Blackout curtains: how to pick a pair that actually keeps the bedroom dark
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- Lined or coated blackout curtain panels. Best for: Bedrooms with streetlights or early sunrise. See options on Amazon
- Wraparound curtain rod for blackout panels. Best for: Anyone seeing a glow at the sides of their curtains. See options on Amazon
- White or light-colored blackout curtains with a liner. Best for: Bright, light-toned bedrooms where dark drapes feel heavy. See options on Amazon
- Cordless blackout roller shade. Best for: Layering under curtains, and children's rooms. See options on Amazon
- Blackout curtain liner. Best for: Keeping curtains you already like. See options on Amazon
Why a dark bedroom matters
A Northwestern Medicine study compared one night at 100 lux with 3 lux. Heart rate and next-morning insulin resistance were higher after moderate-light exposure. That finding does not establish that a particular curtain improves sleep or prevents diabetes or heart disease.
Its sleep researcher recommends blackout shades or an eye mask when outdoor light cannot be controlled, and moving the bed away from direct outdoor light. Treat curtains as one part of managing the bedroom environment.
Types of blackout curtains
| Option | What to check | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Blackout panel | The exact variant's fabric claim, dimensions and header | Blocking light through fabric does not close perimeter gaps |
| Room-darkening panel | Whether the description admits some light | May suit daytime privacy while falling short of full darkness |
| Separate liner | How it attaches to your existing curtains and hardware | Extra coverage also needs room and compatible supports |
| Wraparound rod or track | Side coverage, projection and mounting instructions | The hardware must fit the wall and panel weight |
IKEA illustrates why the exact variant matters: it describes the gray MAJGULL blackout fabric as blocking light, while the beige-yellow MAJGULL room-darkening fabric admits a small amount. The shared collection name does not mean identical light filtering. Color or a lined back alone is not proof of performance.
How to size and hang them so light does not leak
Measure before ordering:
- Record the frame dimensions and desired covered area. Check whether listed width is for each panel or the full set.
- Plan side and center overlap rather than buying only to the glass width.
- Check the header type and its fit with your rod or track. Plan for top gaps and the intended bottom length.
- Follow the hardware's mounting and weight instructions; check wall type and required fixings.
- Before trimming, read the wash/shrinkage instructions. IKEA advises washing the cited curtains before cutting or hemming.
Compare a liner or shade if fabric coverage alone leaves light leaking in. Neither is a guaranteed complete-darkness fix. A sleep mask is another option if the window cannot be fully covered.
Keep window cords away from children
CPSC recommends cordless window coverings in every room where a child may be present. Accessible pull, loop or inner cords can strangle a child, silently and even with an adult nearby. Inspect the full curtain, blind and shade setup rather than assuming rod-mounted panels make the whole window safe.
If existing corded coverings cannot yet be replaced, CPSC advises keeping cords out of reach, eliminating dangling lengths, correctly setting inner-cord stops, anchoring continuous loops and moving cribs, beds, toys and climbable furniture away from windows. These measures do not make corded coverings equivalent to cordless ones.
Other ways to darken the bedroom at night
- Control indoor light too: curtains do not cover a glowing television or bedroom lamp.
- Keep a safe route at night: Northwestern's researcher suggests dim light near the floor when needed, especially for older adults, and amber, red or orange rather than white or blue light.
- Plan morning light separately: a sunrise alarm clock is one possible routine accessory; curtains do not need to remain closed all day.
Care instructions before buying
For cleaning, use the exact care label. The cited IKEA panels specify cold machine washing, no bleach, no tumble drying and no dry cleaning. Do not apply that instruction to every coated or lined curtain.
What to look for when you buy
Lined or coated blackout curtain panels
Best for: Bedrooms with streetlights or early sunrise
Compare the fabric claim, panel coverage, header and care instructions. A liner is one construction option, not proof of greater light blocking.
Watch out: Measure each panel and check whether the package contains the full width you need.
See options on AmazonWraparound curtain rod for blackout panels
Best for: Anyone seeing a glow at the sides of their curtains
Compare side projection and return-to-wall coverage with the gaps around your window.
Watch out: Confirm wall space, mounting hardware and supported panel weight before ordering.
See options on AmazonWhite or light-colored blackout curtains with a liner
Best for: Bright, light-toned bedrooms where dark drapes feel heavy
Choose the exact light-colored variant by its light-filtering description, rather than assuming every color in a collection performs alike.
Watch out: A white front or lining alone does not establish blackout performance. Check the specific variant.
See options on AmazonCordless blackout roller shade
Best for: Layering under curtains, and children's rooms
Layering is an option when an existing curtain leaves gaps. The CPSC safety guidance favors cordless coverings where children may be present.
Watch out: Check inside-mount clearance, side gaps and the full mechanism for accessible cords.
See options on AmazonBlackout curtain liner
Best for: Keeping curtains you already like
A separate liner may let you keep existing drapes if its attachment system is compatible.
Watch out: Verify liner dimensions, attachment method and the combined load on the rod.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do blackout curtains help you sleep better?
- They can reduce outside light when fabric and coverage suit the window. The study above was not a test of specific curtains and does not guarantee better sleep.
- What is the difference between blackout and room darkening curtains?
- Check the exact fabric description. In the maker examples above, room-darkening fabric admits some light while the blackout variant is described as blocking it.
- Why does light still come in around my blackout curtains?
- Inspect fabric glow separately from top, side, bottom and center gaps. Adjust coverage and mounting within the hardware's instructions.
- Are white blackout curtains really blackout?
- Check the specific product variant rather than deciding by front color. Also measure for edge coverage.
- Are blackout curtains safe in a child's room?
- Choose cordless coverings and inspect the whole window setup. Keep cribs, beds and climbable furniture away from windows.
Sources
- Exposure to Artificial Light During Sleep May Increase Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes (news.feinberg.northwestern.edu), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- The Safest Window Coverings When Young Children Are Present Are Cordless (cpsc.gov), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- MAJGULL gray blackout curtains: product details and care (ikea.com), IKEA (maker)
- MAJGULL beige-yellow room-darkening curtains: product details and care (ikea.com), IKEA (maker)