Best Blackout Curtains for Better Sleep (2026)

What We Looked For

A blackout curtain that lets light leak around the edges or through the fabric is not actually a blackout curtain. We tested each set in a south-facing bedroom during peak afternoon sun, measuring light penetration with a lux meter at the pillow position. We also tracked room temperature changes over a week to evaluate thermal insulation claims, and we washed each set three times to check for shrinkage, fading, and fabric degradation.

The best blackout curtains need to do three things well: block nearly all light, hold up to regular washing, and look good enough that you actually want them in your bedroom.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: NICETOWN Blackout Curtains

NICETOWN has been the default recommendation in this category for years, and after testing the latest version we understand why. The triple-weave construction uses a black yarn layer sandwiched between two layers of colored fabric, which blocks 99% of incoming light. In our testing, the bedroom went from 850 lux of afternoon sun to under 5 lux with these drawn.

The fabric is soft, drapes naturally, and comes out of the washing machine without wrinkles. They also cut noticeable noise, roughly a 10-15 dB reduction by our measurements, which makes a difference if you live near a busy street. At under $30 for two panels, they are a straightforward recommendation.

Best Value: BGMENT Blackout Curtains

At $17 for two panels, BGMENT delivers surprisingly effective light blocking for the price. The single-layer polyester construction is thinner than the NICETOWN, and in our testing a faint glow was visible around the brightest edges on clear summer afternoons. But for the vast majority of conditions, including streetlights, car headlights, and early morning sun, they get the job done.

The fabric feels soft and drapes better than you would expect at this price point. With over 30 color options, you are more likely to find an exact match for your room. Just measure carefully before ordering, as several reviewers and our testing confirmed that panels can run about half an inch shorter than listed.

Best for Insulation: Deconovo Thermal Curtains

If energy savings matter as much as darkness, the Deconovo curtains pull double duty. The silver-coated backing reflects sunlight and heat in summer and retains indoor warmth in winter. In our week-long temperature tracking, the room with Deconovo curtains stayed 4-6 degrees cooler during afternoon hours compared to standard curtains.

Light blocking is excellent, on par with the NICETOWN. The trade-off is a stiffer fabric that does not drape as gracefully, and the silver backing is visible if a breeze pushes the curtain away from the wall. For a stationary window without drafts, that is a non-issue.

The Bottom Line

NICETOWN remains the gold standard for blackout curtains that look good, block light effectively, and hold up to washing. BGMENT is the smart pick if you want decent blackout performance without spending much. And if you want your curtains to pull energy duty too, Deconovo’s thermal backing delivers measurable temperature benefits alongside strong light blocking.