Easy to Install Short Black Out Curtain

August 05, 2022 Post a Comment

Best Blackout Curtains, According to Parents Who Swear by Them

Fact-Checked by Haley Jena

Updated: July 19, 2022

What to Expect selects products based on independent research and suggestions from our community of millions of parents; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.

Most new parents realize early on just how crucial it is to make sure their baby gets a good night's sleep. After all, if baby is well-rested, everyone else in the family can be, too. That's why plenty of parents turn to different tricks and tools to help their little ones sleep well at night, including blackout curtains.

Blackout curtains are usually made of double-lined, tightly woven fabric that's specially designed to keep light from entering your child's bedroom. The thought, then, is that baby can sleep well no matter what's happening outside his window or what time of day it is.

Not everyone needs blackout curtains, though. "It really depends," says Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. "Some kids are not so sensitive to light and regular curtains are good enough. Others are very sensitive, and you have to invest in blackout shades."

Lynelle Schneeberg, Psy.D., director of the behavioral sleep program at Connecticut Children's Medical Center and the author of Become Your Child's Sleep Coach says that blackout curtains don't do "magical things" other than keep your baby's room dark. Still, she says, the curtains can help "head off a waking" once your child is asleep — a crucial element if you want to get some more shut-eye.

Because blackout curtains will go in baby's room, there are a few safety-related features to keep in mind:

Be mindful of cords. Cordless curtains and shades are a great option, Ganjian says. If you prefer a corded option, he recommends making sure the cords are hidden or secured up high, out of baby's reach. "Cords are strangulation hazards," Ganjian points out.
Make sure the mounting is secure. "If you're installing the shades yourself, make sure you mount them well into the wall," Ganjian says. "In case your child pulls on it, you don't want it to fall on them." (A good way to tell: Give the bottom of the curtains a little tug after they're up to make sure they're secured tightly.)
Hang curtains out of baby's reach. Ideally, your curtains will end at the windowsill, and not where your baby can touch them. "You never want a child to be able to reach a curtain or cords," Schneeberg says. Another pro tip, per Schneeberg: Keep baby's crib away from the curtains and anything they can reach out and touch.

Types of blackout curtains

The term "blackout curtains" is usually loosely used to describe any kind of fabric you hang over your windows to block out light. With that in mind, there are a few different types on the market.

Blackout curtains. These are more traditional curtains that you pull toward the center or one side to close.
Blackout shades. These typically roll or fold up toward the top of the windowsill when they're not in use.
Blackout blinds. These window coverings can be angled to let light in or shut out. Note that there aren't a ton of options available in this style.

There are two different types of blackout curtains: corded (which include a cord you can use to let light in or out) and cordless (which are often moved by hand). As mentioned above, if you go with a corded option, make sure cords stay out of baby's reach.

How to choose the best blackout curtains for your baby

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for blackout curtains for your child:

Know your window dimensions. Curtains come in all widths and lengths. Knowing your window's measurements in advance will help you choose the right ones for your child's room.
Have a color scheme in mind. Many blackout curtains come in different colors and patterns. Knowing ahead of time what you're looking for will help you find the right curtains for you faster. And it can be helpful to keep in mind that some lighter-colored curtains that are advertised as "blackout" aren't as effective at filtering out light as darker-colored ones.
Figure out what type you want in advance. Do you prefer traditional curtains, shades or blinds? That will help narrow down your search.

How we chose the best blackout curtains

We looked at the most popular blackout curtains on the market, including What to Expect readers' favorites that they've tested at home, and then narrowed down our picks based on those that have the best ratings and reviews. Curtains also got bonus points for simple installation and ease of use.

Below, the best blackout curtains for your baby's nursery.

Best Overall Blackout Curtains

Pottery Barn Kids Broken Arrows Multi Blackout Curtain Panel

Best Blackout Curtains - Pottery Barn Kids Broken Arrows Multi Blackout Curtain Panel

Pros: No grommets to let in light, adorable design, cordless

Cons: Limited sizing options

Why We Love It

If you want to ensure that absolutely no light will get into your child's bedroom, these curtains are the way to go. While many blackout curtains feature grommets for hanging, the fabric on these Pottery Barn Kids curtains covers the rod, so light has zero chance of entering. The curtains come in an adorable pattern that goes with just about anything (a feature that's surprisingly hard to find when shopping for blackout curtains!) and are also made in a fair trade certified facility. Made of heavy cotton canvas, these curtains do a great job of blocking out sound, too.

Dimensions: 63 x 44 inches, 84 x 44 inches, 96 x 44 inches

Best Insulated Blackout Curtains

Easy-Going Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains

Best Blackout Curtains - Easy-Going Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains

Registry List:

Buying Options:

Pros: Less expensive than other options, retains heat, helps block noise, cordless

Cons: Grommets may let in extra light if not perfectly arranged

Why We Love It

These blackout curtains are insulated to help keep your little one's room nice and cozy. In fact, the company claims they can reduce your heating bill thanks to the interwoven thermal design. You can choose from several different pretty shades, all of which have a black yarn inner layer and are topped with easy-to-close silver grommets. The curtains even help block outside noise, so your baby can sleep in a quieter space.

Dimensions: 52 x 63 inches, 52 x 84 inches

Best Short Blackout Curtains

Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window Curtains

Best Blackout Curtains - Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window Curtains with Grommets

Registry List:

Buying Options:

Pros: Short, neutral color options

Cons: Grommets need to be arranged properly to block out all light

Why We Love It

Blackout curtains can get pricey, but this Amazon Basics version comes at $25 for two panels, a lower cost than most other options boast. The curtains are made of polyester and block out light while reducing sound, making them ideal for a child's bedroom. The set also includes two velcro ties for pulling back the curtains when you want to let light in. (You can skip using these altogether if you prefer, though!)

Another nice perk: These curtains are shorter, so you may not have to worry about your baby easily grabbing hold and tugging them down.

Dimensions: 42 x 63 inches

Best Budget Blackout Curtains

H. Versailtex Blackout Star Curtains

Registry List:

Buying Options:

Pros: More affordable option, playful pattern

Cons: Some say material can be overly stiff

Why We Love It

At $17, these blackout curtains are a total steal compared to their counterparts. They're made from a silky-smooth fabric that's soft to the touch. Parents rave about the slightly glittery star pattern — which comes in shades of navy, gray or pink — and the ability to block out sunlight. The curtains are also thermal insulated to help retain heat in the winter and block it out in the summer.

Each panel features eight copper grommets for a slightly vintage feel. Keep in mind that this is just one panel, a fact that some reviewers said they missed. If you have a larger window, you may need to order two.

Dimensions: 40 x 63 inches, 52 x 63 inches, 52 x 84 inches, 52 x 96 inches

Best Temporary Blackout Curtains

Redi Shade Blackout Pleated Paper Shade

Best Blackout Curtains - Redi Shade Blackout Pleated Paper Shade

Registry List:

Buying Options:

Pros: Easy to install and take down, good value

Cons: They're considered a temporary fix, which isn't for everyone

Why We Love It

Not everyone is handy with installation — or wants permanent curtains. That's where these temporary pleated shades come in. They block 99 percent of light and are super simple to install: Just cut them to fit your window and stick them up. Included clips help you raise and lower the shades. You can use them as-is, or layer them behind existing window treatments for added darkness. These shades are made of paper, so you can simply toss them in the trash when you're done with them.

Also nice? You receive six shades per pack, which is great if you have multiple windows or want to put them up throughout your home. (That said, the larger quantity may be unnecessary for parents looking to cover one or two windows only.)

Dimensions: 36 x 72 inches, 48 x 72 inches

Best Noise-Blocking Blackout Curtains

Nicetown Grey Full Shade Curtain Panels

Best Blackout Curtains - Nicetown Light Brown Full Shade Curtain Panels

Registry List:

Buying Options:

Pros: Thick, plenty of color and size options, block out noise

Cons: Some reviewers say grommets can come loose in the wash

Why We Love It

Whether you live on a busy street or have noisy neighbors, blocking out sound from your child's bedroom is a must during nap- and bedtime. These curtains from Nicetown are heavy enough to keep noise outside where it belongs. The machine-washable drapes are made of a triple-weave fabric to help insulate your child's room, keeping the temperature comfortable in the process. Choose from 23 different color and size options to find the look that's right for your decor.

Dimensions: 52 x 72 inches, 42 x 63 inches, 42 x 84 inches, more sizes

Best Blackout Curtains for Travel

Amazon Basics Portable Window Blackout Curtains

Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtains

Pros: Suction cups used to mount, velcro edges to customize size

Cons: May not be as secure as curtains mounted into wall

Why We Love It

If you're spending the night at Grandma's or going on vacation, consider these super-handy, parent-favorite portable blackout curtains. These attach to any window with suction cups and have velcro edges that allow you to customize how big the shades are, meaning they'll work for just about any window. That way, the room stays dark to help your little one get to bed on time, even when you're away from home. Just be sure that the windows are clean and the suction cups are dry before you hang them up, and make sure they're mounted securely and won't fall in case your baby tugs on them.

Best Blackout Shades

Symple Stuff Insulating Cordless Blackout Roman Shade

Best Blackout Curtains - Symple Stuff Insulating Cordless Blackout Roman Shade

Pros: Sleek, cordless, tons of size options

Cons: May be wrinkly upon arrival

Why We Love It

Actual curtains aren't your thing? These blackout shades from Wayfair are a good alternative. They're cordless and can easily be raised up or down with a gentle push or tug on the bottom rail. Two layers of shades help darken the room and provide insulation, making this pick an easy add-to-cart. The shades can be mounted inside or outside your window — it's your choice. Choose from seven different neutral shades for the look that's right for you.

Dimensions: 20 x 72 inches, 21 x 72 inches, more sizes

Daniel Ganjian, M.D., Pediatrician, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California.

Lynelle Schneeberg, Psy.D., Author of Become Your Child's Sleep Coach and Director of the Behavioral Sleep Program, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut.