Blackout Curtains: Our Top Recommendations for Better Sleep

By: Joybuy Product Recommendation OfficerDate: July 18, 2026

Long summer days, streetlights, or the early morning sun can seriously disrupt a good night's sleep. A dark room is often the key to sleeping better. Blackout curtains are designed to do just that: block light and provide privacy. But the choices are vast, from roller shades to drapes with various features.

This article is intended as a practical guide. We will highlight several popular choices and provide you with objective information based on product specifications, helping you find a solution that fits your windows and your needs.

What to Look for When Buying

Before making a choice, it's helpful to consider a few specifications. This will help you find the curtains that best suit your situation.

1. The Degree of Light Blocking

Not every blackout curtain is the same. The terms 'room-darkening' and 'blackout' are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference.

• Room-darkening: These curtains significantly reduce light but often let a small percentage through. Ideal for living rooms or if you don't like a pitch-black room.
• Blackout curtains: These are designed to block nearly 100% of light. They often have a special coating or are made from a very dense, heavy fabric. This is the premier choice for blackout curtains in the bedroom, especially for light sleepers or people who work irregular shifts.

2. Insulating Properties

Many blackout curtains offer more than just darkness. Thanks to their thick fabric or special coatings, they also function as insulating curtains. These thermal curtains help keep heat out in the summer and cold out in the winter. This can contribute to a lower energy bill and a more comfortable indoor climate. Look for products with a thermal coating or a 'triple-weave' technology for effective heat-blocking curtains.

3. Type and Installation

The two most common types are traditional curtains and roller shades.

• Grommet Curtains: Easy to install on a curtain rod. They drape smoothly and provide a classic look. Pay attention to the width: for a beautiful effect and proper closure, it is recommended to choose a total width that is 1.5 to 2.5 times the width of your window.
• Blackout roller shade: A sleek and modern solution. They are ideal for smaller windows or if you want a minimalist look. Measure the width of your window frame accurately. A 140 cm wide roller shade is a common size that fits many standard windows.

Our Recommended Products

Below is a selection of products that are popular for their specific features. We have listed the specifications for you.

VidaXL Blackout Roller Shade - Grey, 140 x 230cm

Why It Stands Out This roller shade is designed for complete light blockage. According to the manufacturer, the back is coated with a thermoplastic silver layer. This layer not only blocks all incoming light, but its thermal properties are also said to keep the room warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Key Features

• 100% light reduction: According to the product description, this is ideal for bedrooms.
• Thermal coating: Helps regulate room temperature.
• Flexible installation: Can be mounted on the ceiling, wall, or in the window frame. The control chain can be placed on the left or right.

Who Is It For? For anyone looking for a sleek, modern solution that can completely darken a room. It's a practical choice for bedrooms, home theaters, or offices where screen glare is an issue.

View the VidaXL Blackout Roller Shade on Joybuy.nl

PONY DANCE Room Darkening Grommet Curtains - Light Beige, 2 Panels

Why It Stands Out These curtains combine functionality with a more sustainable approach. They are made with triple-weave technology from a heavy polyester fabric (230 g/m?) that, according to the manufacturer, consists of at least 50% recycled material. The Global Recycled Standard and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certifications confirm this.

Key Features

• Effective light blocking (60-75%): Blocks a large portion of light but does not create total darkness.
• Thermal properties: The triple-weave fabric helps with heat retention and cooling.
• Easy installation: The grommet curtains (8 per panel) slide easily over a standard curtain rod.

Who Is It For? Suitable for living rooms or bedrooms where complete darkness is not necessary or desired. The light color and focus on recycled materials make it an attractive choice for those who want to combine style and sustainability.

View the PONY DANCE Curtains in Light Beige on Joybuy.nl

PONY DANCE Blackout Grommet Curtains - Black, 2 Panels

Why It Stands Out This black version from PONY DANCE offers a higher degree of light blocking. Thanks to the dark color and triple-weave technology, these blackout curtains block 85-95% of light according to the specifications. This makes them a powerful option for those seeking maximum darkness.

Key Features

• High light blockage (85-95%): Very effective at darkening a room, which contributes to privacy and better sleep.
• Energy-saving properties: The thermal fabric helps keep the room temperature stable.
• Noise-reducing: According to the manufacturer, the heavy fabric can also help to dampen outside noise.

Who Is It For? Ideal for the bedroom. Light sleepers, parents with young children, and people who sleep during the day due to night shifts will appreciate the high level of light blocking.

View the PONY DANCE Curtains in Black on Joybuy.nl

Looking for Other Styles or Sizes?

The right window treatment is highly personal and depends on your interior design. If the options above aren't quite what you're looking for, there's more to discover.

Explore our full range of Side Window Curtains for more colors, sizes, and styles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do blackout curtains really help against the heat in summer? Yes, many blackout curtains have thermal properties. Models with a special coating or a dense, multi-layered weave (like triple-weave) can create a barrier. They reflect sunlight and keep heat out, helping the room stay cooler. Keep the curtains closed during the day for the best effect.

2. What is the difference between room-darkening and blackout curtains? The terms are often confused. In general, 'room-darkening' curtains still allow a small percentage of light through, while 'blackout' curtains are designed to block virtually 100% of light. For a completely dark bedroom, a blackout curtain is the most effective choice.

3. Do I need to drill to install a blackout roller shade? In most cases, yes. Standard roller shades, like the VidaXL model above, come with mounting hardware for installation by drilling into the wall, ceiling, or window frame. This ensures the most sturdy and secure attachment. There are also systems with clamp brackets for tilt-and-turn windows, but always check the product information to see what is included and recommended.