Joybuy Insights

Buying Blackout Curtains: Recommendations for Better Sleep

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.

What to Look for When Choosing Blackout Curtains

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.

1. The Degree of Blackout and Insulation

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.

2. Type: Curtains or Roller Blinds?

The choice between traditional curtains and roller blinds is largely a matter of personal preference and depends on the space.

  • Curtains: These provide a soft, warm aesthetic and can improve a room's acoustics. Ready-made blackout curtains are available for immediate use. Models with grommets are particularly easy to hang on a curtain rod.
  • Blackout roller blinds: A roller blind offers a sleek, minimalist look. It's an excellent choice for smaller windows or rooms where you want to maintain an uncluttered appearance.

3. The Right Size and Colour

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.

Popular Choices for Blackout Window Treatments

Based on product specifications and functionality, we have compiled a few recommendations for you.

PONY DANCE Foil Print Grommet Curtains

PONY DANCE Foil Print Grommet Curtains

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:

  • Effective Light Blocking: According to the manufacturer, the triple-weave fabric blocks 85% to 95% of sunlight and UV rays, making it ideal for bedroom blackout curtains.
  • Thermal Properties: The fabric helps regulate room temperature, contributing to energy savings.
  • Easy Installation: Equipped with 8 metal grommets per panel, allowing the curtain to slide smoothly over most standard curtain rods.
  • Stylish Design: The geometric pattern provides a modern and sophisticated look.

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.

VidaXL Blackout Roller Blind

VidaXL Blackout Roller Blind

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:

  • Total Blackout: The special coating makes this an excellent choice for people who need absolute darkness to sleep.
  • Insulating Effect: The coating not only contributes to the blackout effect but also has thermal properties that keep the room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
  • Minimalist Design: The sleek, black design fits seamlessly into a modern interior.
  • Flexible Control: The pull chain can be mounted on either the left or right side.

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.

PONY DANCE Black Blackout Curtains

PONY DANCE Black Blackout Curtains

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:

  • High Degree of Blackout: The heavy fabric (230 gsm) with triple-weave technology blocks 85-95% of light and provides excellent privacy.
  • Sound and Temperature Insulation: The dense fabric helps to dampen ambient noise and keep the room temperature stable.
  • Tested Materials: The OEKO-TEX certification guarantees that the fabric has been tested for harmful substances.
  • Ready to Use: As ready-made blackout curtains with grommets, they are quick and easy to hang.

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.

Looking for a Different Colour?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Blackout Curtains

What is the difference between blackout and dim-out curtains?

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.

Do blackout curtains really help against the heat?

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.

How do I measure the correct size for my 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.