How to Choose the Best Blackout Curtains for Your Bedroom

If you’re tired of being woken up by glaring sunlight or pesky streetlights, blackout curtains might just be your new best friend. Designed to block out light almost completely, they’re the ultimate solution for turning your bedroom into a true sleep sanctuary.

Unlike regular curtains that simply dim the brightness, quality blackout curtains for bedrooms are made with thicker fabrics or special coated linings that intercept nearly every ray of sunlight, moonlight, or streetlamp glow. With the right pair, your room can feel as dark as midnight — even at noon.

They’re especially helpful for:

Night owls who love sleeping in

Shift workers adjusting to unconventional schedules

Babies who need uninterrupted naps

Movie lovers or anyone who enjoys a pitch-black space

Understanding Blackout Levels

When shopping, you’ll often come across labels like 70% blackout, 90% blackout, or 100% blackout. These percentages refer to how much light the curtains can block — and they also affect privacy, ambience, and energy efficiency.

70% Blackout – Soft Light Filtering

Effect: Blocks around 70% of light, reducing glare but keeping the room bright and airy.

Best for: Living rooms, studies, kitchens — areas where you want light control without losing natural daylight.

Privacy: Medium. Outsiders can’t see details during the day, but silhouettes may be visible at night with lights on.

80–90% Blackout – Cozy, Dimmed Ambience

Effect: Blocks most light, creating a softly dimmed and restful space. A little light may filter in from the edges.

Best for: Bedrooms, guest rooms, or home theaters where a darker setting is preferred.

Privacy: Excellent. Difficult to see inside even at night with lights on.

100% Blackout – Total Darkness

Effect: Virtually no light penetration — perfect for creating a pitch-black space.

Best for: Nurseries, light-sensitive sleepers, or professional home theaters.

Privacy: Maximum. No visibility from the outside, day or night.

Why Blackout Curtains Are a Bedroom Essential

THREE GIRLS Curtains Blackout curtains do far more than just darken a room. They create a comfortable, private, and well-regulated environment:

Better Sleep Quality: Keep out moonlight, streetlights, and early morning sun that disrupt rest.

Year-Round Temperature Control: The dense fabric acts as insulation — keeping heat out in summer and warmth in during winter, potentially lowering energy bills.

Noise Reduction: Thick layers help muffle outside sounds for a quieter, calmer space.

Enhanced Privacy: Higher blackout percentages mean greater privacy, day or night.

UV Protection: Prevents fading of flooring, carpets, and furniture.

Style Upgrade: Available in everything from sleek modern neutrals to elegant patterned designs.

Sleep Tip: Darkness helps your body produce melatonin, the hormone that signals it’s time to sleep. The darker your room, the better your natural sleep cycle.

When Short Blackout Curtains Are the Right Choice

Not every space can accommodate full-length drapes. Short blackout curtains are perfect for smaller windows, kids’ rooms, or windows with furniture underneath. They provide the same light-blocking and privacy benefits but with a neater, more compact look.

Do Blackout Curtains Make a Room Hotter?

A common misconception is that blackout curtains trap heat. In reality, they can help regulate temperature:

In Summer: They block direct sunlight, keeping your room cooler.

In Winter: They provide insulation, holding warm air inside.

The secret lies in the fabric and layered construction, not in “trapping” heat like a blanket.

Care Tips for Blackout Curtains

Dry Clean When Possible: Best for coated or heavy fabrics.

Avoid Machine Washing: Prevents shrinkage or damage to special linings.

Spot Clean: Use a damp cloth and mild detergent for small marks.

Regular Dust Removal: Vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment.

Final Thoughts

Whether you go for dramatic black, soft pastels, or classic neutrals, investing in well-made blackout curtains for your bedroom is one of the simplest ways to improve sleep quality, enhance privacy, and boost comfort — all while adding a touch of style to your home.