Find the Perfect Blackout Curtain for Your Home with Our Guide to the Best Types

Blackout curtains are a versatile and effective way to improve the comfort and privacy of your home. These heavy-duty curtains are designed to block out sunlight, reduce outside noise, and provide a sense of security. In this article, we will explore the different types of blackout curtains available, to help you choose the best option for your home.

The type of blackout curtain you should buy will depend on your personal preferences and the needs of your home. Some popular options include thermal-lined blackout curtains, which are effective at blocking out sunlight and reducing heat loss. Triple-weave blackout curtains are also a popular choice, as they are made of three layers of fabric that block out light and reduce outside noise. Grommet blackout curtains are a modern and stylish option, with metal rings along the top edge that make them easy to open and close. Ultimately, the best type of blackout curtain for you will depend on your personal preferences and the needs of your home.

Let's go through the options.

Portable blackout curtains in blue and white bedroom on a sunny day

Thermal-lined blackout curtains

 Thermal-lined blackout curtains are a popular and effective option. These curtains are lined with a layer of insulation, which helps to block out sunlight and reduce heat loss. This can make a room feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving energy and reducing your heating and cooling bills. Thermal-lined blackout curtains are also great for blocking out outside noise, creating a more peaceful and quiet environment. Sleepout Portable and Sleepout Home are both thermal insulated, so you have the benefit of temperature regulation in both portable and permanent styles.

Sleepout Portable 100% blackout triple-threaded curtains

Triple-weave blackout curtains

Triple-weave blackout curtains are another popular option. These curtains are made of three layers of fabric, which helps to block out sunlight and reduce outside noise. The inner layer is a black liner, which blocks out light, while the outer layers are a decorative fabric that adds style and texture to the room. Triple-weave blackout curtains are also great for blocking out heat and cold, making a room more comfortable year-round.

Sleepout Portable 100% blackout coated blackout curtains in light grey

Coated blackout curtains

Coated blackout curtains are a type of heavy-duty curtain that is coated with a layer of material to block out sunlight. The coating is typically made of a PVC or vinyl material that is opaque, making it effective at blocking out light. Coated blackout curtains are a popular choice for bedrooms, media rooms, and other spaces where you want to create a dark and quiet environment. They are also effective at reducing outside noise, making them a good option for busy streets or noisy neighborhoods. Coated blackout curtains are durable and long-lasting, and they are easy to clean and maintain.

Grommet blackout curtains (left) and Sleepout Home 100% blackout curtains (right) in a neutral-themed bedroom

Grommet blackout curtains 

Grommet blackout curtains are a modern and stylish option. These curtains have grommets, or metal rings, along the top edge, which make them easy to open and close. Grommet blackout curtains are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect option to match your decor. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a convenient and practical choice for any home. However, we found that the metal rings create space for light leaks—especially as the sun rises.

Sleepout Home 100% blackout curtain with rod pocket

Rod pocket or back tab blackout curtains 

Rod pocket blackout curtains (also called back tab blackout curtains) are a type of heavy-duty curtain that is designed to block out sunlight and reduce outside noise. These curtains have a pocket along the top edge, through which a rod is inserted for hanging. Rod pocket blackout curtains like Sleepout Home are a popular and versatile option, as they can be hung on a variety of different rod styles, including traditional rods, decorative rods, and tension rods. They are also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect option to match your decor. Rod pocket blackout curtains are easy to install and maintain, making them a convenient and practical choice for any home. We also found these the best for 100% light blocking, and a true blackout effect.

Sleepout Home 100% blackout curtain

Double rod blackout curtains

Double rod blackout curtains are a type of heavy-duty curtain that is designed to block out sunlight and reduce outside noise. These curtains consist of two layers of fabric, which are hung on separate rods. The inner layer is a blackout fabric that blocks out light, while the outer layer is a decorative fabric that adds style and texture to the room. Double rod blackout curtains are a popular and effective option, as they provide both function and style. They are also versatile, as you can open and close the inner and outer layers separately, allowing you to control the amount of light and privacy in the room. 

100% blackout curtains hung with a tension rod

Tension Rod Blackout Curtains

Tension rod blackout curtains are a popular choice for homeowners looking to block out light and improve the quality of their sleep. These curtains are designed to be hung from a tension rod, which is a rod that is held in place by tension and does not require any screws or nails to install. Tension rods are easy to install and can be adjusted to fit various window sizes. The blackout material used in these curtains is also a major selling point, as it effectively blocks out sunlight and other external light sources to create a dark and quiet environment in the room. Tension rod blackout curtains are a great choice for bedrooms, media rooms, or any other space where you want to control the amount of light and noise. They are also a practical solution for renters who may not want to drill holes in their walls or commit to permanent window treatments.

Sleepout Portable 100% blackout curtain flatlay on white nursery rug

Portable blackout curtains

Portable blackout curtains are a type of heavy-duty curtain that is designed to be easily moved and installed. These curtains typically come with their own stand or frame, which allows you to set them up quickly and easily in any room. Portable blackout curtains like Sleepout Portable are a popular option for people who live in apartments or rental properties, as they can be easily moved and installed without damaging walls or windows. They are also a good option for people who like to rearrange their furniture or change the layout of a room frequently. Portable blackout curtains are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect option to match your decor. Mechanisms also vary; Sleepout Portable works with BPA-free, industrial strength suction cups, but you can also find magnetic blackout curtains too. Overall, they are a convenient and versatile option for anyone looking to improve the comfort and privacy of their home.

Sleepout Home 100% blackout curtain in cream white curtain fabric

What type of blackout curtain should you buy?

The type of blackout curtain you should buy will depend on your personal preferences and the needs of your home. Some popular options include thermal-lined blackout curtains, which are effective at blocking out sunlight and reducing heat loss. Triple-weave blackout curtains are also a popular choice, as they are made of three layers of fabric that block out light and reduce outside noise. Grommet blackout curtains are a modern and stylish option, with metal rings along the top edge that make them easy to open and close. Ultimately, the best type of blackout curtain for you will depend on your personal preferences and the needs of your home.

There are many different types of blackout curtains available, each with their own unique features and benefits. Whether you're looking for insulation, style, or convenience, you can find the perfect blackout curtain for your home. So, if you want to improve the comfort and privacy of your home, consider adding blackout curtains to your window treatments.

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