Joybuy Insights

Blackout Curtains Buying Guide for Better Sleep

For many, a dark bedroom is the key to a good night's sleep. Whether it's streetlights, the early morning sun, or the headlights of passing traffic, unwanted light can significantly disrupt your sleep. Furthermore, a poorly insulated window can lead to cold drafts in the winter and excessive heat in the summer, resulting in a higher energy bill.

Blackout curtains offer a practical solution to these problems. They are designed to keep light out, but often provide additional benefits such as thermal insulation and sound dampening. In this article, we'll help you choose the right curtains by highlighting the specifications and features that truly matter.

What to Look for When Buying?

Before you make a choice, it's helpful to consider a few key points. This will help you find curtains that are perfectly suited to your specific situation.

1. The Degree of Blackout

The terms room-darkening curtains and blackout curtains are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Few curtains are 100% light-blocking without special side rails. Most blackout fabrics block between 60% and 95% of light. A darker coloured fabric typically blocks more light than a lighter one. So, consider how much light you want to block. For a bedroom, a higher degree of blackout is often desirable, while a slightly lighter filtering might be more pleasant for a living room.

2. Insulating and Noise-Reducing Properties

Many blackout curtains are made from a thicker, heavier fabric, often using a special weaving technique like triple-weave. This construction creates a barrier that blocks not only light but also heat and cold. These types of insulating curtains, also known as thermal curtains, can help you live more energy-efficiently. In the winter, they keep the heat in, and in the summer, they keep the heat out. An added benefit is that the dense fabric can also help to dampen ambient noise, making them noise-reducing.

3. Hanging System and Dimensions

Most ready-made blackout curtains use grommet tops (also called eyelets). This system is easy to install: you simply slide the rings directly onto a curtain rod. When choosing the size, pay attention to the width. For a beautiful, full wave effect and optimal coverage, it is recommended to choose a total curtain width that is 1.5 to 2.6 times the width of your window. Measure the length from the top of the rod to where you want the curtain to end.

Our Blackout Curtain Recommendations

Based on product specifications and functionality, we have compiled a list of popular choices for you.


1. PONY DANCE Blackout Curtains - Black

PONY DANCE Blackout Curtains in Black

Why It Stands Out: These curtains combine high functionality with a more sustainable material choice. The fabric is made with triple-weave technology and, according to the manufacturer, contains at least 50% recycled polyester, which is supported by Global Recycled Standard and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certifications. The black colour ensures a high level of light blockage.

Specifications & Benefits:

  • Light Blockage: Blocks 85-95% of light, according to product information.
  • Material: 100% polyester (230 g/m?), with at least 50% recycled content.
  • Insulation: The thermal properties help regulate room temperature.
  • Installation: Easy to hang with 8 metal grommets per panel.

Who is it for? Ideal for light-sensitive sleepers, people with irregular work shifts, or for a child's room where a dark environment is desired for afternoon naps.

View the PONY DANCE Black Curtains


2. PONY DANCE Blackout Curtains - Light Beige

PONY DANCE Blackout Curtains in Light Beige

Why It Stands Out: This version offers the benefits of a blackout curtain but in a lighter, neutral colour, making it a subtle addition to your interior. The light blockage is slightly less intense at 60-75% compared to the black version, which can be an advantage for some rooms.

Specifications & Benefits:

  • Light Blockage: Blocks 60-75% of light, according to product information.
  • Material: Heavy-duty 100% polyester (230 g/m?) with at least 50% recycled material.
  • Functionality: Provides privacy, thermal insulation, and noise reduction.
  • Dimensions: The length of 245 cm makes these curtains suitable for taller windows or a floor-to-ceiling effect.

Who is it for? A great choice for living rooms or bedrooms where complete darkness is not necessary, but where privacy, insulation, and a dimmed light effect are desired.

View the PONY DANCE Light Beige Curtains


3. Deconovo Foil Print Blackout Curtains - Navy Blue

Deconovo Foil Print Blackout Curtains

Why It Stands Out: These curtains from Deconovo add a decorative element to functionality. The design, featuring a silver foil print in a diamond pattern, provides a stylish look. The fabric is designed to effectively block sunlight and UV rays while also acting as an insulating barrier.

Specifications & Benefits:

  • Design: Unique diamond pattern with a silver foil print for a modern look.
  • Material: 100% polyester with a soft, silky texture.
  • Functionality: Provides blackout, privacy, and acts as an energy-saving barrier.
  • Installation: Equipped with 6 silver-coloured, rust-proof grommets per panel.

Who is it for? Perfect for those who want to combine functionality with design. Suitable for various spaces such as the living room, bedroom, or even a home office.

View the Deconovo Foil Print Curtains


Looking for other styles or sizes?

The right curtains can transform a room. If the recommendations above don't quite match what you're looking for, many more options are available. Discover a wider range and find the perfect match for your interior.

? Check out our full collection of cute blackout bedroom curtains.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between room-darkening and blackout curtains?

The term 'room-darkening' indicates that a curtain blocks a significant amount of light, usually between 60% and 95%. 'Blackout' suggests 100% light blockage. In practice, most curtains are room-darkening. To achieve a nearly complete blackout effect, additional solutions are often needed, such as side channels that seal light gaps along the edges of the window.

2. Do blackout curtains really help save energy?

Yes, thermal curtains can certainly contribute to energy savings. The thick, densely woven fabric creates an insulating air layer in front of the window. This layer helps to keep heat inside during the winter and block the sun's heat during the summer. As a result, your heating or air conditioning system doesn't have to work as hard.

3. How do I wash blackout curtains?

Most polyester blackout curtains can be machine washed on a delicate cycle with cold water. However, it is always important to check the care label of the specific product. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach. To protect the fabric and any prints, it is often better to air-dry the curtains instead of using a tumble dryer.