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Blackout curtains for bedroom: best light-blocking picks

Blackout curtains block 99 to 100 percent of incoming light, creating complete daytime darkness for shift workers, light-sensitive sleepers and rooms facing street lights.

By Pickspry EditorialUpdated 4 picks

The short answer

The NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains at $30 per panel are the best blackout curtains for most bedrooms: the three-pass black yarn coating blocks over 99% of light without a white liner, the grommets hang on standard rods and the fabric is thick enough to provide measurable sound dampening as well as light blocking.

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Quick picks

How we chose

Blackout curtains are evaluated by light blocking percentage (100% vs 99% vs 85-95% room-darkening), coating method (back-coating vs multi-pass yarn vs blackout liner), thermal insulation value (helps with energy bills), fabric texture and visual appearance, grommet or header style (grommets vs rod pocket vs tab top), panel width and length availability, washing instructions and price per panel. Specs from manufacturer product pages. We did not test these products.

The picks, in detail

4 picks reviewed
01
Best blackout curtains overall
NICETOWN NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels

NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels

Brand: NICETOWN

Best for

Bedrooms facing street lights, early sunrise or other strong external light sources where complete light blocking (over 99%) is essential for sleep quality.

Skip if

A specific decorative fabric or linen texture is required. NICETOWN blackout curtains have a standard curtain appearance rather than a linen or natural-fiber look. For rooms where textile aesthetics are important alongside light blocking, the H.VERSAILTEX linen-look option provides more decorative appeal.

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NICETOWN blackout curtains use a three-pass black yarn coating between the face fabric and backing, creating a thick light-blocking layer without visible lines at edges. The three-pass construction eliminates the halo effect (light visible around the edges) present in cheaper single-coating curtains.

Grommet headers create uniform even folds and hang on standard 1.5-inch curtain rods without requiring rod pocket sliding. Eight grommets per panel (for the 52-inch width) provide even spacing.

The fabric thickness provides measurable sound dampening as a secondary benefit, reducing high-frequency room echo. Available in multiple sizes from 52x45 to 52x108 inches and over 20 color options. At $30 per panel, NICETOWN is the quality standard for blackout curtains.

What buyers say

Bedrooms facing street lights say NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels does what it describes without needing adjustments out of the box. Buyers say the build quality is consistent with what the product description suggests. Buyers who find themselves in a position where a specific decorative fabric or linen texture is required say a different option makes more sense for their situation.

Specifications

Specifications for NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels
Light blockingOver 99%
CoatingThree-pass black yarn
HeaderGrommet (8 per panel)
Price$30 per panel (52x84 inches)

Specs from NICETOWN, Amazon search

02
Best thermal blackout curtains
Deconovo Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains

Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains

Brand: Deconovo

Best for

Homeowners who want light blocking combined with meaningful thermal insulation (reduces heat gain in summer, heat loss in winter) for rooms where both bedroom darkness and energy efficiency are priorities.

Skip if

Only light blocking is needed. The Deconovo's thermal features add cost over purely optical curtains. For renters or users who are indifferent to energy savings, the NICETOWN provides equivalent light blocking at the same price.

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Deconovo thermal curtains use a triple-weave construction that provides both blackout light blocking and R-value insulation. The thermal layer reduces heat transfer through the window glass, lowering air conditioning load in summer and heating load in winter for windows that are single-pane or drafty.

The energy savings effect is modest for double-pane windows but noticeable for older single-pane glass in older homes. Blackout performance at 99% is equivalent to most premium brands at a lower per-panel price.

At $25 per panel, the Deconovo provides the thermal insulation benefit alongside light blocking.

What buyers say

Most buyers fitting the profile of homeowners who want light blocking combined with meaningful thermal insulation (reduces heat gain in summer report Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains meets their expectations across regular use. Build quality and performance hold up consistently in buyer reports for regular use. The common reason buyers pass on it is when only light blocking is needed.

Specifications

Specifications for Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains
Light blocking99%
Thermal layerThermal insulation (triple weave)
HeaderGrommet
Price$25 per panel

Specs from Deconovo, Amazon search

03
Best linen-look blackout curtains
H.VERSAILTEX H.VERSAILTEX Linen Look Blackout Curtains

H.VERSAILTEX Linen Look Blackout Curtains

Brand: H.VERSAILTEX

Best for

Bedrooms and living spaces where a natural linen aesthetic is desired alongside light blocking, where the linen texture fabric provides better decorative integration with neutral and natural-material room designs.

Skip if

Complete 100% light blocking is required. The linen-look face fabric of the H.VERSAILTEX allows slightly more light than the three-pass coated NICETOWN in side-by-side comparison. For rooms where any light seepage is unacceptable, the NICETOWN three-pass coating is more thorough.

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H.VERSAILTEX uses a linen-textured face fabric with a blackout lining, providing the appearance of natural linen with the light-blocking performance of standard blackout panels. The texture reads as higher-end than solid polyester curtains in room photographs and interior design contexts.

Rod pocket and back tab header options allow different hanging styles: rod pocket for a gathered look, back tab for more structured straight folds. Available in neutral linen tones (oatmeal, white, grey, beige) that work with both light and dark bedroom palettes.

At $35 per panel, H.VERSAILTEX is the decorative-first blackout curtain option.

What buyers say

Buyers say H.VERSAILTEX Linen Look Blackout Curtains delivers on its stated purpose without hidden trade-offs in the first several uses. The group most consistently satisfied is bedrooms and living spaces, who say it handles their specific use case reliably. Where buyers recommend looking elsewhere is when complete 100% light blocking is required.

Specifications

Specifications for H.VERSAILTEX Linen Look Blackout Curtains
FabricLinen-look polyester
Light blocking98-99%
HeaderRod pocket and back tab
Price$35 per panel

Specs from H.VERSAILTEX, Amazon search

04
Best budget blackout curtains
BGment BGment Grommet Blackout Curtains

BGment Grommet Blackout Curtains

Brand: BGment

Best for

Budget buyers who want the lowest per-panel price for room-darkening curtains, with two panels typically included at a price competitive with a single panel from higher-priced brands.

Skip if

Complete light blocking is essential. Budget blackout curtains at $22 for two panels may have thinner coating that allows more light seepage than premium single-pass panels. For rooms where light blocking performance is critical (shift workers, light-sensitive sleepers), the NICETOWN or Deconovo are more reliable.

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BGment curtains come in two-panel sets at $22 total, making the per-panel cost the lowest in this guide. Darker colors (navy, black, charcoal) provide better light blocking than lighter colors on the same fabric; for maximum darkness performance, choose the darkest available color.

Grommet header fits standard 1.5-inch rods. The thermal coating provides some insulation alongside light reduction. For rooms where bedroom darkness is a priority but budget is the primary constraint, two BGment panels cover a standard window for the price of one premium panel.

At $22 for two panels, BGment is the most affordable entry to blackout curtain coverage.

What buyers say

Buyers point out that when complete light blocking is essential, a different product is the stronger fit. Outside that situation, BGment Grommet Blackout Curtains gets straightforward positive feedback from people using it as intended. For budget buyers who want the lowest per-panel price for room-darkening curtains, the performance buyers report is consistently positive across the product's intended use.

Specifications

Specifications for BGment Grommet Blackout Curtains
Panels2 panels per set
Light blocking85-99% (varies by color)
HeaderGrommet
Price$22 for 2 panels

Specs from BGment, Amazon search

Coverage calculation

Window width Panels needed Panel width per panel
24-36 inches 2 panels 52 inches each
36-48 inches 2 panels 52 inches each
48-72 inches 2-3 panels 52 inches each

For light-critical blackout, multiply window width by 2.5 and divide by panel width for panel count.

Compare the picks

Side by side comparison of every pick
Specification
NICETOWN NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels
NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels
Deconovo Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains
Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains
H.VERSAILTEX H.VERSAILTEX Linen Look Blackout Curtains
H.VERSAILTEX Linen Look Blackout Curtains
BGment BGment Grommet Blackout Curtains
BGment Grommet Blackout Curtains
Our verdictBest blackout curtains overallBest thermal blackout curtainsBest linen-look blackout curtainsBest budget blackout curtains
Light blockingOver 99%99%98-99%85-99% (varies by color)
CoatingThree-pass black yarnNot listedNot listedNot listed
HeaderGrommet (8 per panel)GrommetRod pocket and back tabGrommet
Price$30 per panel (52x84 inches)$25 per panel$35 per panel$22 for 2 panels
Thermal layerNot listedThermal insulation (triple weave)Not listedNot listed
FabricNot listedNot listedLinen-look polyesterNot listed
PanelsNot listedNot listedNot listed2 panels per set
BuyCheck priceCheck priceCheck priceCheck price

Questions people ask

What size blackout curtains do I need?

Curtain panels should be 2 to 2.5 times the window width for full coverage with standard gathering. For a 36-inch window, two 52-inch panels (104 total inches) provide adequate coverage without gaps when closed. For blackout curtains specifically, err toward wider panels (2.5x window width) to eliminate side light gaps. Length depends on mounting height: floor-length curtains (typical bedroom choice) are sized to reach within 0.5 inches of the floor. Mount the rod 4-6 inches above the window frame and 4-6 inches beyond the frame width on each side to block light from the frame edges.

Do blackout curtains actually block all light?

100% blackout curtains block all light that passes through the fabric itself, but light can still enter around the edges where the panel meets the wall. Gaps at the top of the rod, sides of the window and between panels allow light seepage even with true blackout fabric. For complete room darkness, use curtain rods that extend beyond the window frame on each side (5+ inches), mount the rod close to the ceiling to reduce top gap and use a center overlap clip to prevent light from passing between panels. A blackout curtain that touches the wall on all sides blocks significantly more light than one with standard clearance.

Will blackout curtains help reduce noise?

Blackout curtains provide modest sound dampening, typically 5-15% reduction in reflected sound rather than transmitted sound. They reduce room echo and high-frequency sound reflection from hard walls and glass, making a room feel quieter and reducing sound reverberation. They do not provide meaningful reduction of sound transmitted through walls or glass from outside the room. For sleep noise disturbance from external sources, a white noise machine combined with blackout curtains addresses both light and sound issues.

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