Let’s be real — getting blinded by the light isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite thing in the world (especially when you’re trying to see your laptop screen) and, after a while, you’re going to end up thoughtlessly purchasing some blackout curtains.
But, it’s important to give these window treatments some thought. After all, they’re not all pitch-black in color and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your home’s aesthetic.
“Blackout curtains are completely opaque and don’t allow for any light filtration through the curtain,” Olivia Mitchell Brock, interior designer at Torrance Mitchell Designs, told the New York Post. “They allow you to sleep in complete darkness, unbothered by sunlight or other light pollution in your neighborhood. They are also very helpful in nurseries or bedrooms of small children as it makes midday napping much easier.”
Luckily, the New York Post did the research and compiled a list of the best blackout curtains worth your time and money. Much like the best traditional curtains we rounded up, you’ll find a classic catalog of add-to-cart grabs for every style and price point.
“If the goal is absolutely no light coming into the room, even around the edges of the curtains, I would recommend mounting them on a French rod, so that the blackout curtain comes in contact with the wall on the outside of the window casing,” Mitchell adds.
While you’re shopping, it may be time for some new shower curtains as well. Hey, let’s just go full-on home renovation.
With more than 110,000 rave reviews, we’re not at all surprised the NICETOWN Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains is a No.1 Amazon best-seller. The dynamic room duo is available in a full suite of colors (a rainbow, at that) and boasts high-quality fabric at a reasonable, less-than-$25 price point.
More, these curtains are energy-smart (who knew?!). Specifically, its ripple weave blackout fabric balances your room’s temperature by insulating against summer heat and winter chill. Simply perfect.
Blackout curtains can have some style to them if you so choose, and the Lush Decor Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains Panel are at the top of our wishlist. They’re coming in hot with nearly 6,000 gleaming reviews, much ado to their lovely softness and excellent value for the money.
Plenty of size and color options are available prior to checkout, too, and they’re especially ideal for farmhouse, modern or traditional home aesthetics.
Make a statement with the MIULEE Velvet Grommet Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains. Not only will they help cancel out light but they add some undeniable, alluring texture and warmth to your home.
The best part? Aside from its rich assortment of colors, these particular blackout curtains can also help reduce noise (hallelujah) and help keep heat down in summers or keep cold out in winters.
We love Pottery Barn, and its Custom Emery Linen Blackout Curtain are just another reason why. The retailer allows for custom-made curtains to be available at a reasonable price point — working well for your baby’s nursery, master bedroom or loft-style living room.
You’ll be colored impressed by its generous size options (that should suit every window in your home, if we’re being honest). Additionally, these curtains are tailored, mid-weight and undeniably look stunning in any home.
The West Elm Crossweave Blackout Curtain have a flow-y, airy look to them — a major reason why they made our exclusive cut. They’re available in staple neutrals and its interwoven threads create a unique, match-all, cross-stitch pattern.
Not to mention, they’re super simple to keep up with. For maintenance, simply use a steam iron held two inches away from the fabric, or a regular iron set at 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place a cloth between the iron and the fabric, moving the iron in the same direction as the pile.
Looking for blackout curtains on a budget? The Wayfair Basics Solid Blackout Grommet Single Curtain Panel are your best bet — coming with nearly 18,000 applauding reviews on the retailer’s site. They help reduce noise, too, and are machine-washable for the perfect spruce-up every time.
More, they’re easy to install (earning these blackout curtains extra brownie points); a convenient grommet header effortlessly slides over your preferred curtain rod (not included), while its straight bottom hem offers that home magazine-inspired, tailored finish.
We love any excuse to shop at Target (who doesn’t?) and the Threshold Blackout Aruba Window Curtain Panel are a fairly priced set that’ll help keep light at bay. Impressively, the retailer has a rich assortment of hues to choose from — both neutrals and vibrant pops of colors alike — and are a machine-washable option, for convenience.
This particular style is made with a subtly textured fabric and a solid-colored design for a “pop of simple style,” per the Target brand. You can also use these blackout curtains with a curtain tieback to frame your window for an even more picturesque look.
The Sun Zero 1-Panel Ludlow Blackout Grommet Window Curtain are an affordable option that comes in a wonderful shade variety, featuring that sought-after light-diminishing and light-reducing appeal.
One reviewer says, “I love the color, and the fabric has just the right amount of sheen to look rich without being shiny.” All in all, they’re a solid decor piece to adorn your window (perhaps multiple, given the price).
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.