Best Blackout Curtain Reviews 2018

We’ve made sure to choose quality curtains from reputable brands, but they also offer their products at great prices. Our featured products start at around $15, going up to around $45. The material used can increase the price, as a three-weave curtain will cost more than polyester, for example. Also, the more protection the curtain offers from light, temperature, noise, etc., the higher the price. Quality blackout curtains can still be reasonably priced, so even if you’re on a budget, try to avoid slipping into the black hole of cheap blackout curtains, as they will not be able to sufficiently block out the light like you need.

There are a few things to think about when buying a blackout curtain, so to make things easier, we’ve put a list together for you.

Here are the important features to keep in mind while shopping:

• Material - Polyester (100% or blend), woven fabric
• Size - Length and width of the curtain to fit your window
• Protection - Light, UV rays, thermal, noise reduction
• Grommets - Need to be the appropriate size for the curtain rail and durable.
• Washing - Dry cleaning or machine washable

If you’re still not sure or need more clarification, don’t worry, we’ll explain these in more detail below.

Material

You can choose from 100% polyester, a polyester blend or a woven fabric when it comes to curtains. The woven fabric is often a three-layer weave, which is very effective in trapping in the warmth and blocking out the light, even in very bright conditions. Polyester is also a good choice, but may be a bit thinner and lighter overall.

Before purchasing your curtain, also make sure the trim is a good size, around 1cm wide, as curtains can be heavy and you don’t want it falling apart because it wasn’t made with care and thought.

Grommets

All curtain rods have different circumferences, and most grommets will fit on the majority of rods, however, always check! Measure the rod size and ensure the grommet for the curtain you like has a bigger circumference so it will slide back and forth easily. You can also get grommets that are anti-rust, which will make them last longer and be more durable throughout the years, especially if any moisture comes through.

Size

The size of your curtain should correlate exactly with… you got it – your window! Make sure the length is a bit longer than your window so it reaches the bottom and really does block out all the light trying to seep through. Curtain panels ideally need to be two or three times wider than the width of the window they are going to cover so your curtain can be drawn to do its job, and to look pretty while doing it.

Protection

The main aim of blackout curtains is to block out the light. Although these curtains use the best materials to do the job, darker colors will always have that edge over lighter-colored curtains. But all blackout curtains tend to block out 80-99% of the light, so you can have a darkened room.

Curtains that are also thermal help to keep your home the temperature you would like it, whether by keeping the cold outside or by cooling the room down when the sun is glaring through the window.

Noise reduction is also a great feature if you intend to sleep during the day, as everyone else will be up and about on the streets, driving their cars and vans, kids playing out in their yards or on the streets. This way, you get what you need to be relaxed and get reenergized for the night ahead!

Washing

Remember to read the washing instructions so you know exactly what you’ll have to do to get the curtains clean and fresh when you need to. Some are machine washable and can even be put on a low tumble-dry cycle, however, this doesn’t go for all of them, so don’t bet your beautiful curtains on it!