Filters
Find the right level of darkness
Blackout Levels — How Much Light Each Blocks
Not all blackout curtains are created equal. Understanding the difference helps you pick the perfect curtains for every room.
Cut glare, keep daylight — living & dining rooms.
Physical black-thread weave (no coating). Cozy dim — bedrooms, media rooms.
Coated blackout lining. Pitch black — nurseries, shift workers, theaters.
Installation Tips
How to Get True Blackout with Curtains
Darkness comes from the fabric and lining — and from sizing and installing the panels so light can't sneak around the edges:
More detail in our Blackout Curtains Selection Guide100% total blackout uses a coated lining; 80–90% room darkening uses a physical black-thread weave (no coating). The lining determines the blackout level, not the fabric color.
Add at least 8" on all four sides beyond your window frame. This prevents light from leaking around the edges — the #1 reason people think their blackout curtains aren't working.
Mount your curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible, and let curtains hem about 0.5" off the floor. This eliminates top and bottom light gaps completely.
Use a rod that extends at least 4-6 inches beyond the window on each side. For a center-split pair, use enough fabric so the two panels combined are at least the rod width — no middle gap.
Blackout level is set by the lining, not the color. Whether you choose white, beige, navy, or any other color — the blackout lining behind it provides the same level of darkness.
Common Questions
FAQs About Blackout Curtains
Everything you need to know about blackout curtains before making your choice.
Do blackout curtains really block all light?
The fabric blocks close to 100% of light, but in real rooms light usually leaks around the edges, not through the fabric. For true darkness, add at least 8" on all four sides, install floor-to-ceiling, and on a center-split pair use enough fabric (the two panels combined at least the rod width) so there is no middle gap.
What is the difference between blackout and room darkening curtains?
Blackout blocks 95–100% with a coated lining for total darkness; room darkening blocks 80–90% using a physical black-thread weave for a cozy dim glow. Choose blackout for nurseries, shift workers and home theaters; room darkening for a softly dim bedroom or living room.
Are blackout curtains toxic?
Quality blackout curtains are safe — look for OEKO-TEX certified, formaldehyde-free fabrics and linings, and avoid cheap PVC/vinyl-coated panels that can off-gas. If chemical sensitivity is a concern, a physical black-thread room-darkening weave avoids coatings entirely.
Do blackout curtains keep heat out?
Yes — blackout curtains help keep heat out, mainly depending on the lining. High-quality thermal or blackout linings block sunlight and reduce heat transfer, keeping rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter for year-round comfort.
Can I wash blackout curtains?
At Drapioo, all our unlined blackout curtain fabrics are machine washable. A 90–95% high-density blackout lining is also washable; a 100% coated blackout lining should be washed minimally to protect the coating. Always check the care label.
Do blackout curtains reduce noise?
The thick, dense fabric absorbs some sound and softens echo, so the room feels quieter — but blackout curtains are not fully soundproof. Heavier fabric with a blackout lining dampens the most noise.
What color blackout curtains block the most light?
Blackout level is independent of color — pick any color you love. Light blocking is controlled by the blackout lining, not the shade, so a white blackout curtain with a proper lining blocks just as much as a dark one.
Which blackout curtains do you recommend for the bedroom?
For bedrooms we recommend heavyweight fabric over thinner options. A best-seller is our Heavyweight Linen Blackout Curtains — rich texture and excellent drape in Morandi tones that pair with gray, white or cream walls.
Can I use pink blackout curtains in my kid's room?
Yes — our French Linen Blackout Curtains come in warm peachy-pink, and our 10% Linen Blackout Curtains offer a soft true pink. Both are perfect for a dreamy, feminine space with 100% blackout performance.