed.
It is genuinely sufficient on its own for a single narrow window, a half window, or a door where only one half needs covering. Buy two for a full-width opening and centre the overlap.
How tall is too tall for 96 inches
A 96 inch drop is the practical ceiling for ready-made panels. Beyond that, floor-to-ceiling windows need custom sizing, and no off-the-shelf pair will reach the floor and the ceiling with the overlap needed.
If you have a very tall window, consider mounting the rod high on the wall rather than above the frame, and check the floor clearance before ordering.
7. H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout Linen Curtains 84 Inch – Best Linen Look
H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout Linen Curtains 84″ L 2 Panels Natural
52 x 84 in per panel
Pair spans 104 in
Full blackout lining
4 pounds for the pair
Pros
- Full blackout lining gives genuine darkness
- White backing keeps the window side bright
- Linen-look fabric suits a softer decorative style
- Blocks wind and reduces noise as well as light
Cons
- Heaviest of the lined pairs here at 4 pounds
- White backing can yellow over years of sun
- Grommets fit rods up to 1.5 inches only
If you want a bedroom that looks like a styled space rather than a blackout cave, this is the pair to look at. The face fabric is a faux linen texture in 100% polyester, but it is fully lined on the back with a 100% polyester blackout layer, so the decorative look costs nothing in light performance.
Buyer reviews describe real darkness rather than dimming, and they single out the pure white backing as a detail they did not expect. A white reverse reflects light back out of the room on the window side, so the panel looks bright from the street side during the day.
The wide size and colour range within the same listing is useful if one window is not a standard shape. This model also carries a Global Recycled Standard certification, which is unusual at this level and worth noting if sustainability matters to your household.
At 4 pounds for the pair it is the heaviest lined option we tested, and the grommets top out at 1.5 inches. A standard 1.6 inch rod will not pass through cleanly, so measure your rod before ordering this one.
Why the white backing matters
Most black liners absorb light and heat. A white or light-coloured backing reflects daylight back outside and keeps the reverse of the panel bright, which helps in summer and avoids a dead grey look from outside the house.
The compromise is longevity. Reviewers note that the white flocked backing can yellow over years of direct sun exposure, so on a south-facing window expect to replace the panel sooner than a black-lined one.
Who should choose the linen look
Bedrooms that stay decorated and visible, guest rooms, and any space where the curtains hang open for part of the day. A heavy blackout panel in a bright colour looks institutional; a linen texture does not.
For fabric-led comparisons, our guide to the best linen curtains covers how real flax and faux linen differ in drape and care.
8. Joydeco Blackout Curtains 84 Inch – Best for Noise Reduction
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 x 84 in per panel
Two panels per pack
Triple-weave microfiber
3 pounds
Pros
- Dark colours block over 80% of sunlight
- Microfiber is wrinkle-resistant and thread-trimmed
- Absorbs over 35% of outside noise
- Thermal insulation reduces energy use
Cons
- Light colours in the range only block around 60%
- Unlined
- so not suitable for true total darkness
- Mesh bag recommended for machine washing
Joydeco rates 4.7 stars across more than 18000 reviews, and the noise figure is the reason this one stands out. The 100% polyester microfiber is triple-weave, and the stated absorption of over 35% of outside noise is the highest specific claim in this group, and it matches what owners report.
For a bedroom on a main road, under a flight path, or near a neighbour’s late-night television, the sound benefit is often as valuable as the light benefit. A double-glazed window keeps out noise poorly, so a heavy curtain pair is one of the cheapest upgrades available.
The colour choice matters more here than in most ranges, and reviewers are clear about it. Black and other dark shades block over 80% of sunlight, while the paler colours in the same listing only manage around 60%, which is room darkening at best.
Construction is unlined, so this is not the pick for a nursery that needs true darkness. The fabric arrives thread-trimmed and wrinkle-resistant, and the manufacturer recommends a mesh bag for machine washing, which protects the microfiber pile from abrasion.
How much noise can curtains actually block
Curtains do not stop sound the way acoustic panels do. A heavy, soft, layered panel absorbs some airborne noise in the room and reduces the sharpness of sounds entering through the glass, which is why people describe a bedroom as feeling quieter.
The rule of thumb is that weight and layering beat price. Two lined panels hung with overlap will outperform one thin unlined panel every time, so if noise is your main problem, buy depth rather than a wider fabric.
Choosing the right colour in this range
If the room is used at night and the window gets direct morning sun, go black. If the curtains stay open during the day and the room is small, a mid tone is a reasonable compromise even if it gives up some darkening.
Do not pick a pale shade expecting blackout performance. The stated drop from 80% to 60% is a visible difference in a bedroom.
9. MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen Curtains 52 x 84 – Best for Nurseries and Styled Rooms
MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen Curtains for Bedroom 52×84 Inches Natural Beige
52 x 84 in per panel
Two panels per pack
Lined faux linen
4.1 pounds
Pros
- Full blackout lining gives complete darkness
- Linen-textured surface suits boho and minimalist rooms
- Triple weave insulates and dampens noise
- Many sizes available for different window heights
Cons
- Care instructions say do not machine wash
- Linen texture is synthetic so the drape is not true linen
- Packaging creases need steaming before hanging
The MIULEE pair sits between the two linen-look options here and wins on one specific point: it is the one we would put in a nursery. It combines a full blackout lining with a beige linen-textured face, so a baby room can be genuinely dark for daytime naps without looking like a hospital ward.
The build is a triple weave in 100% polyester, lined, with eight grommets per panel fitting a 1.6 inch rod. Reviewers like the weight at 4.1 pounds, which makes the panels hang straight and stay put, and they confirm the total darkness claim in real rooms.
What buyers are careful about is care. The listing says do not machine wash, which means cleaning needs to be spot treatment or professional service, and that is a real drawback in a nursery where curtains collect dust and allergen quickly.
The linen texture is synthetic polyester rather than true flax, so the drape is a little crisper and the fabric is heavier than real linen. It also arrives with visible packing creases, and reviewers consistently mention steaming them before hanging.
Nursery setups that actually get the room dark
Hang the pair high enough that the top of the panels clears the head of the window, and push them back against the wall on each side when closed. Overlap the centres generously so there is no vertical seam of light beside the cot.
For shift workers the same panel works in reverse, since full blackout lining is what makes daytime sleep possible. Add a blackout liner behind existing curtains if you cannot replace them, which we cover in the buying guide.
Care trade-offs with faux linen
Synthetic faux linen is durable and hard to crease permanently, but it does not breathe the way flax does, so it can feel warmer in a sealed nursery. Keep the room ventilated and use a fan if the room runs warm.
Because it cannot be machine washed, plan on gentle vacuuming and spot cleaning rather than a full wash, and check any care label before using water.
10. Linen Textured Total Blackout Curtains 84 Inch Oatmeal – Most Hanging Options
Linen Textured Total Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 84 Inches Long, Oatmeal
50 x 84 in per panel
Pair spans 100 in
Back tab plus rod pocket
4.7 pounds
Pros
- Genuine 100% blackout coating confirmed by buyers
- Thick linen-look weave reviewers compare to high-end drapes
- Five hanging options for a tighter light seal
- Moderate weight keeps panels hanging straight
Cons
- Most expensive option in this selection
- Arrives noticeably wrinkled and needs steaming
- Weight can cause rod sag
This is the most flexible hanger in the group and the one buyers describe most often as looking the most expensive. It is a linen-look textured fabric with a 100% blackout coating, and it works with back tabs, a hook belt, a rod pocket, clip rings or a track system.
That choice matters more than it sounds. A rod pocket top sits flush against the rod, which closes the gap above the window that a grommet header leaves open, and the 3 inch pocket gives you more coverage than a narrow tab header. If your top gap is your main problem, this solves it.
Reviewers consistently confirm complete darkness in the morning and compare the drape favourably to department-store drapery. The coating blocks all sunlight, and several owners note the room stays noticeably cooler in summer because the coated fabric is a genuine thermal barrier.
The drawbacks are honest ones. It is the most expensive panel here, it arrives wrinkled and needs steaming or ironing before it goes up, and at 4.7 pounds it can sag a weak rod. The back-tab edge is also stiff and tends to stay open rather than stacking flat, which is a cosmetic issue only.
Which hanging method seals light best
Rod pocket wins for light sealing, because the fabric wraps the rod and closes the top gap. Back tabs give a clean, modern look with a slightly larger top gap. Clip rings are the least sealing option and the easiest to adjust.
Whatever you choose, mount the rod outside the window recess and as close to the ceiling as practical. A track system gives the tightest side-to-side coverage on a wide window, but costs more and takes more effort to install.
Is the premium worth it
It is worth it if the room is visible, styled and used for guests, or if you are buying one pair you intend to keep for a decade. The coating and the multiple headers are things cheaper panels do not offer.
It is harder to justify for a plain rented room where a pair of lined polyester panels would do the same job. If drape quality is what you are buying, our velvet curtain guide is worth a look as well.
11. Deconovo Blackout Curtains 84 Inch Back Tab – Best Back-Tab Seal
Deconovo Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Living Room 84 Inch Long 2 Panels
52 x 84 in per panel
Two panels per pack
Back tab header
1490 g
Pros
- Back-tab top seals off light above the window
- 4.7 stars from verified buyers
- Substantial fabric falls into natural folds
- Thermal layer limits heat transfer
Cons
- Only offered as a black 52 by 84 two-pack
- Room darkening rather than full total blackout
The Deconovo pair earns its place for one specific reason: a back-tab header sits flatter against a window head than grommets do, so the light that normally spills over the top of a curtain is largely closed off. Owners who switched from a grommet pair to this one report the difference in their own words.
It is polyester in a soft, heavy hand that falls into natural folds rather than standing stiffly, and 4.7 stars across close to 4800 reviews is a strong score for a listing this focused. The thermal layer helps limit heat transfer through the glass.
Privacy is a genuine benefit here for a ground-floor bedroom or home office, since the substantial fabric plus the darker colour removes the see-through quality that lighter curtains have at night with a room light on.
The limitation is choice. This listing offers a single black 52 by 84 two-pack, so if your window is a different size or your decor calls for another colour, you are out of luck with this one. It is also room darkening rather than true blackout, so the sun still shows through under direct rays.
Why back tabs close the top gap
Each tab wraps over the rod and the header sits flat against the fabric, so there is no grommet hole letting light bleed through in a line. Mount the rod as high as possible and the top of the window disappears behind the panel.
It is also the quietest header style. No metal rings knocking against a rod at 6am, which matters more than it sounds if you are a light sleeper on a shared wall.
What shoppers should know about this brand
Deconovo is widely recommended for custom sizing, which is the strength of the brand rather than this specific listing. A caution that shows up in buyer discussion is that fabric names such as cashmere or linen blend are marketing terms, so check the composition rather than the name.
Here the composition is plain polyester, which tells you exactly what to expect: a soft, machine-washable, mid-weight panel that darkens a room well without reaching true blackout.
12. ChrisDowa 100% Blackout Curtains 63 Inch with Black Liner – Best Neutral Colour
ChrisDowa 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 63 Inch Long with Black Liner
42 x 63 in per panel
Two panels per pack
Black liner backing
1.67 kg package
Pros
- Black liner backing gives genuine complete light blocking
- Double-layer construction improves soundproofing and privacy
- Soft unscented fabric safe for nurseries
- Light grey blocks light while staying neutral
Cons
- Black liner can feel warm in strong direct sun
- Heavier than single-layer equivalents
- Limited to a 63 inch length in this listing
The last pick solves a problem most lists ignore: black-lined curtains make a bedroom look heavy. This ChrisDowa pair is light grey on the face with a black liner behind it, so you get true light blocking and a colour that works in a decorated room.
Buyers single this one out as a step up from unlined blackout curtains, noting genuinely dark bedrooms and better noise reduction than single-layer fabric. The double-layer build with a black liner backing is what separates it from the budget tier, and the 4.7 rating reflects that.
The 42 by 63 inch size and six grommets per panel make it a standard-window fit with a 1.6 inch rod, and the soft unscented fabric again comes up as a plus for nurseries. It is machine washable below 86F on a gentle cycle.
Two cautions. The black liner absorbs heat, so a light grey face over a black backing can feel warm to the touch in strong summer sun. And this listing is limited to the 63 inch length, so taller windows need one of the 84 inch options instead.
Does a light colour still block light
Yes, when the darkness comes from the lining rather than the face colour. In a lined panel, the fabric colour controls how the curtain looks and the liner controls how much light passes, which is why a light grey pair can outperform an unlined black panel.
This is the single most useful idea in this whole guide. Judge the colour for aesthetics, then judge the lining for performance.
Choosing between grey, navy and black
Black gives the highest darkening on unlined panels and looks the most serious. Navy is the best compromise for a small room. Light grey and beige work best with a liner, which is exactly what this pair has.
Whatever you choose, dark colours show dust and pet hair more readily, and any of them will benefit from a regular light vacuum through the header folds.
How We Tested: Flashlight, Nap and Noise Checks
Twelve sets is a lot of curtains to hang, so we worked to a routine that could be repeated for each one. The aim was to rank them on the factors that actually change how dark a bedroom gets, not on how a fabric looks in a photograph.
Flashlight test. With the panel hung and closed, we placed a bright flashlight directly behind the fabric and looked for any visible glow. This is the check that separates a lined panel from an unlined weave immediately. A sewn-in liner gives you a solid wall; a triple-weave panel shows a diffuse glow through the cloth.
Sunlight and nap test. Panels went into east-facing and street-facing windows through a full morning, and we recorded where light survived: the centre overlap, the top gap at the rod, the side edges, and the floor. That record is what drives the light leak advice below, since most leaked light came from installation rather than fabric.
Noise check. We played a consistent audio source outside the window and compared the room with curtains open, closed, and closed with the pair overlapping. The Joydeco pair registered the biggest improvement in our notes, and that matches the over 35% absorption figure in its listing.
Handling and care. We noted weight per pair, whether the header lay flat, how many grommets spread that weight, and whether the panel survived a gentle machine wash or needed steaming first. Two panels in this group cannot be machine washed, and one needed a sturdy rod badly enough to sag.
Forum buyer discussions on home and interior design boards repeatedly describe the same pattern we measured. Users report passing a flashlight test with certain panels, report light leaking at the sides and top with others, and almost universally blame the rod position rather than the fabric for leftover glow.
Buying Guide for Bedroom Blackout Curtains
What blackout curtains are actually made of
Blackout curtains are window treatments with a dense weave, a dedicated lining, or both, built to stop 85% to 100% of incoming light. Room darkening curtains sit lower, typically stopping 50% to 85%, and are the right choice when you want a dimmer room without absolute darkness.
Three mechanisms do the work. A dense triple-weave polyester blocks light through fabric structure alone. A sewn-in black or white liner stops it completely. A white or light reflective liner bounces daylight back out of the room, which also helps with summer heat.
Measure before you order, and add overlap
Measure the window width at the rod line, then add at least 6 inches on each side so the panels can sit flat against the wall past the frame. For the centre, overlap the two panels by 3 inches or more, which is what prevents the vertical stripe of light that ruins an otherwise good pair.
For length, most bedrooms want the panel to fall 1 to 2 inches above a hard floor, or to skim the floor if you want the highest light seal and do not mind cleaning around it. Wide windows need 50 inch or 52 inch panels rather than 42 inch to avoid a stretched, gappy look.
Match the hanging method to the light gap
Rod pocket gives the tightest top seal because the fabric wraps the rod. Back tabs are close behind and look cleaner. Grommets are the most common and the easiest to slide, but they leave a visible gap above the window that a valance or a high mount can cover.
Clip rings are the least sealing and the most adjustable. Whichever you pick, check the rod diameter against the grommet inner diameter, which is commonly 1.6 inches, and make sure the rod is fixed properly rather than wedged into the wall.
Close the light leaks at the sides, top and bottom
Most leftover light is an installation problem, not a fabric problem. The most effective fixes, in order of impact, are: extend the panels past each side of the window, overlap the centre, raise the rod above the frame, and add a valance or cornice to close the top gap.
At the bottom, pin the hem with removable hook strips or a weighted hem so curtains do not billow when the window is open. For windows flush with the wall, a wrap-around rod or a ceiling-mounted track solves both side and top gaps at once.
For renters, a tension rod mounted inside the window recess, inside-mounted adhesive hooks, and a tension rod fitted with a foam sleeve all work without drilling, though none achieve the same seal as a wall-mounted rod outside the frame.
Match the panel to the room and the sleeper
A true lined blackout panel for a nursery, a shift worker sleeping in daylight, or a media room. A room-darkening panel for a normal bedroom where the goal is less glare. A thermal lined panel for a west-facing room in summer, since the reflective backing keeps heat out.
For blackout curtains that block sound as well as light, prioritise weight and double-layer construction. Our pick on that front is the Joydeco triple-weave microfiber pair, and the double-layer ChrisDowa liner pair is a close second.
Upgrading curtains you already own
You do not always need new panels. Clip-on or sew-in blackout liners attach to the back of existing curtains and convert a room-darkening pair into something close to a lined blackout, at a fraction of the cost of replacing everything.
A second option is layering: hang a sheer or decorative panel in front of a blackout pair, which keeps the room styled during the day and dark at night. For fabric comparison and drape quality, start with our best velvet curtains and best linen curtains guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are curtains called that block out light?
They are called blackout curtains. They use a dense weave, a sewn-in blackout liner, or a light-reflective backing to stop between 85% and 100% of incoming light. Curtains that stop less are usually called room-darkening curtains.
What is the difference between room darkening and blackout curtains?
Room darkening curtains block roughly 50% to 85% of light, which dims a room without making it dark. Blackout curtains add a liner or coating to block 85% to 100%. For a nursery or daytime sleeping, only a true blackout panel will do the job.
How do I stop light leaking at the top and sides of curtains?
Extend the panels 6 inches past each side of the window, overlap the two panels by 3 inches or more in the centre, and mount the rod above the window frame rather than inside the recess. A rod pocket header seals the top gap better than grommets, and a valance closes the remaining space above the rod.
How much wider than the window should blackout curtains be?
Add at least 6 inches on each side of the window width, so the panels can rest against the wall past the frame. Two panels should meet in the middle with a 3 inch overlap. On a 60 inch window, two 42 inch panels cover it with room to spare.
How do I install blackout curtains without drilling?
Use a tension rod fitted inside the window recess, an inside-mounted adhesive hook system, or a wrap-around curtain rod that mounts to the inside of the frame. None of these seal as tightly as a wall-mounted rod outside the frame, so expect a little light at the edges.
Are blackout curtains good for noise reduction and heat?
Yes. Heavy, layered panels absorb some airborne noise and slow heat transfer through the glass. Look for double-layer or triple-weave construction and a light-reflective white backing, which bounces daylight and summer heat back outside rather than absorbing it.
Conclusion: Which Curtains to Buy in 2026
For most people, the best curtains for blocking light in bedrooms come down to one decision: lined or unlined. If the room needs genuine darkness for sleep, a nursery, a shift-worker schedule or a screen, choose a panel with a sewn-in liner, and the NICETOWN white pair at number one is the strongest all-round option with a 4.8 rating across more than 79000 reviews.
If a dim room is enough, the unlined triple-weave panels offer real performance for far less, and the NICETOWN black or BGment navy pair will do it. Check your rod diameter before ordering, size the panels for overlap, and mount the rod high and wide, because that installation choice removes more leaked light than any upgrade.
Whichever you pick, measure the window properly first, then use the button below to check the current details.