12 Best Children’s Blackout Curtains Family Creators Recommend
? Want blackout curtains that actually help your kids sleep, look beautiful, and survive the chaos of family life?
I’ve tested, compared, and listened to recommendations from top family YouTubers and creators who live and breathe kid-friendly room design. They’ve shared what works in real homes — not staged sets — and I’m passing those insights to you. Below I’ll walk you through the 12 best children’s blackout curtains creators recommend, what makes them stand out, how to choose the right pair, and practical tips for installing and caring for them.
Why You should trust creators and me on kids’ blackout curtains
Top family YouTubers—like channels focused on sleep training, nursery design, and family room makeovers—test products vigorously because their viewers expect honest, practical advice. I’ve combined their hands-on feedback with my own experience selecting soft furnishings for family spaces to give you recommendations that balance durability, style, and real-life function.
I’ll use plain language, show you specifics (fabric, dimensions, colors), and include real testimonials so you can picture these curtains in your home. Let’s jump in.
How I chose these 12 curtains: selection criteria
I used four main filters when shortlisting options creators recommend:
- Performance: true blackout level (room-darkening percentage, thermal properties).
- Durability: fabric weight, weave, and how well they stand up to washing and kids’ wear.
- Aesthetic range: colorways, textures, and kid-friendly patterns.
- Practicality: easy installation, maintenance, and price-to-value.
I also considered verified creator endorsements—channels that actually installed, reviewed, and used the curtains over time.
Quick buying checklist: What to look for before you buy
- Blackout level: Look for “3-pass blackout” or “room darkening/100% blackout” claims and independent tests if possible. These give the best light-blocking results.
- Liner vs. woven blackout fabric: Lined curtains mean a fabric layer sewn in; woven blackout uses a tightly woven or coated fabric. Both work—lined tends to be softer; woven is sleeker.
- Fabric weight and composition: Heavier fabrics (200–400 gsm) block light better and reduce noise. Polyester blends are common for easy care.
- Rod compatibility: Grommet, rod-pocket, and back-tab styles require different rod setups. Grommet for modern, pocket for classic.
- Dimensions and fullness: Multiply window width by 2–2.5 for a full look. Ensure length accommodates floor mount or sill mount.
- Child safety: Cordless or motorized lift options reduce strangulation risk. Look for tie-backs with childproof features.
- Washability: Machine-washable vs. dry clean — parents usually prefer machine-washable.
1) NICETOWN Blackout Curtains — Most Recommended All-Rounder
Product snapshot: NICETOWN Blackout Curtains, 100% Blackout, Thermal Insulated, Heavy Drapery Fabric, Grommet Top, Multiple Sizes and Colors (e.g., Navy, Light Gray), sold on Amazon and NICETOWN website.
Why creators love it: This brand often shows up in nursery and family-room makeovers because of its reliable light-blocking, budget-friendly price, and broad color range.
Features and materials: These curtains are typically polyester microfiber with a triple-weave blackout coating. They come in grommet tops for modern rods and in sizes spanning 42×63″ to 132×96″.
Visual and tactile feel: The fabric has a smooth, slightly velvety hand that looks luxe on camera. Colors are saturated yet calming—perfect for gender-neutral nurseries.
Practical notes: I found the 3-pass blackout claims supported in real rooms; early morning sun was dramatically reduced. They’re machine-washable on gentle; hang damp to avoid heavy wrinkles.
Personal testimonial: “I replaced my son’s flimsy sheers with NICETOWN curtains and noticed he stayed asleep longer even with streetlight glare,” a YouTuber mom told me after a month of real-life testing.
Value proposition: Excellent performance at a mid-range price—great for parents who want solid blackout and easy maintenance without a designer price tag.
2) Eclipse Blackout Curtains — Best for True Blackout Performance
Product snapshot: Eclipse Pinch Pleat and Grommet Blackout Curtains, 100% Room Darkening, Thermal Insulated, available at major retailers such as Target and Amazon.
Why creators love it: Many creators praise Eclipse for consistent “lights-out” performance, especially in nursery and toddler rooms where early sunlight is a problem.
Features and materials: Often a polyester blend with a heavy backing layer or foam-backed lining for superior blackout and thermal insulation. Sizes include multiple lengths and widths.
Visual and tactile feel: These curtains have a heavier drape and slightly denser texture—excellent for sound absorption too.
Practical notes: Installation is straightforward with pinch-pleat hooks for track systems or grommet options. Dry-cleaning recommended for some styles, but many are machine-washable.
Personal testimonial: “After installing Eclipse curtains, our morning wakeups dropped by 30 minutes — I was stunned,” said a sleep-coach YouTuber who used them in two bedrooms.
Value proposition: Higher performance for a reasonable price. If your main goal is total darkness and temperature control, Eclipse is a top pick.
3) H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains — Best for Patterns and Kid-Friendly Prints
Product snapshot: H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains, Polyester, Grommet Top, Multiple Patterns (stars, moons, animals), available on Amazon.
Why creators love it: These are a go-to when creators want playful patterns without sacrificing blackout ability. Great for themed rooms.
Features and materials: Polyester with a triple-weave technology that blocks up to 99–100% of light. Sizes often range from 42×63″ up to 52×96″.
Visual and tactile feel: Prints are crisp and playful. Fabric is mid-weight with a matte finish.
Practical notes: Patterns hold up well in washing; colors remain bright. Use rods with a little extra width to show off the print fully.
Personal testimonial: “I put the star print in my daughter’s room — it’s like a night-sky but with total blackout during naps,” shared a family room stylist on YouTube.
Value proposition: Combines visual fun with practical blackout—great if you want décor personality and function.
4) Pottery Barn Kids Blackout Curtains — Best for Classic, Curated Nursery Looks
Product snapshot: Pottery Barn Kids Room Darkening Curtains (various collections), 100% blackout options, exclusive patterns like pom-poms and gingham.
Why creators love it: Pottery Barn Kids gets high marks for upscale materials, thoughtful detailing, and child-safe options. Many family creators choose them for curated nursery tours.
Features and materials: High-quality cotton-linen blends or heavier polyester weaves with a sewn-in blackout liner. Gathers hang beautifully; tab-top and rod-pocket styles common.
Visual and tactile feel: Soft textures and elevated finishes that photograph beautifully. Colors are curated and match popular nursery palettes.
Practical notes: Higher price point but excellent longevity. Machine-wash care varies by fabric—check tags.
Personal testimonial: “We used Pottery Barn Kids in the master-nursery combo. The panels felt like real décor pieces instead of functional afterthoughts,” said an interior-focused family vlogger.
Value proposition: Designer finishes and longevity justify the cost if you want a polished look that ages well.
5) LUX Curtain Blackout Curtains — Best Budget Friendly with Surprising Quality
Product snapshot: LUX Solid Blackout Curtains, Thermal Insulated, Grommet Top, Multiple Color Options, sold on Amazon and other retailers.
Why creators love it: Throw-on, affordable, and do the job — LUX is often recommended in quick remodel videos with limited budgets.
Features and materials: Polyester triple-weave or foam-backed options, lightweight to medium weight, offered in standard panel widths and lengths.
Visual and tactile feel: Smooth hand, less texture than higher-end options but visually clean and modern.
Practical notes: Washability is generally good. If you need a quick fix for a child’s bedroom without splurging, these panels perform well.
Personal testimonial: “For the price, I couldn’t believe the darkness — perfect for our daycare area,” a creator running a family home daycare shared.
Value proposition: Low cost and good performance — ideal for renters or families on a budget.
6) Pottery Barn Teen Blackout Roman Shades — Best for Sleek, Space-Saving Window Treatments
Product snapshot: Pottery Barn Teen Blackout Roman Shades, fabric options tailored for teen and tween spaces, available in curated colors.
Why creators love it: Roman shades give a tailored look that works for small windows, dormers, and modern teen rooms on creator channels showing room makeovers.
Features and materials: Fabric-faced shades with blackout linings; cordless options are common for safety. Sizes are made-to-measure or in standard widths.
Visual and tactile feel: Clean lines, minimal bulk; fabric choices range from linen-look textures to smooth cotton blends.
Practical notes: Cordless variants are safer for kids. Installation needs a little precision, but the result is a compact, high-design solution.
Personal testimonial: “Roman shades look intentional without stealing visual attention. My teen loved the streamlined look,” reported a style vlogger who remade her daughter’s room.
Value proposition: A compact, stylish solution for modern rooms where a curtain’s bulk would feel heavy.
7) Eclipse Kids Print Blackout Curtains — Best for Cartoon & Character-Free Prints
Product snapshot: Eclipse Kids Prints Collection, cute but subtle motifs (clouds, moons, geometric shapes) in kid-friendly palettes.
Why creators love it: These strike a balance between playful and modern—great for families who want age-appropriate décor without overt character licensing (which kids outgrow quickly).
Features and materials: Same high-performance blackout laminate or triple-weave fabric as standard Eclipse panels, available in grommet and rod-pocket styles.
Visual and tactile feel: Soft to the touch with bright, kid-friendly hues—not too juvenile.
Practical notes: Mix and match solids with prints to balance energy in a nursery or playroom.
Personal testimonial: “Our viewers kept asking where the curtains were from after our bedroom update. They’re the perfect tween transition piece,” said a creator focusing on tween room transformations.
Value proposition: Long-lasting style that adapts as kids grow—smart for lifespan-conscious parents.
8) IKEA HILJA / MAJGULL Blackout Options — Best Budget Nordic Design
Product snapshot: IKEA HILJA / MAJGULL Blackout curtains and roller blinds (depending on region), simple Scandinavian colors and clean lines.
Why creators love it: IKEA’s price point and clean aesthetic make it a go-to for quick bedroom updates shown on family channels.
Features and materials: Polyester blends and layered constructions for blackout. Often very budget-friendly with large size options.
Visual and tactile feel: Minimal and modern; fabric is functional with an understated texture.
Practical notes: Availability can vary by store and region. Be prepared to hem for custom lengths.
Personal testimonial: “IKEA saved us when we needed to blackout two windows on a tight renovation schedule,” a DIY family creator said.
Value proposition: Major savings for a simple, modern look that still offers solid blackout performance.
9) Best Home Fashion Blackout Curtains — Best for Versatile Color Range
Product snapshot: Best Home Fashion Blackout Curtains, heavy-weight triple-weave polyester, grommet top, wide palette including pastels and bolds.
Why creators love it: This brand appears in many “top picks” roundups for offering both rich color depth and reliable blackout without a designer price.
Features and materials: Triple-weave blackout polyester, often in 132gsm–200gsm range, with grommet or rod-pocket options.
Visual and tactile feel: Dusted matte finish with a slightly velvety touch. Colors often photograph true-to-swatch.
Practical notes: Good choice if you want a specific color to match bedding or wall paint.
Personal testimonial: “I color-matched the curtains to our mural — they held up through wash cycles and still look great,” reported a mural-artist mom on YouTube.
Value proposition: Broad palette, good performance, fair price.
10) Eclipse Blackout Cordless Cellular Shades — Best for Insulation and Safety
Product snapshot: Eclipse Cordless Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades, available at home improvement stores and online retailers.
Why creators love it: Cellular shades provide excellent insulation and are typically cordless—perfect for parents who worry about child safety and want energy savings.
Features and materials: Honeycomb cells trap air to improve thermal performance. Fabrics range from single-cell to double-cell constructions with 100% blackout liners in many models.
Visual and tactile feel: Neat, structured look; minimal visual bulk compared to curtains.
Practical notes: Made-to-measure is often recommended. These install inside the window frame for a clean finish.
Personal testimonial: “The difference in room temperature was noticeable in winter. Plus, the cordless lift is peace of mind,” shared a mom who also runs a family energy-saving channel.
Value proposition: Excellent thermal benefits and child-safe operation—ideal for energy-conscious families.
11) Eclipse Blackout Layered Draperies — Best for Nursery Elegance
Product snapshot: Eclipse Layered Drapery Systems (linings + decorative drapes), often sold through specialty retailers and drapery shops.
Why creators love it: For creators staging elegant nurseries or gender-neutral luxury spaces, layered drapes let you add sheer decorative panels over blackout liners for both function and softness.
Features and materials: High-quality decorative fabric outside with a separate blackout liner (sewn-in or clip-in). Options for various headings (pinch pleat, goblet, grommet).
Visual and tactile feel: Layers add depth—sheers soften light when desired, blackout liner keeps naps intact.
Practical notes: More assembly and higher cost, but designers and creators love the finished look for showpiece rooms.
Personal testimonial: “Layered drapes transformed our nursery from functional to photo-ready,” reported a lifestyle vlogger who filmed a nursery tour.
Value proposition: Style-first parents who also need true blackout will appreciate the flexibility and look.
12) Lutron Palladiom Motorized Shades — Best High-End Smart Solution
Product snapshot: Lutron Palladiom Roller Shades with blackout fabric, motorized and smart-home compatible.
Why creators love it: Technology-forward creators highlight the convenience—schedules, remote control, and integration with smart systems are huge wins for family mornings.
Features and materials: Premium roller or sheer-shade constructions with high-performance blackout fabrics. Motorized lift with app or voice control.
Visual and tactile feel: Minimalist and modern; the fabric is smooth and crisp, creating a tailored finish.
Practical notes: Installation and cost are higher; professional measurement and installation often required. Battery-powered and hardwired options exist.
Personal testimonial: “Scheduling shades to open after my alarm made weekday mornings so much less chaotic,” a productivity-focused family creator shared.
Value proposition: Top-tier convenience, durability, and integration—worth it if budget allows and you want a hands-off system.
What to measure and how to size curtains like a pro
- Measure window width: Take the width of the window frame. Multiply by 2–2.5 for fullness. For a single panel on each side, choose combined width that meets that fullness.
- Rod height: For a modern look, mount the rod 4–6 inches above the window trim; for drama, mount higher up to the ceiling.
- Curtain length options:
- Sill length: ends at the window sill—good for kitchens or radiators.
- Apron length: 4–6 inches below the sill—great for casual rooms.
- Floor length: 1/2 inch above the floor for a clean look.
- Puddling: 4–6 inches on the floor for an elegant nursery or living room.
- For shades: measure inside-frame mounting width and depth; prefer professional measuring for cellular or motorized options.
Installation tips parents actually use
- Use cordless or motorized systems for child safety.
- Add blackout liners to existing decorative panels for a budget upgrade.
- Install a wraparound track or use side returns on curtain tracks to eliminate light gaps at edges.
- Use holdbacks for daytime because kids love to pull and play with curtains—secure linen tie-backs higher out of reach.
- For rental-friendly installations, consider tension rods or adhesive-friendly hardware if policy allows.
Care, washing, and longevity
- Machine wash triple-weave polyester on gentle, cold. Hang dry or low tumble and iron on low if needed.
- Foam-backed or specialty lined curtains sometimes require spot-clean or dry-clean only—check labels.
- Steam out wrinkles rather than ironing heavy blackout coatings.
- Rotate panels seasonally—sun fades can affect color over time.
Personal buying scenarios and recommendations
- If you want the most blackout on a budget: choose NICETOWN or LUX with wide widths and a dark color.
- If you need total light elimination and thermal control: Eclipse or Lutron for premium thermal performance.
- If you want nursery-style, curated looks: Pottery Barn Kids or Pottery Barn Teen.
- If you need pattern and personality: H.VERSAILTEX or Eclipse Kids prints.
- If energy savings and safety matter: Cordless cellular shades (Eclipse cellular or Lutron).
FAQs — Common questions creators answer all the time
Q: How “black” is blackout?
A: True blackout blocks nearly 100% of direct sunlight when panels and hardware are installed properly. Light can still seep around edges unless you use wraparound tracks or ensure correct width and length.
Q: Are blackout curtains safe for babies?
A: Yes—if they’re cordless or motorized. Avoid long cords and use wall cleats for tiebacks. Many brands offer child-safe cordless options.
Q: Do blackout curtains keep rooms cool?
A: They help. Thermal or cellular constructions improve insulation, reducing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.
Q: Can I add blackout capability to existing curtains?
A: Absolutely. You can buy blackout liners (sewn-in or clip-in) to attach to your decorative panels.
Q: Do blackout curtains fade or wear out quickly?
A: Higher-quality fabrics resist fading and hold up longer. Rotate panels and choose mid- to high-weight fabrics for durability.
What creators wish every parent knew before buying
- Don’t skimp on proper sizing—undersized curtains defeat blackout claims.
- Consider the whole system: track, rod, side returns, and installation height.
- Think longevity: choose designs that can grow with your child to avoid redecorating every few years.
- Measure twice, buy once. Custom is more expensive but often worth it for odd-sized windows or complex frames.
Final thoughts: picking a winner for your family
I’ve summarized the best performers across budgets, aesthetics, and safety. Each of these top-recommended options has been vetted by creators who live in the practical messiness of family life. When you weigh cost, style, and function, think about how the curtains will grow with your family—not just solve immediate light issues.
If you want a quick decision:
- Go NICETOWN or Eclipse for reliable blackout performance.
- Choose Pottery Barn Kids or layered systems if the room is a long-term design investment.
- Pick cellular shades or Lutron if safety and energy efficiency matter most.
If you tell me your window measurements, preferred style (modern, boho, classic), and budget, I’ll map the ideal options and show exact panel sizes and rod recommendations so you can order with confidence.