Blackout Curtains: Recommendations for Better Sleep and Lower Energy Bills

By: Joybuy Product Recommendation OfficerDate: July 21, 2026

Long summer days, streetlights shining directly into your bedroom, or simply the desire for more privacy. Sound familiar? In these cases, quality window treatments are not a luxury, but a necessity. Blackout curtains offer a practical solution to these problems. They not only help keep light out but can also contribute to a lower energy bill thanks to their insulating properties.

In this article, we'll help you make the right choice. We'll discuss what to look for and highlight several popular options, so you can find a product that fits your needs—without the marketing jargon.

What to Look for When Choosing Blackout Curtains

Before making a decision, it's helpful to understand a few key specifications. This will help you determine which type of curtain is best for your situation.

1. Material and Weave: The Foundation of Blackout and Insulation

The effectiveness of a blackout curtain depends heavily on its material. Most models use triple-weave technology. This means the fabric is woven from three layers: a decorative front and back, with a black, light-blocking thread woven in between. This not only provides darkness but also creates a barrier against heat and cold. As a result, they function as thermal curtains or insulating curtains, which can help reduce heating costs in the winter and keep the room cool in the summer. Also, pay attention to the fabric's weight, often expressed in grams per square metre (g/m?). A heavier fabric typically has better insulating and sound-dampening properties.

2. Hanging System: Eyelets or Pencil Pleat?

Ready-made curtains are popular because you can hang them immediately. There are two main hanging systems:

• Curtains with eyelets (grommets): These have large metal rings at the top. You simply slide the curtain rod through them. This system provides a modern look and creates a smooth, wavy fold. Installation is quick and requires no extra hooks.
• Curtains with pencil pleat tape: These have a sewn-in band on the back where you can insert hooks. This offers more flexibility, as you can attach them to either a track or a rod (with rings and hooks). Creating the pleats takes a bit more time, but you have more control over the final look.

3. Sustainability and Certification

More and more people value sustainability. When making your choice, look for sustainable curtains made from recycled materials. Certifications like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) indicate that the product genuinely contains recycled material. The OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 label guarantees that the fabric has been tested for harmful substances and is safe for your health.

Our Curtain Recommendations

Based on functionality, material, and ease of use, we've compiled a few top options for you.

PONY DANCE Blackout Curtains with Eyelets, Light Beige

Why it stands out These curtains combine a stylish, light colour with functional properties. They are made from a heavy fabric (230 g/m?) and contain at least 50% recycled material, confirmed by GRS and OEKO-TEX certificates. According to the manufacturer, the triple-weave technology blocks 60-75% of light, making them suitable for living rooms or bedrooms where complete darkness is not strictly necessary.

Pros

• Made with ≥50% recycled polyester.
• OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, so free of harmful substances.
• Simple installation thanks to the eyelet design.
• The 230 g/m? fabric provides good thermal insulation.

Who is this for? For those seeking a sustainable and user-friendly solution that offers a good balance between light reduction, privacy, and a light, modern aesthetic. Ideal for the living room or home office.

PONY DANCE Pencil Pleat Blackout Curtains, Sage Green

Why it stands out With a light-blocking capability of 85-95% (according to the manufacturer), these curtains are a serious option for the bedroom. The sage green colour is trendy and calming. The pencil pleat system makes them versatile; you can hang them on either a track or a rod. This model is also made with at least 50% recycled material.

Pros

• High light blockage of 85-95% for a dark room.
• Flexible hanging system (pencil pleat) for tracks and rods.
• Strong thermal curtain properties for energy savings.
• Made with sustainable materials.

Who is this for? Perfect for light sleepers, night-shift workers, or anyone who wants to make a room as dark as possible. The flexible hanging method makes them suitable for almost any window.

PONY DANCE Privacy Sheer Curtains with Eyelets, White

Why it stands out Sometimes you don't want to block light, but you do want to prevent people from looking in. These sheer curtains are the ideal solution. The fabric softly filters daylight while providing complete privacy during the day; only shadows are visible from the outside. This makes them excellent privacy curtains. Although they are not blackout curtains, they pair perfectly with one of the above models for a layered look.

Pros

• Provides privacy while letting daylight in.
• Silky fabric with an elegant drape.
• Simple installation with metal eyelets.
• Can be used alone or in combination with blackout curtains.

Who is this for? For anyone looking for privacy in the living room, kitchen, or office without darkening the space. A stylish base layer for your window decor.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

The right curtains are a very personal choice, depending on your interior design and specific needs. If the options above don't quite match what you're looking for, there's plenty more to discover.

? Explore our full collection of aesthetic room curtains

Frequently Asked Questions About Blackout Curtains

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

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference. Room-darkening curtains block a significant amount of light (usually 60-95%) but often let a small amount through. Blackout curtains are designed to block 99-100% of light and often have an extra coating on the back. For most bedrooms, a good room-darkening curtain is more than sufficient.

Do blackout curtains really help with insulation?

Yes. The thick, often multi-layered fabric of insulating curtains creates an air pocket between the window and the room. This layer acts as a buffer that helps keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. This can have a noticeable effect on the room temperature and your energy bill.

How wide should my curtains be?

For a beautiful, full drape, it is recommended to choose a total curtain width that is 1.5 to 2.6 times the width of your curtain rod or track. First, measure the rod, then multiply that measurement by, for example, 2. Divide that number by the number of curtain panels you plan to hang to determine the required width per panel.