The 5 Best Blackout Curtains

We hung twelve different blackout curtains across four bedrooms, a nursery, and a living room. Half of them let light bleed through the edges. A few looked like they belonged in a dorm room. And five of them genuinely impressed us. These are those five.

Here's the thing about blackout curtains — "blackout" doesn't always mean blackout. Some block 85% of light, some block 100%, and the difference matters at 6 AM when the sun is trying to ruin your weekend sleep-in. Here's what to buy depending on what matters most to you.

Best Overall1. NICETOWN 100% Blackout Curtains with Liner

$32.95 — the true blackout champion

If you need absolute darkness, this is the only pick that guarantees it. NICETOWN uses a double-layer design — a decorative front panel plus a detachable felt liner behind it. The combination blocks 100% of light. Not "up to 99%." All of it.

But it's not just about light. That double layer also creates a real noise buffer — Claire hung these in her street-facing bedroom and the difference was immediate. Over 40,000 reviews with a 4.5 rating, and shift workers swear by them. They come in 20+ colors so you're not stuck with sad beige.

Also available at Walmart.

Best Budget2. Deconovo Triple Weave Blackout Curtains

$21.99 — the budget overachiever

Under $22 for a pair of curtains that actually work? We were skeptical too. But Deconovo's triple-weave fabric is surprisingly hefty for the price — three layers woven together into a single panel that blocks 85-95% of light and insulates your windows.

Will some light creep around the edges at dawn? Probably. Are these as effective as the double-layer NICETOWN? No. But for a guest room, a living room, or anyone who wants solid blackout performance without dropping $50, these are a ridiculously good deal. They also come in something like 30 colors.

Also available at Walmart.

Prettiest3. StangH Velvet Blackout Curtains

$44.99 — the ones that look expensive

Most blackout curtains have the aesthetic appeal of a shower liner. The StangH velvets are the exception. Rich, plush velvet fabric with a heavy drape that immediately makes a room look like it costs more than it does. They're the kind of curtains you buy when you want blackout performance but also want your bedroom to look like a boutique hotel.

The blackout liner blocks 85-95% of light, and the velvet weight naturally muffles sound. Fair warning: velvet is a dust magnet, so keep a lint roller nearby. But for a primary bedroom or living room where aesthetics matter, nothing on this list comes close.

Best for Nursery4. Bonzer Linen Blackout Curtains

$34.99 — the nursery essential

New parents, listen up. You need a dark room for naps, but you don't want your nursery looking like a cave. The Bonzer threading the needle — linen texture on the outside that looks light and airy, full blackout fabric on the inside that blocks 90%+ of light.

The grommet top is clutch for parents because it slides open and closed smoothly with one hand. You know, because your other hand is holding a baby. They come in soft neutrals that look great in a nursery without being "nursery themed." Jules bought these for her daughter's room and they've survived two kids and still look great.

Best for Energy Savings5. Eclipse Absolute Zero Harper Curtain

$22.98 per panel — the energy saver

Eclipse has been making blackout curtains longer than most brands have existed, and the Absolute Zero line is their best work. Thermaback technology blocks 100% of light (independently tested), reduces noise by up to 40%, and — here's the kicker — creates a thermal barrier that can measurably cut your energy bills.

If your windows are drafty, these curtains are essentially insulation you can hang from a rod. They're sold as single panels, so you'll need to buy two for a standard window, but even at ~$46 total they're a steal for what they do. Especially in older homes where the windows leak air like a screen door.

The Bottom Line

For pitch-black darkness, the NICETOWN double-layer curtains at $33 are unbeatable — true 100% blackout with noise reduction. On a budget? The Deconovo triple-weave pair at $22 punches way above its price. And if your curtains need to look as good as they perform, the StangH velvet blackouts are worth every penny.

Browse all top-rated blackout curtains on Amazon.