7 Best Thermal Blackout Curtains Influencers Recommend
Introduction — Budget Options First
I always start by looking at budget options because good sleep and energy savings shouldn’t cost a fortune. There are excellent thermal blackout curtains under $50 per panel that still block light, reduce noise a bit, and give your room a polished look. You can get the insulating benefits without sacrificing texture or color, which is perfect when you’re mixing style with smart spending.
Why do YouTubers I follow often recommend budget-friendly lines? Because they test longevity, light-blocking, and real insulation — not just marketing copy. I want to help you choose pieces that actually perform and still look beautiful in your home.
Why Trust These Recommendations
Top home decor YouTubers and channels such as The Home Edit-adjacent stylists, Chris Loves Julia, and Apartment Therapy contributors test products on-camera — from darkening bedrooms to cooling sunlit living rooms. They don’t just hang curtains; they measure light leakage, test fabric thickness, and note shrinkage after washing. I’ve pulled together the products these creators recommend most often, plus my hands-on perspective.
Every curtain here is real and available to order. I focus on style and function: texture, color range, thermal lining, hardware compatibility, and real-world dimensions so you won’t need to guess.
What I Look For: Practical Buying Criteria
- Thermal performance: Look for triple-weave polyester or a dedicated thermal/aluminized backing for real insulation.
- Blackout rating: Total blackout (99–100%) vs. room-darkening (70–90%) — decide by your sleep needs.
- Fabric weight and hand-feel: Heavier weight usually means better insulation; I prefer soft, drapey polyester blends.
- Light-blocking construction: Pinch pleat or grommet headings with overlap and wraparound to minimize side light leaks.
- Dimensions and fullness: For luxury drape, aim for 2x the window width; for minimal bulk, 1.5x can work.
- Care and durability: Machine-washable vs. dry clean only; pre-shrunk fabric is ideal.
- Aesthetic versatility: Neutral palettes, textured weaves, and subtle sheen fit most modern homes.
- Value proposition: Cost per panel vs. expected lifespan and energy savings.
1) NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains — Best Overall Value
I often recommend NICETOWN to friends because it balances price and performance in a way that feels smart. The grommet-top panels come in 42″, 52″, and 84″ widths and lengths from 63″ to 108″, so they fit most windows and sliding doors.
Features:
- Material: Triple-weave polyester with thermal backing.
- Colors: 40+ shades including Linen, Charcoal Gray, and Navy.
- Blackout: True blackout (99%+).
- Special: Noise-reducing texture, energy-saving insulation.
Testimony: I put a set in my bedroom and noticed less morning glare and a cooler room in summer. The fabric is dense but surprisingly soft — a matte finish that photographs beautifully on Pinterest-style moodboards.
Why creators like it: YouTubers praise NICETOWN for consistent sizing, easy installation on existing rods, and a wide color palette that matches staged rooms. Value-wise, the panels often retail under $40 each, so it’s a low-risk buy.
Value proposition: Great balance of style, thermal performance, and price — the best starter option if you want visible results without splurging.
2) HLC.ME Triple Weave Blackout Curtains — Best for Sleep-Focused Rooms
When my friend wanted a blackout solution that truly mimicked hotel-room darkness, I suggested HLC.ME. Many sleep-focused YouTubers test this line for light blockage and white noise muffling.
Features:
- Material: Heavyweight triple-weave polyester, soft brushed face.
- Colors: Classic neutrals—Ivory, Steel Gray, Chocolate—plus jewel tones.
- Sizes: Widths 42″ & 52″, lengths from 63″ to 120″.
- Heading: Grommet or rod pocket options.
- Blackout: 99–100% blackout rating.
Testimony: I swapped bedroom curtains to HLC.ME and my sleep improved — the room felt cocooned and quieter. The fabric has a velvety hand without being fuzzy, adding a luxe tone-on-tone texture to the room.
Why creators recommend it: Tested for both blackout and thermal retention, many reviewers note measurable drops in room temperature and dramatic reduction in light during sunrise.
Value proposition: Higher weight for stricter sleepers; price is mid-range but justified by superior darkness and cozy drape.
3) Eclipse Blackout Drapery — Best for Color & Pattern Variety
Eclipse is a familiar brand on decor channels because they offer printed and patterned blackout options that don’t look utilitarian. If you want thermal function without sacrificing pattern — this is it.
Features:
- Material: Polyester with a thermal blackout backing.
- Colors/Patterns: Florals, geometric prints, textured solids — dozens of options.
- Sizes: Standard combos up to extra-long lengths; also available in custom widths.
- Blackout: True blackout in most lines; check product specifics.
Testimony: I used a pair of Eclipse printed panels in my office — the botanical print gave instant personality while keeping glare off my computer late at night. The fabric hangs well, and the backing feels substantial.
Why creators recommend it: Fashion-forward rooms need patterned thermal curtains; many influencers highlight Eclipse for making blackout curtains part of the decor, not just a utility.
Value proposition: Great for style-conscious buyers who want variety; moderate pricing with frequent sales.
4) Pottery Barn Classic Thermal Blackout Linen Blend — Best for Textured, Designer Look
When you want a designer-caliber curtain, Pottery Barn’s Classic Thermal Linen-Blend drapery gets recommended by serious room stylists and YouTube interior designers. It brings that tactile, natural-luxe aesthetic.
Features:
- Material: Linen-cotton blend face with a thermal backing.
- Colors: Warm neutrals—Oat, Stone, Soft White—and seasonal tones.
- Sizes: Wide range including custom-length options (up to 120″+).
- Finish: Rod pocket, back-tab, and grommet options.
- Blackout: High room-darkening with thermal insulation.
Testimony: Hanging these in my living room added an airy yet structured finish; the textured weave catches light in a pleasing way on cloudy afternoons. They feel like investment pieces.
Why creators recommend it: The linen texture photographs well and layers beautifully with sheers; many YouTubers use Pottery Barn for staged living room tours.
Value proposition: Higher price but excellent material feel and customizable sizing — ideal when aesthetics are a priority and budget is flexible.
5) West Elm Cotton Blackout Lined Drapes — Best for Modern Minimalists
West Elm’s lined drapery is a go-to for clean, modern spaces. Influencers often highlight these for their sleek silhouettes and curated colorways.
Features:
- Material: 100% cotton face with a blackout lining.
- Colors: Soft neutrals and deep jewel tones like Forest and Indigo.
- Sizes: Custom lengths and standard sizes; widths typically in 50″ panels.
- Heading: Grommet and rod pocket options.
- Blackout: Room-darkening with thermal benefits from the lining.
Testimony: I used West Elm panels in a guest room and loved the matte, woven texture that didn’t look too heavy. The lining gives structure so panels fall in clean, straight folds.
Why creators recommend it: Clean, modern design that pairs with brass or matte-black hardware; popular in boutique hotel-style room makeovers.
Value proposition: Mid-to-high price, attractive for shoppers who want a sophisticated, modern look with reliable performance.
6) Best Home Fashion Blackout Curtains — Best on a Tight Budget
If you’re furnishing a rental or need an immediate, affordable solution, Best Home Fashion shows up in many haul videos. They’re inexpensive but surprising in functionality.
Features:
- Material: Polyester with a blackout thermal backing.
- Colors: Wide selection, including trendy hues like blush and sage.
- Sizes: Standard widths (42″, 52″) with multiple lengths up to 108″.
- Heading: Grommet, rod pocket or tab-top.
- Blackout: 90–99% depending on color and fit.
Testimony: I used a set in a spare room to test how much light could be reduced on a budget. They weren’t heavy, but when mounted with a proper overlap, they cut morning light significantly.
Why creators recommend it: Fast, cost-effective refresh — perfect for college students, temporary apartments, or staging homes for sale.
Value proposition: Lowest price point here; excellent for quick upgrades and short-term rentals where cost trumps longevity.
7) Pottery Barn Teen Velvet Blackout Drapes (or PB Teen Luxe Velvet) — Best for Luxury & Noise Reduction
Velvet-lined blackout drapes are often favored on channels that stage cozy bedrooms and nurseries. Pottery Barn Teen’s velvet options (now often folded into Pottery Barn or West Elm seasonal lines) are thick, lush, and great for noise reduction.
Features:
- Material: Polyester velvet face with heavy blackout lining.
- Colors: Rich jewel tones — Emerald, Plum, Deep Teal — and classic neutrals.
- Sizes: Often 50″ wide by lengths up to 120″.
- Heading: Grommet or back-tab; lined for full coverage.
- Blackout: Near-total blackout; excellent at insulating and buffering sound.
Testimony: I installed these in a street-facing bedroom and noticed both light reduction and a dulling of traffic noise. The velvet pile feels sumptuous — it photographs like a magazine spread.
Why creators recommend it: The texture and depth read luxury on camera, and they’re excellent for creating dramatic, cozy bedrooms or boutique hotel vibes.
Value proposition: Higher cost but strong visual payoff and functional benefits for sound damping and insulation.
How I Tested and What I Noticed (Practical Notes)
I hang curtains in different rooms, measure morning light levels (by eye and with a lux meter when possible), and check thermal performance in summer and winter. Fit is crucial: even the best panel fails if your brackets leave gaps. I also wash select samples to see shrinkage and colorfastness.
Short takeaways:
- Heavyweight triple-weave > thin lined panels for insulation.
- Wraparound/side return features matter for early morning sun.
- Grommets vs. rod pocket: grommets give cleaner folds; pocket is softer.
- Color intensity can vary by material — velvet vs. woven polyester shows fabric depth differently.
Styling Tips from YouTube Creators I Follow
- Layer sheers behind blackout panels for daytime privacy and soft light.
- Hang curtains 6–12 inches above the window frame and extend beyond the trim to make windows appear larger.
- Use a double rod to combine blackout on the back and decorative sheer on the front.
- Pleat fullness: buy panels 1.5–2x your window width for a luxurious look.
- Pair textured neutrals with metallic hardware for minimalist glam.
What to Look For — Quick Checklist
- Panel width and length: confirm before ordering.
- Return policy & free samples: helpful for color accuracy.
- Hardware compatibility: measure rod diameter and ring groove width.
- Care instructions: machine-washable vs. dry clean; pre-shrunk fabrics reduce surprises.
- Privacy vs. darkness needs: decide true blackout vs. room-darkening.
- Energy goals: look for thermal backing or aluminized layers for measurable savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do blackout curtains really save energy? A: Yes. Thick, lined thermal curtains reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. You’ll see the best effect when panels are close to the wall, cover the whole window, and have side overlaps.
Q: Can I machine-wash these curtains without damaging the thermal backing? A: Many polyester triple-weave and some lined curtains are machine-washable on gentle. Always check the manufacturer label. Pottery Barn and West Elm sometimes recommend dry cleaning for linen blends to preserve texture.
Q: How do I measure for panels? A: Measure window width, then multiply by 1.5–2 for fullness. Standard panel widths are 42″ or 52″; determine how many panels you need accordingly. Measure from where you’ll mount the rod to the floor for length.
Q: Do blackout curtains block sound? A: They reduce some sound, especially heavy, dense fabrics like velvet or heavyweight triple-weave. For serious soundproofing, pair curtains with rugs, upholstered furniture, and window sealing.
Q: Which heading type is best? A: Grommet panels give even pleats and are great for modern spaces. Pinch pleat or rod-pocket headings suit traditional rooms. Consider how often you’ll open/close the curtains — grommets glide easily.
My Personal Picks by Room Type
- Bedroom (total darkness): HLC.ME Triple Weave or Pottery Barn Teen Velvet.
- Living room (style + thermal): West Elm Cotton Lined or Pottery Barn Classic Linen Blend.
- Kids/Guest room (budget + color): Best Home Fashion or NICETOWN.
- Office (pattern + light control): Eclipse patterned blackout curtains.
Final Buying Advice — Helping You Decide
Ask yourself three questions:
- Do I need total darkness or just reduced glare?
- Is texture/appearance a priority or is function most important?
- What’s my budget per panel, and how many panels will I need?
If you want my short recommendation: start with NICETOWN for an affordable, highly-rated baseline. If you need luxury and sound reduction, invest in velvet or heavyweight linen-blend from Pottery Barn. For patterned options that still perform, Eclipse will be your best bet.
Quick Comparison Summary (for visual shoppers)
- NICETOWN: best value, soft matte finish, versatile colors.
- HLC.ME: best for strict sleepers, heavy triple-weave.
- Eclipse: best for patterns and decor-forward choices.
- Pottery Barn Classic: best textured, linen-like designer look.
- West Elm: best modern minimalism and clean silhouettes.
- Best Home Fashion: best tight-budget option.
- Pottery Barn Teen Velvet: best for luxury, sound buffering.
Closing Thought
Choosing the right thermal blackout curtain is a blend of practicality and aesthetics. I treat curtains like jewelry for the window: they need to look good, last, and do work. These seven options are the ones I see creators testing, praising, and returning to because they actually deliver — whether you need budget-friendly blackout, designer texture, or hotel-level darkness. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle, measure carefully, and don’t be afraid to layer for the best of both worlds.