Buying Blackout Curtains: Recommendations for Better Sleep

By: Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer

Long summer days, bright streetlights, or simply the desire for a weekend lie-in: there are plenty of reasons to be on the hunt for high-quality blackout curtains. A dark room is often the key to a better night's sleep, not just for adults, but for children too. But the selection is vast and the promises are grand. How can you be sure which curtains truly deliver on their claims?

In this article, we'll guide you through the process. We'll discuss what to look for when making a purchase and highlight several popular choices. This will help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and your interior design.

What to Consider When Buying Blackout Curtains?

Before you make a choice, it's helpful to consider a few practical points. This will help you find the right solution for your situation.

1. The Degree of Light Blocking: Dimout or 100% Blackout?

Not all blackout curtains are created equal. The terms 'dimout' and 'blackout' (or 100% blackout) are often used interchangeably, but there is an important difference.

• Dimout curtains: These still allow a small percentage of light to pass through. They make a room significantly darker, which is sufficient for many people. The fabric is often densely woven but lacks a special coating.
• Blackout curtains: These are designed to block virtually all light. They typically have a special coating on the back that completely blocks light. This is ideal for bedroom curtains or for people who are extremely sensitive to light.

2. The Type of Curtain: Roller Shade or Drape?

The choice between a roller shade and a classic drape depends on your window, your interior style, and your personal preference.

• A blackout roller shade is a sleek and modern solution. It has a small footprint and is easy to operate. During installation, ensure the roller shade fits snugly against the window frame to minimise light gaps on the sides.
• Drapes, such as ready-made curtains with pleats or grommets, provide a warmer and more decorative look. Grommet curtains, for example, are very easy to hang and glide smoothly over a rod.

3. Additional Features: Thermal and Insulating Curtains

Many blackout curtains offer more than just blocking light. Also look for the following properties:

• Thermal curtains: These have a special layer that helps regulate the room's temperature. In the summer, they keep the heat out, while in the winter, they keep the heat in.
• Insulating curtains: In addition to thermal insulation, these curtains can also dampen outside noise. This can be a welcome bonus if you live on a busy street. These features can contribute to a lower energy bill and a quieter living environment.

Top Blackout Curtain Recommendations

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

VidaXL Blackout Roller Shade - Grey, 140 x 230cm

Why It Stands Out This blackout roller shade from VidaXL is designed for maximum light reduction. According to the manufacturer, the back is coated with a thermoplastic silver layer that not only blocks light but also has thermal properties. This makes it a functional choice for the bedroom.

Advantages

• The coating is intended to be 100% blackout.
• The thermal layer helps keep the room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Sleek and minimalist design, suitable for many interiors.

Who Is It For? For those looking for a no-nonsense, total blackout solution with a modern aesthetic. Ideal for bedrooms, children's rooms, or a home theatre. The grey blackout curtains are neutral and easy to coordinate.

PONY DANCE Blackout Door Curtain - Grey, 150 x 200cm

Why It Stands Out This is not a standard curtain, but a clever solution for doorways, closets, or as a room divider. The accordion design makes it flexible in its use, and the fabric is intended to block both light and drafts.

Advantages

• Multifunctional: can be used for doors, as a closet curtain, or as a partition.
• Provides privacy and light-blocking where traditional curtains won't fit.
• According to the manufacturer, the fabric has thermal insulating properties.

Who Is It For? For people seeking a flexible solution to block light from a hallway or another room. Also useful for studio apartments or to conceal a cluttered open closet from view.

PONY DANCE Boho 100% Blackout Curtains - Sage Green, 132 x 220cm (2 panels)

Why It Stands Out This set combines function with style. The sage green curtains with a subtle zigzag pattern prove that blackout curtains don't have to be boring. The manufacturer claims these curtains are 100% blackout and thermally insulating.

Advantages

• Decorative design that adds ambiance to the room.
• Supplied as a set of two ready-made curtains.
• The fabric is designed for complete light-blocking and thermal insulation.

Who Is It For? For those who don't want to sacrifice interior design for functionality. These curtains are a great choice for the living room or bedroom where both atmosphere and light control are important.

PONY DANCE Grommet Blackout Curtain - Sage Green, 132 x 213cm

Why It Stands Out This curtain uses 'triple weave' technology, a weaving technique with a black yarn in the core that, according to the manufacturer, blocks 75-85% of sunlight. It is a dimout curtain, ideal for spaces where complete darkness is not necessary. The grommet curtains make installation very simple.

Advantages

• Easy installation thanks to the metal grommets.
• Made of soft polyester fabric that is the same colour on both sides.
• Offers a good balance between light reduction and maintaining a sense of daylight.

Who Is It For? Perfect for the living room, a home office, or a bedroom where total darkness is not desired. The sage green curtains provide a calm and natural look.

Haven't Found the Right Match Yet?

The right window treatment is highly personal. If the options above don't quite match what you're looking for, or if you're curious about other sizes, colours, and styles, take a look at our broader collection.

? Explore More Roller Shades and Blackout Curtains Here

Frequently Asked Questions about Blackout Curtains

What is the difference between blackout and insulating curtains?

Blackout curtains are primarily designed to block light. Insulating curtains (or thermal curtains) have the additional function of regulating temperature. They keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. Many blackout curtains today also have insulating properties, allowing you to benefit from both advantages.

Do dark colours work better for blocking light?

For curtains with a special blackout coating on the back, the colour of the front doesn't significantly affect the degree of light-blocking. A white curtain with a good coating can be just as effective as a black one. For dimout curtains without a coating, a darker colour will generally block more light than a lighter colour.

How do I choose the right size curtains?

Measure the width of your window or curtain rod. For a beautiful, full look, it is often recommended that the total width of the curtains be 1.5 to 2 times the width of the rod. For the length, measure from the rod to the desired height (for example, the windowsill or the floor). Keep in mind that ready-made curtains come in standard sizes.