The 31 Best Curtains

I’ve changed out the curtains in my house more times than I can count. It’s amazing what a new set of panels can do for a room. They’re not just for decoration; the right curtains can make a room feel warmer, quieter, and help you get a much better night’s sleep.

Finding the perfect bedroom curtains is a real balancing act. You want something that looks good, but you also need it to function. For me, that means blocking out the obnoxious streetlight that shines right into our window and helping to muffle the sound of my neighbor’s dog who likes to bark at 6 a.m.

So I put together a list of curtains I’ve either used myself, my friends have, or that get consistently great reviews from people I trust. These are the ones that actually work, from budget-friendly finds to some real investment pieces.

 

 

Our Top Curtain Picks for 2026

Pony Dance Blackout Curtains

These usually run about $30, which is a great price for true blackout curtains.

My sister has these in her guest room, and they are no joke. They block out nearly 100% of the light, even on a sunny afternoon. They have a surprisingly luxurious, soft feel and do a decent job of reducing noise from the street. If you need a room to be pitch-black for sleeping, these absolutely get the job done.

The Downside: The rod pocket design is a little old-school. It works fine, but it makes them a bit slower to slide open and closed compared to grommets.

 

 

Eclipse Microfiber Blackout Thermal Curtain Panel

At around $21 a panel, these are a super affordable option.

What I like about these is how lightweight they are. You don’t need to install a heavy-duty curtain rod to hang them, but they still manage to block about 99% of light. The grommets make them slide open and shut really easily, too.

The Downside: You’ll get some small light leaks around the grommet holes at the top. It’s not a lot, but it’s not total darkness either.

 

 

Nicetown Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains

These are a bestseller for a reason, and you can get a pair for about $36.

I have these in our master bedroom and I’m a big fan. They aren’t the thickest curtains in the world, but they do a fantastic job blocking light because the blackout fibers are woven right in. I’ve definitely noticed they help insulate the room, keeping it a bit cozier in the winter.

The Downside: The fabric is thinner than what you’d find on more premium, expensive curtains.

 

 

Sun Zero Oslo Theater-Grade Blackout Curtain Panel

You really can’t beat the price on these, which is usually just $20 a panel.

If you want that true “movie theater dark” vibe on a budget, this is it. They have a plush, velvety feel that seems way more expensive than it is. They claim 100% light blocking and I believe it. They’re great for saving on energy bills and cutting down noise, too.

The Downside: They are pretty heavy, which contributes to the quality feel but makes them a little harder to slide open.

 

 

Miuco Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains

These are a solid mid-range choice at around $25.

My brother-in-law works the night shift and swears by these for his bedroom. They block about 98% of light and do a great job muffling daytime sounds like traffic and lawnmowers. They’re easy to hang with the grommets, and it’s a nice touch that they come with matching tiebacks.

The Downside: On a really bright, sunny day, you might notice a very faint glow coming through the fabric.

 

 

Best Home Fashion UMIXM Wide Tule & Blackout Curtains

For about $30, you get a really stylish, layered look.

This is such a smart design for a nursery or any bedroom where you want options. You can have the sheer tulle layer showing for a soft, diffused light during the day, then close the blackout panel behind it for nap time. It gives you the best of both worlds, and it looks really elegant.

The Downside: Hanging two layers is obviously a bit more complicated than hanging a single curtain panel.

 

 

Nicetown 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels

These are a step up in performance for about $25.

If you need absolute, total darkness, these are the ones to get. They’re perfect for a baby’s room or for anyone who is super sensitive to light and sound while sleeping. The extra lining makes a noticeable difference in both light blocking and sound dampening.

The Downside: They are heavy. You’ll want to make sure your curtain rod is mounted very securely, preferably into wall studs.

 

 

Red Barrel Studio Heritage Velvet Solid Room Darkening Curtain

You’re getting into more premium territory here at around $50 per panel.

These just look and feel high-end. The velvet is beautiful and drapes perfectly, partly because they have weights sewn into the bottom hem. They give a bedroom a very cozy, luxurious vibe and block a ton of light.

The Downside: These are technically “room darkening,” not full blackout. They get the room very dark, but a sliver of intense light might still find its way through.

 

 

West Elm Worn Velvet Blackout Curtain

These are a splurge at $100 a panel, but you can feel the quality.

I saw these in the store and was so impressed. The velvet is thick and heavy, and the blackout lining on the back is serious business. These are the kind of curtains that will make a real difference with a drafty window and help control the temperature in the room.

The Downside: They are very heavy. You absolutely need a sturdy, well-installed curtain rod and hardware for these.

 

 

Pottery Barn Emery Linen Blackout Curtain

This is an investment piece, for sure, priced at $349.

If you love the look of natural linen but can’t stand how much light it lets in, this is your solution. It’s a gorgeous linen-cotton blend that comes in beautiful, muted colors. It’s pretty amazing how they get a linen curtain to be almost completely opaque.

The Downside: The price is the biggest hurdle. They’re also quite heavy due to the fabric and lining.

 

 

Eclipse Fret Blackout Window Curtain

Here’s another great budget find at just $21.

These are fantastic for total blackout because they have a foam backing that literally stops all light from passing through. I had a similar pair in a hot, south-facing office once, and they made a huge difference in keeping the room cooler in the summer.

The Downside: The panels are on the narrow side at 42 inches. For a standard window, you’ll almost certainly need to buy two panels per side, so remember to factor that into the total cost.

 

 

Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window Curtains

At around $25, these are an incredible value.

For the price, the performance is just fantastic. They make a room dark instantly and have a simple matte finish that doesn’t look cheap. The white lining on the back is a nice touch, too, so it looks uniform from the outside of your house.

The Downside: I’ve heard they don’t hold up super well in the washing machine. It’s probably best to spot clean them or use a very delicate cycle if you have to wash them.

 

 

How I Picked These Curtains

When I’m looking for bedroom curtains, I focus on a few key things. First is the material. Polyester is durable and affordable, while velvet is amazing for insulation and sound dampening. Linen looks beautiful and airy, but usually needs a good blackout liner to be effective in a bedroom.

Then there’s the header style. Grommets are my favorite because they’re so easy to slide back and forth. A rod pocket gives a more traditional, gathered look but can be a bit sticky to move on the rod.

And finally, pay attention to whether they’re called “room darkening” or “blackout.” Room darkening will block about 80-95% of light, which is enough for many people. But if you need it to be cave-dark, you have to look for the “100% blackout” label. And always, always measure your window twice before you buy!