The Best Blackout Curtains to Help You Get Some Much-Deserved Sleep
Don't let the sun stop you from catching your zzzs.
Given a choice, most of us would probably sleep when it’s dark out and rise with the sun. It’s rooted in biology: Our brains are wired to be more alert during the day and get sleepy at night. But sometimes life doesn’t afford us the luxury of following our circadian rhythms — that is, our natural sleep/wake cycles. That’s when blackout curtains become a necessity for a good night’s rest.
If you’re looking for the best blackout curtains to help you block out the light and allow you to snooze whenever the need arises, look no further. Whether you’re a night owl who likes to sleep in, a parent who needs your baby to go to bed before the sun does, a shift worker who slumbers during the day, or you just want to be able to take a nap now and then without the glare of the sun disturbing you, we’ve got you covered.
Below, we’ve rounded up a selection of shades to suit every lifestyle and budget. Keep scrolling to shop FIRST for Women’s picks for best blackout curtains.
1. Best Thermal Blackout Curtains
Utopia Bedding Insulated Blackout Curtain
Where to buy: From $16.95, Amazon
Available in eight sophisticated colors, including navy, beige, olive, and chocolate, these grommet-topped drapes block 99 percent of light and ultra-violet rays. Thermal insulation means they’ll not only keep your room dark, they’ll also keep it cool in summer and warm in winter, saving you money on utility bills. They come in a set of two, and you can choose from 63- or 84-inch lengths. Even better, they’re fully machine washable and you can toss them in the dryer!
2. Best Blackout Curtains for Kids
Viv + Rae Jameson Striped Blackout Curtain
Where to buy: From $15.99, Wayfair
Looking for a pattern to liven up a child’s room? These wide-striped curtains come in mint, yellow, and four other fun colors. They’re made of 100 percent polyester and padded with foam to block the light. A rod pocket at the top makes them simple to hang, and they’re machine washable so they’re easy to keep clean. Sold in single panels and two different length options — be sure to order a pair if you need two!
3. Best Budget Blackout Curtains
Pillowfort Twill Blackout Curtain
Where to buy: From $16.99, Target
Available in an array of vivid colors, these cotton-blend blackout curtains are machine washable and block light effectively while brightening up the room. These are an affordable, practical choice for any room, and feature a rod pocket top for easy installation. All you’ll need is the perfect pillow for a peaceful night’s rest!
4. Best Semi-Darkening Curtains
Three Posts Bryton Paisley Curtain
Where to buy: From $47.37 (Originally $74.70), Wayfair
If you want it dim, but not pitch black, these semi-darkening curtains are the answer. Patterned with a pretty paisley print, they’re available in five different hues and feature a rod pocket top. Like other types of blackout curtains, they’ll also help decrease noise and keep heat indoors. We do want to note that these gorgeous drapes are sold as single panels, and are dry-clean only — perfect for a kid-free living room where you unwind and watch TV.
5. Best Easy-Care Blackout Curtains
Nicetown Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains
Where to buy: From $18.23, Amazon
Available in 20 vibrant colors to match any décor, and six different sizes to accommodate different-sized windows, these best-selling drapes come in a set of two and couldn’t be easier to care for. Pop them in the washing machine on cold and then give them a tumble in the dryer, or use a hand-steamer to freshen them up. The grommets on the top slide over any curtain rod for a stylish look.
6. Best Velvet Blackout Curtains
Cherry Home Velvet Room-Darkening Curtains
Where to buy: From $52.99, Amazon
We’re in love with these velvet blackout drapes, which come in 17 different shades and add a luxurious feel to any room. The darker colors block more light than the lighter ones — like the lovely gray pictured here — but all of them keep at least 80 percent of UV rays out, help control the temperature, and lower the noise level (essential for those who live on a busy street). They’re sold as a set of two panels, and the more panels you hang, the more fullness and coverage you’ll get.
7. Best Pastel Blackout Curtains
Threshold Blackout Curtain Panel
Where to buy: $27.99 (Originally $34.99), Target
Available in white, light gray, or mint, as well as the pink pictured here, these soft-hued curtains are a sweet choice for a bedroom. And they also block a surprising amount of sun for a light-colored curtain! Affordable and machine-washable, 90 percent of buyers said they’d purchase them again. Sold as single panels, they measure 50 inches wide and 108 inches long and are made of cotton, rayon, and polyester.
