Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Elena Living earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Best Blackout Curtains for a Dark, Restful Bedroom (2026 Review)
Streetlights through the window, early summer sunrises, a room that never quite gets dark — thin curtains only do so much. Blackout curtains are one of the few home upgrades where the difference is obvious the first night you use them.
One of the most widely bought options is the NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains, sold as a pair of grey panels measuring 42" wide by 63" long. They use a triple-weave fabric designed to block light, and the same density helps with heat and outside noise.
Quick Look
- Rating: 4.6★ from 131,000+ Amazon reviews
- Best for: Bedrooms, nurseries, and rooms that get too much light
- Key detail: 2 panels, 42" W x 63" L each, silver grommets, triple-weave fabric
How Blackout Curtains Actually Work
The fabric here is woven in three layers — two grey outer layers with a black yarn woven through the middle. That dense middle layer is what stops light passing through, which is why blackout curtains feel heavier than ordinary ones.
That same density does two other useful things. It slows heat moving through the window, which can help a room stay cooler in summer and hold warmth in winter. And it softens sound a little, though it won't soundproof a room.
Key Features
- Set of 2 curtain panels, each 42" wide x 63" long
- Triple-weave fabric for light blocking
- Thermal insulating — helps reduce heat transfer through the window
- Six silver grommets per panel, 1.6" inner diameter
- Neatly hemmed edges
- Machine washable
- Available in a wide range of colours and sizes
Getting the Size Right
This is where most people go wrong, so it's worth a moment.
- Width: add up both panels (42" + 42" = 84" total) and aim for roughly 1.5 to 2 times your rod width. That's what gives curtains their full, gathered look rather than a flat, stretched one.
- Length: 63" suits most standard windows where the curtain ends below the sill. For floor-length, you'll want a longer panel.
- Rod: the grommets have a 1.6" inner diameter, so your rod needs to be thinner than that.
What Buyers Say
Across 131,000+ reviews, buyers most often praise how effectively the panels darken a room and how substantial the fabric feels for the price. The grommets get frequent mention for sliding smoothly. The most common cautions: light can still creep in around the edges unless the rod extends past the window frame, and the panels may arrive with fold creases that take a little time — or a low steam — to drop out.
Pros
- ✅ Blocks the large majority of incoming light
- ✅ Thicker, heavier fabric than typical curtains
- ✅ Helps with heat and a little with noise
- ✅ Grommets slide easily on the rod
- ✅ Machine washable
- ✅ Sold as a pair — good value
Cons
- ❌ Light leaks around the edges unless you hang them wide and high
- ❌ Creases from packaging need time to settle
- ❌ Not true 100% blackout — very little curtain is
Tips for Maximum Darkness
- Hang the rod wider than the window — 4 to 6 inches past each side.
- Mount the rod higher than the window frame, closer to the ceiling.
- Let the panels overlap slightly in the middle when closed.
- Choose a length that reaches well below the sill, or to the floor.
- Darker colours block marginally more light than pale ones.
Who It's For
These suit anyone who sleeps during daylight, has a bright streetlight outside, is setting up a nursery, or simply wants a room that stays dark past sunrise. They're also a sensible pick if your bedroom gets hot in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they block 100% of light?
No. They block most light through the fabric itself, but some will always come around the edges. Hanging the rod wider and higher than the window makes a noticeable difference.
Will they keep my room cooler?
They help. The dense weave slows heat moving through the window, so a sunny room won't heat up as fast. They're not a replacement for proper insulation.
Can I wash them?
Yes, they're machine washable. Follow the care label, and hang them straight away to reduce creasing.
What rod do I need?
Any rod thinner than 1.6", which is the inner diameter of the grommets. Most standard rods fit comfortably.
Final Thoughts
The NICETOWN blackout curtains are one of the most reliable ways to make a bright bedroom genuinely dark, and with a 4.6★ average across more than 131,000 reviews, they're about as well-tested as home products get. Measure carefully, hang them wide and high, and they'll do the job.
You May Also Like
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Elena Living earns from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our blog.
Comments
Post a Comment