Blackout Curtains Buying Guide for Better Sleep and Energy Savings

By Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer | July 28, 2026

Are you waking up too early from the bright morning sun in the summer? Or do you notice heat escaping through your windows in the winter? A good set of blackout curtains can be a practical solution for more than just a dark room. They can contribute to better sleep, enhanced privacy, and even a lower energy bill.

The market offers a vast array of choices, which can make the decision-making process tricky. That's why we've put together a guide to help you focus on the specifications that truly matter. We'll explore different materials, hanging systems, and functionalities so you can make an informed choice that suits your home and lifestyle.

What to Look for When Buying

Before you make a choice, it's helpful to consider a few key points. These specifications will determine how functional the curtains will be in your specific situation.

1. The Degree of Blackout

Not all blackout curtains are created equal. Their effectiveness is often expressed as a percentage.

• 60-75% Blackout: These curtains filter a significant amount of light but don't make the room completely dark. They are ideal for living rooms where you want privacy and to block the harshest sun while still retaining some ambient light.
• 85-95% Blackout: This option is designed to block almost all light from entering. This makes them highly suitable as curtains for the bedroom, especially for light sleepers, shift workers, or in a nursery. Darker colours, such as black blackout curtains, typically block more light than lighter shades.

2. Hanging Style: Grommets or Pencil Pleat?

The hanging system determines not only the look but also the installation process.

• Grommet (Eyelet) Blackout Curtains: These feature large metal rings at the top. You simply slide the curtain rod through them. This system creates a modern look with wide, even folds.
• Pencil Pleat Curtains: These have a stitched band on the back where you attach hooks. This system is more versatile and can be used with traditional curtain tracks, ceiling tracks, and tension rods. It provides a more classic, gathered look.

3. Extra Features: Insulation and Noise Reduction

Many ready-made blackout curtains offer more than just light-blocking. Thanks to their thick, densely woven fabric, they often have insulating and sound-dampening properties.

• Thermal Curtains: The fabric, often with a weight of 230 g/m? or more, creates a barrier. This helps keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, which can save on your heating and cooling costs.
• Noise Reduction: While they won't completely block sound, the heavy fabric of noise-reducing curtains can help muffle ambient noise from outside, such as traffic.

Our Product Recommendations

Based on functionality and product specifications, we've highlighted a few popular choices from PONY DANCE curtains for you.

1. PONY DANCE Pencil Pleat Blackout Curtain (Extra Wide)

Why It Stands Out: With a width of 300 cm, this curtain is a great solution for large windows or sliding glass doors. The versatile pencil pleat system makes it compatible with almost any type of track, giving you a lot of flexibility during installation.

• Key Features:

  • Material: Made from soft polyester fabric (230 g/m?).
  • Light Blocking: Blocks 60-75% of light, ideal for atmospheric dimming in living spaces.
  • Installation: Suitable for curtain rods, ceiling tracks, and tension rod systems.
  • Insulation: The heavy fabric provides thermal and noise-insulating properties.

• Who It's For: For homeowners or renters with extra-wide windows looking for a functional curtain that offers privacy without completely blacking out the room. Also useful if you already have a specific track system in place.

2. PONY DANCE Foil Print Grommet Blackout Curtains

Why It Stands Out: This set combines functionality with a modern design. The geometric pattern with a silver foil print adds a decorative element, while the triple-weave technology ensures a high degree of blackout.

• Key Features:

  • Light Blocking: Blocks 85-95% of sunlight and UV rays, perfect for a dark bedroom.
  • Technology: The triple-weave construction contributes to its blackout, insulating, and sound-dampening performance.
  • Design: The stylish silver pattern on a black background provides a chic look.
  • Installation: Easy to hang thanks to the 8 metal grommets per panel.

• Who It's For: For those looking for effective curtains for the bedroom that are not only functional but also make a statement in their interior decor.

3. PONY DANCE Black Grommet Blackout Curtains (Recycled Material)

Why It Stands Out: These curtains not only offer a high degree of blackout but are also a more conscious choice. They are made with at least 50% recycled material and are certified by the Global Recycled Standard and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.

• Key Features:

  • Light Blocking: Blocks 85-95% of light, ensuring optimal darkness and privacy.
  • Material: Made from 100% polyester (at least 50% recycled) with a fabric weight of 230 g/m?.
  • Certification: Meets the Global Recycled Standard and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, meaning the product has been verified for recycled content and tested for harmful substances.
  • Functionality: The thermal properties help save energy.

• Who It's For: For the eco-conscious consumer seeking a highly effective blackout curtain. The shorter length of 145 cm also makes it a good option for windows with a radiator situated underneath.

Looking for Other Options?

A dark and quiet room is especially important for the little ones. A good afternoon nap can do wonders. Are you specifically looking for a solution for the nursery or a child's room?

? Check out our selection of blackout curtains for the nursery for more patterns and sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How dark are blackout curtains, really?

The degree of blackout varies. Products with 85-95% light-blocking, often made with triple-weave technology, make a room almost completely dark, similar to a hotel room. Options with 60-75% filtering still allow some diffused light to pass through, which can be pleasant in a living room. The fabric colour also plays a role; darker colours generally absorb more light.

2. Do blackout curtains also help against heat and cold?

Yes, many blackout curtains also function as thermal curtains. The thick, densely woven fabric forms an insulating layer in front of the window. In the summer, this helps keep the sun's heat out, and in the winter, it prevents heat from escaping through the glass. This can contribute to a more stable room temperature and lower energy costs.

3. What is the difference between grommet and pencil pleat curtains?

The main difference lies in the hanging method and appearance. Grommet curtains are easy to install on a rod and provide a clean, modern look with uniform folds. Pencil pleat curtains are more versatile and can be attached to various types of tracks using hooks. They have a more traditional, gathered appearance. The choice depends on your existing hardware and personal taste.