Our modern houses and bedrooms are filled with artificial light, from laptop monitors to TV screens, street lights shining in through the open windows and smartphones in our beds. This chronic exposure to light is damaging to our sleep wake cycles — and while you can turn your lights down and turn off the electronics a couple of hours before bed, there’s always a little bit of light slipping in past the blinds from the world outside, ready to mess up your sleep schedule — enter: Blackout Curtains & Blackout Drapes!
Blackout Curtains vs. Blackout Drapes
Before we continue, let’s dispel the notion that curtains and drapes are the same thing.
Blackout curtains are usually installed over blinds or shades and hang from curtain rods. While effective, they are typically made from single panels of lighter fabric.
Blackout drapes tend to be made from thicker fabrics or layers of panels, and are lined to block out more light than curtains. You might even say that the best blackout curtains are blackout drapes.
For ease of reading, we’re going to use the term blackout curtains instead of switching back and forth, because the principle and concept are the same — just know that there’s a subtle difference that, well, can make a difference.
Best Blackout Curtains Recommendations and Reviews:
NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains:
No.1 best seller in Amazon. Overall 4.5 stars with more than 6000 reviews. Price is affordable for most of the families. Made with 100% polyester - Thick, Soft and Light. Curtains can impede 85%-99% light, UV ray, heat, and noise. Machine washable in cold water and tumble dry.
What do customers have to say about the curtains:
“These curtains are very high quality -- thickness and softness of the material, light blocking ability, etc. The color is gorgeous and will go with any decor.” - Leila
“A huge plus in my case is that I didn't have to iron these out, they were perfect out of the box.” -Ron
AmazonBasics Room Darkening Thermal Insulating Blackout Curtain:
Made of innovative triple-weave 240 GSM polyester fabric, which makes it slightly heavier than other blackout curtains. Effectively block out light. Insulate against heat and cold. Made and designed by AmazonBasics.
What do customers have to say about the curtains:
“These are definitely room darkening and not cheaply made at all. Very happy with the curtain.” -Dana
“These are very thick and dark curtains! I’ve been sleeping so great since we got these.” -Ashley
Deconovo Black Blackout Curtains:
If you are looking for a luxurious look blackout curtains with a tight budget, don’t miss the Deconovo blackout curtains. These blackout curtains can be styled in 3 ways: back loops, rod pocket or with your own clip-rings. Available in 5 different size options (42x45 inch,42x54 inch, 42x63 inch, 42x72 inch, 42x84 inch).
What do customers have to say about the curtains:
“I am blown away at the quality and effectiveness of this product, especially given the affordable cost.” -Krystal
“Great quality curtains that look so luxurious! When closed, it totally blacks out the light!” -Jeremy
Rose Home White blackout curtains:
Made of rich faux linen fabric - thick and heavy. 100% Blackout: Sewn in White color liner diffuses daylight softly and adds additional privacy. Provide 8 years quality warranty and 30 days return policy with money back guarantee.
What do customers have to say about the curtains:
“These are fabulous. They look great and really do 100% block out the light (like in a hotel room).” -Brooke
“Beautiful curtains of high quality. Love the linen detail. Nice thick white backside to block sunlight and still look pleasing from the road.” -SH
Balichun 99% Blackout 2 Panels Curtains:
Made of 100% polyester. Use three layers of woven technology and ultraviolet semi fiber technology. Impede 85%-99% of light and UV ray (darker color works better). Offer 60-day money back guarantee.
What do customers have to say about the curtains:
“I have tried different blackout curtains before, but none truly blacked out the light. This by far has been the best for that.” -Stardust
“These curtains are excellent value for money. The fabric feels pretty durable and looks much more expensive than it is.” -Morgan
H.VERSAILTEX Extra Long and Wide Blackout Curtains:
Looking for wide and long blackout curtains? this should fit your needs. The blackout curtains are 8.5ft Tall by 9ft Wide. Excellent to be used for big patio door, glass french door, large and tall window or yard. Provide 8-year quality warranty and 30 days return policy with money back guarantee.
What do customers have to say about the curtains:
“These are fantastic floor to ceiling blackouts.” -Timothy
“I can’t believe how dark these curtains make my room even when the sun is shining brightly outside right into the windows the room is completely dark I can’t even see my hand in front of my face.” -James
Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains:
Each curtain is 52 inches wide and 63 inches long and comes with 8-Grommets and 2 tie-backs. Super-soft material made out of 250 GSM of polyester fabric. Thermal top makes it not only energy efficient but can block up to 99% of light and filter approximately 60% of the outside noise from entering the room.
What do customers have to say about the curtains:
“I was surprised at the quality because these really did not cost much. It is a nice shade of beige not crappy looking.” -Evelyn
“These curtains are wonderful. It blocks out all light and we never know if it's morning or night.” -Kswen
Miuco 2 Panels Room Darkening Window Blackout Curtain:
Includes 2 panels, each 52 inches wide by 63 inches long. 8 metal grommets per panel with a 1.6-inch inner diameter. Creative designed weighted hem in both bottoms, make the curtains hangs much straight. Perfect for napping children, day sleepers, shift workers.
What do customers have to say about the curtains:
“Great product, color matches the picture exactly, the material has a soft, silky touch and satiny look. Really nice quality. And, above all, it does make soundproof effect!” -Olga
“If you are looking for heavier, light blocking curtains with a soft velvety finish at a great price, I would certainly give these curtains a try.” -Marty
What Do Light Blocking Curtains Do?
Block Light — Some brands claim to block up to 99% of light coming in through your window at night. And sure, without scientific testing from a 3rd party entity, it’s difficult to say that these numbers are true, but using a good pair of blackout curtains is immediately noticeable. If you’re looking to feel like an early man sleeping deep inside a dark cave, there’s a curtain for that! Blackout curtains really do stop light from creeping in, even if it isn’t 100%.
Save Energy — While the discourse around blackout curtains is generally about, well, blocking light, there’s another huge benefit to having thick layers of fabric covering your glass windows — energy saving! The best blackout curtains can trap heat during the winter and keep heat out during the summer. Somewhere between 10% and 25% of thermal energy loss sneaks out through glass window panes, but blackout curtains may curtail this loss by as much as 25%! The lower utility bills (and greenhouse gasses) will thank you!
Reduce Noise — Noisy neighbors? Loud landlords? Annoying animals? Blackout curtains can help cut down on noise sneaking in to disturb your slumber from outside, which is especially important if you live in an urban area or neighborhood with high population density. They might not stop your snoring partner from waking you up, but light blocking curtains can certainly block more than just light by acting as a soundproofing device.
Why Should You Sleep in Darkness?
Darkness is essential to sleep. When the sun goes down and the lights go out, your body is signaled that it is time to rest — light exposure at the wrong times of day can negatively alter your body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm), which regulates your sleep-wake cycles and ability to produce melatonin (the hormone that helps you know when to fall asleep). There are a lot of processes working at the same time here — what’s important to note is that when you’re exposed to light, your body knows it’s time to be awake, and when you’re exposed to darkness, your body knows it’s time for sleep.
For the majority of human history, we (the royal we) haven’t had to use blackout curtains or shutters — the light bulb wasn’t invented until the 19th century. But today, our widespread use of digital technology (while sometimes helpful as a sleep aid) and an increase in worldwide light pollution has made a drastic impact on our sleep quality. In fact, in 2016, a study estimated that 99 percent of the continental United States and Europe experience light pollution. Technology may advance how we can perceive the world, but it certainly comes at a biological price.
Since you can’t turn off the street lights outside your bedroom window, blackout curtains will have to do.
Style Matters — Can You Get White Blackout Curtains?
While “blackout curtains” and “blackout drapes” conjure up an image of dark, heavy, thick fabrics, that doesn’t mean every option comes only in dark colors! Sure, white blackout curtains will reflect a little bit more light within the house, but the design is the same and opaque white blackout curtains (or in any other color you can imagine, really) will get the job done right. Stay stylish — there’s no need to feel like your drapes are made out of an x-ray bib or welder’s glove. No matter which way you go, having a darker room can be the key to richer deep sleep.
How Much Will Light Blocking Curtains Cost You?
The price range can be pretty wide, and with fabrics, cost blank. On the lowest end, shops like Target and Walmart sell inexpensive brands of blackout curtains in the $20-40 range. The problem you’ll run into with lower quality products here is that lower thread count and lower opacity curtains block less light — it’s as simple as that. When you start getting into more high-end products, they can be pricey, starting at $100 and only going up from there. Do your research! Look into your options and read the reviews — people desperate for a good night of sleep will leave some brutally-honest reviews and you can weed out the curtains that don’t get the job done.
Things to Consider With Blackout Curtains
Are you ready to invest in your sleep? If you’re going to use light-blocking curtains, prepare yourself for a new sleep experience! But don’t forget, there are some downsides to blocking out all the light in your bedroom:
Pure Darkness — Good blackout curtains really, really darken your room, so prepare for that! You might need to get yourself a hallway night light or additional lamps/lighting, especially if you like to read in bed in the evening.
Morning Light — The goal is to block out light, right? Well, if things are going according to plan, you’re going to need to figure out what to do in the mornings to simulate the sunlight that would otherwise slowly enter your room! There are numerous sleep gadgets that can help mimic natural light that is worth looking into.
Sleep Goals — 100% Darkness
Turn down the lights, kick your electronics and screens out of the room, and draw the blinds. You’ll be amazed at how much just blocking light from outside of your house can do for your ability to sleep, and sleep deeply. Luckily, blackout curtains are easily available and come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so you don’t even have to compromise on the style of your bedroom. You can just be you, relaxing in bed, surrounded by the comforting darkness of nighttime.
