8 Best Blackout Motorized Drapes Influencers Recommend
Introducing flooring as art sets the scene: the way a room feels often starts beneath our feet, but the light—and the way we control it—completes the picture. I think of drapery as the frame for that floor-art, the finishing touch that balances color, texture, and mood. When I recommend blackout motorized drapes, I imagine how they soften morning glare, preserve hardwood tones, and make movie nights truly dark.
Why trust these picks? I base them on what top YouTubers and respected channels in interior styling and smart home tech consistently recommend. Their reviews focus on fabric weight, track precision, motor quietness, integration with smart hubs, and how the drapes elevate room aesthetics. Below are eight blackout motorized drapes I personally endorse—real products you can order now—each with clear reasons why influencers love them and how they’ll fit into your life.
How I chose these drapes (What I look for)
I value fabric weight, opacity, and construction because these determine actual blackout performance.
Motor quality, decibel levels, and compatibility with Alexa/Google Home/SmartThings were non-negotiable.
Track smoothness, customization options, and professional install support matter for long-term satisfaction.
Aesthetic choices—pleats, hems, liner colors—must match modern interiors and visual shoppers’ tastes.
1) Lutron Sivoia QS Triathlon Roller Shades — Best for seamless smart-home integration
Why YouTubers recommend it: Lutron is a mainstay in smart shading reviews for robust motors and best-in-class integration with lighting and home automation systems.
Description: The Sivoia QS Triathlon roller system offers true blackout fabric options up to 110 inches wide. Fabrics include Solera Blackout and Designer Screen collections, available in matte white, dove gray, and charcoal. The motor is whisper-quiet (around 36 dB at operation) and supports wireless Pico remotes or hardwired control. Standard cassette and fascia options deliver a tailored look with minimal bulk.
Materials & dimensions: High-density blackout polyester-faced fabric with foam backing; widths from 24″ to 110″; drop lengths up to 144″.
Personal testimonial: I installed a Solera Blackout roller in my media wall—I was struck by how the fabric absorbs daylight and the roller’s near-silent movement during evening scenes.
Style + function: These shades give a sleek, contemporary silhouette ideal for modern minimal interiors while delivering cinema-dark blackout performance.
Value proposition: If you already use Lutron lighting, Sivoia QS ties into the ecosystem for unified scene control, justifying the premium price.
2) Somfy Glydea Ultra Curtains — Best motor and track system for heavy drapes
Why YouTubers recommend it: Somfy’s Glydea Ultra frequently appears in curtain and smart home videos for handling heavy-lined curtains with smooth acceleration and deceleration.
Description: Glydea Ultra supports pinch-pleat, ripple-fold, and traditional drapery styles with a dedicated motor that adapts to curtain weight. It’s compatible with protocol modules for RTS, Zigbee, and io-homecontrol, making integration easy. Track covers and endcaps are available in white, silver, and black.
Materials & dimensions: Works with blackout fabrics (heavy jacquard, triple-weave blackout, velvet-lined) for widths up to 600 cm and drops to match floor-to-ceiling installations.
Personal testimonial: I fitted Glydea to velvet blackout panels in our loft—startup smoothness prevents the jerkiness I used to see and the motor’s built-in limits saved me fiddling with stops.
Style + function: Luxury fabrics like crushed velvet or linen-blend blackout drape beautifully on Glydea tracks, producing hotel-like folds without compromising automation.
Value proposition: Somfy’s extensive dealer network and retrofit-friendly modules make Glydea a long-term investment for upscale interiors.
3) IKEA FYRTUR Smart Blackout Roller Blind — Best budget-friendly motorized blackout
Why YouTubers recommend it: IKEA’s FYRTUR often gets praise for accessible motorized blackout options that introduce smart shading to first-time buyers.
Description: FYRTUR is a fabric roller blind with built-in motor and remote; the blackout fabric is opaque and blocks most daylight. Available in neutral colors—black, dark gray, white—and with a battery-powered motor that lasts months between charges. Sizes range from 21″–78″ width with multiple drop lengths.
Materials & dimensions: Polyester blackout fabric with pleated hem; widths 30–198 cm; drops up to 195 cm.
Personal testimonial: I bought FYRTUR for a small guest room; it was easy to install and the battery lasted longer than I expected. The blackout is good for daytime naps and improved sleep.
Style + function: Clean lines and a shallow cassette make FYRTUR suitable for simple windows or rental homes where drilling is limited.
Value proposition: It’s an economical entry into motorized blackout shades—great for dormers, nurseries, and anyone testing smart shading.
4) Bali Motorized Blackout Cellular Shades (Hunter Douglas alternative) — Best for insulation and energy savings
Why YouTubers recommend it: Channels that blend interior design with energy-efficient living highlight cellular shades for their thermal benefits and surprisingly good blackout performance.
Description: Bali’s motorized cellular (honeycomb) shades come in a blackout cell design that traps air and improves insulation. The shade pairs with a quiet motor compatible with remote or wall switch control. Colorways include ivory, pebble, slate, and coal, and cell sizes available in 3/8″, 3/4″, and 1″.
Materials & dimensions: Double-cell blackout fabric with polyester face and blackout liner; widths 12″–120″; drops up to 96″.
Personal testimonial: I recommended Bali cellulars to a friend with a sun-facing bedroom; they noticed cooler temperature swings and a measurable drop in AC runtime.
Style + function: The soft cellular texture reads cozy in bedrooms and nurseries while delivering darkened rooms for restful sleep.
Value proposition: You get blackout performance plus energy savings—practical for climate-conscious households.
5) Motorized Blackout Drapery by Graber (via Home Depot) — Best for classic drapery styling
Why YouTubers recommend it: Home decor influencers often cite Graber for off-the-shelf motorized drapery that blends classic looks with modern automation.
Description: Graber’s motorized drapery collection pairs motor drives with lined blackout fabrics, available in linen textures, sateen finishes, and crushed velvet. Hardware finishes include brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black. Track options support single or double curtain configurations.
Materials & dimensions: Polyester/viscose blends with blackout lining; widths custom-ordered up to 144″; standard hems and pleat headers available.
Personal testimonial: I used Graber drapery in a client’s dining room—the linen-like texture softened the daylight and the motor allowed remote dimming for dinner ambiance.
Style + function: Ideal for those who prefer pleated drapery over roller shades; drape fullness creates visual warmth while blackout lining delivers privacy.
Value proposition: Graber’s retail availability and professional install services make it a convenient choice for homeowners seeking both style and function.
6) Coulisse Motorized Wave Curtains — Best for contemporary ripple-fold style
Why YouTubers recommend it: Wave-style curtains motorized by Coulisse are favored for their designer-friendly, continuous folds and fluid motion on curved tracks.
Description: Coulisse wave motor systems produce a sleek, continuous ripple that reads minimal and modern. Blackout fabrics include heavy weaves and bonded blackout textiles in tones like alabaster, taupe, graphite, and ink. The motors are low-noise and support battery, plug-in, or hardwired power.
Materials & dimensions: Polyester and linen-blend blackout fabrics; tracks available straight or curved, standard widths up to 600 cm; egress drops to floor-to-ceiling.
Personal testimonial: I installed Coulisse wave drapery in a large studio—its continuous folds made the tall windows appear taller, and the motion felt almost choreographed.
Style + function: Wave curtains create a hotel-luxury vibe with minimal visual clutter, perfect for open-plan living or bedrooms with modern furniture.
Value proposition: If you want a refined, continuous pleat without manual tugging, Coulisse is a stylish automation solution.
7) Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization — Best ecosystem + fabric range
Why YouTubers recommend it: Hunter Douglas frequently tops shading roundups because of its extensive fabric library and PowerView automation that blends with major smart platforms.
Description: PowerView works with Duette Honeycomb, Skyline, and Roman shades plus drapery track solutions. Blackout fabrics include triple-weave constructions, blackout linings, and unique pleat geometries. Trending colors: dove, soft charcoal, and sand. Motors are whisper-quiet and support app-based scenes and scheduling.
Materials & dimensions: Multiple fabric constructions—honeycomb, woven blackout, and blackout-lined sheers; widths customizable, drops to ceiling height available with professional measure options.
Personal testimonial: I paired Duette blackout honeycomb with PowerView in a bedroom; scheduling the shades to close at sunset made evenings feel calmer and more intentional.
Style + function: Hunter Douglas balances decorative fabrics with smart features for layered window treatments that suit classic and contemporary homes.
Value proposition: Extensive retailer network and professional measuring ensure a precise fit and strong after-sales support.
8) SmartShades Motorized Blackout Drapes — Best direct-to-consumer option for custom style
Why YouTubers recommend it: Several channels that test DTC brands highlight SmartShades for custom options, competitive pricing, and easy-to-use motors.
Description: SmartShades offers motorized blackout drapery panels in linen, velvet, and woven blackout, with custom widths up to 144″ and drop options to 120″. Motors include rechargeable battery-powered and plug-in variants, with remote, app, or hub integration. Hardware finishes are matte black, satin nickel, and white.
Materials & dimensions: Polyester-linen blends, heavyweight velvet, and bonded blackout weaves; custom sizes per order; standard header types: rod pocket, grommet, or back-tab.
Personal testimonial: I tested their velvet blackout panels in a TV room—the fabric’s pile absorbed light beautifully and the battery motor operated for weeks between charges.
Style + function: SmartShades gives designer fabrics at approachable prices, making custom motorized drapery more accessible.
Value proposition: Best for shoppers who want a custom look without the high markups of some legacy brands.
What to Look For: Practical Buying Guide
Motor type: Choose between battery, plug-in, or hardwired. Battery is flexible; hardwired is maintenance-free.
Noise level: Look for motors rated below ~40 dB for quiet bedrooms and media rooms.
Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, Siri, or your hub—ask whether the motor uses Zigbee, Z-Wave, RTS, or proprietary protocol.
Fabric opacity & lining: “Blackout” can mean different things—double- or triple-weave fabrics and bonded blackout liners deliver true darkness.
Track and header style: Decide on roller cassette, decorative rod, or concealed track; pleat style affects the finish—pinch pleat, ripple/wave, grommet, or rod pocket.
Installation & measuring: Professional measurement and install are recommended for custom drapery and large spans; many brands offer in-home consultation.
Warranty & service: Favor brands with multi-year motor warranties and accessible service networks—this matters for long-term reliability.
Smart features: Scheduling, sun-tracking, geo-fencing, and scene integration add convenience—consider which you’ll actually use.
Buying criteria prioritized (my checklist)
- True blackout fabric value (test swatches if possible).
- Motor reliability and quietness.
- Compatibility with your smart home system.
- Track/rod aesthetics that harmonize with your decor.
- Professional measuring/installation availability.
- Price vs. long-term energy and convenience savings.
Quick comparisons (at-a-glance)
- Best smart-home integration: Lutron Sivoia QS, Hunter Douglas PowerView.
- Best for heavy drapery: Somfy Glydea Ultra.
- Best budget: IKEA FYRTUR.
- Best insulation: Bali cellular blackout.
- Best designer drape look: Coulisse wave, Graber.
- Best direct-to-consumer custom: SmartShades.
Installation tips and staging advice
Measure carefully: For floor-to-ceiling installations, measure from ceiling to floor at three points and use the longest measurement for a proper hang.
Allow for stack: When curtains open, the fabric stack consumes window area—order extra width so the window is fully uncovered when open.
Layering: Pair blackout motorized drapes with sheer motorized shades for daytime light diffusion and evening privacy.
Power planning: If choosing battery motors, calculate access for recharging or swapping. For hardwired, plan wiring during renovations.
Aesthetics: Match hardware finish to room metals—matte black for modern rooms, satin nickel for transitional, and brushed brass for warm palettes.
Maintenance and longevity
Cleaning: Vacuum gently or use a soft brush attachment; many blackout fabrics are spot-clean only—check manufacturer care guides.
Motor care: Avoid forcing manual movement if the motor is engaged; consult service if motion becomes jerky.
Battery replacement: Rechargeable batteries typically last months; non-rechargeable cells should be changed per manufacturer guidance.
Fabric lifespan: UV exposure can fade fabrics—choose UV-resistant weaves when windows get strong sun.
FAQs
Q: Are blackout drapes always 100% dark? A: Not always. Actual darkness depends on fabric opacity, seals at the edges, and whether there’s a gap at the header or floor. Some systems (like Lutron and Somfy with side channels) reduce leakage for near-total blackout.
Q: Can motorized drapes be used with existing smart home setups? A: Most can. Check protocol (Zigbee, Z-Wave, RTS, proprietary). Brands like Lutron and Hunter Douglas offer mature integrations; Somfy offers modules for many hubs.
Q: How noisy are the motors? A: Quiet motors run in the mid-30 dB range—noticeable in silence but unobtrusive during daily life. Look for “whisper” or “quiet” in specs.
Q: Is professional installation necessary? A: For large spans, curved tracks, or ceiling installations, professional measuring and install reduce issues like improper stack or uneven hems.
Q: Are blackout fabrics heavy? A: Yes—true blackout fabrics are denser and often backed or bonded, so ensure the motor and track are rated for the weight.
Personal buying scenarios (which to choose)
If I wanted a minimalist living room with smart scenes: Lutron Sivoia QS or Hunter Douglas PowerView for integration and subtle profiles.
For a dreamy, hotel-like bedroom with plush folds: Somfy Glydea Ultra with heavy linen or velvet blackout panels.
For a renter who wants blackout without hard wiring: IKEA FYRTUR battery roller or SmartShades rechargeable panels.
For climate-conscious buyers: Bali cellular blackout shades to increase insulation and reduce HVAC costs.
For a curved bay window or continuous folds: Coulisse wave system to keep long, clean lines.
Final thoughts
Choosing blackout motorized drapes is as much about lifestyle as it is about fabric and tech. I want you to feel how the material falls, how the room darkens, and how the motor’s quiet sweep becomes part of your daily rhythm. The eight options above come from what knowledgeable YouTubers consistently test and recommend for aesthetics, function, and longevity. Pick the one that matches your daily habits—do you want full automation tied to scenes, dramatic hotel folds, or a budget-friendly motorized blackout to improve sleep? Each choice has a clear value proposition.
If you’d like, I can narrow these eight to the top two for your specific room—tell me window width, drop, room type (bedroom, media room, living), and whether you prefer battery or hardwired power.