5 Blackout Curtains That Aren’t Style Blockers 2025

When it comes to designing a bedroom, the goal is usually about prioritizing stylish tranquility. Fixtures that remind us of hotel stays—like blackout curtains, upholstered bed frames, and luxury bedding—can be shortcuts to achieving more serene sleep. At the same time, most of us don’t want to feel like we’re checking into a hotel every night before bed.

So we incorporate customizable details that don’t strip a space of its coziness, like high-quality sheets that match our sleep patterns, down pillows with customizable loft, and even high-quality toiletries like a luxurious shampoo or nourishing body wash. And while each of these details can be easily swapped out by preference or what’s decidedly on trend in color and pattern, blackout curtains, which can be a valuable tool to have in your sleep arsenal, don’t have the same versatility.

“I’m a big believer that your environment should support rest and restoration, and blackout curtains can help create that,” says designer Alvin Wayne. “That said, I’ll pause on them if a space needs more natural light during the day or if the curtains visually overpower the room. It’s all about balance.”

Curtains are among the most important finishing touches of a bedroom, and to ensure that yours effortlessly balances style with function, two designers are sharing their tips for shopping and hanging the best ones.

How to Shop for Blackout Curtains

Given that blackout curtains are made for utility—making it possible to sleep until noon if you’re not careful—it can be difficult to source options that don’t showcase their strong suit. After all, if the rest of your bedroom is an exercise in luxury, then function-first curtains might stick out like a sore thumb.

“They should still fit your aesthetic, while also providing the light blockage that you are looking for,” says Lee Crowder, national director of design and model experience at Taylor Morrison.

But before you even start the search, measure the length of your ideal panels. You want your curtains to gently “kiss” the floor of your space, ever-so-slightly touching the floor without pooling at the bottom. Next, you’ll want to make sure that the width of your panels will cover the full scope of your window—if you want blackout curtains, then they should be installed to do their job. The magic of these types of drapes is in a tightly woven middle lining that’s typically a darkened hue. Since it’s possible to select curtains that dim rather than entirely shield the sun, you’ll want to determine the level of darkness you’re comfortable with.

“Always hang them high and wide, which will make the room feel taller and allow the window to feel larger,” Wayne says. “And don’t be afraid to layer! You can pair blackout curtains with sheers underneath for softness and versatility.”

The Best Blackout Curtains

If you’re hoping to find blackout curtains that will enhance the look of your space while guaranteeing a pitch-back room late in the morning, here are four designer-approved options to consider.

“Custom drapes with blackout lining from the Shade Store are a go-to when I want a tailored, elevated look,” Wayne says. “The customization options are endless—from fabric to pleat style—and the quality is top-notch.”

“Pepper Home is my favorite online custom company for draperies and pillows,” Crowder says. “They have high quality fabric and trim options, plus customization for the material, rod pocket, width, length, and privacy lining. Currently, the floral-printed cotton curtains in ruby burgundy are my favorite.”

“I love the luxe texture of the worn velvet curtain with blackout lining from West Elm,” Wayne says. “The velvet adds depth to a room, and the blackout lining is incredibly effective without sacrificing style.”

“The Emery linen blackout curtains from Pottery Barn are great for a more relaxed, organic look, because they have the softness of linen but the function of a full blackout,” Wayne says. “They’re ideal for coastal or minimalist bedrooms.”

For a custom service that still has an approachable price tag, look to The Hues, a service that commerce editor Audrey Lee tested to turn her bedroom into a suite. “These curtains are amazing for keeping the sun out,” says Lee. “The first few weeks I had them, it felt bizarre to be woken up by my alarm in such darkness—however, soundproof they are not.” With everything done online, you can browse the website and choose a fabric color, grommets, header and lining type, and size. You can also either choose from pre-set standard sizes or enter custom measurements for a bespoke treatment.