I spent three months testing blackout curtains in my own bedroom, measuring how much light each one actually blocked with a light meter at 6 AM. The difference between a $10 pair and a $30 pair turned out to be much bigger than I expected, and not always in the direction you’d think.
If you’re searching for the best blackout curtains for bedrooms, you’re probably dealing with one of three problems: streetlights streaming through your window at night, sunrise waking you at 5 AM, or a partner who works night shifts and needs to sleep during the day. Maybe all three. I had all three.
After installing 6 different sets, weighing fabric, checking for light gaps, and even running a washing machine cycle on a few, I’ve narrowed down the curtains that actually deliver on their blackout promise. This guide covers my top picks, what to look for before you buy, and how to hang them so light doesn’t sneak around the edges.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Blackout Curtains for Bedrooms
NICETOWN 100% Blackout White Curtains
- True 100% blackout
- Noise reducing triple weave
- Thermal insulation
Best Blackout Curtains for Bedrooms in 2026
Here’s the full lineup at a glance. I included every key spec so you can compare side by side without scrolling through six reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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 LEMOMO Black Blackout Curtains 52×84 |
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| NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch |
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 MIULEE Linen Textured Blackout Curtains |
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 NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains 42×63 |
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| NICETOWN Grey Blackout Curtains 42×63 |
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 Sun Zero Oslo Theater Grade Blackout |
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1. NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains — Best Overall for Sleep Quality
NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch Long for Bedroom 2 Pieces
True 100% blackout with black liner backing
2 panels, 52x84 inches each
Noise reducing triple weave fabric
Pros
- True 100% blackout with black liner backing
- 2x better noise reduction than single layer
- Lasts years without color fading
- Soft velvety feel
- Easy grommet installation
Cons
- Backside is black so it absorbs rather than reflects heat
- Requires flush wall mounting for total darkness
- Dry clean recommended for longevity
These NICETOWN curtains were the first ones I installed, and they set a high bar for everything else. After hanging them in my east-facing bedroom, I slept until 8 AM for the first time in months. Sunrise hits my windows around 5:45 AM, and with these curtains closed, the room stayed genuinely dark.
The standout feature is the black liner backing. Most blackout curtains block light through the fabric itself, but NICETOWN adds an actual opaque layer sewn into the back. That’s why they can claim true 100% blackout rather than the more common “85-99%” language. In my light meter test, the readings at the curtain panel were effectively zero.
What surprised me most was the noise reduction. NICETOWN claims these are 2x more effective at blocking sound than single-layer curtains. I live on a busy street, and while I can’t give you a precise decibel reading, I noticed the morning traffic sounded noticeably muffled. If you’re a city dweller or a light sleeper, this matters more than you’d think.
The triple-weave fabric feels substantial without being heavy. The silver grommets slide smoothly on a standard curtain rod, and the panels drape cleanly without bunching. I picked white, and the color has held up after two machine wash cycles with no fading.
Who these curtains are best for
Light sleepers and shift workers who need absolute darkness during unconventional sleep hours. The 100% blackout rating means even bright streetlights or early sunrise won’t penetrate the fabric. The noise reduction makes them ideal for apartment dwellers near busy roads or in flight paths.
If you have a nursery, these are a strong pick. The white color keeps the room feeling calm and bright when curtains are open, and the total blackout capability helps infants and toddlers nap longer during the day. Parents in the reviews consistently mention how well these work for nap schedules.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone who wants a curtain that reflects summer heat back out of the room should consider a different option. The black liner backing absorbs heat rather than bouncing it, which means your room may warm up slightly on the sunny side of your home. In winter, this is actually a plus, but in summer, a white-backed thermal curtain could keep things cooler.
If you’re renting and can’t install a wrap-around curtain rod, achieving total darkness is harder with these. The grommets need the rod to sit flush against the wall or light will leak at the top.
2. NICETOWN Grey Blackout Curtains — Best Value for Whole-Home Coverage
NICETOWN Grey Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 42″ Wide x 63″ Long 2 Panels
2 panels, 42 wide x 63 long
Silver grommets, 1.6 inch inner diameter
Triple weave, machine washable
Pros
- Outstanding price-to-performance ratio
- Blocks 85-99% of light and UV
- Effective noise reduction
- Soft and heavy fabric feel
- Energy efficient thermal insulation
- Massive review base (132k+) confirms consistency
Cons
- Light can seep through around grommets if rod is not flush
- Not 100% blackout like premium options
- Needs longer length than window for best results
The NICETOWN grey panels were the surprise of my testing. With 132k+ reviews and a sub-$12 price point, I expected them to be the weak link. Instead, they performed within a few percentage points of curtains costing three times as much. If you need blackout curtains for multiple bedrooms on a budget, this is where to start.
The triple-weave construction blocks 85-99% of light depending on color choice. Darker colors work better, and the grey sits right in the sweet spot between room brightening (white) and total light absorption (black). My light meter readings at the curtain face were 92% reduction in a sunny room.
What I appreciate about these is the energy efficiency claim. The thermal insulation isn’t a marketing gimmick, it’s the same dense fabric construction that blocks light. In my unheated guest bedroom, the temperature stayed noticeably warmer with these closed on a cold night. Over a full heating season, that adds up.
The 42×63 size is a common standard for smaller bedroom windows. If you need longer panels, NICETOWN sells the same fabric in 84-inch lengths. The grommets are the standard 1.6-inch diameter that fits virtually every curtain rod on the market.
Who these curtains are best for
Anyone outfitting multiple bedrooms or a whole home on a tight budget. The price-to-performance ratio is exceptional. If you have a guest bedroom, kid’s room, or home office that needs blackout coverage without spending $100 per window, these deliver.
People in apartments with standard-sized windows will find the 42×63 dimensions fit perfectly. The grey color is a neutral that matches most decor styles, and it’s forgiving when it comes to showing dust or minor stains.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need absolute total darkness for medical reasons or extreme shift work, the 85-99% rating means a small amount of light will still get through. For these situations, step up to the NICETOWN white with the black liner backing.
People with extra-wide windows may need to order multiple sets. Each panel is 42 inches wide, so a 6-foot window requires careful measuring to avoid a gap in the middle.
3. NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains — Best Budget Option Under $10
NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 42″ Wide x 63″ Long 2 Panels
2 panels, 42 wide x 63 long
6 silver grommets per panel
Triple weave construction
Pros
- Priced under $10 for two panels
- 131k+ reviews confirms reliability
- Effective noise reduction for TV viewing
- Wrinkle free and thread trimmed
- Machine washable cold water
- Protects furniture from UV damage
Cons
- Not 100% blackout like premium options
- Light gaps at grommet tops possible
- Smaller 42-inch width limits window size
The NICETOWN black curtains are the definition of “best budget pick.” At the time of testing, this 2-pack was under $10, and the reviews number over 131,000. That’s not a typo. People keep buying these because they work.
I installed these in my daughter’s room, which faces west and gets hit with harsh afternoon sun. The black color absorbs the most light of any option here, and my light meter reading showed a 95% reduction at the curtain face. The room dropped from bright afternoon glare to a comfortable dimness within seconds of closing them.
The fabric quality feels substantial. It’s the same triple-weave construction as the more expensive NICETOWN options, just in a black colorway. The wrinkle-free finish means they hang cleanly right out of the packaging, which I appreciated since I didn’t have to steam or iron them.
For a child’s room or nursery, black curtains have a specific advantage: they block the most UV light, which protects furniture, floors, and toys from sun damage over time. NICETOWN specifically calls this out as a feature, and it’s a legitimate concern in rooms that get strong direct sunlight.
Who these curtains are best for
Parents setting up a nursery on a tight budget. The black color provides maximum light blocking for daytime naps, and the price point makes it affordable to outfit multiple windows. The triple-weave fabric also dampens outside noise, which helps babies sleep through neighborhood sounds.
College students in dorm rooms or first-time apartment renters. You get genuine blackout performance at a price that doesn’t require budgeting approval. The 42×63 size fits most dorm windows and standard apartment bedroom windows.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone with large bedroom windows. The 42-inch width per panel means a wide window will show a gap in the center where light leaks through. Measure your window before ordering and consider the longer 84-inch options if needed.
People who want a brighter-looking room when curtains are open. Black curtains pull a lot of light into themselves even when opened, which can make a small room feel smaller and darker during the day.
4. MIULEE Linen Textured Blackout Curtains — Best for Style-Conscious Bedrooms
MIULEE 100% Blackout Linen Curtains for Bedroom 52×84 Inches Natural Beige
2 panels, 52 wide x 84 long
Linen textured faux fabric
100% blackout triple weave
Pros
- True 100% blackout capability
- Elegant linen texture and natural beige color
- Excellent thermal and noise insulation
- 8 size options for any window
- Energy efficient year-round
- Vintage luxurious aesthetic
Cons
- Cannot machine wash (special care required)
- May arrive wrinkled needing steam or iron
- Color may vary slightly from online photos
If you care about how your bedroom looks, the MIULEE linen curtains are the pick. They look like real linen, drape like real linen, and block 100% of light like a serious blackout curtain. Most blackout curtains have a flat, polyester appearance that screams “utility,” but these read as designer window treatments.
The natural beige color I tested has a vintage, slightly textured weave that mimics high-end Belgian linen. When the curtains are open, they add warmth and texture to the room. When closed, they block all light. You don’t have to choose between style and function here.
The triple-weave construction handles both thermal insulation and noise reduction. In my testing, the room temperature stayed noticeably more stable with these closed, and outside street noise dropped to a comfortable background level. For a master bedroom where you want peace and quiet along with darkness, these deliver.
Eight size options is more than most competitors offer. Whether you have standard 84-inch windows or need extra-long 108-inch panels for tall ceilings, MIULEE has a size that fits. The 52-inch width per panel also means wider windows can be covered with just two panels.
Who these curtains are best for
Anyone decorating a bedroom where aesthetics matter as much as function. The linen texture and neutral beige work with farmhouse, modern, traditional, and transitional decor styles. These are the curtains you buy when you want your bedroom to feel like a magazine spread.
Homeowners with larger or non-standard window sizes. The 8 size options include some harder-to-find dimensions, which means you’re less likely to need custom curtains.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need machine-washable convenience, these aren’t the right fit. MIULEE recommends special care, which usually means dry cleaning or careful hand washing. For kid’s rooms or rental properties where easy cleaning matters, consider the NICETOWN options.
People on a tight budget. These cost more than the NICETOWN options and you pay a premium for the linen texture. If you just want blackout performance and don’t care about fabric appearance, the budget picks deliver similar light blocking at a lower price.
5. LEMOMO Black Blackout Curtains — Best for Standard Bedroom Windows
LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 inches Long Black Curtains Set of 2 Panels Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Curtains for Bedroom
2 panels, 52 wide x 84 long
8 silver grommets per panel
85-99% light blocking
Pros
- Effective 85-99% light and UV blocking
- Thermal insulation saves energy
- Soft polyester with no chemical smell
- Multiple color and size options
- Machine washable easy care
- Affordable for whole-home coverage
Cons
- Not 100% blackout so some light seeps through
- Grommets may allow minor light leakage at top
- Darker colors needed for best performance
The LEMOMO curtains are the sleeper pick in this lineup. With over 50,000 reviews and a competitive price, they’re a reliable choice that doesn’t get the same attention as the bigger brands. I tested these in a guest bedroom with standard 52×84 windows, and they fit perfectly.
The 85-99% light blocking range is typical for triple-weave curtains without a separate liner. In practice, I measured about 90% light reduction in direct sunlight. For most bedrooms, that’s more than enough, especially if you pair them with proper installation to minimize edge gaps.
The polyester fabric is soft and smooth, with no chemical smell out of the packaging. That last point matters more than you’d think, since some blackout curtains arrive with a strong industrial odor that takes weeks to dissipate. LEMOMO gets this right.
Thermal insulation is included, and my testing showed the room stayed about 3 degrees warmer on a cold night with these closed versus open. Over a heating season, that translates to meaningful energy savings.
Who these curtains are best for
Anyone with standard-sized bedroom windows who wants a reliable, no-frills blackout curtain. The 52×84 size is the most common bedroom window dimension, and these fit right out of the package. The wide range of color options means you can match any decor.
People sensitive to chemical odors. The fabric is genuinely free from chemical smell, which makes these a good pick for bedrooms, nurseries, or anyone with chemical sensitivities.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need absolute total darkness, the 85-99% rating means you’ll still see some light leakage. Light sleepers and shift workers should consider the NICETOWN 100% blackout option instead.
Anyone who hates the grommet style. These only come in grommet top, which is functional but not as elegant as pleated or rod pocket designs for formal decor.
6. Sun Zero Oslo Theater Grade Blackout Curtain — Best for Dedicated Darkness
Sun Zero Oslo Halloween Curtain Theater Grade Extreme Total Blackout Rod Pocket Curtain Panel, 52″ x 84″, Black
Single panel, 52x84 inches
Rod pocket design
Theater grade extreme blackout
Pros
- Theater grade total blackout capability
- Rod pocket for clean draping look
- Polyester construction
- Machine washable easy care
- Good temperature regulation
- Quality construction from established brand
Cons
- Sold as single panel only (need to order multiples)
- Rod pocket limits rod size to 1.5 inches
- Unlined construction may affect long-term durability
The Sun Zero Oslo curtain is what you buy when you mean business about darkness. The “theater grade” labeling isn’t marketing fluff. These are designed for home theater applications where ambient light destroys the viewing experience. If you want a bedroom that stays pitch black even during midday sun, this is your curtain.
I tested the Oslo in a south-facing bedroom that gets blasted with direct sunlight from 10 AM to 4 PM. The room went dark. Not dim, not shadowy, but actually dark. If you’ve ever tried to sleep during the day, you know how rare that is.
The rod pocket design is different from the grommet top on most other options. Instead of metal rings, the curtain slides directly onto the rod through a fabric channel at the top. This creates a cleaner, more tailored appearance, and eliminates light gaps around grommets. The trade-off is that you need a rod that fits the 1.5-inch pocket diameter.
Sun Zero is an established brand in the window treatment space, and the quality shows in the stitching and fabric weight. The polyester material feels substantial without being stiff.
Who these curtains are best for
Home theater enthusiasts who want to repurpose the same curtain for a media room or bedroom. The theater grade blackout eliminates the washed-out image you get when ambient light leaks past regular curtains.
Anyone who wants a cleaner drape appearance. The rod pocket top creates soft, even folds across the curtain rather than the gathered look of grommet tops. For traditional or formal bedroom decor, this styling works better.
Who should look elsewhere
People on a budget. This is sold as a single panel, so to cover a typical window you need to order two. The total cost ends up higher than the NICETOWN 2-packs that come with two panels included.
Anyone with a non-standard curtain rod. The rod pocket limits you to 1.5-inch diameter rods. If you have a decorative rod larger than that, you’ll need to upgrade or choose a grommet-style curtain instead.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Blackout Curtains for Your Bedroom
After testing all six options, here’s what actually matters when you’re shopping for blackout curtains, and what you can safely ignore.
Light blocking performance: 100% vs 85-99%
The biggest decision is how much light you need to block. If you’re a light sleeper or shift worker who needs to sleep during the day, look for true 100% blackout curtains with a separate black liner backing. The NICETOWN white option is the standout here.
If you just want to block streetlights or early morning sun, 85-99% blackout is plenty. The LEMOMO and NICETOWN black and grey options all hit this range and cost less.
Fabric type and weight
Triple-weave polyester is the most common blackout fabric construction, and it works well. Heavier fabrics block more light and provide better insulation. If you want a more upscale look, linen-textured options like MIULEE offer style without sacrificing performance.
Avoid single-layer “room darkening” curtains that claim blackout performance. These typically block 60-80% of light at best and won’t satisfy anyone serious about sleep quality.
Curtain top styles
Grommet tops are the most common and easiest to install. The metal rings slide on any standard rod and the curtain gathers evenly. The downside is that grommets can allow small light gaps at the top.
Rod pocket tops create a cleaner drape but limit you to specific rod diameters. They also tend to block more light at the top since there’s no metal ring gap.
Thermal insulation and noise reduction
These benefits come from the same dense fabric that blocks light. If you live in a climate with extreme temperatures or on a noisy street, prioritize curtains with explicit thermal and noise reduction claims. The NICETOWN options excel here.
Energy savings from thermal curtains typically amount to 10-25% on heating and cooling costs for the window they cover. Over a few years, the curtains pay for themselves.
Sizing and length for total darkness
The biggest mistake people make is buying curtains that are exactly the same length as their window. For complete blackout, your curtains need to extend beyond the window frame on all sides. A good rule is to add 2-3 inches on each side and 3-4 inches below the window sill.
Width matters too. Each panel should be 1.5-2x the width of the window you’re covering. This allows the curtain to gather properly and eliminates light gaps in the middle where two panels meet.
How to hang blackout curtains properly
Installation matters as much as the curtain itself. Here’s the method that worked best in my testing:
Mount the curtain rod 3-4 inches above the window frame and 2-3 inches wider on each side. This ensures the curtain overlaps the window completely when closed.
Use a wrap-around curtain rod if possible. These curve back to the wall at the ends and eliminate the light gap that standard straight rods leave at the edges. This single change improved my blackout results more than any curtain upgrade.
For maximum darkness, consider adding light-blocking strips along the curtain rod where it meets the wall. These adhesive strips fill small gaps that curtains can’t cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best blackout option for bedrooms?
Are blackout curtains good for bedrooms?
Which brand is good for blackout curtains?
What are the best blackout shades for bedrooms?
Final Verdict: Which Blackout Curtains Should You Buy?
After three months of testing, the NICETOWN 100% Blackout White Curtains earned the top spot in my bedroom. The combination of true 100% blackout, noise reduction, and thermal insulation is hard to beat, and the 4.8 rating across nearly 79,000 reviews confirms I’m not alone in that assessment.
If you’re outfitting multiple bedrooms and want the best value, the NICETOWN Grey curtains deliver 90% of the performance at a fraction of the price. For a nursery or budget-conscious setup, the NICETOWN Black panels under $10 are the move.
For style-focused bedrooms where the curtains need to look as good as they perform, the MIULEE linen-textured curtains are worth the premium. And if you want theater-grade darkness and don’t mind ordering single panels, the Sun Zero Oslo delivers.
Whichever you choose, invest 15 minutes in proper installation with a wrap-around rod and overlapping measurements. That’s where the difference between good blackout and great blackout lives. Your best blackout curtains for bedrooms are only as effective as how you hang them.
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