7 Best Blackout Curtains in 2022

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Keep the light out and keep your home cooler all summer.

With long summer days here at last, the sun may end up rising before you—and start to throw off your sleep schedule. While you can't change the time of the sunrise, you can prevent it from lighting up your room by investing in some blackout curtains. Although that name is somewhat ominous, blackout drapes look just like your average set of curtains, but have a super tight weave that allows little to no light to come through. Blackout shades are made from a wide variety of fabrics, from linen to velvet, and come in every color of the rainbow, ensuring that there is an option to suit any aesthetic. Since there are tons of blackout curtains on the market, we've gathered our favorites to help you choose.

Any set of blackout curtains should be able to effectively block out light, but there are a few additional details you should look for before making your purchase. First of all, be sure to measure your windows before buying a curtain or curtains. Curtains should be long enough to fall approximately 4 to 6 inches below your window frame, or 3/8 of an inch above the floor if you prefer a floor-length look.

You will also want to consider the type of curtain hanger you prefer. Curtains will typically come with a rod pocket, grommets, tabs, or rings. These will come down to preference as they do not play a part in the effectiveness of the curtain, but they all look a bit different. Rod pockets and tabs have a more traditional look, so if you enjoy more subdued décor, they may be a better option than ones that hang with rings or grommets.

Beyond aesthetics, the type of fabric used will play a significant role in creating a thermal barrier. Thicker thermal curtains will not only be super effective at keeping the light out, but can also help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

To determine the best blackout curtains on the market, we looked at expert-tested reviews from trusted sources like The Spruce and Real Simple. We then took into account price, thermal quality, size, color options, and fabric type. Finally, we consulted more than 151,220 reviews, written by people who’ve bought these curtains on sites like Amazon, to bring you the cream of the crop.

For more ways to improve your sleep, consider updating your pillows, bedding, and mattress.

Key Specs

These blackout curtains come in an impressive 29 color options, and they have length options ranging from 54 to 96 inches. The triple-weave fabric keeps out all light, and even helps to insulate your home, keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The curtains are sold in a set of two, and they won't shrink or fade in the wash.

Key Specs

Whether you're trying to keep the heat out in the summer or keep it in during the winter, curtains can play a big role in properly insulating your home. These thermal curtains are designed with temperature regulation in mind, as well as being full blackout curtains that effectively block light. They are super affordable and come in 14 sizes and 35 color choices.

Key Specs

These are some of the most popular blackout curtains on our list, with over 38,000 reviews on Amazon and an average rating of 4.5/5 stars. They come in 21 different colors and patterns, six different sizes, and you can even choose between styles with grommets or rod pockets, depending on your preference. They also come with two matching Velcro ties for when you want to let the light in.

Key Specs

These extra-wide curtains are made to cover even the largest sliding doors, measuring between 63 and 108 inches across. They come in just about every color you could want as well as 12 different sizes, so you can get just the right fit for any door. Better yet, they cost just $28 at the time of this writing.

Key Specs

These curtains are great for kids—especially those who still take naps during the day. They are full blackout curtains except where there are star-shaped cutouts, which give the impression of a starry sky in an otherwise dark room. They come in seven different colors and six sizes.

Key Specs

Blackout curtains can sometimes appear heavy and make a room seem dark and dreary. These linen curtains from Pottery Barn, on the other hand, work to efficiently block out light when you need them to, but otherwise look bright, happy, and welcoming while framing your windows. While they are on the pricier side, you're paying for high-quality material that looks expensive and will elevate your space.

Key Specs

If you want a more dramatic, lush look for your home, you won't do much better than this set of velvet curtains. These curtains come in 20 colors and six size options, including floor-length 0nes that will give any room a moody and sophisticated effect. While these curtains do come in a number of different colors, reviewers say the lighter hues are not quite as effective as the dark ones when it comes to blocking out light. So, if you are looking for true blackout curtain, you'll want to opt for one of the darker shades.

Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner's World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.

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