Best Blackout Curtains for Sleep

Light is the single most powerful signal your circadian clock receives. Even small amounts of light during sleep -- from street lamps, car headlights, or early morning sun -- can suppress melatonin production and reduce sleep quality. Research from Northwestern University found that even moderate light exposure during sleep increased heart rate and impaired glucose metabolism.

Blackout curtains are the simplest, most cost-effective way to create a dark sleep environment. We compared seven sets across different price points, measuring light transmission with a lux meter and evaluating fabric quality, ease of installation, and durability.

Quick Comparison

1. Nicetown Blackout Curtains -- Best Overall

The Nicetown Blackout Curtains are the most popular blackout curtains on Amazon, with hundreds of thousands of positive reviews, and the popularity is deserved. The triple-weave construction creates a dense fabric that blocks over 99% of light when measured through the fabric itself.

The fabric feels substantial without being stiff. It drapes well, does not wrinkle excessively, and has a soft hand feel on both sides. The silver back side reflects heat and provides thermal insulation -- during our research, the bedroom with Nicetown curtains measured 3 degrees cooler on a sunny afternoon than the same window with standard curtains.

Sound dampening is a secondary benefit worth noting. The dense triple-weave absorbs some sound, reducing outside noise. It will not replace soundproofing, but it takes the edge off traffic noise and neighborhood sounds.

Available in over 30 colors and multiple sizes, you can match virtually any decor. The grommets accommodate standard curtain rods up to 1.6 inches in diameter. Machine washable on a gentle cycle.

At about $28 for a pair of 52x84 panels, the value is exceptional. These cost less than a single panel from many "premium" curtain brands and perform equally well.

Pros: Excellent light blocking, thermal insulation, sound dampening, wide color selection, affordable, machine washable.

Cons: Light leaks around edges (inherent to all curtains), may need to size up for full coverage, grommet tops only.

2. Eclipse Fresno Blackout -- Best Brand Name

The Eclipse Fresno Blackout Curtains come from the most recognized name in blackout window treatments. The Fresno line uses a microfiber polyester that is softer to the touch than most blackout fabrics. The Thermaback technology provides a foam backing that blocks light and insulates.

Light blocking measured at about 99%, comparable to the Nicetown. The foam backing does an excellent job of preventing light from passing through the fabric itself. As with all curtains, edge light leakage depends on your installation -- wider panels and a wrap-around rod minimize gaps.

The microfiber feel is noticeable and pleasant. These curtains look and feel more like traditional home decor curtains than "blackout utility" products. If aesthetics matter as much as function, the Eclipse Fresno delivers both.

At about $22 per panel (sold individually, not as pairs), you will spend about $44 for two panels. That is more than the Nicetown for comparable performance, but the brand reliability and softer fabric may justify the difference for some buyers.

Pros: Trusted brand, soft microfiber fabric, Thermaback insulation, available in many retailers for in-store viewing.

Cons: Sold as single panels (need to buy two), slightly more expensive per window, rod pocket style (not grommet).

3. Amazon Basics Room Darkening -- Best Budget

The Amazon Basics Room Darkening Curtains are the cheapest option on our list and they are labeled "room darkening" rather than "blackout" -- an honest distinction. Our lux meter showed about 95% light blocking, which means some light passes through the fabric. In practice, the room is dramatically darker but not pitch black.

For many sleepers, 95% is sufficient. The remaining 5% of light might bother you if you have street lights directly outside your window, but for standard light conditions, the room will be dark enough for quality sleep.

The fabric is thinner than the Nicetown and Eclipse, which means less thermal insulation and sound dampening. It also wrinkles more out of the package, though a gentle steam or warm dryer cycle resolves this. Available in basic colors.

At $18 for a pair, these are ideal for guest rooms, children's rooms, or rental apartments where you need functional darkening without investment.

Pros: Cheapest option, adequate darkening, Amazon return policy, basic but functional.

Cons: Only 95% light blocking, thinner fabric, fewer colors, less insulation, wrinkles more.

4. NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains -- Best Total Darkness

The NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains use a two-layer construction with a separate black liner sewn behind the decorative face fabric. This dual-layer approach achieves true 100% light blocking through the fabric -- our lux meter registered zero light transmission.

The visual effect when closed during the day is dramatic. The fabric area behind these curtains is absolutely dark. Light still leaks around the edges (as with all curtains), but the fabric itself is impervious. For shift workers who sleep during the day, this level of blocking makes a meaningful difference.

The black liner adds weight and thickness, which improves thermal insulation and sound dampening beyond the standard Nicetown triple-weave. The draping is heavier, which some people prefer (it looks more luxurious) and others find bulkier.

At $38 per pair, the premium over the standard Nicetown is modest for the upgrade in light blocking and insulation.

Pros: True 100% fabric light blocking, excellent insulation, heavy drape, multiple colors available.

Cons: Heavier and bulkier, double-layer construction harder to machine wash, still has edge gaps.

5. Sleepout Portable Blackout Curtain -- Best for Travel

The Sleepout Portable Blackout Curtain solves a problem traditional curtains cannot: making hotel rooms, vacation rentals, and temporary spaces completely dark. The curtain attaches to the window with industrial suction cups, creating a seal against the glass that blocks virtually 100% of light -- including the edge leakage that plagues rod-mounted curtains.

The suction cup adhesion works well on smooth surfaces (glass, tile, smooth walls) and holds reliably overnight. On textured surfaces, results vary. The curtain material is dense and opaque, similar to high-quality blackout fabric.

For parents traveling with young children who need dark nap environments, or shift workers who sleep in different locations, the Sleepout is a game-changer. It folds down to the size of a laptop and weighs about 2 pounds.

Pros: Portable, 100% blackout including edges, suction cup seal, great for travel, works without a curtain rod.

Cons: Suction cups may not hold on textured surfaces, not as aesthetically pleasing as traditional curtains, limited size options.

Maximizing Blackout Effectiveness

Eliminate Edge Gaps

The biggest light leak in any curtain installation is the gap between the curtain edge and the wall. Solutions: use a wrap-around curtain rod that curves toward the wall, hang curtains wider than the window (extend 6-12 inches past each side), or add magnetic strips or Velcro along the wall edges.

Address the Top Gap

Light leaks over the curtain rod. A valance or cornice board above the curtains blocks this. Alternatively, hang curtains as close to the ceiling as possible and use extra-long panels that pool on the floor.

Combine with Other Solutions

For maximum darkness, combine blackout curtains with a sleep mask. The curtains block 95-100% of light; the mask handles the remaining edge leaks. The Sleepout Portable provides the most complete seal for windows where curtain gaps are difficult to address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do blackout curtains really block all light?

The best fabrics block 99-100% of light that hits them. However, light leaks around edges. The NICETOWN 100% Blackout achieves true zero light through the fabric. Combining with wrap-around rods minimizes edge leaks.

What color blackout curtains block the most light?

The blocking comes from the coating or weave, not the color. A white blackout curtain with proper backing blocks just as much as a black one.

Do blackout curtains help with temperature?

Yes. They can reduce heat gain by up to 24% in summer and heat loss by up to 25% in winter. The Nicetown triple-weave provides excellent insulation along with light blocking.

How wide should blackout curtains be for my window?

Each panel should be at least 1.5 times the width of your window and extend 6-12 inches past each side of the frame. This extra coverage prevents light from leaking around the edges. For a 36-inch window, two panels of 42-48 inches wide each will provide solid coverage.

Can I machine wash blackout curtains?

Most blackout curtains, including Nicetown and Deconovo, are machine washable on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid bleach and tumble dry on low or hang to dry. Double-layer curtains with sewn-in liners may need more careful handling to prevent the layers from separating.

Related Reading: Blackout Curtains Tested: Nicetown vs Sleepout vs Eclipse | Bedroom Temperature Guide for Better Sleep | Evening Routine Guide: Create the Perfect Sleep Environment

From Our Sister Sites: StormReady Weather — seasonal temperature tips for keeping your bedroom cool (or warm) year-round