What’s more, light passing through your closed eyelids can suppress melatonin, sometimes leading to sleep disorders or poor-quality sleep. Slumbering in a dark bedroom can do wonders in improving how well you sleep, which is where blackout curtains come in. Made with thick, opaque materials, these room-darkening window coverings block all exterior illumination. Whether it’s your neighbor’s porch light, a street lamp, or natural sunlight, the brightness won’t shine through your window with blackout curtains. Plus, many reduce noise and help with climate control. Blackout window treatments come in various sizes, colors, styles, fabrics, and price points, so the right option for you depends on your taste, preferences, and budget. To help you narrow down your choices, here are the best blackout curtains on the market. Made of 100 percent polyester with a whimsy sheer overlay, the Brockham curtains are machine washable. Plus, they come with a grommet-style heading for easy installation. Price at time of publication: $50 The thick, insulating material blocks outside light while helping to reduce noise. Additionally, the energy-efficient design keeps your room cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Each panel is 40 inches wide and comes in three lengths. Price at time of publication: $12 They’re 42 inches wide and come in four different lengths. With several colors to choose from, you’ll definitely find something that complements your existing bedroom decor. We also like that the polyester fabric is machine washable. Price at time of publication: $11 The cute, printed curtains are 44 inches wide and come in three lengths. They can be hung using the sewn-in rod pocket or with the hidden back tabs for a seamless look. The soft, wrinkle-resistant fabric has a subtle sheen and is available in several colors. We also appreciate that this grommet-style curtain is easy to install and comes in ten different sizes of varying lengths and widths. Price at time of publication: $22 With eight grommets along the top, these window coverings are easy to hang. Each one is 50 inches wide, and they come in four lengths and six neutral hues. Price at time of publication: $37 The versatile leafy vine design is available in four colors, including white for those who want to keep light out without darkening their bedroom decor. These grommet curtains come in packs of two panels, each 50 inches wide with four length options. Price at time of publication: $140 for size 50X63 While these window coverings are a little trickier to clean (hand-wash only), they do an excellent job of blocking external light. They’re also energy-efficient, helping to keep your room cool in the balmy summer and warm in the dead of winter. Price at time of publication: $55 for 52" W x 63" L These blackout treatments come in two widths (50 and 100 inches) and three lengths (84, 96, and 108 inches). Price at time of publication: $179 for 50" W X 84" L Each rod-pocket panel is 44 inches wide and comes in three lengths. Price at time of publication: $45 for individual, size 44" W X 80" L This energy-efficient liner also offers thermal insulation and dampens noises from outside your bedroom, helping you sleep easy through the night. You’ll get a set of two panels, each 50 inches wide with three length options. Price at time of publication: $37
Color
Blackout curtains are often dark in color, as deeper hues do a better job of blocking light to help you sleep better. However, you’ll also find some lighter fabrics, which typically have a thick backing to ensure the light stays out. No matter which color drapes you get, make sure the product indicates that it’s a blackout material, as opposed to just “room darkening.”
Size
When buying blackout curtains, it’s important to carefully measure your windows and the height of your walls. You’ll want something that goes past the length of your window and is plenty wide to ensure all light is blocked. As far as how long they fall past the bottom of your window, length is mostly a matter of preference. However, getting long curtains that hang an inch or two above your floors can make a room look larger.
Why Trust Verywell Mind
Verywell Mind contributor Theresa Holland has several years of experience covering self-care, wellness, home improvement, and decor. As a firm believer in the benefits of quality sleep, she’s well versed in the products that help people achieve it, including blackout curtains, white noise machines, and natural sleep aids. You can check out more of Theresa’s work on The Spruce, MyDomaine, and Byrdie.
