We compared over 40 blackout curtains for bedrooms, analyzing more than 180,000 customer reviews, light-blocking performance, thermal insulation ratings, and price-per-panel value. Whether you need 100 percent blackout curtains for a nursery, budget-friendly panels for an apartment, or thermal blackout curtains that cut your energy bill, these eight picks cover every need and budget from $14 to $32.
How We Picked the Best Blackout Curtains
Choosing blackout curtains for a bedroom comes down to four factors that actually matter: how much light they block, how well they insulate, how they look on a real window, and whether they hold up after washing. We evaluated every curtain on this list against those criteria.
Light blocking is the headline feature. True 100 percent blackout curtains use a triple-weave or foam-backed fabric that eliminates virtually all outside light. "Room darkening" curtains, by contrast, typically block 70 to 85 percent of light. We prioritized curtains that reviewers consistently described as blocking streetlights, early morning sun, and headlights from passing cars.
Thermal insulation is the underrated benefit of blackout curtains. The same dense fabric that blocks light also reduces heat transfer through windows. Based on manufacturer data and reviewer reports, the best thermal blackout curtains can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent per room, depending on window size and climate.
Fabric quality and drape separates curtains that look elegant from ones that look like they belong in a college dorm. We favored curtains with a soft hand feel, clean drape without excessive bunching, and colors that match their product photos.
Durability after washing matters because bedroom curtains collect dust. We checked reviews specifically for post-wash performance: shrinkage, color fading, and whether the blackout backing peeled or cracked.
Research shows that sleeping in a room with less than 3 lux of light (roughly what quality blackout curtains achieve) improves sleep efficiency by up to 12% compared to rooms with ambient light from streetlamps or electronics.
1. H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains: Best Overall
H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains for Bedroom
Best for: Best overall blackout curtains for most bedrooms
The best balance of light blocking, thermal insulation, and aesthetics for most bedrooms at a price that undercuts premium brands.
The H.VERSAILTEX curtains earn the top spot because they deliver on the three things that matter most: near-total light blocking, solid thermal insulation, and a fabric that actually looks good in a bedroom. The triple-weave construction uses a black yarn layer sandwiched between two layers of colored fabric, which blocks 95 to 99 percent of light without the plasticky feel of foam-backed alternatives.
Across 15,930 reviews, the most consistent praise is for the fabric quality. Reviewers describe it as having a soft, almost linen-like texture that hangs with a clean drape. Multiple buyers note that these curtains look more expensive than their $20.99 price tag suggests.
The thermal insulation is genuinely effective. Several reviewers in hot climates report measurable temperature differences (5 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit) with these curtains closed during afternoon sun. In winter, they reduce drafts from older single-pane windows.
The main limitation is that they are not true 100 percent blackout. Light can seep around the edges and through the grommet holes where the rod passes through. For a nursery where total darkness is critical, you may want to pair these with a wrap-around curtain rod or use the Rutterllow pick below.
At $20.99 for a pair, the H.VERSAILTEX curtains offer the best combination of light blocking, insulation, fabric quality, and value for the average bedroom.
2. Deconovo Grommet Blackout Curtains: Best Budget Pick
Deconovo Grommet Blackout Curtains for Kids Bedroom
Best for: Best blackout curtains under $20
The best-selling blackout curtain on Amazon for a reason: solid performance at a price point that makes outfitting an entire apartment affordable.
With over 50,000 reviews, the Deconovo Grommet Blackout Curtains are the most purchased and most reviewed blackout curtains in our comparison. That volume of feedback tells a clear story: these are reliable, affordable, and good enough for the vast majority of bedrooms.
At $15.99 per pair, you can outfit three bedrooms for less than the cost of a single premium curtain panel. That makes these the obvious choice for renters, apartment dwellers, and anyone furnishing a bedroom on a tight budget. Blackout curtains under $30 do not get more proven than this.
The fabric is thinner than the H.VERSAILTEX pick, which means slightly less light blocking at the edges and less thermal insulation. In practical terms, these block about 85 to 95 percent of light, which is enough for most sleepers but may not satisfy someone who needs pitch-black conditions for shift work or an infant's nursery.
One consistent complaint across reviews is color accuracy. Several buyers report that colors like "grey white" and "khaki" look noticeably different in person than in the product photos. If color matching is important for your decor, consider ordering a single pair first before committing to multiples.
3. Deconovo Blackout Short Curtains: Best for Small Windows
Deconovo Blackout Short Curtains, 45 Inch Long
Best for: Best blackout curtains for small or short windows
If your bedroom has shorter windows (common in basements, older homes, and bathrooms), these are the highest-rated blackout option available.
Not every bedroom has floor-length windows. Basement bedrooms, older homes with half-height windows, and bathroom windows all need blackout solutions that standard 63 or 84-inch curtains cannot properly serve. The Deconovo Short Curtains at 45 inches are purpose-built for these situations.
The 4.8-star rating across 36,470 reviews makes these the highest-rated curtains in our entire comparison. That is not a coincidence: when a curtain fits the window it was designed for, it performs better. Reviewers consistently praise the fit for small windows and the density of the fabric for a short panel.
The thermal insulation benefit is particularly relevant for basement bedrooms, where below-grade windows tend to be drafty. Several reviewers in cold climates specifically mention these curtains reducing cold air infiltration through basement window frames.
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4. Rutterllow Blackout Curtains: Best for Nursery
Rutterllow Blackout Curtains for Bedroom
Best for: Best blackout curtains for nursery and kids rooms
The best blackout curtains for nursery use, where total darkness during daytime naps is not optional.
Parents shopping for the best blackout curtains for a nursery have a non-negotiable requirement: the room must be dark enough for daytime naps. The Rutterllow curtains deliver on this with a dense, tightly woven fabric that blocks more light than thinner budget options.
Across 9,755 reviews, parents consistently highlight two things: the curtains actually darken the room enough for nap time, and the fabric holds up to the inevitable tugging and grabbing from toddlers. The material is soft enough to be safe in a child's room but dense enough to maintain its blackout properties.
The thermal insulation is a practical bonus for nurseries. Babies are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and these curtains help maintain a consistent room temperature by reducing heat transfer through windows. Multiple reviewers in both hot and cold climates confirm this benefit.
For maximum darkness, pair these with the Umbra Twilight wrap-around curtain rod (also in our product list at $29.68). The wrap-around design eliminates the light gaps at the sides of the window that standard straight rods leave exposed. This combination creates the closest thing to 100 percent blackout you can achieve without permanent window treatments.
The AAP recommends a dark, cool sleep environment for infants and toddlers. Blackout curtains are one of the most effective and reversible ways to achieve the recommended light level of less than 5 lux during daytime naps.
5. BGment Rod Pocket Blackout Curtains: Best Rod Pocket Style
BGment Rod Pocket Blackout Curtains for Bedroom
Best for: Best blackout curtains with rod pocket hanging style
The best choice if you prefer the traditional gathered look of rod pocket curtains over the modern ring look of grommets.
Most blackout curtains on Amazon use grommet (eyelet) tops, which create a contemporary, evenly spaced pleat look. But if your bedroom decor leans traditional, farmhouse, or cottage style, grommets can look out of place. The BGment rod pocket curtains offer the same blackout performance in a hanging style that works with more traditional interiors.
The rod pocket design threads the curtain rod through a sewn channel at the top of the panel, creating soft gathers that look like classic curtains rather than modern drapes. The tradeoff is functionality: rod pocket curtains do not slide as smoothly as grommet curtains, so opening and closing them requires a bit more effort.
Light blocking is solid at this price point, though the gathered fabric at the top can create small gaps where light seeps through. For bedrooms where aesthetics matter as much as function, these are a strong pick at $19.99.
6. H.VERSAILTEX Printed Blackout Curtains: Best Patterned Option
H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains Printed Design
Best for: Best blackout curtains with decorative patterns
Worth the premium if you want blackout curtains that double as a decorative statement piece rather than just a functional light blocker.
Solid-colored blackout curtains can feel utilitarian. If your bedroom design calls for pattern, texture, or visual interest on the windows, the H.VERSAILTEX Printed curtains are the only patterned option in our comparison that does not sacrifice blackout performance for aesthetics.
These use the same triple-weave blackout technology as our top overall pick but add printed designs on the front-facing fabric layer. The patterns range from subtle geometric prints to bolder botanical designs. At $31.99, they are the most expensive pick in our roundup, but the decorative value adds something that no solid curtain can replicate.
The practical advantage of patterned curtains is that they hide dust, pet hair, and minor stains far better than solid darks or lights. For homes with pets or children, this can mean less frequent washing.
7. NICETOWN Bedroom Short Draperies: Best for Kids Rooms
NICETOWN Bedroom Short Draperies Blackout Curtain Panels
Best for: Best blackout curtains for kids rooms on a budget
The most affordable way to add blackout curtains to a kids room, with fun colors that children will actually like.
The best blackout curtains for a kids room need to do two things that adult bedroom curtains do not: look fun, and cost little enough that you will not stress when they inevitably get marker or paint on them. The NICETOWN short draperies deliver on both counts at just $14.20.
The lavender pink colorway is designed specifically for children's rooms, and the pastel-leaning color palette across available options works well in nurseries, playrooms, and tween bedrooms. These are not the densest blackout curtains on this list, but they block enough light for bedtime routines and weekend morning sleep-ins.
At this price, you can afford to replace them as your child's taste in decor evolves, which, if you have kids, you know happens roughly every 18 months.
8. Turquoize Blackout Window Drapes: Best Color Selection
Turquoize Aqua Blackout Window Drapes
Best for: Best blackout curtains for matching specific bedroom color schemes
The pick when you need a specific color that the bigger brands do not offer, without compromising on blackout performance.
Sometimes the deciding factor in choosing blackout curtains is not performance or price. It is whether you can find the exact shade of teal, aqua, or jewel tone that your bedroom color scheme demands. The Turquoize brand has built its reputation on offering colors that mainstream brands like Deconovo and NICETOWN do not carry.
The blackout performance and thermal insulation are on par with other curtains in the $18 to $20 range. The grommet top slides smoothly, and the fabric weight provides a good drape without feeling heavy or stiff.
If you are redecorating a bedroom around a specific color palette and cannot find the right match from the bigger brands, Turquoize is worth checking first.
How All 8 Blackout Curtains Compare
Are Blackout Curtains Worth It?
The short answer: yes, for most bedrooms. The long answer depends on your specific situation.
Blackout curtains vs room darkening curtains comes down to how much light sensitivity you have. Room darkening curtains block 70 to 85 percent of light and are fine for bedrooms that face away from streetlights and early morning sun. True blackout curtains block 95 to 100 percent and are worth the slightly higher cost if you are a light-sensitive sleeper, a shift worker, or outfitting a nursery.
Blackout curtains vs blackout blinds is largely an aesthetic choice. Blinds offer more precise light control (you can angle the slats) but tend to cost 2 to 5 times more than curtain panels. Curtains provide better thermal insulation because they cover the entire window frame, including the gaps that blinds leave exposed.
The energy savings alone can justify the purchase. Every curtain in our roundup offers thermal insulation, and at prices starting from $14.20, the reduction in heating and cooling costs typically pays for the curtains within one to two seasons.
Window coverings with thermal insulation can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25% in winter and reduce unwanted solar heat gain by up to 33% in summer, according to the DOE's energy efficiency guidelines.
How to Choose the Right Blackout Curtains for Your Bedroom
Measure your windows first. Curtain panels should be 1.5 to 2 times the width of your window for a full, gathered look. For length, decide whether you want the curtains to touch the floor, hover one inch above, or pool slightly. The most common mistake is buying curtains that are too narrow, leaving gaps where light sneaks through.
Choose your hanging style. Grommet (eyelet) tops offer a modern, clean look and slide easily on the rod. Rod pocket tops create a traditional gathered look but are harder to open and close daily. Back tab curtains hide the rod entirely for a tailored appearance.
Consider the room. A master bedroom can handle heavier, more luxurious fabrics. A kids room needs something affordable and washable. A nursery needs maximum light blocking. An apartment bedroom needs something that installs without drilling (tension rods work with all the curtains in our list).
Check the color in person if possible. The most common complaint across all blackout curtain reviews is that the color does not match the product photo. If color matching is critical, order a single pair first before buying multiples.