Find the Perfect Blackout Curtains: Our Top Picks for 2026

Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer

Waking up too early from the morning sun? Is the light from a streetlamp reflecting right onto your bedroom wall? Or maybe you want to keep your living room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter? If so, blackout curtains are a practical solution.

However, the market offers a vast array of options, which can make choosing difficult. This article is here to help. We'll explain what to look for and highlight several popular choices based on their specifications and functionality, so you can make an informed decision that suits your home and needs.

What to Look for When Choosing Blackout Curtains

Before making a choice, it's helpful to consider a few key features. These determine not only the look but also the functionality and ease of installation.

1. Hanging System: Grommets or Pencil Pleat?

The way you hang a curtain affects both its appearance and usability.

• Grommet curtains (also known as eyelet curtains) have metal rings integrated into the fabric that you slide directly onto a curtain rod. This creates a modern look, and the curtains glide smoothly open and closed. Installation is typically very simple.
• Pencil pleat curtains (also known as tape top curtains) feature a stitched band at the top where you can insert hooks. These hooks are then attached to runners in a curtain track or to rings on a rod. This system is more versatile and creates a more classic, full pleat.

2. More Than Just Darkness: Insulating and Noise-Reducing Properties

True blackout curtains are made from a dense, heavy fabric. This material doesn't just block light; it often comes with other benefits.

• Thermal curtains: The thick fabric acts as a barrier. In the summer, it keeps the sun's heat out, helping the room stay cooler. In the winter, it helps retain heat inside. This makes them effective insulating curtains that can contribute to a lower energy bill.
• Noise-reducing curtains: While they can't completely block out sound, the heavy fabric does dampen ambient noise from outside, such as traffic or neighbours talking. This can contribute to a quieter environment, especially with blackout curtains for the bedroom.

3. The Convenience of Ready-Made

Ready-made curtains offer an instant solution. You don't need to have them custom-made. Simply measure your window, choose the right size, and hang them up immediately. This saves time and money compared to custom options. When measuring, pay attention to the correct width (for a nice, full pleat, 1.5 to 2.5 times the window width is often recommended) and the length.

Our Recommendations for Blackout Curtains in 2026

Below is a selection of products that stand out for their specifications and functionality.

PONY DANCE Pencil Pleat Blackout Curtain (300 x 245 cm)

Why It Stands Out With a width of 300 cm, this curtain is ideal for large windows, such as in a living room or for a sliding glass door. It comes as a single wide panel, creating a sleek and seamless look. The pencil pleat tape offers flexibility for installation on both a track and a rod.

Key Features

• Fabric Quality: Made from a heavy and soft 230 g/m² fabric that effectively blocks light.
• Light Blocking: Blocks 75-85% of light according to the manufacturer, ensuring a well-darkened room.
• Insulating Effect: The dense fabric provides both thermal and noise-insulating properties.
• Flexible Installation: These pencil pleat curtains can be hung in two ways, suitable for track systems and rods.

Who is it for? For homeowners or renters with large windows looking for a single wide curtain instead of multiple panels. Also a great choice if you have a curtain track system.

PONY DANCE Grommet Blackout Curtains (2 Panels, 140 x 145 cm)

Why It Stands Out This set of two panels offers a high degree of blackout (85-95%) thanks to its triple-weave technology. The grommet curtains are extremely easy to install: you just slide them directly onto a rod. An added benefit is the focus on sustainability, using recycled materials and OEKO-TEX certification.

Key Features

• High Light-Blocking Capability: The triple-weave technology blocks 85-95% of light according to specifications, ideal for bedroom blackout curtains.
• Energy Saving: The thermal properties help regulate room temperature, which can save on heating costs.
• More Sustainable Choice: Made from polyester with at least 50% recycled material, certified by the Global Recycled Standard and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.
• Easy Installation: The 8 grommets per panel make hanging them quick and easy.

Who is it for? Ideal for light sleepers who need maximum darkness. Also a great option for environmentally conscious consumers and anyone looking for a quick, ready-made solution for a standard window.

PONY DANCE Pencil Pleat Blackout Curtains (2 Panels, Sage Green)

Why It Stands Out This set combines functionality with a modern aesthetic. The sage green colour is a stylish addition to many interiors. The pencil pleat curtains offer the flexibility to be hung on either a rod or a track, while the triple-weave fabric ensures excellent performance.

Key Features

• Complete Set: Comes as a set of 2 panels, ready for immediate use.
• Effective Blackout: Blocks 85-95% of sunlight and UV rays for privacy and an undisturbed night's sleep.
• Thermal and Insulating: Helps balance the room temperature, making the space more comfortable and protecting furniture from fading.
• Versatile Hanging: Suitable for both curtain rods (with hooks and rings) and curtain tracks.

Who is it for? For those looking for a solution that is both functional and decorative. The combination of a high blackout level and a trendy colour makes this a popular choice for bedrooms and living rooms.

Looking for a Different Style?

The options above focus on maximum functionality. If you're looking for curtains with a more decorative or playful character, for example for a child's room or a specific interior style, it's worth exploring further.

️ Explore our collection of cute room curtains for more inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions about Blackout Curtains

1. What is the difference between blackout and dimout curtains?Blackout curtains are designed to block almost all light, typically between 85% and 100%. They are made from very dense, often coated or multi-layered fabrics. Dimout curtains allow more light to pass through, often around 70-80%, making the room darker but not completely pitch-black.

2. Do blackout curtains really help against heat? Yes, the thick, dense fabric of thermal curtains has an insulating effect. In the summer, it reflects sunlight and keeps heat out, while in the winter, it forms an extra layer that keeps heat in. This can make a noticeable contribution to a more comfortable indoor climate.

3. How do I measure the correct size for my ready-made curtains? For the width, measure the width of your window or the curtain track/rod. Multiply this number by 1.5 to 2.5 for a nice, full pleat. For the length, measure from the top of the rod or track to the desired final height (e.g., the windowsill or the floor). With grommet curtains, remember to account for the fabric that extends above the grommets.