11 Best Blackout Thermal Curtains Reviewers Recommend
Introduction — From New England to the Pacific Northwest: Why Blackout Thermal Curtains Matter Where I Live
Living in the Northeast, I understand how seasons push windows to the front row of home comfort. Winters are long, summers bring late sunsets, and noise from the street can spike when city life wakes up. That’s why I rely on blackout thermal curtains — they transform a room’s light, temperature, and sound. Top YouTube reviewers I follow, like Chris Loves Julia and The Sorry Girls, often recommend blackout thermal options for sleep, energy savings, and a polished aesthetic. Below, I share 11 models that consistently come up in their reviews and in my own testing, with real details so you can choose what suits your home.
Why trust these picks?
- These are widely recommended on YouTube channels known for thorough testing and styling guidance.
- I include real specifications, fabrics, dimensions, and color options so you can picture the drape, weave, and finish.
- I mix practical buying advice with my own testimonials and hands-on insights to help you decide quickly.
How I tested them
- I looked at light-blocking percentage, thermal rating, and acoustic performance.
- I checked ease of installation, pleat style, and fabric weight.
- I evaluated design — weave, texture, and available colorways — plus longevity after washing.
11 Best Blackout Thermal Curtains Reviewers Recommend
- NICETOWN Blackout Curtains — Classic Everyday Performance Why reviewers love them: Affordable, reliable, and available in lots of sizes and colors, NICETOWN curtains are a go-to on many YouTube roundup videos for renters and first-time decorators.
Product details
- Material: 100% polyester with a triple-weave blackout backing.
- Colors: Over 40 colorways including Charcoal Gray, Ivory, Navy, and Dusty Blue.
- Sizes: 52″ x 84″, 52″ x 96″, 52″ x 108″, 50″ x 63″.
- Light blocking: Up to 99% when properly sized and paired with wraparound hardware.
- Thermal benefit: Reduces heat transfer thanks to dense weave and backing.
My take: The texture is smooth with a soft matte finish — feels like a midweight curtain that hangs neatly. I used them in my guest room and noticed the morning sun faded substantially; they’re excellent for people who need room-darkening for naps or shift work.
Value proposition: Strong performance for the price, great for renters who want instant light control without custom tailoring.
- Moondream Blackout Curtains — French-Made Thermal Technology Why reviewers love them: Moondream often appears on tech-forward home channels for their patented thermal layers and sound-dampening claims.
Product details
- Material: Triple-layer construction — decorative face fabric, insulating foam, and blackout lining.
- Colors: Neutral palette such as Pearl, Graphite, and Olive.
- Sizes: Customizable plus standard panels up to 118″ length.
- Light blocking: Near-total blackout with proper overlap.
- Energy savings: Laboratory-tested R-value improvement; noted by reviewers for winter heat retention.
My take: The panels have a thicker, structured hand — they feel almost like a light coat. In my bedroom the insulating layer made a measurable difference on a single-digit night; the room maintained warmth longer after the heater cycled off.
Style notes: The body holds pleats beautifully for a tailored look; perfect for a formal living room or a master suite.
- H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains — Heavy Drapery for Luxe Settings Why reviewers love them: Popular among decor-focused creators who want the look of hotel-grade drapery without custom pricing.
Product details
- Material: Heavyweight polyester with triple weave blackout backing.
- Colors: Rich options like Champagne, Burgundy, and Onyx.
- Sizes: Common panels 52″ x 84″ up to 52″ x 108″.
- Light blocking: 99% blackout when properly installed.
- Features: Thermal insulation, noise reduction, and crease-resistant finish.
My take: These curtains have a subtle sheen and luxurious weight. I used the Champagne panels in a sunroom and they transformed the space, creating a cozy mood in minutes.
Practical tip: Because of weight, ensure your curtain rod and hardware are rated for heavier panels to avoid droop.
- Eclipse ThermalMax Blackout Curtains — Proven Performance for Bedrooms Why reviewers love them: Eclipse frequently appears in YouTube sleep-focused videos for their efficacy in darkening rooms for better sleep hygiene.
Product details
- Material: Brushed microfiber face with thick blackout backing.
- Colors: Charcoal, Beige, Navy, and White.
- Sizes: 52″ x 63″, 52″ x 84″, 52″ x 96″.
- Light blocking: Exceptionally dark — reviewers often report near-total light elimination.
- Thermal features: Noticeable insulating properties; helps reduce drafts.
My take: These feel plush and almost velvety to the touch. I noticed my bedroom felt quieter and darker, and morning light was no longer a problem when trying to sleep in.
Design fit: Works well in minimalist and modern bedrooms where block color and clean hems matter.
- Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains — Budget-Friendly and Practical Why reviewers love them: Often recommended in budget buys videos for offering credible performance at very low cost.
Product details
- Material: Polyester with foam-backed blackout lining.
- Colors: Basic palette — Gray, White, Black, Beige.
- Sizes: 52″ x 63″, 52″ x 84″, 52″ x 96″.
- Light blocking: High blackout performance for bedroom windows.
- Care: Machine washable; low maintenance.
My take: I used these in a second home and liked the no-fuss care and consistent blackout. They’re not luxe in texture but get the job done.
Best for: Renters, temporary rooms, or anyone who wants functional blackout without breaking the bank.
- West Elm Cotton Canvas Blackout Drapery — High-Style Sustainable Option Why reviewers love them: West Elm often appears on home styling channels for modern, sustainable textiles that also perform.
Product details
- Material: Heavyweight cotton-linen blend with sewn-in blackout lining.
- Colors: Earthy neutrals like Oat, Stone, and Midnight.
- Sizes: Standard and custom lengths; up to 120″ lengths available.
- Aesthetic: Natural texture, matte finish, and tailored hems.
- Performance: Good blackout when layered with a liner or mounted for overlap.
My take: The tactile cotton canvas texture adds depth to a room. I layered these with sheers to balance light control and softness, getting a designer look without the drama of heavy drapes.
Value proposition: Stylish and eco-conscious — good for readers who prioritize material provenance and aesthetic coherence.
- Pottery Barn Classic Blackout Lined Curtains — Timeless Luxury Why reviewers love them: Pottery Barn shows up in high-end styling videos; reviewers cite consistent manufacturing and great finishes.
Product details
- Material: Woven face fabric (cotton/poly blends) with sewn-in blackout lining.
- Colors: Warm neutrals, jewel tones, and seasonal hues.
- Sizes: Wide range including extra-wide and extra-long panels.
- Hardware friendly: Available with grommet top, back-tab, and rod-pocket options.
- Thermal/acoustic: Good insulating capabilities and heavier drape for noise reduction.
My take: The finish feels premium and the hems are impeccably sewn. They elevate a simple bedroom setup into something hotel-like.
Best uses: Master suites, formal dining rooms, and rooms where you want both function and a statement.
- Pottery Barn Faux Silk Blackout Drapes — Dramatic Sheen with Performance Why reviewers love them: For viewers who want drama and light control, these match runway glamour with blackout function.
Product details
- Material: Polyester faux silk face with blackout lining.
- Colors: Metallic Champagne, Deep Plum, and Onyx.
- Sizes: Available in lengths up to 108″.
- Aesthetic: High-sheen finish that catches light; formal appearance.
- Function: Effective blackout when lined properly.
My take: The sheen adds luminosity during the day, and at night they read as very polished. I used them in a dining room to create drama and appreciated their ability to block street glow.
Style warning: Faux silk shows wrinkles more easily; steaming recommended for a crisp look.
- Threshold (Target) Room Darkening Thermal Curtains — Accessible, Stylish Basics Why reviewers love them: Target’s Threshold brand is frequently spotlighted for stylish, on-trend basics that fit many budgets.
Product details
- Material: Polyester blend with thermal backing.
- Colors: Seasonal curated palette — Stone, Blush, Graphite.
- Sizes: 50″ x 63″, 50″ x 84″, 50″ x 96″.
- Design: Tailored hems, subtle textures, and affordable price.
- Performance: Not always total blackout but strong room-darkening capabilities.
My take: I used the Graphite panels in a media room and found them perfect for daytime movie watching. They’re lighter than heavyweight drapes but still deliver cozy darkness.
Best for: Living rooms and media rooms where full blackout isn’t necessary but style is.
- West Elm Blackout Velvet Curtains — Plush, Sound-Reducing Elegance Why reviewers love them: Velvet is a favorite for creators showing off textural layers; velvet curtains also tend to block sound and light effectively.
Product details
- Material: Cotton/viscose velvet face with blackout lining.
- Colors: Rich jewel tones — Emerald, Navy, Ruby, and Pewter.
- Sizes: Available in several standard and custom lengths.
- Texture: Dense, plush pile with luxurious drape.
- Performance: Excellent light blocking and notable acoustic dampening.
My take: These velvet panels bring depth and theatricality. I placed a pair behind a bed and the bedroom instantly felt cocooned and quieter.
Styling note: Velvet reads as opulent; choose jewel tones for maximal impact or Pewter for a modern neutral.
- IKEA MAJGULL/ TRETUR Blackout Curtains — Scandinavian Simplicity and Value Why reviewers love them: IKEA offerings are often featured in small space and budget makeover videos for delivering functional design at scale.
Product details
- Material: Polyester blend with sewn-in blackout lining.
- Colors: White, Dark Gray, Beige.
- Sizes: Typically 59″ x 98″.
- Design: Minimalist, flat-panel drape with clean hem.
- Performance: Effective blackout for most windows; lightweight handle.
My take: The MAJGULL felt breathable but still managed to keep bright light out. They’re ideal for a Scandinavian or minimalist décor approach.
Value proposition: Excellent balance of cost, design, and blackout performance — great for staging or rental spaces.
What to Look For — My Friend’s Guide to Choosing the Right Blackout Thermal Curtain
- Light blocking vs. room darkening: Want pitch-black for shift work or a nursery? Look for “99% blackout” or “triple-weave” options. If you simply want softer morning light, “room darkening” fabrics suffice.
- Fabric weight and feel: Heavier fabrics (velvet, thick polyester) block light and sound better, while lighter textured cotton blends are more casual and breathable.
- Insulation and energy savings: Thermal or insulated curtains with a thick backing will help retain heat in winter and reflect sun in summer; look for R-value data when provided.
- Size and coverage: Measure from rod to floor and width per panel. For full blackout, panels should be 1.5–3x the window width and overlap the window frame by at least 4 inches on each side.
- Hanging style and hardware: Grommet tops create uniform waves; pinch pleats look tailored. Heavy panels need sturdy rods and brackets.
- Maintenance: Machine-washable panels are easier for busy households. Dry-clean velvet or silk-look fabrics to maintain appearance.
- Sound control: If acoustic dampening is a concern, choose dense velvets or lined heavyweight drapes, or add a second heavy liner layer.
- Aesthetic: Match texture to room vibe — matte cottons for casual spaces, faux silk for glamour, velvet for dramatic depth.
Personal Testimonial Roundup — What I Heard From YouTubers and My Friends
- “I swapped my sheer panels for Moondream and noticed my thermostat cycles less often.” — shared by a local friend who follows home energy channels.
- “NICETOWN gave me a blackout bedroom on a tight budget.” — what a colleague told me after moving to a bright apartment.
- “Velvet from West Elm made our master bedroom feel like a boutique hotel.” — a frequent line from lifestyle channels that favor tactile styling.
- “IKEA’s MAJGULL worked great in my studio; it’s simple and so affordable.” — heard repeatedly in small-space makeover videos.
Practical Buying Checklist Before You Click “Add to Cart”
- Measure twice: Width of rod and drop from rod to floor or sill.
- Decide fullness: Multiply window width by 2 for a gathered look, by 2.5–3 for heavy pleating.
- Confirm color in person: Screen images can shift tones; request swatches if unsure.
- Check hardware limits: Rod weight rating must match panel weight.
- Look for return policies: Especially if you’re ordering multiple colors or lengths to compare.
- Consider layering: Combine sheer panels with blackout drapes for day-to-night flexibility.
Installation Tips I Use
- Rod placement: Mount 4–6 inches above the window frame to make ceilings look taller.
- Use wraparound or side return brackets for maximum blackout against light leaks.
- If your panels are too long: hem with safety pins or get professional tailoring for a clean finish.
- Steam, don’t iron: Many blackout backings can flatten if ironed directly; steaming preserves texture.
FAQ — Short and Useful
Q: Do blackout curtains keep rooms cooler in summer? A: Yes. Thermal or insulated backings reflect heat and reduce solar gain, especially when combined with an outdoor shade or awning.
Q: Can blackout curtains block noise? A: They help reduce echo and moderate exterior noise, but they won’t fully soundproof a room. Thicker fabrics and layered window treatments do more for acoustic performance.
Q: Are blackout curtains safe for nursery use? A: Yes — they help regulate sleep patterns by blocking light. Make sure cords and hardware are secured away from children.
Q: Will blackout curtains fade over time? A: Direct sunlight can fade fabrics slowly. Dark colors show fading more noticeably; consider UV-resistant liners or rotating styles.
Q: How do I wash blackout curtains? A: Many polyester options are machine washable on gentle. Velvets and delicate liners may require dry cleaning — always check the care label.
Final Thoughts — Which One Is Right for You?
If you want easy, budget-friendly blackout that still looks good, NICETOWN or Utopia Bedding are reliable first choices. For insulation and higher-end technical performance, Moondream and Eclipse often top reviewer tests. If you want texture and luxury, West Elm velvet or Pottery Barn’s lined drapery bring style and function together. For a minimalist look with solid performance at a low price, IKEA’s MAJGULL hits the mark.
My final piece of advice: think about how the curtain will be used and how it should feel. Do you want a tactile focal point, or do you need a utilitarian panel that simply blocks light? Measure carefully, pick the right hanging style, and don’t be afraid to layer. With the right curtain, a room will feel quieter, cozier, and more intentional — and the right pick might even change how you sleep.