The Best Blackout Curtains for 2022
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Best Blackout Curtains
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These curtains are a great way to keep the sun out to reduce TV glare, get some extra sleep in the morning, or minimize outdoor noise. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best blackout curtains currently available.
UPDATED: March 3, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Nicetown Blackout Curtains because they feature a triple weave that blocks 85 to 99 percent of light and UV rays, includes grommets for easy sliding, and is available in a range of different colors to fit your interior decor.
How do blackout curtains differ from standard curtains?
Blackout curtains are made from very tightly woven fabrics and are typically formed from multiple layers. Due to the overall thickness and construction, this forms a barrier to light and can reduce thermal transfer. Standard curtains are usually made from a single layer of fabric and are semi-translucent which allows for the passage of a higher percentage of light.
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Curtain Header Types
The curtain header is how it connects to the curtain rod. The type will affect the overall hanging length so it is important to be aware of which one you are using. There are many different types but here are the most common:
Rod Pockets - a simple design that consists of a channel that is sewn into the top of the fabric and the rod is curtain rod is fed through it.
Tab Top - features narrow straps that loop over the pole and will have a similar hang height to the rod pockets.
Grommets - features holes at the top of the curtain spaced at regular intervals that the rod passes through. Some include a metal insert to stop the fabric from fraying and make sliding easier. Since there is a gap above the grommet this will hold the curtain higher off the ground given the same length.
GSM
Grams Per Square Meter (GSM) is the standard measurement for fabric weight. Simply put, the higher the number the heavier the fabric. Most blackout curtains will have a GSM of 240+ but it will vary by manufacturer. To provide some context, 230 to 340 GSM is approximately the weight of sweatshirt fabric or stretch denim. Therefore, it will allow very little light to pass through.
Note that there may also be multiple layers to increase the light-blocking properties of the curtain.
How To Hang Curtains
Installing curtains is a fairly straightforward process and just requires some simple planning to get the look you want.
Start by using a tape measure to get the overall window length. A standard rule is to get a curtain that is at least twice as wide as the window. The height will vary based on the rod location, curtain header (rod pockets vs grommets vs tab top), and desired height from the floor.
Mount the curtain rod so it extends 6 to 12 inches on either side of the frame so when the curtains are open it doesn't block the window. It should also be high enough above the window so the curtains provide complete coverage of the top (usually around 6 inches above the frame.)
Slide the curtains over the rod and secure the set screws (if applicable).
Check out this brief video for a more comprehensive overview:
Here of some features and benefits to be aware of when selecting a specific curtain:
Energy Savings
Due to the heavy weave and construction of these curtains, it blocks sunlight from entering the room. This has the benefit in the summer months of reducing the amount of heat gain inside the house. As a result, it will reduce the load on the air conditioning system and also reduce the energy required, lowing energy costs.
In the winter months, using these thick curtains has the benefit of reducing the transfer of cold air through the window panes into the room. Again, this helps to lower energy costs by limiting the load on the heating system.
Color Options
Most brands will offer a wide range of colors to match the interior decor of the home. It is worth noting that darker colors will typically have a better blackout effect with everything else being equal.
Noise Reduction
As mentioned above, the thickness of the curtains creates a mass barrier between the window and the room. This helps to absorb sounds that would normally freely pass through the glass and into your living space. Using these curtains can help to reduce outside noise such as cars, landscape equipment, dogs, and more to create a more peaceful home.
Privacy
As stated above, the purpose of these curtains is to block light. However, an additional benefit is that it also creates a privacy barrier that prevents anyone from seeing into your home during the day or night.
UV Protection
Ultraviolet Light (UV) from the sun can be very damaging to flooring, fabrics, artwork, and furniture over time. Installing these curtains can help to reduce this damage and help your possessions last longer.
Cleaning
Check the specific manufacturer’s requirements when it comes to cleaning the curtains. Some will allow the fabric to be placed in the waster and dryer while others may only recommend dry cleaning. As with clothes, it is best if possible to use the least invasive form of cleaning to increase the life of the curtain fabric.
Now, on to the individual products. Each unit included below has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Blackout Curtains for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: NICETOWN Blackout Curtains
The Nicetown curtains feature a heavy microfiber that is interwoven by a top fabric layer.
Constructed with a triple weave to help to effectively block light and noise.
Features a width of 42 inches and a length of 63 inches (available in other dimensions).
Equipped with six grommets on each with an insert to help with sliding and reduce fraying.
Designed to reduce from 85 to 99 percent of light from entering the room.
Offers the ability to be placed in the washing machine and dryer for easy cleaning.
Runner-up: Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains
The Utopia Bedding curtains are constructed from a heavy 250 GSM (grams per square meter) polyester fabric to block light.
Includes two panels to help reduce incoming light and reduce noise passed through the window panes.
Designed to work with standard curtain rods
Equipped with eight grommets per panel for easy sliding and to recuse the chance of the fabric fraying.
Offers a panel size of approximately 52 inches wide by 63 inches long (available in other dimensions).
Includes two tie-backs for a clean look when the curtains are in the open position.
Best Premium Option: Flamingo Blackout Curtains
The Flamingo P Curtains are made of two thick layers to reduce the transfer of hot or cold air.
Constructed from a thick material to block light during the day to reduce glare or provide bedroom darkness.
Offers a panel size of approximately 52 inches wide by 84 inches long (available in other dimensions).
Equipped with eight grommets per panel that slide easily on a curtain rod.
Offers the ability to be placed in the washing machine and tumble dried for easy cleaning.
Best Pattern Options: AmazonBasics Blackout Curtains
The AmazonBasics blackout curtains feature a wide range of patterns and colors for a unique design.
Offers the ability to efficiently block UV rays to help keep the interior space cooler.
Features two panels made of innovative triple-weave 240 GSM polyester fabric.
Includes two velcro ties to pull back the curtain panels.
Offers the ability to be cleaned in the washing machine for convenience.
Available in several different sizes to best fit the window dimensions.
Best Modern Design: AMAZLINEN Blackout Curtains
The Amazlinen curtains are great for creating a peaceful sleeping environment or reducing glare in the living room.
Constructed from 100% polyester material to blackout up to 98% of sunlight and UV rays.
Offers the ability to reduce noise from the outside by up to 20 dB.
Features a thermal weave that helps to reduce hot or cold losses, lowering energy costs.
Features eight metal grommets, with 1-3/5” inner diameter that slide easily on a curtain rod.
Must-have accessory:
Don't forget the curtain rod.
Best Budget Option: Deconovo Blackout Curtains
The Deconovo blackout curtains provide a very affordable solution to reducing incoming sunlight.
Constructed from a heavy 230 GSM (grams per square meter) polyester fabric to block light.
Features a triple-weave construction to helps block UV rays.
Offers the ability to function as a barrier against heat and cold transfer to reduce energy cost.
Offers a panel size of approximately 42 inches wide by 63 inches long (available in several larger dimensions).
Available in a wide range of colors to suit the interior decor.
Best Dual Hanging Option: Best Home Blackout Curtains
The Best Home Fashion blackout curtains offer two hanging options, either back-tab or rod pocket for a range of design options.
Constructed from a heavy 240 GSM (grams per square meter) polyester fabric to block light.
Offers a panel size of approximately 52 inches wide by 63 inches long (available in many other standard dimensions).
Available in a wide range of colors to suit the interior design of the home.
Designed to be machine washable for fast and easy cleaning.
Best Color Options: Miuco Blackout Curtains
The Miuco curtains are available in a wide range of colors to match the interior decor of the home.
Features a triple-weave construction to increase the insulating qualities of the curtain.
Offers a panel size of approximately 52 inches wide by 84 inches long (available in other dimensions).
Equipped with a weighted hem to help the curtains hang straight for a clean look.
Designed to be machine washable for fast and easy cleaning.
Best Pleated Option: Redi Shade Original Blackout Curtains
The Redi Shade features a pleated construction that fits within the window frame for a clean look.
Offers the ability to be used as a stand-alone option or placed behind existing curtains.
Constructed from paper for a lightweight design.
Features a cordless design for a modern appearance and child safety.
Does not require tools for installation.
Made in the USA.
Note: this type of insert design may not provide a complete blackout solution as light may project out from around the perimeter of the curtain.
Best for Wide Openings: Rose Home Fashion Blackout Curtains
The Rose Home Fashion curtains feature a very wide 100-inch design that is ideal for large windows or doors.
Features a multi-layered micro-fiber fabric to block up to 94 percent of sunlight light transmitted inside.
Equipped grommets for easy sliding and to recuse the chance of the fabric fraying.
Available in a wide range of colors to match the interior home decor.
Designed to be machine washable for fast and easy cleaning.
I hope this list of the best blackout curtains was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
