Blackout curtains are window panels woven or lined so densely that they stop nearly all daylight from passing through. They suit bedrooms, nurseries, shift workers who sleep during the day, media rooms and any window where streetlights or early sun are a problem.
This collection offers more than 400 blackout panels from our window curtains range. Most are solid-color grommet panels, with a group of waterproof indoor/outdoor styles and extra-wide panels for patio doors. Every listing here is currently in stock.
Blackout vs Room Darkening: What the Labels Mean
The two terms are used loosely, so it helps to know how they differ.
- Blackout. The fabric itself blocks nearly all light, usually through a tight triple-weave polyester or a dark inner layer. Hold it up to a lamp and almost nothing shows through.
- Room darkening. The fabric dims a room a lot but lets a soft glow through, especially in pale colors.
Even a true blackout fabric cannot stop light that sneaks around the edges. Gaps at the top, sides and bottom of a window are the main reason a room still feels bright in the morning, which is why sizing and hanging matter as much as the fabric.
Choosing Panel Width and Length
Many blackout curtain panels here are about 52 inches wide, with common lengths around 54, 72, 84, 96, 102, 108 and 120 inches. Extra-wide panels around 100 inches across, in lengths near 95 and 144 inches, are made for sliding doors and wide windows.
- Width. For a gathered look when closed, plan on total curtain width of roughly two times the window width. For pure light blocking, at least 1.5 times works.
- Rod placement. Mount the rod several inches above the window frame and extend it past each side, so the panels overlap the wall and cut side gaps.
- Length. Floor-length panels block the most light. Sill or apron-length panels around 54 inches suit kitchens, windows above furniture and kids' rooms.
- Measure from the rod. With grommet tops, measure from the top of the rod to where you want the hem to land, then choose the nearest length.
Where Blackout Curtains Work Best: Bedrooms, Theaters, Patio Doors
Blackout curtains for bedroom windows are the most common use, since darkness helps the body sleep and blocks early sunrise in summer. Choose floor-length panels and overlap them at the center.
In living rooms and home theaters, darkening panels cut glare on TV screens and protect furniture and floors from fading. Medium tones such as gray, beige, navy and sage green blackout panels look less heavy than black when open.
For a patio door, choose extra-wide panels or several standard panels on one long rod. Blackout curtains for sliding glass doors should clear the floor slightly and slide easily, so grommets are the practical choice. Some designs also work as blackout door curtains or room dividers.
Grommet Tops, Insulation and Fabric Feel
- Grommet blackout panels. Metal rings in the header slide smoothly and form even folds. Most panels in this range use grommets.
- Thermal insulated blackout. The dense weave that blocks light also slows heat moving through the window, helping rooms stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter. For panels sold mainly for insulation, see our thermal curtains.
- Fabric. Polyester dominates in blackout window curtains because it holds dense weaves, resists wrinkles and washes easily. It also resists fading better than many natural fibers.
- Waterproof panels. A group of blackout styles here is built for covered porches and patios; the full outdoor range is in our outdoor curtains.
Layering Blackout Panels With Sheers
A double rod lets you hang a blackout panel behind a light sheer. Open the blackout layer during the day for soft, private light, and close it at night. Browse light-filtering fabrics in our sheer curtains.
Prices and What Is Included
Most blackout panels cost between about $40 and $60, with a median close to $50. Simple short panels start around $25, and extra-wide or extra-long sizes reach about $275. Prices are per listed item, which may be a single panel or a pair depending on the listing, so check the title before ordering enough to cover your window.
Washing and Hanging Tips
Most polyester blackout fabrics are machine washable on a gentle cold cycle; check each care label. Skip high heat in the dryer, which can wrinkle or damage coatings, and hang panels back on the rod while slightly damp so folds fall straight. Vacuum with a brush attachment between washes to remove dust. Steam out creases from packaging rather than ironing on high heat.
Blackout Curtain FAQ
Do blackout drapes really block all light?
The fabric blocks nearly all light, but some light can still enter around the edges. Mount the rod wide and high, choose floor-length panels and overlap them in the center for the darkest result.
What length should I buy for a bedroom window?
Measure from the top of the rod to the floor and pick the closest standard length, often 84 or 96 inches. For darker rooms, let panels just touch the floor.
Are short blackout panels effective?
Yes, for windows above beds, desks or radiators. Choose a length that extends a few inches below the sill so light does not leak under the hem.
Can blackout panels help with heating and cooling?
Their dense weave slows heat transfer through the glass, which helps rooms feel more comfortable in hot and cold weather. Results depend on the window and how well the panels cover it.
How many panels do I need for a sliding glass door?
Measure the door width and aim for total curtain width of at least 1.5 to 2 times that measurement. One extra-wide panel or two to four standard panels usually covers a standard patio door.