Our top pick can turn your bedroom into a cave-like environment ... in terms of darkness, that is. (Getty Images)
If you ask any sleep doctor, scientist or coach how to protect your forty winks, it's highly likely they'll all say the same thing — you can start by optimizing your sleep space. If we pull back the covers on what "optimizing your sleep space" means, we find it's a neat little umbrella term that encompasses sleep hygiene best practices like keeping your room cool, quiet and dark. Cool and quiet may be easy enough to tackle, but when sunlight filters through your windows, especially on those extra-long summer days, keeping your bedroom dark can become a challenge. Fortunately, your choice of window treatments can make all the difference — the best blackout curtains can turn any room delightfully dark, even during the middle of the day.
According to sleep medicine physician Dr. Alex Dimitriu, "Sleep is best in a cave." For those of us who prefer sleeping in a standard house, that translates to a cool, dark place. And the science here is pretty straightforward. Research shows that a dark room improves overall sleep depth and duration by stimulating melatonin, a hormone that regulates circadian rhythms, helping you sleep deeper and longer by keeping your body's sleep clock on track.
While most of us try to sleep during regular nighttime hours, it's not always possible to align sleep schedules with daily sunrise and sunset. Not to mention, city environments with street lights and car headlights passing by periodically can also interrupt an otherwise dark space. Ultimately, blackout curtains can benefit everyone, but Dimitriu says anyone who needs to sleep when it's light out (like shift workers or those who live farther from the equator) will find them particularly beneficial.
To narrow down the best blackout curtains for sleep, we spoke to five experts, including interior designers and sleep physicians. We then tested 12 options, considering cost, appearance, effectiveness at blocking out light and additional features like sound reduction and energy efficiency. Ultimately we selected eight options that just might deserve a place in your home.
Update, June 4, 2025: We checked all prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best blackout curtains remains unchanged. We added new categories for "best washable blackout curtains," "best blackout shades" and "best room-darkening curtain."
Related: If blackout curtains alone won't cut it, check out our list of the best sleep masks. Or, if you fall asleep best with background sounds, take a look at our lists of the best headphones for sleeping and the best white noise machines. If too much noise in your bedroom is your issue, you might benefit from the best earplugs for sleeping to help block out those unwanted sounds. If you want to try one of the best sleep aids you can take without a prescription, we have a list for that too. To see what changes are making a difference, track and improve your sleep hygiene with one of the best sleep trackers. We've also rounded up lists of the best alarm clocks, including a list of the best sunrise alarm clocks that help you wake up more naturally.
Type: Blackout curtains | Sizing: Fully customizable | Fabrics/materials: Polyester, foam | Colors/styles: 7
These pleated curtains were the best light blockers we tested and are fully customizable. While they aren't the prettiest option — the feel of the fabric is reminiscent of a heavy-duty shower curtain liner —they get the job done from a reasonable $30-plus per panel. Also, they have a white, light-reflective liner. According to the Department of Energy, draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gains by up to 33%, making your home more energy efficient.
Interior designer Elissa Hall says that thermal insulated curtains like these can make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy costs, especially in older homes with drafty windows. While these aren't machine-washable, Hall says routine maintenance, like regular vacuuming or spot cleaning, can keep curtains in great shape without frequent washes.
Overall, these blackout curtains are a solid option and are fully customizable (in length and width) and effective. As one Trustpilot reviewer shared, "These panels are excellent quality, beautiful construction, heavyweight and the blackout liner is top notch if you want your room dark." Another raved, "The selection and price are unbeatable, especially on custom curtains that can be created in any size."
Type: Blackout curtains | Sizing: 52" x 54", 63", 96", 108", 120" | Fabrics/materials: Polyester | Colors/styles: 22
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that darkens a room, Sun Zero is our first choice. Available in 22 colors and multiple lengths, these polyester grommet-style drapes are easy to hang and block almost all light. (Keep in mind that "even the best blackout curtains might let in a small amount of light around the edges," Hall says.)
Jack Lorge, founder and owner of Rolli Shades, recommends selecting materials that are simple to maintain — i.e., machine-washable and wrinkle-resistant. These are both. As a bonus, the fabric is UPF 50+, which protects you from harmful ultraviolet rays. Lorge says UPF also helps prevent fabric degradation caused by exposure to sunlight.
While they may not be the most stylish option, Sun Zero's blackout curtains are durable, inexpensive and effective. One Amazon reviewer shared, "No light shows through at all when the curtains are closed, and we found the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter with these curtains on the windows."
Type: Blackout curtains | Sizing options: 50" x 84," 96," 108," 120" | Fabrics/materials: Acrylic, polyester | Colors/styles: 7
These Sunbrella curtains are fade-resistant, with a thick liner for maximum blackout ability. The lining, made from acrylic, provides impressive darkening and blocks light seepage, explains interior designer Courtney Wollersheim. The weave and density of the fabric also play a huge role in light blocking, says interior designer Natane Boudreau. Aesthetically, these curtains don't disappoint either, with their warm hues and classic fabric.
Sunbrella’s curtains are on the pricier side of those we tested. But, as Boudreau puts it, "investing in higher-quality options tends to pay off in terms of durability, energy savings and added functionality." In other words, these should last you years and look good doing it.
If you prefer a natural look, these may not be for you, as they’re a bit stiff. However, they hang nicely thanks to their weighted corners and are packaged specifically to avoid wrinkling, a feature this reviewer appreciated.
Another perk: They're Greenguard Gold-certified, which means they're tested for low emissions of volatile organic compounds, contributing to better indoor air quality.
Type: Blackout curtain | Sizing: 48" x 84", 96", 108" | Fabrics/materials: Polyester | Colors/styles: 10
Thick and luxurious with designer appeal, these stunners from West Elm are our top pick for a heavy-duty blackout curtain. According to Wollersheim, velvet is a popular fabric that elevates the elegance of the textile. She adds that curtains with a rod pocket top help create a luxe, streamlined look.
Heavier fabrics like velvet have the added benefit of sound absorption, says Hall. "Velvet and triple-weave polyester curtains are good options for reducing ambient noise, especially in urban settings," she says. While these curtains don't block sound completely, I did notice a reduction in outside noise, thanks to their density and weight.
"Heavier fabrics tend to absorb more ambient noise, making them ideal for bedrooms, nurseries or home theaters," says Boudreau.
These curtains are a great option If you're looking to add a touch of timeless appeal to your decor and don't mind the splurge. While I loved their stunning look and high-quality construction, I wish they came in more size options.
Type: Blackout curtain | Sizing: 50" or 100" x 84", 96", 108", 120" | Fabrics/materials: Belgian flax, polyester | Colors/styles: 23
These lovely Pottery Barn curtains are the best-looking drapes we tested, and with 20 colors, it's easy to find the perfect shade for your decor. We tested classic ivory, which looked crisp, clean and high-end. The medium-weight drapes blocked most light but didn't achieve true blackout conditions during the daytime, so they might not be the best choice for shift workers or nurseries. That said, darker colors are often better at blocking light, Boudreau points out. Bonus: They're Oeko-Tex certified, so the fabric is free of over 1,000 chemicals that can pose potential health risks.
Want a custom look without the price tag? These might be a good bet. As Wollersheim says, "Custom room darkening or opaque window treatments start in the few hundred dollar range and go up from there." Starting at $149 per panel, these drapes are on the low end of that range, so if you're looking for a tailored, sophisticated vibe, they're a worthy investment.
Type: Blackout curtain | Sizing: 37"-70" x 40"-120" | Fabrics/materials: Polyester | Colors/styles: 54
Coming in under $50 per panel, Nicetown's High-End Thermal Curtains are a good bang for the buck. Out of the box, we found the curtains had a substantial weight to them. The fabric is thick, and the stitching and seams are clean and well done. Other great construction features include a color-matching liner (for instance, the curtain we tested is black on both sides), and the pièce de résistance (at least in the world of blackout curtains) is that they're machine-washable and dryer-friendly.
In terms of performance and light-blocking ability, these curtains did the job well enough. When we hung the curtains on a sunny window, the curtain fabric itself effectively blocked the light. However, there was some light seepage at the sides and through the grommet holes. To be fair, though, that tends to happen with any blackout curtain with a similar construction.
All in all, these curtains hang beautifully, and they're a solid choice for anyone who needs their room to be dark enough to catch their forty winks during daylight hours. We'll add here that though we were unable to test the accuracy of the claim, these blackout curtains are also marketed as "insulating," so you might find some help with your energy bills here too.
Demerits for Nicetown's High-End Thermal Curtains include their shiny fabric and a heft that could make them harder to hang or handle for some individuals.
Type: Blackout shade | Sizing: 78" x 50" | Fabrics/materials: Polyester | Colors/styles: 4
While not everyone needs a portable blackout shade, if you travel frequently or occasionally need to take a mid-afternoon nap, this handy curtain might just be an answer to a prayer. It comes in a single size that fits most windows and can be hung using suction cups that affix to the windowpane itself, offering a "quick and dirty" solution you can take with you anywhere.
In terms of performance, this shade blocks enough light so you can catch some zzz's during daylight hours. While suction cups can be hit or miss, these are pretty decent. Just note that, like most suction cups, they won't stick to painted walls, so you'll need to position them on the window's glass. That's where you might encounter a bit of a hiccup with light seepage creeping in around the edges of the window. It's minimal but worth noting. Also, we noticed some pinpricks of light peeking through the curtains when standing close to it.
While this blackout shade likely isn't what you would want as a permanent window treatment, it's a great temporary solution. Also, at under $25, it's a cost-effective buy for a quick fix.
Type: Room darkening curtain | Sizing: 48" x 84", 96", 108" | Fabrics/materials: European linen, polyester | Colors/styles: 10
While sleeping in a cave-like environment is ideal, pitch black may not be everybody's bag. If that sounds like you, perhaps room-darkening curtains are a better option. In this case, Quince's entry into the category gets our vote. These linen curtains are beautifully packaged (like most Quince products), thick, heavy in a good way and justifiably priced.
Beyond looking pretty fantastic, they also dial the light down quite nicely. Your room won't be pitch black, but dark enough to make a difference. Additionally, these curtains feature dual hanging treatments (a back tab and pole top), so unlike a host of curtains we tested, they don't have metal grommets that allow light to shine through. Moreover, they're voluminous enough at the sides to help prevent seepage along the edges.
These curtains are kind of great, but we took away points for the whitish-gray liner on the back. They give an elegant look to any room, but from the outside looking in, white liners aren't ideal.
Ultimately, you'll want to balance functionality with aesthetics when you're choosing curtains. From room-darkening ability to cost, understanding these elements can help you make an informed decision:
Budget: According to Wollersheim, curtain costs vary widely based on quality and customization. For example, if you have a standard-size window, you can find affordable drapery online or in big-box stores. However, custom panels and hardware can cost several hundreds, even thousands, depending on size, fabric choice and hardware system.
Insulation and energy efficiency: "Curtains with thermal lining or double-layered fabrics can dramatically reduce heat loss and save on energy bills," Boudreau says. Hall explains that the material should feel heavy and dense — a sign of its insulating properties. "I've found that these curtains can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and energy costs." She recommends choosing curtains that advertise thermal insulation for the best energy efficiency.
Light blocking: "The most effective blackout curtains are crafted from thick, dense materials that can block light efficiently," Lorge says. Adds Wollersheim: "You might have to give up the easy-moving flowing movement that materials like linen give you in favor of heavier material like polyester if you want to block the light from your room." Lorge recommends choosing dark-colored drapes with several layers, as thick material like velvet is more opaque. The room where you plan to use blackout curtains can also guide your choice. "Bedrooms and nurseries require complete blackout for restful sleep while living rooms or home theaters might need more flexibility," Boudreau says.
Material and durability: "High-quality fabrics like polyester blends or natural fibers with a blackout lining offer longevity while maintaining their light-blocking and insulation properties," says Boudreau.
Noise reduction: "Heavier, thicker materials like velvet or layered fabrics are best for dampening sound," Boudreau advises. Wollersheim agrees: "The thicker the curtain material is, like velvet or heavy cotton blends, the more success you'll have at blocking noise." While they're not soundproof, thick curtains can help dampen some sounds from outside if you live near a noisy street, she adds.
To find the best blackout curtains, we tested eight sets, both at night and during peak daylight hours to determine how well they darkened the room. We also considered appearance, quality, sound-blocking abilities, cost and energy efficiency. And to help inform our decision, we interviewed board-certified sleep physicians, interior designers and the founder of a custom shade company.
Pottery Barn's Universal Blackout Curtain Liner: This liner is a good way to help dampen the light if you're not ready to replace your current curtains. While we like this liner's versatility, it's more of a room-darkening liner rather than a full blackout liner. Ultimately, it will squash the light a bit, but you shouldn't expect a cave-like effect here. Other high points for this curtain include its machine washability and dual top treatments, including a back tab and pole top option for hanging. Missteps include the whitish-gray color, which won't look good from the outside looking in.
Crate & Barrel European Flax-Certified Linen Blackout Window Curtain Panels in white: These high-quality linen curtains looked gorgeous in my bedroom. However, light shone through the entire length of the curtains during the day. For the price — $180 per panel — I hoped they would be more effective light blockers.
IKEA Rosenmandel room darkening curtains in yellow beige: Although they did an excellent job blocking most light, these curtains were extremely thin, and the lining was reminiscent of a black trash bag. While they're easy on the wallet at $20 a set, these blackout window coverings are a great example of getting what you pay for.
Pottery Barn Emery Linen Blackout Curtains: These linen and cotton curtains are gorgeous and come in 12 colors, but they didn't do a great job blocking light. These might work for you if you're looking for a light-filtering option and don't need 100% blackout capabilities.
That depends — always check the care label for specific instructions. While machine-washable options are available, Boudreau says blackout curtains with delicate layers may need to be spot- or dry-cleaned.
"High-quality blackout curtains or shades can block the majority of light, depending on factors like the fabric's opacity and color," Boudreau says. Darker shades are typically more effective. "For complete darkness, layering curtains or pairing them with shades is often recommended," she adds.
Blackout curtains can be energy savers, especially in colder months, Boudreau points out. Thick, dense materials help insulate your home by keeping the cold out and the warmth in. She advises looking for curtains with thermal backings, or honeycomb shades designed to improve energy efficiency.
"The right measurements ensure no light leakage around the edges, which can compromise the blackout effect," Hall says. She advises measuring the width and height of the window frame, ensuring that the width of the panels is at least two to three times the width of the window for full coverage and a more tailored, luxurious look. Irregular windows may require custom options, she adds.
"Noise reduction comes down to the fabric's thickness and weight," Boudreau says. If noise is a major concern, she recommends choosing multilayered options with sound-dampening features.
Natane Boudreau, founder and interior designer, Studio Boudreau
Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine physician, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California
Elissa Hall, interior designer, EDH Interiors
Jack Lorge, founder and owner, Rolli Shades
Courtney Wollersheim, Floor360 interior designer and Hunter Douglas window treatment specialist
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
