Best blackout curtains for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains Thermal Insulated are our top pick because they combine near-total light blockage with solid thermal performance at a very reasonable price.
The Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains are a close runner-up for those who want more color variety, while the Sun Zero Barrow is the premium choice for a truly noise-dampening, thick fabric and the Eclipse Samara is ideal for nurseries thanks to its safety features.
Blackout curtains are more than just a bedroom upgrade: they can slash energy bills, block unwanted street light, and quiet a noisy room. When shopping, look for a dense, triple-weave fabric (not just a lining) for true darkness, and check the claimed light-blocking percentage, anything above 95% is serious. Thermal insulation comes from the same construction; a good curtain will feel substantial and have a weighted hem to stay put. We’ve ranked the top five curtains based on owner feedback, published reviews, and overall value, focusing on fabric quality, ease of hanging, and real-world darkness. All the picks below come in multiple sizes and colors, so measure your window before you buy. For maximum effect, mount the rod high and wide so the panels overlap the frame. And remember: no curtain is 100% perfect unless you add a valance or a roller shade behind it, but these five get you very close for the money.
NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains Thermal Insulated
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5These curtains offer the best balance of light blockage, thermal insulation, and affordability. Owners consistently praise the crisp, wrinkle-resistant fabric and the fact that they block nearly all daylight. The sewn-in weights help them hang straight, and the grommet top slides smoothly on standard rods. A smart, unflashy choice for any room.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains
the versatile runner-up
4.5out of 5Deconovo’s rod-pocket version is a solid alternative that gives you a more traditional look. The triple-weave fabric blocks light very effectively, and the wide color selection (over 30 shades) is a bonus for picky decorators. The thermal performance is on par with the NICETOWN, though the fabric feels slightly lighter. A great pick if you prefer a rod pocket to grommets.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →Sun Zero Barrow Energy Efficient Rod Pocket Curtain Panel
the premium heavyweight
4.8out of 5The Sun Zero Barrow is a step up in fabric quality: it’s thicker, quieter, and feels more like a full drape. The energy-efficient design includes a foam-insulated layer that helps with both heat and sound. Light blockage is near-complete, and the fabric drapes beautifully. If you’re willing to spend a few hundred dollars on a single room, this is the pair that looks and performs like a luxury install.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains Thermal Insulated | 4.7 / 5 | $ | Anyone who wants reliable blackout and thermal help without spending over a budget-friendl | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains | 4.5 / 5 | $ | Shoppers who want a traditional curtain style with proven blackout performance and lots of | Check price → |
| Best value | Sun Zero Barrow Energy Efficient Rod Pocket Curtain Panel | 4.8 / 5 | $$$ | Homeowners who want a premium, drapery-like look and are willing to invest in top-tier lig | Check price → |
| Best budget | Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains for Bedroom | 4.2 / 5 | $ | Price-conscious buyers who need basic blackout function for a low-traffic or temporary roo | Check price → |
| Best for nurseries | Eclipse Samara Blackout Energy-Efficient Curtain Panel | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Parents, pet owners, or anyone concerned about indoor air quality who still wants strong b | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains Thermal Insulated: the do-it-all default
Best overallThese curtains offer the best balance of light blockage, thermal insulation, and affordability. Owners consistently praise the crisp, wrinkle-resistant fabric and the fact that they block nearly all daylight. The sewn-in weights help them hang straight, and the grommet top slides smoothly on standard rods. A smart, unflashy choice for any room.
Pros
- Blocks well over 95% of light for true blackout in most conditions
- Thermal backing noticeably reduces drafts and helps keep rooms temperate
- Available in dozens of colors and sizes, including extra-long lengths
- Machine-washable without shrinking or fading (gentle cycle recommended)
Cons
- Fabric has a slight chemical odor initially that needs a wash or airing out
- Not the thickest or most luxurious feel for a premium room setting
- Grommet style means light can sneak through the rod space if not mounted close to the ceiling
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants reliable blackout and thermal help without spending over a budget-friendly price point.Who should skip it
You need a fabric that looks plush and high-end up close, or you have an unusually wide window that requires many panels.2. Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains: the versatile runner-up
Runner-upDeconovo’s rod-pocket version is a solid alternative that gives you a more traditional look. The triple-weave fabric blocks light very effectively, and the wide color selection (over 30 shades) is a bonus for picky decorators. The thermal performance is on par with the NICETOWN, though the fabric feels slightly lighter. A great pick if you prefer a rod pocket to grommets.
Pros
- Excellent light blockage, rivaling the top pick in darkness
- Rod pocket style works with standard curtain rods and offers a gathered, tailored appearance
- Huge range of colors and sizes, from short to extra long
- Fabric holds up well after washing with minimal wrinkles
Cons
- Rod pocket can be harder to slide open and closed compared to grommet panels
- Light may sneak through the top if the rod pocket is not packed tightly
- Not as heavy or insulating as the Sun Zero premium option
Who it’s for
Shoppers who want a traditional curtain style with proven blackout performance and lots of color options.Who should skip it
You prefer easy-glide grommets or need maximum thermal mass for a very cold room.3. Sun Zero Barrow Energy Efficient Rod Pocket Curtain Panel: the premium heavyweight
Best valueThe Sun Zero Barrow is a step up in fabric quality: it’s thicker, quieter, and feels more like a full drape. The energy-efficient design includes a foam-insulated layer that helps with both heat and sound. Light blockage is near-complete, and the fabric drapes beautifully. If you’re willing to spend a few hundred dollars on a single room, this is the pair that looks and performs like a luxury install.
Pros
- Extremely thick, noise-dampening fabric that feels truly substantial
- Superior thermal performance, significantly reducing outside temperature transfer
- Excellent light blockage with no pinholes or edge bleed when properly installed
- Sophisticated, wrinkle-resistant finish that holds its shape
Cons
- Much higher price per panel, making full-room coverage expensive
- Heavy panels require a sturdy rod and may strain standard brackets
- Limited color selection compared to budget options; solid neutrals dominate
Who it’s for
Homeowners who want a premium, drapery-like look and are willing to invest in top-tier light and temperature control.Who should skip it
You are on a tight budget or need a lightweight curtain that’s easy to install and remove frequently.4. Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains for Bedroom: the budget standout
Best budgetUtopia Bedding’s blackout curtains are the most affordable option here, and they do a decent job for the price. The fabric is medium-weight and blocks a respectable amount of light, though it won’t rival the top two for total darkness. They come in a generous set (two panels) and are easy to throw in the wash. Perfect for a dorm room, guest room, or any space where cost is the main concern.
Pros
- Very budget-friendly price for a two-panel set
- Blocks enough light for sleeping in most rooms, especially with a tension rod near the window
- Soft, polyester fabric that isn’t stiff or noisy
- Machine-washable with good color retention
Cons
- Less effective at blocking harsh midday sun compared to heavier options
- Thermal insulation is minimal; you won’t notice a room temperature change
- Rod pocket design can wrinkle easily and may require steaming after washing
Who it’s for
Price-conscious buyers who need basic blackout function for a low-traffic or temporary room.Who should skip it
You need true total blackout, serious insulation, or a premium fabric feel.5. Eclipse Samara Blackout Energy-Efficient Curtain Panel: the nursery-safe specialist
Best for nurseriesEclipse’s Samara panel stands out for its safety-first design: it comes with a built-in backing that is free of harmful chemicals (GREENGUARD Gold certified) and uses a unique ‘Radiance’ lining that reflects heat without a heavy chemical treatment. Light blockage is very good, and the fabric is thick enough to muffle street noise. A smart choice for a child’s room or any space where air quality matters.
Pros
- GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning low VOCs and safer for sensitive lungs
- Thick, noise-reducing fabric that also blocks a high percentage of light
- Energy-efficient backing reflects heat, helping keep nurseries more temperate
- Two-panel sets at a moderate price, not as cheap as Utopia but far less than Sun Zero
Cons
- Color range is limited to about a dozen solid shades
- Fabric can feel slightly stiff out of the package and needs a break-in wash
- Not as fully black as the NICETOWN or Sun Zero for total blackout purists
Who it’s for
Parents, pet owners, or anyone concerned about indoor air quality who still wants strong blackout performance.Who should skip it
You are on the tightest budget or need a very specific color not offered by Eclipse.Best for specific needs
Best for total darkness in a bedroom
If your main goal is to create a pitch-black sleeping environment, the NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains are your best bet. Their triple-weave fabric and sewn-in weights eliminate nearly all pinhole light leaks when mounted properly, and they do it at a price that won’t break the bank. Pair them with a quality curtain rod and a slight overlap in the middle for the darkest room possible. Our pick: NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains Thermal Insulated.
Best for energy savings in a drafty room
For maximum thermal insulation, the Sun Zero Barrow Energy Efficient Rod Pocket Curtain Panel is the clear winner. Its dense, foam-layered construction helps block drafts in winter and reflect heat in summer more effectively than any other curtain we researched. Expect a noticeable difference in room comfort, especially on older windows. Our pick: Sun Zero Barrow Energy Efficient Rod Pocket Curtain Panel.
Best for nurseries and sensitive households
The Eclipse Samara Blackout Energy-Efficient Curtain Panel is purpose-built for safety. Its GREENGUARD Gold certification means you don’t have to worry about off-gassing in your baby’s room, and the thermal lining provides bonus cleanliness. Light blockage is very good, and the fabric helps muffle noise from outside or adjacent rooms. Our pick: Eclipse Samara Blackout Energy-Efficient Curtain Panel.
Our verdict
No matter your budget or style, one of these five curtains can dramatically improve your sleep and comfort. Start with the NICETOWN for the best all-around value; step up to the Sun Zero if you want a premium draper with serious thermal heft; and choose the Eclipse for a nursery or any room where air quality is a priority. Measure your window, buy the right size, and enjoy a darker, quieter, more energy-efficient home.