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Blackout curtains protect you and your bedroom from unwanted light, heat, and sound. Regardless of your need for blackout curtains, the many online options make selecting a pair an overwhelming task. That’s why the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best blackout curtains on Amazon. Continue reading to learn what models we recommend.
Most Customizable: NICETOWN Blackout Window Curtain Panels
These window curtain panels have a noise- and light-reducing design, so you can sleep soundly without outside disruption from cars or street lights. If you want every family member to have this protection, you can purchase these curtains in various sizes and colors to match their bedroom decorations and windows.
Key Features
- Comes with two panels
- Made from polyester
- Has a machine-washable construction
- Available in numerous colors and sizes
What Customers Are Saying
Customers felt that these curtains were thoughtfully constructed, stating that they were durable and effective at light and sound blocking. However, some users were concerned about the materials that these curtains were made of, as they had a toxic smell upon arrival.
Best Textured Curtains: PrinceDeco Blackout Curtains
Available in a range of colors, these curtains add style to your bedroom or living space while also blocking nearly 100% of sunlight. For more visual interest, the polyester material is textured to look like linen.
Key Features
- Comes with two panels
- Made from polyester
- Has a machine-washable and -dryable construction
- Available in numerous colors and sizes
What Customers Are Saying
Those who liked these blackout curtains said that they were made with durable and stylish materials. Alternatively, other users didn’t care for these panels because they wrinkled easily and didn’t hold up in the wash.
Most Color Options: Deconovo Blackout Curtains
These curtains have a silky texture and a customizable color. Because your purchase only comes with one panel, they’re ideal for smaller windows. However, you can always buy more panels for larger windows or several windows.
Key Features
- Comes with one panel
- Made from polyester
- Has a machine-washable construction
- Available in numerous colors and sizes
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised these curtains for being made of sturdy, thick material that was energy-efficient and wrinkle-resistant. A common complaint in negative reviews was that the curtains let some light through. Other customers said that they received panels of inconsistent sizes.
Best Value: Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains
These two curtain panels are made from heavy, silky fabric that blocks 99% of sunlight and 60% of noise. To fit over nearly any curtain rod you may already have or plan to install, the rust-free grommets have a large 1.6-inch diameter.
Key Features
- Comes with two panels
- Made from polyester
- Has a machine-washable and -dryable construction
- Available in numerous colors and sizes
What Customers Are Saying
Customers were happy that these panels reduced heat and looked stylish. They also found them to be easy to clean. One downside that some customers mentioned was that they weren’t dark enough to block out all light.
Best For Short Windows: BGment Blackout Curtains
These curtains use triple-weave technology to block outside noise and light. They also help reduce electricity costs by keeping heat in during the summer and out during the winter. For easy maintenance, you can wash, dry, and iron these panels on low heat.
Key Features
- Comes with two panels
- Made from polyester
- Has a machine-washable and -dryable construction
- Available in numerous colors and sizes
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said that these panels kept their house cool in the summer months. They also appreciated how they didn’t hold wrinkles. Some users were disappointed when the color of the curtains didn’t match what they expected. Others said that they were thin, which allowed sunlight to peek through.
Buyer’s Guide
Before committing to a pair of blackout curtains, it’s important to conduct research on your available options. Below, we outlined a few factors to consider about these options.
Color
Many blackout curtains are black because this is the most effective color at blocking light. However, black may not mesh well with your room’s decor. The good news is that many manufacturers provide other colors as well.
Size
To fit over any window, many blackout curtains come in numerous sizes. To prevent light from leaking in around the edges, ensure that your curtain covers your entire window frame. When in doubt, go up a size.
Ease of Installation
A blackout curtain has holes along the top of its panel called grommets. For easy installation, you simply loop these grommets through the curtain rod above your window. However, if you don’t already have a curtain rod in place, installation won’t be quite as hassle-free.
Function
While all effective blackout curtains prevent sunlight from reaching your bedroom or living space, some models offer other functions. Depending on your needs, you may want blackout curtains that also block heat and reduce noise.
Benefits of Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains provide an array of benefits, including blocking unwanted sunlight. Take a look at some of the benefits that we outlined below.
Enhanced Sleep Quality
We’ve all had at least one night where we struggled to fall asleep. With blackout curtains, you can make your sleeping environment pitch-black. This is especially useful if you’re a police officer, security guard, or another type of shift worker who works at night and sleeps during the day.
Lowered Risk of Depression
The American Journal of Epidemiology published a study linking depression to the amount of light exposure a person receives during sleep. You can minimize the sleep disruptions that this unwanted light causes with blackout curtains.
Lower Energy Costs
Blackout curtains are a cost-effective way of saving money on your electric bills. Many curtains are lined with insulation to keep warm air out during the summer and in during the winter.
More Privacy
The lining in blackout curtains blocks not only the sun’s rays but prying eyes. If you live on a busy street or in the middle of a city, these curtains will give you more privacy.
Reduced Outside Noise
Insulated blackout curtains typically also have a noise-reducing quality. Like with the previous benefit, these curtains can help if you live in a bustling area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are blackout curtains?
Blackout curtains are fabric-lined window covers that prevent sunlight from penetrating windows. The amount of light that these curtains block varies based on their construction, though foam-lined models tend to have better blocking abilities.
There are two types of foam-lined blackout curtains: two-pass and three-pass. A two-pass curtain has two layers of foam lining, while a three-pass one receives three.
What are energy-saving curtains?
Energy-saving curtains protect your home from the heat transfer that occurs through your window’s glass as well as through the gaps between the glass and the frame. Without these curtains, hot air can seep through your window during the summer and escape during the winter. If you have numerous windows in your living room, these curtains are an affordable solution.
How do you clean blackout curtains?
There are a variety of ways that you can tackle cleaning your blackout curtains, including:
- Spot cleaning: Rub the visible stain with a damp cloth. If that doesn’t remove the stain, dab it with dish detergent before rubbing it with the damp cloth again.
- Vacuuming: Vacuum your curtains once a month to remove dust, dander, and debris. The best way to do this is to use a vacuum cleaner with an extension wand to reach the folds and tops of the curtains.
- Steam cleaning: If you prefer a more thorough and environmentally friendly clean, consider steam cleaning. It doesn’t use harsh chemicals, and it kills microorganisms.
- Washing machine: Not all blackout curtains are machine-washable. However, those that are should have a tag to confirm it.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
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We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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