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The sun is no match for these effective blackout curtains.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Buying blackout curtains for your room is an important task.
To help find the best blackout curtains, we put 11 picks to the test right at home.
For six months, we evaluated the curtains for their effectiveness, setup, and overall design.
Credit: Walmart
Color options are limited to solid shades like gray, blue, and black.
We found thesecurtains are simple to install.
Theyre hung using a metal grommet top and come with an included curtain rod.
We were impressed with the soft yet flexible fabric of the Better Homes & Gardens curtains.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / McKenzie Rambush
Most importantly, though, we found these curtains to be quite effective at blocking out light.
It blocks out all the light coming into our bedroom, allowing us to sleep in on the weekend.
We tested a lighter-colored curtain and it didnt completely stop the light from coming in.
However, we noticed even more of a difference after we started using these curtains.
Installation was not complicated.
The curtains are sold in a set of two and hung using a rod with a pocket.
Regardless, we were still happy with the results.
The curtains are lightweight, soft, and easy to maneuver.
Though theyre on the thinner side, we noted that they dont feel cheap.
Importantly, these also dont look like blackout curtains.
Throughout testing, we found that these continued to keep our room cool.
We noted that the fabric is flexible and high-quality.
Curtain hooks are included, though note that round rings and clip rings are sold separately.
In addition to some light filtering in, they also aren’t soundproof or insulating.
It was a little difficult to get the curtain back into the storage pouch.
Still, theyre just right for a nursery or travel.
It has fewer color and size options than other picks.
Though we liked these curtains overall, we would have appreciated more size and color options to choose from.
It was easy to put the curtain rod through the pocket of the Nicetown Thermal Blackout Curtains.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Paige VandeWiele
These curtains have kept our bedroom dark and cool during bright, sweltering summer days.
They block light so well that we don’t wake up for hours after sunrise.
The quality hasn’t faltered, and our guests have even complimented their appearance.
It was easy to put the curtain rod through the pocket of the Nicetown Thermal Blackout Curtains.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Paige VandeWiele
Theyre quite heavy and we needed two hands to open them.
Made of a polyester blend, these curtains are on the heavy side.
We would have preferred that they were softer and lighter as we needed two hands to open them.
We also found that the in-person color for the curtains they chose didnt quite match what is pictured online.
The curtains have blocked all kinds of light from entering our apartment, including our neighbor’s holiday lights.
The color options are limited to more neutral shades.
TheseSun Zero Oslo Theater Grade Extreme Total Blackout curtainsdeliver a full blackout effect.
The Sun Zero curtains are hung with a rod, which is not included.
While not fully customizable, there are five sizes and seven color options.
We’ve washed these curtains multiple times and have not seen any change in quality or durability.
Even with direct sun exposure, they haven’t faded in color.
During the hot summer months, the curtains both blocked lights and kept our room cool.
Credit: Pottery Barn
We started by measuring the curtains and hanging them up to assess theease of setup.
The final rating was determined by averaging each pick’s scores across categories.
For example, lighter or shorter materials may cause some light to leak.
We found that the Pottery Barn curtains were lightweight and easy to open and close.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Nicole Lund
Foamback is a technology where foam is spread on the back of the fabric.
This creates a layer that will block light, says Boswell.
The more layers you have, the more light is blocked.
However, this can also make your fabric stiff and heavy.
Woven blackout is a triple-layer fabric that is tightly woven, says Boswell.
The interior yarns are black, and the outer yarns can be white or dyed any color.
If youre adding a lining, it’s possible for you to use either of these options.
It is also important to match the material to your rooms design.
With numerous options available, you dont need to sacrifice style for effectiveness.
As Boswell says, Light management is a personal preference.
Whether it’s a grommet, back tab, or pole pocket, the installation matters.
Your Questions, Answered
How do blackout curtains work?
“Any curtain that you hang will block some amount of light.
Still, 100% blackout curtains should block the light from a cell phone camera.
Blackout curtains use foam or opaque materials to block out light.
The level of opacity will affect how much sunlight will be blocked.
With foamback technology or woven blackout, darker colors will provide a more effective blackout.
The best blackout curtains also offer other perks, such as thermal insulation to regulate your room’s temperature.
Credit: Amazon
What is the best length of blackout curtains for your home?
If youre satisfied with mostly blackout, a typical blackout shade with cover drapery will work, Saul says.
Nonetheless, always measuring your windows is always a great place to start.
The Amazon Basics Travel Window Blackout Curtain attaches to the wall using suction cups.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Stella Yu
Can you wash blackout curtains?
Always double-check the manufacturers care label as the pop in of fabric will determine how best to wash it.
Some of the best curtains will be easier to clean than others.
It’s important to remember (and consider) this before purchase.
How much do blackout curtains cost?
How long do blackout curtains last?
According to Stephan, blackout curtains should last for many years if they’re cared for properly.
verify you follow the manufacturers care instructions closely to maintain the quality of your curtains.
If the curtains become wrinkled after being washed, skip the iron and gently steam the panels instead.
When youre not using your curtains, pull them back to keep them out of direct sunlight.
To compile this list of top blackout curtains, Kathleen analyzed insights from our at-home tests.
What Is BHG Recommends?
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Walmart
The polyester backing on these patterned curtains kept our room dark and cool.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Nicetown Blackout Curtain Panels blocked the majority of the light to keep our bedroom dark.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Taylor Fox
Credit: Amazon
The Sun Zero Oslo Theater Grade Blackout Curtains easily slide open and closed despite their weight.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Michelle Ehrich
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
