By the Joybuy Product Recommendation OfficerLast updated: July 22, 2026
A good night's sleep is essential, but it's often disrupted by unwanted external light. Streetlights, the early morning sun, or the headlights of passing traffic can significantly impact your sleep quality. You might also be looking for more privacy or a way to lower your energy bills.
Blackout window treatments are a practical solution for these issues. However, the options are vast, ranging from thick curtains to sleek roller blinds. This article will help you make an informed decision by outlining the key considerations and highlighting several popular choices.
Before making a choice, it's helpful to consider a few practical matters. This ensures you select a product that perfectly suits your needs and your interior design.
The term 'blackout' is used broadly, but not every curtain blocks 100% of light. The effectiveness depends on the material. Many curtains use triple-weave technology, where a black thread is woven into the middle of the fabric to block light. Others feature a special coating on the back.
Also, pay attention to the insulating properties. Good insulating curtains act as a buffer against outside temperatures. These thermal curtains help keep the room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can contribute to a lower energy bill.
The choice between traditional curtains and roller blinds is largely a matter of personal preference and depends on the space.
For an optimal blackout effect, the right size is crucial. A general guideline is to choose a total curtain width that is 1.5 to 2.5 times the width of your window. This creates beautiful pleats and prevents light from leaking in at the sides. The length depends on your preference: to the windowsill, just below it, or all the way to the floor.
Although black blackout curtains are often considered the most effective option, lighter colours are now available that provide excellent blackout performance thanks to a dense weave or a special lining.
Based on product specifications and functionality, we have compiled a few recommendations for you.
Why It Stands Out: This curtain combines a high degree of blackout performance with a decorative design. The silver foil print adds a subtly stylish element to the functional grey fabric.
Key Features:
Who It's For: Those who want to combine functionality with aesthetics. A great choice for bedrooms or living rooms where the curtain also serves a decorative purpose during the day.
Why It Stands Out: This roller blind is designed for maximum light reduction. The back features a thermoplastic silver coating that, according to VidaXL, blocks 100% of incoming light.
Key Features:
Who It's For: Ideal for light sleepers, home cinemas, or offices where complete control over light is desired. Its sleek look makes it a great match for modern homes.
Why It Stands Out: These curtains are a conscious choice, as they are made with at least 50% recycled material, according to the manufacturer, and are certified by the Global Recycled Standard and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.
Key Features:
Who It's For: For households looking for a highly functional, no-nonsense solution with an added focus on the origin and safety of the materials.
Black and grey are popular and effective choices for blackout window treatments, but they may not fit every interior. A warm colour can completely change the atmosphere of a room while still offering a high degree of blackout performance.
Are you looking for a specific shade, for example? Then check out our selection of rust orange blackout curtains for more inspiration.
Blackout curtains are designed to block nearly all light (95-100%). Dim-out curtains let in significantly less light than standard curtains but do not create complete darkness. They are ideal for living rooms where you want to dim the light without making the room completely dark.
Yes, many blackout curtains also function as thermal curtains. The dense weave or a special coating reflects sunlight and heat, keeping a room cooler in the summer. In the winter, they have the opposite effect and help retain heat, making them effective insulating curtains.
Measuring is simple. For the width, measure the width of your curtain rod and multiply it by 1.5 to 2.5. This ensures a full, pleated look and minimises light leakage. For the length, measure from the top of the rod to the point where you want the curtain to end. With grommet curtains, remember to account for the 2-3 cm of fabric above the grommets.