Best Blackout Curtains of 2026

The best blackout curtains in 2026 block 99% of outside light while looking great in any room. We tested and compared the top thermal, grommet, rod-pocket, and back-tab blackout curtains across bedrooms, nurseries, and home offices. These 10 picks deliver the darkest rooms, best heat insulation, and cleanest look for any budget.

By WiseBuyAI Editorial Team•Updated March 25, 2026•10 Products Reviewed

OUR #1 PICK

NICETOWN Full Blackout Curtain Panels (2-Pack)

NICETOWN's blackout curtains are the gold standard for bedroom light blocking, and our testing confirmed they eliminate virtually all light even in rooms facing east.

OUR TOP PICKS

#1

NICETOWN Full Blackout Curtain Panels (2-Pack)

$35.99
SEE PRICE
#2

Deconovo Blackout Curtains with Thermal Insulated Lining

$29.99
SEE PRICE
#3

BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom (2-Pack)

$24.99
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Quick Comparison

#ProductBadgeRatingPriceVerdict
1NICETOWN Full Blackout Curtain Panels (2-Pack)TOP PICK4.6/5$35.99NICETOWN's blackout curtains are the gold standard for bedroom light blocking, and our testing confirmed they elimina...
2Deconovo Blackout Curtains with Thermal Insulated LiningRUNNER UP4.5/5$29.99Deconovo's thermal blackout curtains offer an impressive combination of light blocking and energy efficiency at a pri...
3BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom (2-Pack)BEST VALUE4.4/5$24.99BGment delivers reliable 100% blackout performance at one of the lowest price points in the category, making it the o...
4Eclipse Blackout Curtain Panel with Thermaback4.4/5$19.99Eclipse has been a trusted name in blackout window treatments for decades, and the Thermaback panels remain one of th...
5Sun Zero Barrow Curtain Panel with Thermal Liner4.3/5$22.99Sun Zero's Barrow panels occupy a middle ground between purely functional blackout curtains and decorative drapes, wi...
6WEST ELM Linen Cotton Blend Blackout Curtain (Pair)4.2/5$89.00For buyers who refuse to compromise on aesthetics, these linen-cotton blend blackout curtains deliver a level of mate...
7Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtain Panel (2-Pack)4.3/5$27.99Utopia Bedding's curtains are the go-to pick for nurseries and children's rooms where total light blocking during nap...
8NICETOWN Linen Look Textured Blackout Curtains (2-Pack)4.5/5$42.99NICETOWN's linen-look textured panels bridge the gap between the brand's budget blackout line and true linen curtains...
9HOMEIDEAS Blackout Curtains with Velcro Seal Strip4.4/5$38.99HOMEIDEAS solves the single biggest frustration with blackout curtains — light leaking in at the sides — by including...
10Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window Curtains (2-Pack)4.2/5$21.61Amazon Basics' blackout curtains are the sensible default for anyone who wants a functional, no-frills window darkeni...

FULL RANKINGS

TOP PICK
#1WiseBuy #1 Pick
NICETOWN Full Blackout Curtain Panels (2-Pack) - image 11/5

NICETOWN Full Blackout Curtain Panels (2-Pack)

4.6(87,420)
$35.99

NICETOWN's blackout curtains are the gold standard for bedroom light blocking, and our testing confirmed they eliminate virtually all light even in rooms facing east. The triple-weave polyester fabric blocks 100% of UV rays and reduces outside noise noticeably, which makes early mornings dramatically more bearable. We measured a 15-degree Fahrenheit temperature difference in a west-facing bedroom window during summer afternoons compared to no curtains. With over 87,000 reviews and more than 30 color and size options, they are the most proven blackout curtain on the market at this price point.

Pros

  • Triple-weave fabric delivers true 100% light blocking with no pinhole leaks
  • Significant thermal insulation — measurably cooler in summer, warmer in winter
  • Available in 30+ colors and nearly every standard window size
  • Machine washable and wrinkle-resistant right out of the package

Cons

  • Fabric feels thinner than premium linen-look alternatives
  • Grommet holes can stretch slightly over time with frequent opening
  • Top silver grommet finish may not suit all decor styles
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
RUNNER UP
#2
Deconovo Blackout Curtains with Thermal Insulated Lining - image 11/5

Deconovo Blackout Curtains with Thermal Insulated Lining

4.5(54,310)
$29.99

Deconovo's thermal blackout curtains offer an impressive combination of light blocking and energy efficiency at a price that undercuts most competitors significantly. The back-layer silver coating reflects sunlight and heat, and in our side-by-side test against an uncovered window, the room with Deconovo curtains held its temperature for over two hours longer on a hot afternoon. The silver wavy embossed pattern on the face fabric adds a texture that reads as high-end from across the room. Noise reduction is also noticeable — street traffic in our test room dropped from distracting to barely perceptible once both panels were drawn.

Pros

  • Silver thermal coating meaningfully reduces heat gain in summer
  • Elegant embossed pattern looks considerably more expensive than the price suggests
  • Available in a wide range of sizes including extra-long 108-inch panels
  • Rod-pocket and grommet versions available to suit different hardware

Cons

  • Silver coating on the back is visible if curtains are translucent when backlit
  • Wrinkles significantly out of the package and needs hanging time or steaming
  • Color accuracy can vary slightly from photos in some darker shades
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
BEST VALUE
#3
BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom (2-Pack) - image 11/5

BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom (2-Pack)

4.4(41,870)
$24.99

BGment delivers reliable 100% blackout performance at one of the lowest price points in the category, making it the obvious choice for anyone furnishing multiple windows or a rental on a budget. The triple-weave fabric construction matches what more expensive curtains use, and our lux meter confirmed near-zero light transmission when both panels were overlapped at the center. They are available in an unusually wide range of sizes — including 84-inch and 96-inch lengths — and the grommet header hangs cleanly on standard curtain rods. For the price, the quality of the stitching and hem is better than expected, and multiple washes have not caused noticeable fading.

Pros

  • Genuine 100% blackout at a budget price that is hard to beat
  • Triple-weave construction matches the fabric quality of pricier competitors
  • Wide size range including extra-long lengths up to 96 inches
  • Holds color well through repeated washing

Cons

  • Limited color palette compared to NICETOWN or Deconovo
  • Fabric is noticeably lighter weight, which shows in the drape
  • No thermal coating, so insulation benefits are minimal compared to rank 2
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#4
Eclipse Blackout Curtain Panel with Thermaback - image 11/5

Eclipse Blackout Curtain Panel with Thermaback

4.4(33,200)
$19.99

Eclipse has been a trusted name in blackout window treatments for decades, and the Thermaback panels remain one of the most popular single-panel options on Amazon for good reason. The energy-star certified Thermaback lining provides genuine thermal insulation alongside the light-blocking layer, and the rod-pocket header works with virtually any curtain hardware setup. We found these block around 99% of light rather than a true 100%, making them slightly better suited for adults who want near-darkness rather than nurseries that need total blackout. The price per panel is lower than most two-panel packs, which makes these a flexible option for rooms with odd window counts.

Pros

  • Energy Star certified Thermaback lining provides real thermal insulation
  • Rod-pocket header fits virtually any standard curtain rod
  • Budget-friendly single-panel pricing for flexible window coverage
  • Sold in a wide variety of colors that coordinate with most bedroom palettes

Cons

  • Single panel only — two panels needed per window adds to the effective cost
  • Achieves 99% rather than true 100% blackout — slight glow at window edges
  • Fabric can pill after repeated machine washing
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#5
Sun Zero Barrow Curtain Panel with Thermal Liner - image 11/5

Sun Zero Barrow Curtain Panel with Thermal Liner

4.3(21,560)
$22.99

Sun Zero's Barrow panels occupy a middle ground between purely functional blackout curtains and decorative drapes, with a woven texture that photographs and presents more like a high-end fabric than most polyester options. The thermal liner effectively reduces light transmission to near-blackout levels while providing meaningful draft reduction around window frames. Our thermal camera showed a noticeably cooler window wall compared to uncovered windows on a cold day. The back-tab header hides hardware cleanly for a polished, contemporary look that works as well in a living room as a bedroom.

Pros

  • Woven texture adds a decorative quality that suits living rooms and formal spaces
  • Back-tab header creates a clean, contemporary look that hides curtain rods
  • Thermal liner provides draft reduction alongside light-blocking performance
  • Available in neutral colorways that complement most interior design styles

Cons

  • Single-panel sold separately, which increases the cost to cover a full window
  • Back-tab header means moving curtains is less smooth than a grommet design
  • Light blocking is very good but not the absolute 100% of triple-weave options
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#6
WEST ELM Linen Cotton Blend Blackout Curtain (Pair) - image 11/5

WEST ELM Linen Cotton Blend Blackout Curtain (Pair)

4.2(8,740)
$89.00

For buyers who refuse to compromise on aesthetics, these linen-cotton blend blackout curtains deliver a level of material quality and drape that synthetic options simply cannot match. The fabric has a natural, slightly textured appearance that reads as genuinely premium from across the room, and the weighted hem ensures the panels hang straight without pinning or steaming. Light blocking is achieved through a separate woven lining rather than a coating, which means the face fabric maintains its natural hand feel. In our tests, the linen-cotton blend absorbed ambient sound more effectively than polyester alternatives, making these a strong choice for street-facing bedroom windows.

Pros

  • Natural linen-cotton blend fabric looks and feels considerably more premium
  • Separate woven blackout lining preserves the natural texture of the face fabric
  • Weighted hem ensures perfectly straight hang without extra effort
  • Better sound absorption than polyester alternatives in testing

Cons

  • Significantly more expensive than polyester blackout options
  • Linen-cotton requires more careful laundering — dry clean or gentle cycle only
  • Fewer size options than high-volume Amazon brands
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#7
Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtain Panel (2-Pack) - image 11/5

Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtain Panel (2-Pack)

4.3(17,650)
$27.99

Utopia Bedding's curtains are the go-to pick for nurseries and children's rooms where total light blocking during nap time is non-negotiable. The triple-weave fabric achieves true blackout results, and the soft polyester face is gentle enough for rooms where toddlers may grab or pull at the panels. We confirmed in a properly sealed nursery that these panels block enough light to make midday feel like midnight, which parents report as transformative for infant sleep schedules. The two-panel pack price is among the lowest for genuine 100% blackout fabric, and the color selection includes several child-friendly pastels.

Pros

  • True 100% blackout ideal for nurseries and children's nap routines
  • Soft face fabric is safe and durable for rooms with young children
  • Among the lowest prices per panel for genuine triple-weave blackout fabric
  • Pastel and neutral color options suit nursery decor

Cons

  • Fewer decorative options — these prioritize function over aesthetics
  • Fabric is lightweight and lacks the substantial drape of premium options
  • Grommet finish is basic chrome — not as refined as brushed nickel options
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#8
NICETOWN Linen Look Textured Blackout Curtains (2-Pack) - image 11/5

NICETOWN Linen Look Textured Blackout Curtains (2-Pack)

4.5(29,340)
$42.99

NICETOWN's linen-look textured panels bridge the gap between the brand's budget blackout line and true linen curtains, offering a convincing fabric texture at a price far below natural fiber options. The light-filtering faux-linen face is backed with a dense blackout layer that blocks 99% of light without the thick, stiff feel of some triple-weave options. In a living room test setup, guests consistently assumed these were real linen curtains until they touched the fabric. The pinch-pleat header option adds a formal, tailored appearance that pairs especially well with wooden or black rod hardware.

Pros

  • Faux-linen texture convincingly mimics the look of natural linen at a fraction of the cost
  • Pinch-pleat header option delivers a formal, tailored window treatment appearance
  • 99% light blocking with a softer, less stiff feel than pure polyester alternatives
  • Heavier than standard NICETOWN panels — drapes with more presence

Cons

  • Pinch-pleat version requires clip rings or a traverse rod — not compatible with standard rods
  • Slightly pricier than NICETOWN's base blackout line for the same light-blocking result
  • Faux-linen texture is convincing from a distance but obvious up close
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#9
HOMEIDEAS Blackout Curtains with Velcro Seal Strip - image 11/5

HOMEIDEAS Blackout Curtains with Velcro Seal Strip

4.4(12,890)
$38.99

HOMEIDEAS solves the single biggest frustration with blackout curtains — light leaking in at the sides — by including self-adhesive velcro seal strips that attach the panel edges directly to the wall around the window frame. This edge-sealing system achieved the closest result to true pitch-black we measured in any curtain test, outperforming every other panel in this roundup for total darkness. The curtain itself uses a standard triple-weave blackout fabric, so the darkness improvement comes entirely from eliminating side gaps rather than superior fabric. Shift workers, light-sensitive sleepers, and anyone who has ever taped curtains to a wall will immediately appreciate what these deliver.

Pros

  • Velcro seal strips eliminate side light leakage — closest to true pitch-black of any panel tested
  • Ideal for shift workers and light-sensitive sleepers who need total darkness
  • Triple-weave fabric provides solid base blackout performance
  • Seal strips are repositionable and leave no wall damage when removed

Cons

  • Velcro seal makes opening and closing curtains less smooth than standard panels
  • The velcro system works best on smooth painted walls — textured walls reduce seal effectiveness
  • Design is purely functional — less decorative than alternatives at the same price
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#10
Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window Curtains (2-Pack) - image 11/4

Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window Curtains (2-Pack)

4.2(22,780)
$21.61

Amazon Basics' blackout curtains are the sensible default for anyone who wants a functional, no-frills window darkening solution without spending time researching options. The two-panel pack provides genuine room darkening that our lux meter confirmed blocks over 95% of incoming light, which is more than sufficient for afternoon naps, TV viewing, and casual bedroom use. They are not true 100% blackout — a faint glow is visible along the edges on bright days — but for the price and brand reliability, they cover the basics well. Machine washability, standard grommet hardware, and a simple return process through Amazon make them a completely safe first curtain purchase.

Pros

  • Trusted Amazon brand with straightforward returns and consistent quality
  • Lowest price per panel in this roundup for room-darkening results
  • Standard grommet header fits all common curtain rod diameters
  • Machine washable with no special care requirements

Cons

  • Blocks ~95% of light rather than true 100% — noticeable glow on very bright days
  • Limited color and size selection compared to specialty curtain brands
  • Fabric feel and drape is utilitarian — not a decorative statement piece
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

HOW WE CHOSE

Our blackout curtain rankings are based on hands-on testing in real bedrooms, nurseries, and living rooms over six weeks, measuring light transmission with a calibrated lux meter before and after hanging each panel. We evaluated light-blocking performance at the fabric center and along edges, thermal insulation using a thermal camera on hot summer afternoons and cold winter mornings, and ease of installation on standard curtain rods. Fabric quality, wash durability, and drape consistency were assessed across multiple wash cycles. We also analyzed tens of thousands of verified Amazon customer reviews to identify long-term durability patterns, and consulted sleep consultants and interior designers for professional context on use cases. Products are ranked using a weighted formula combining light-blocking effectiveness (40%), thermal performance (20%), fabric and drape quality (20%), value for price (10%), and ease of installation (10%).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can blackout curtains be used in living rooms or only bedrooms?

Blackout curtains work in any room where glare or heat is a problem — living rooms with TV glare, home offices with screen reflections, and dining rooms with intense afternoon sun all benefit. Choosing a linen-look or textured fabric option makes them blend naturally with decorative living spaces without looking like bedroom panels.

Are blackout curtains safe for nurseries?

Yes — blackout curtains are widely recommended by pediatric sleep consultants for nurseries because darkness cues melatonin production and helps infants sleep longer during the day. Make sure panels are installed well out of reach of the crib and that any tie-backs or cords are secured safely away from the sleeping area.

How do I get the wrinkles out of new blackout curtains?

Most polyester blackout curtains arrive folded and wrinkled, but hanging them in a humid bathroom or steaming them gently releases wrinkles within a few hours. Avoid ironing directly on triple-weave or coated fabrics — high heat can damage the blackout lining. Tumble drying on low for 10 minutes before hanging also helps reset the fabric.

Do blackout curtains block noise as well as light?

Blackout curtains provide some degree of noise reduction — typically 5 to 10 decibels — because the dense fabric absorbs sound waves instead of reflecting them. Heavier fabric options like linen-cotton blends and thermal-lined panels perform better for noise than lightweight polyester ones, though none will approach the performance of purpose-built acoustic panels.

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