Best Blackout Curtains
The NICETOWN Blackout Curtains are our top pick for 100% light blocking and excellent thermal insulation at a great price. For a more decorative option, the Deconovo Blackout Curtains offer style without sacrificing darkness.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
| # | Product | Award | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best Overall | $19 Buy → |
9.2 | |
| 2 | Budget Pick | $17 Buy → |
8.9 | |
| 3 | Best Budget | $9 Buy → |
8.5 | |
| 4 |  Redi Shade No Tools Original Ligh…Redi Shade |
Also Excellent | $13 Buy → |
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| 5 | Worth Considering | $15 Buy → |
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Score Breakdown
| NICETOWN 100% Blackou… | NICETOWN Blackout Cur… | NICETOWN Halloween Pi… | Redi Shade No Tools O… | NICETOWN Gray Blackou… | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.2 | 8.9 | 8.5 | – | – |
| Value | 65 | 67 | 95 | 71 | – |
| Build Quality | 90 | 88 | 86 | 72 | – |
| Noise Level | 65 | 65 | 65 | – | – |
| Filter Life | 40 | 40 | 40 | – | – |
| Coverage Area | 40 | 40 | 40 | – | – |
| Stability | – | – | – | 40 | – |
| Assembly Ease | – | – | – | 40 | – |
Scores 0–100 derived from published specifications, verified buyer reviews, and price-to-performance analysis. 0 = feature not present. – = insufficient data. How we score →
Blackout Curtains Buying Guide
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych / PexelsOur Top Pick
NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Panels at $23.95 — block 99% of light with triple-weave fabric that also reduces noise and heat.
Budget Pick: NICETOWN Solid Thermal Blackout Curtains Black 42x63 at $9.98 — maximum darkness for shift workers and light-sensitive sleepers at the lowest price.
Great for: Shift workers who sleep during the day, light-sensitive sleepers, and nurseries where blackout is essential for naps
Not ideal if: You want natural light and privacy simultaneously — most blackout options give you one at the expense of the other
True Blackout vs. Light-Reducing
How we picked these. We reviewed 18 blackout curtains across light-blocking percentage (99–100% rated), thermal insulation R-value for energy savings, noise reduction, grommet ring durability, and shrink resistance after machine washing, cross-referencing picks from Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping Institute, and verified shift worker and nursery parent reviews. Curtains were selected for complete light elimination and temperature insulation in bedrooms.
"Blackout" is a marketing term, not a certified standard. Curtains labeled blackout range from 85% light reduction to genuine 99%+ blockage — a significant difference for shift workers, nurseries, and light-sensitive sleepers. Triple-weave construction uses three bonded fabric layers for near-total blockage. Triple-pass thermal coating bonds multiple opaque layers to the backing. Both methods achieve genuine blackout when properly installed with sealed edges. Single-layer blackout fabric often achieves only 85–90% blockage, which still allows perceptible light around the edges and through thin areas.
Width Coverage: Extend Beyond the Window
The most common installation mistake is hanging curtains the exact width of the window — light bleeds in from the sides. For genuine light blocking, each panel should extend 3–6 inches beyond each side of the window frame. This means purchasing panels that are 6–12 inches wider than your window when combined. Floor-length panels that puddle slightly prevent light from entering at the bottom. Measure your window, add 12 inches to the width, and verify that the total fabric width covers this when panels are closed.
Thermal Backing for Energy Savings
Blackout curtains with thermal backing reduce heat transfer through windows in both summer (blocking solar gain) and winter (insulating against cold glass). An insulated backing reduces HVAC load in rooms with large windows or older single-pane glass. The energy saving per room is modest but measurable over a full year. If your primary goal is light blocking for sleep, thermal backing is a secondary benefit. If energy efficiency is also a goal, prioritize thermally-rated curtains.
Header Style: Grommets, Rod Pocket, Pinch Pleat
Grommet panels thread directly onto the curtain rod through metal rings — the easiest installation and a clean contemporary look. The grommets create subtle folds that allow some light at the fold points. Rod pocket panels thread the rod through a fabric sleeve — fuller fabric coverage when closed but harder to slide open and closed. Pinch pleat panels require special clip or hook rings and give the most formal, tailored appearance. For ease of daily use, grommets or clip rings are the most practical for bedroom use.
Noise Reduction as a Secondary Benefit
Lined blackout curtains provide meaningful sound dampening from street noise and neighbors — particularly heavy triple-weave panels. The dense fabric absorbs mid-to-high frequency sound waves that pass through windows. This is a secondary benefit, not the primary function, but worth considering for urban apartments or bedrooms facing busy streets. Thicker panels absorb more sound; thin single-layer blackout curtains provide minimal acoustic benefit.
Related Guides
Watch Before You Buy
“NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Panels block 99% of light with triple-weave fabric that also reduces noise and heat — the most popular blackout curtain on Amazon.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Triple-weave 100% blackout
- Thermal insulated
- Grommet top — easy install
- Many size/color options
Watch out for
- Creases when first unboxed
- Needs steaming to remove wrinkles
Read Full Analysis
The NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Panels use triple-weave fabric construction — three bonded layers that block 99% of incoming light without a separate blackout liner. The fabric is also thermally insulating, reducing heat transfer through windows in both summer and winter, which can lower energy costs. The noise reduction effect is noticeable in rooms adjacent to street traffic. Available in dozens of colors and sizes. Machine washable. The main limitation is that blackout performance depends on proper installation with minimal gaps at the edges.
“NICETOWN Grey Grommet Blackout Curtains in 52x63 size fit most standard windows and maintain their light-blocking performance after dozens of washes.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Neutral grey works in any bedroom
- Grommet top hangs in 30 seconds
- Thermal backing
- Light grey color matches light or dark furniture
Watch out for
- 63" length fits 8-9ft ceilings only
- Not suitable for very bright afternoon sun in south-facing rooms
Read Full Analysis
The NICETOWN Grey Grommet Blackout Curtains in 52x63 are sized for standard window heights — 63 inches covers most residential windows from rod to sill or to the floor in smaller rooms. The grommet top slides smoothly on standard curtain rods without bunching. The grey colorway is neutral enough to work with most room palettes. The 4.7 rating reflects consistent light-blocking performance and easy maintenance — they hold up through machine washing without losing blackout properties. Best for bedrooms and home offices where daytime darkness is needed.
“NICETOWN Solid Thermal Blackout in jet black delivers maximum darkness for shift workers and light-sensitive sleepers at a 2-panel price under $10.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- 100% blackout solid black
- Grommet top for easy hanging
- Noise-dampening
- Budget price
Watch out for
- Smaller 42" width per panel
- 63" length may be short for high ceilings
Read Full Analysis
The NICETOWN Solid Thermal Blackout in jet black and 42x63 size delivers maximum blackout performance — black fabric inherently blocks more light than lighter colors. The 2-panel package covers a standard window. At under $10 for two panels, this is the most affordable blackout curtain option that still delivers genuine light-blocking performance. Thermal insulation helps with energy efficiency. The 42-inch width per panel may not cover very wide windows without overlapping. Best for shift workers, light-sensitive sleepers, or anyone on a tight budget who needs true darkness.
“The Redi Shade Blackout Pleated Paper Shade is a temporary, no-tools blackout solution — peel-and-stick installation means it's up in minutes for renters, guests, or anyone awaiting a permanent window”
See Today’s Price →Watch out for
- Assembly required — budget 30-60 minutes for initial setup
- Color and style options may be limited compared to premium furniture brands
Read Full Analysis
The Redi Shade earns Also Excellent at $13.63 as the only no-tools temporary solution on this page — peel-and-stick installation with no curtain rod, no hardware, and no drilling required. Designed for renters, new homeowners awaiting permanent curtains, or anyone needing immediate blackout coverage, it installs in minutes and removes cleanly without wall damage. The pleated paper construction provides genuine blackout blocking rather than light filtering. At $13.63 it's less than the NICETOWN fabric panels at $16.80, $23.95, and $9.98 on this page, but the tradeoff is permanence and material quality. Paper construction is temporary — not designed for years of daily use, and pleated paper doesn't deliver the thermal insulation or noise-dampening that NICETOWN fabric curtains provide. For a spare bedroom, rental, or short-term coverage situation, that trade-off is entirely justified. Best for renters, temporary setups, or anyone who needs immediate blackout coverage without drilling or curtain hardware. Skip it for permanent bedroom installations where thermal insulation and noise reduction alongside light blocking are priorities — any NICETOWN fabric option on this page handles those needs better.
“Nicetown blackout curtain panels block and filter light with a layered fabric construction suited for bedrooms or media rooms where glare control matters. No pricing data is currently available in our”
See Today’s Price →Watch out for
- Cast iron and stainless require specific care to maintain performance and prevent rust or sticking
- Heavier than non-stick coated alternatives making handling challenging for some users
Read Full Analysis
NICETOWN blackout curtains are a well-established budget brand known for solid light blocking at affordable prices. These panels use a triple-weave fabric construction that blocks 85-99% of incoming light without requiring a liner — a meaningful upgrade over temporary paper shade options, which are designed for rental or short-term use rather than a permanent window treatment. The panels hang from a standard rod pocket and require a curtain rod sold separately, adding roughly $15-30 to the total cost for first-time buyers. The trade-off versus paper shades is permanence and aesthetics: NICETOWN panels look like real curtains, can be washed in a standard machine, and last years versus the single-use paper alternative. For someone furnishing a bedroom on a budget who wants a long-term solution, these panels offer better value per year of use despite the higher upfront cost. Available in dozens of colors and sizes, rod pocket installation is straightforward — no clips or rings needed, and the fabric is heavy enough to hang straight without needing to be broken in. Best for renters or first-time furnishers who want a finished, washable blackout curtain at a budget-friendly price. Skip if you need edge-to-edge light sealing (a curtain with side returns blocks more light than a standard panel) or if your windows are non-standard widths requiring custom sizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best blackout curtains?
Do blackout curtains completely block all light?
Do blackout curtains help with temperature and noise?
What size blackout curtains should I buy?
How much should I spend on blackout curtains?
How We Analyze Products
We analyze Amazon review data — often thousands of reviews per product — to surface patterns that individual buyers miss. Our process aggregates star ratings, review counts, and buyer sentiment at scale, identifying which strengths and weaknesses appear consistently across the largest review samples available. The 264,713+ reviews analyzed on this page represent real verified-purchase feedback from Amazon buyers.
Each product earned its placement through data: total review volume, average rating, and the specific praise and complaints that repeat most often across buyers. No manufacturer paid for placement on this page. Products appear here because buyers endorsed them at scale, not because a company asked us to feature them.
We use AI to summarize review sentiment — not to fabricate opinions, but to condense what thousands of buyers actually wrote into a readable format. The pros and cons you see reflect the most common themes found in verified purchaser reviews, paraphrased for clarity. We do not claim to have accessed Reddit, YouTube, or specific publications in generating these summaries.
Prices shown reflect Amazon pricing at the time this page was last generated. Click “See Today’s Price” to get the current live price on Amazon. Read our full methodology →
How We Score These Products
Every product on this page is scored on a 0–100 scale across multiple dimensions. Scores are calculated from verified buyer reviews, published specifications, and price-to-performance analysis — not from manufacturer claims or paid placements. Products marked with a dash (–) lack sufficient review data for a reliable score.
Value: Price-to-performance ratio. Products with high ratings and low prices score highest.
Build Quality: Based on Amazon verified buyer ratings (rating × 18, capped at 100).
Noise Level: Based on verified buyer review sentiment analysis.
Filter Life: Based on verified buyer review sentiment analysis.
Coverage Area: Based on verified buyer review sentiment analysis.
Stability: Based on verified buyer review sentiment analysis.
Assembly Ease: Based on verified buyer review sentiment analysis.
Overall score is the product's aggregate rating on a 10-point scale. Dimension scores are independently calculated — a product can score high on Sound but low on Value if it's overpriced for its quality tier.
Analysis based on Amazon customer reviews, interior design community feedback, and product testing.