By: Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer
Long, bright summer evenings are lovely, but not when you're trying to sleep. Or perhaps you work shifts and need a dark room during the day. A bedroom that's too bright can significantly impact sleep quality, as can a room that gets too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter.
Many people are looking for a practical and cost-effective solution. In this article, we'll guide you in choosing the right blackout curtains. We'll show you what to look for and provide some concrete recommendations for 2026, without any excessive marketing jargon.
Before making a choice, it's helpful to consider a few specifications. This ensures you select curtains that perfectly match your needs.
The term 'blackout' can be interpreted in different ways. Most blackout curtains use a technique known as triple weave. This involves weaving three layers of fabric together, with a black, light-blocking thread in the middle. This ensures a large portion of sunlight (typically between 85% and 95%) is blocked. This type of curtain is ideal for most bedroom curtains. Note: for a 100% dark room, special total blackout curtains with side channels are often required. Colour also plays a role; darker colours generally absorb more light than lighter ones.
A key advantage of thicker, blackout fabrics is their insulating capability. These thermal curtains help regulate room temperature. In the summer, they keep the heat out, while in the winter, they keep the heat in. This can lead to noticeable savings on your heating and cooling costs, making them a smart choice as energy-saving curtains.
Ready-made curtains are designed for easy installation. There are two main popular systems:
Always measure the width of your window and rod/track before ordering. For a beautiful, full effect, it is recommended to choose a total curtain width that is 1.5 to 2.6 times wider than your window.
Based on product specifications and functionality, we have compiled a list of popular choices for you.
Why It Stands Out: This set combines a high degree of light-blocking with a stylish, modern aesthetic. The silver-grey colour is neutral and fits into many interiors, while the fabric is the same colour on both sides for a clean finish.
Key Features:
Who is it for? Ideal for those seeking an effective, ready-made solution for the bedroom or living room who value a sleek, modern look. A great choice for light-sensitive sleepers.
Why It Stands Out: The flexibility of the hanging system is a major advantage. Thanks to the pencil pleat tape, you can hang these curtains on both a track and a rod, making them suitable for almost any living situation.
Key Features:
Who is it for? An excellent option for renters or homeowners who need a versatile solution that fits different hanging systems. Also perfect for those who prefer a warmer colour tone over standard grey or black.
Why It Stands Out: These curtains prove that blackout doesn't always require a dark colour. The greyish-white fabric blocks 60-75% of light, which is ideal for spaces where you want to dim the light but not achieve complete darkness. The OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification indicates that the fabric has been tested for harmful substances.
Key Features:
Who is it for? Suitable for those looking for a balance between light reduction and maintaining a bright appearance in the room. A good choice for living rooms, children's rooms where a little light is desirable, or for people sensitive to chemicals.
Can't find the perfect size or colour for you? Every home is different, and your needs may be specific. Fortunately, a wide selection of blackout curtains is available in various materials, colours, and sizes.
View our full collection of polyester blackout curtains here
Blackout curtains block a high percentage of light, usually between 85% and 99%, but often still allow a minimal amount of light through, especially along the edges. Total blackout curtains are designed to block 100% of light. This is often achieved with a special coating on the back and sometimes in combination with side channels to prevent light leakage. For most bedrooms, a good blackout curtain is sufficient.
Yes, the thick, densely woven fabric of energy-saving curtains has a thermal insulating effect. In winter, it forms an extra barrier that blocks cold air from the window, keeping the heat in the room. In summer, it works the other way around: it blocks the sun's rays and keeps the heat out. This helps to keep the room temperature more stable and can reduce the use of heating and air conditioning.
Most ready-made curtains made of polyester are machine washable. Always check the care label for specific instructions. Generally, wash on a cold, delicate cycle. Remove all hooks before putting the curtains in the machine. For curtains with a pencil pleat, it is advisable to loosen the cords. Preferably, let the curtains air dry to prevent shrinkage.