If your room gets blasted by streetlights, early-morning sun, or that one neighbor’s porch light, blackout curtains can be the difference between “I slept okay” and “why am I awake at 5:12 AM.” The trick is choosing curtains that actually block light at the edges and are easy to hang (because nobody wants a complicated setup).
Below are five standout options for a darker room, focusing on light blocking and simple hanging—plus the one I’d pick as the best overall.
What matters most for true blackout
Even great fabric won’t help if light leaks around the sides.
- Mount higher & wider than the window (this is the #1 upgrade)
- Choose a rod that lets panels wrap toward the wall (wrap-around rod or return brackets)
- Use grommet tops for quick, smooth sliding (easiest style for most people)
- Look for thermal/insulated builds if you want better darkness + temperature control
- Consider liners if you already have curtains you like
1) Blackout Curtain Liners (Top Tab / Grommet-Compatible)
What it is
A blackout liner is the fastest way to level up the curtains you already own. Instead of replacing your whole setup, you attach or hang a liner behind your existing panels.
Why it’s great for a darker room
- Adds a second layer that helps block light bleed
- Works well if your current curtains look nice but aren’t “sleep dark”
Pros
- Budget-friendly “upgrade” approach (one change, big impact)
- Keeps your current decor while improving darkness
- Often easier than swapping the entire curtain set
Cons
- You may still get edge light if the outer curtains don’t overlap well
- Two layers can feel bulkier on the rod
- Not as “clean” looking as a single thick blackout panel
Best for: People who already have curtains they like and just need more darkness.
2) Easy-Hang Solid Blackout Curtains (Thermal Insulated, Grommet Top) — Gray
What it feels like in real life
A solid, grommet-top blackout panel is the “set it and forget it” option. Gray is nice if you want a softer look in the room but still want darker sleep.
Pros
- Grommets make hanging fast and sliding smooth
- Thermal-style fabric helps with both light blocking and room comfort
- Clean, modern look that fits most bedrooms
Cons
- Gray can show a tiny bit more glow around the window compared to darker colors (depends on thickness and your light source)
- If your rod is too narrow, you’ll still get side gaps
Best for: Bedrooms where you want darkness + a neutral look without making the room feel heavy.
3) NICETOWN Light-Blocking Thermal Blackout Curtains (Grommet Top) — Navy
Why it stands out
Navy blackout curtains are a sweet spot: darker than gray, softer than pure black, and usually excellent for sleep rooms. Thermal builds tend to hang nicely and block more light.
Pros
- Dark color + insulated style = strong light blocking
- Grommet top = easy install + easy daily use
- Typically good drape (doesn’t look flimsy)
Cons
- Darker fabric can make the room feel more “cozy cave” (good for sleep, not everyone’s style)
- Heavier panels may need a sturdy rod
Best for: People who want a noticeably darker room and a classic bedroom color.
4) ChrisDowa Grommet Blackout Curtains (2 Panels, Thermal Insulated) — Black
Why people like this style
Black panels are usually the most forgiving if you’re serious about darkness. They’re also great for TV rooms and gaming setups where screen glare and light bleed get annoying.
Pros
- Black color helps reduce “glow-through” in bright conditions
- Two-panel sets make it easier to get a centered, overlapping close
- Great for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms
Cons
- Shows dust/pet hair more easily than lighter colors
- Can feel visually bold if your room is light/airy
Best for: Anyone chasing maximum dark for sleep or a media setup.
5) Easy-Hang Solid Blackout Curtains (Thermal Insulated, Grommet Top) — Black
Why it’s a practical pick
This is the classic “no drama” blackout solution: solid blackout panels, easy grommets, and a dark color that performs well.
Pros
- Easy install (hang and slide—done)
- Strong darkness performance thanks to the color
- Works well in bedrooms and living rooms
Cons
- Like any curtain, you’ll still need good rod placement to stop side gaps
- Can feel too dark visually for some decor styles
Best for: People who want simple install + strong darkness with minimal fuss.
Quick comparison: which one blocks the most light?
- Darkest overall: black blackout panels (#4 / #5)
- Best “sleep dark” without going full black: navy thermal panels (#3)
- Best upgrade if you already own curtains: blackout liners (#1)
- Best neutral look: gray thermal blackout (#2)
My optimal choice (best for most people)
If your goal is a darker bedroom with easy hanging, the best all-around choice is:
#3 Navy thermal blackout curtains (grommet top) — because it balances:
- strong light blocking (without going full black)
- easy install and smooth sliding
- cozy sleep-room vibe that still looks stylish
If you want the darkest possible room, go with black panels (#4 or #5). And if you already love your current curtains, start with a blackout liner (#1)—it’s the quickest upgrade.
Pro tips to get “true blackout” (most people skip these)
- Go wider than the window: panels should extend past the window frame so light doesn’t sneak in at the sides.
- Hang higher: mounting closer to the ceiling reduces top light leak.
- Add overlap: make sure the middle closes with a few inches of overlap, not edge-to-edge.
- Use a wrap-around rod or return brackets: this is the secret weapon for blocking side glow.
