The 5 Best Blackout Curtains of 2026 (And What to Try If They Don't Work)

Last updated: January 2026

TL;DR: Most "blackout" curtains only block 85 to 99% of light and leak around the edges. We reviewed the top-rated blackout curtains for bedrooms from Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping, Bob Vila, and Better Homes & Gardens. They're solid picks for room darkening, but if you need true 100% blackout for sleep, shift work, or a nursery, you'll need a sealed track shade system like the UBlockout Ultimate Blackout Shade.

Key Takeaways

• There's no industry standard for "blackout," so any manufacturer can use the term
• Even the best blackout curtains block only 85 to 99% of light through the fabric
• The real problem isn't the fabric. It's light leaking around the edges, top, and bottom

Blackout curtains are one of the most searched window treatments online, and for good reason. Whether you need better sleep, daytime napping, a dark room for shift work, a pitch-black nursery, or a home theater without glare, the promise is simple: block out the light.

But here's what most people discover after buying blackout curtains: they don't actually black out.

We reviewed dozens of "best blackout curtains" articles from Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping, Bob Vila, Better Homes & Gardens, and Consumer Reports. We found great room darkening curtain recommendations, but also a consistent problem none of them solve.

The issue isn't the curtains. It's physics.

Why Do Blackout Curtains Still Let Light In?

Every curtain on this list has the same fundamental problem: light leaks around the edges.

The top edge. Standard curtain rods hold fabric 3+ inches from the wall. Light pours over the top. Grommet and tab-top styles create gaps between each ring where light enters.

The side edges. Most blackout curtains don't extend far enough beyond window frames. Even when they do, fabric doesn't seal against the wall. The result: a blinding beam of light at 6 AM.

The bottom edge. Curtains cut too short, or that shrink after washing, create gaps where light reflects off floors and enters underneath.

This isn't a quality issue. It's a design limitation. Blackout curtains hang freely by definition. They cannot seal against a window frame.

Even Consumer Reports testing found that only 2 of 9 tested product lines delivered true blackout results. Wirecutter admitted "very few of the blackout curtains we tested really blocked all light; most were simply room darkening."

What Does True 100% Blackout Actually Require?

If you need complete darkness (not 95%, not "nearly all," but actual pitch black) blackout curtains can't deliver. Here's what's required for true blackout:

• Zero light transmission through fabric (most curtains achieve this)
• Side channels or tracks that seal against the wall (curtains don't have this)
• Top seal to block light above (curtain rods create gaps)
• Bottom seal to the sill or floor (curtains hang freely)

The only way to achieve 100% blackout is a sealed track system that eliminates gaps on all four sides.

The Best 100% Blackout Solution: Sealed Track Shades

At UBlockout, we make the Ultimate Blackout Shade: the only blackout window treatment with a patented sealed track system that eliminates light from all four edges.

Not 95%. Not 99%. Actual 100% blackout, guaranteed.

While blackout curtains block light through the fabric, they can't solve the edge problem. Our sealed track technology does.

Why 600+ customers switched from blackout curtains:

• Shift workers who couldn't sleep during the day
• Parents whose babies woke at sunrise
• Light-sensitive sleepers tired of the "halo effect"
• Home theater enthusiasts who wanted true darkness

What you get with the Ultimate Blackout Shade:

• 100% blackout, guaranteed
• Custom-made to your exact window dimensions
• Premium American aluminum frame
• 30-minute DIY installation
• Motorization and smart home options available
• Made in Dallas, Texas with US-based support

Shop the Ultimate Blackout Shade →

If you don't need 100% darkness, blackout curtains can still help; we've reviewed the best options below. But if you've tried room darkening curtains and still wake up to light, there's a reason. Curtains can't seal. We can.

The 5 Best Blackout Curtains (If You Don't Need 100%)

If you've decided true 100% blackout isn't necessary for your situation, these are the best blackout curtains you can buy right now. They won't eliminate edge light leaks, but they'll significantly darken your room at a lower price point.

1. IKEA Rosenmandel Blackout Curtains: Best Budget Option

Price: $20 to $25 per pair | Recommended by: Wirecutter (Top Pick)

IKEA's Rosenmandel is one of only two curtains in Wirecutter's testing that actually blocked nearly all light through the fabric. It's a woven matte polyester with a polyurethane coating that delivers near-pitch-black conditions at a remarkable price.

Pros:

• Near-total light blocking through fabric
• Sold in pairs (most competitors sell single panels)
• Lightweight at 1.2 lbs per panel
• Multiple neutral colors available

Cons:

• Slightly stiff with a "crinkly" texture
• Doesn't slide easily on curtain rod
• Less elegant than pricier options
• Still leaks light around edges like all curtains

Blackout score: 95 to 99% (through fabric)

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize darkness over aesthetics

2. Nicetown 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels: Best Blackout Curtains for Nursery

Price: $36 to $45 | Recommended by: Good Housekeeping, Bob Vila

Amazon's bestselling blackout curtain with 70,000+ five-star reviews. The triple-weave polyester with sewn-in black liner blocks light effectively, even at midday. Excellent noise reduction makes it a favorite for nurseries.

Pros:

• Blocks 85 to 99% of light (up to 100% with dark colors)
• Excellent noise reduction for sleeping babies
• 50+ size options and 50+ colors
• Thermal insulation reduces energy costs

Cons:

• Nearly 5 lbs weight may strain curtain rods
• Fabric thinner than competitors
• Requires sturdy rod installation
• Edge light leaks remain

Blackout score: 85 to 99% (through fabric)

Best for: Parents seeking darkness for napping children and shift workers

3. West Elm Worn Velvet Blackout Curtains: Best Luxury

Price: $102 to $159 | Recommended by: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping

The only curtain Wirecutter tested that hung wrinkle-free out of the box. West Elm's Worn Velvet features luxurious brushed velvet with a subtle sheen. These are designed for people who want their bedroom to look beautiful first, dark second.

Pros:

• Gorgeous appearance with no wrinkles out of box
• Weighted hem for proper drape
• 8 jewel-tone colors
• Some thermal and noise benefits

Cons:

• Most expensive option at $100+
• Heaviest at 4.5 lbs per panel
• Does NOT fully black out (room darkening only)
• Light leaks around all edges

Blackout score: 80 to 90% (through fabric)

Best for: Design-conscious buyers prioritizing aesthetics over maximum darkness

4. Sun Zero Oslo Theater-Grade Blackout Curtain: Best Value

Price: $11.79+ per panel | Recommended by: Bob Vila

Exceptional value with effective blackout capabilities. Sun Zero's Oslo has a soft velvet-like polyester that looks more expensive than its price tag. Cuts heat loss by up to 50% and noise by up to 35%.

Pros:

• Outstanding price-to-performance ratio
• Theater-grade light blocking
• Plush velvety texture
• Widely available at major retailers

Cons:

• Heavy weight makes operation difficult
• Confusing to install (hard to tell top from bottom)
• Rod pocket limits rod diameter to 1.5" or less
• Edge gaps let light through

Blackout score: 90 to 99% (through fabric)

Best for: Budget buyers seeking theater-grade darkness

5. Pony Dance Blackout Curtains: Best Overall

Price: Varies by size | Recommended by: Bob Vila (Best Overall)

Bob Vila's testing found Pony Dance curtains blocked almost all outside light while making the room noticeably quieter. Thick, luxurious fabric with versatile hanging options (rod pocket or curtain clips).

Pros:

• Excellent light blocking
• Significant noise reduction
• Thick, quality fabric
• 20+ colors available

Cons:

• Rod pocket slows installation
• Lighter colors less effective
• Premium pricing for some sizes
• Same edge leak issues as all curtains

Blackout score: 90 to 100% (through fabric, dark colors)

Best for: Those seeking the best combination of light blocking, noise reduction, and appearance

Why Does Sleeping in Complete Darkness Matter?

This isn't just about comfort. Research from leading medical institutions shows that even small amounts of light during sleep can significantly impact your health.

A 2025 study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions found a nearly linear relationship between nighttime light exposure and heart disease risk. Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital tracked 450 adults and found that every standard deviation increase in artificial light at night was associated with a 35% increased risk of heart disease over five years. The study identified the biological pathway: light triggers stress responses in the brain, which inflame arteries and contribute to cardiovascular damage over time.

Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine by the National Institutes of Health followed 43,722 women over five years. Those who slept with a television or light on were 17% more likely to gain 11 pounds or more during the follow-up period. The association held even after controlling for diet, physical activity, and sleep duration.

A Northwestern University study published in PNAS demonstrated that just one night of moderate light exposure (100 lux, roughly equivalent to a dim room) increased heart rate during sleep and insulin resistance the following morning. "Even though you are asleep, your autonomic nervous system is activated," explained Dr. Daniela Grimaldi, research assistant professor of neurology at Northwestern. "That's bad."

The science is clear: complete darkness isn't a luxury. It's a biological necessity for quality sleep and long-term health.

Ready for true 100% blackout?

Shop the Ultimate Blackout Shade →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do blackout curtains block 100% of light? - No. Most blackout curtains block 85 to 99% of light through the fabric, but all curtains leak light around the edges because they hang from a rod and cannot seal against the window frame. For true 100% blackout, you need a sealed track shade system.

Why do my blackout curtains still let light in? - Light leaks around the edges, not through the fabric. Curtain rods hold fabric inches from the wall, creating gaps at the top, sides, and bottom. This is a design limitation of all curtains, regardless of quality or price.

Are blackout shades better than blackout curtains? - Standard blackout shades have the same edge-leak problem. However, shades with sealed track systems (like the UBlockout Ultimate Blackout Shade) eliminate light on all four sides, delivering true 100% blackout.

What is the best blackout solution for bedrooms? - For moderate room darkening, any blackout curtain in this article works well. For true pitch-black conditions (shift workers, light-sensitive sleepers, nurseries), a sealed track blackout shade is the only 100% blackout solution.

How do I stop light coming through the sides of my curtains? - Common fixes include wraparound rods, velcro strips, or layering with shades. None achieve 100% blackout. For complete darkness, a sealed track system is required.

What's the difference between blackout and room darkening curtains? - There's no industry standard. "Blackout" typically claims 95 to 100% light blocking through fabric; "room darkening" claims 70 to 95%. Both have edge light leaks, so real-world difference is minimal.