I tried five popular thermal/blackout curtain sets over a few weeks — putting them through the usual daily abuse: opening and closing, blocking morning sun, trying to keep heat in during evenings, and testing privacy and noise reduction. I wanted to answer the simple question: which curtain gives you the best mix of insulation, blackout, looks, and value?
Why I tested these: I live in a place where summers bake rooms and winters get a draft under the window. I hung each set on the same windows for at least three nights, measured how much morning light leaked, checked fabric weight and stitch quality, and judged draw-smoothness. I also checked installation, care instructions, and how the fabric looked in different light.
Quick buying questions (a short guide)
Before you pick: ask yourself these quick things.
- What’s your main goal — blackout (sleep), insulation (energy saving), or style?
- What size is your window and how full do you want the pleat? (Take width and drop measurements.)
- Do you need grommets or rod-pocket? Grommets = smoother draw.
- Do you want machine-washable and wrinkle-resistant? (Velvet and linen-like fabrics behave differently.)
- Budget vs. lifetime: will you rehang these in another room later?
Types (Product Types)
| Type | What it’s best for |
|---|---|
| Heavy thermal blackout panels | Max insulation, best for big temperature swings and shift-work sleepers |
| Linen-texture insulated panels | Good balance of style & moderate thermal benefit |
| Velvet or plush insulated drapes | Premium look, better for noise reduction and insulation |
| Budget thermal grommet panels | Cheap, decent blackout for small rooms or apartments |
| Rod-pocket/Back-tab thermal panels | For traditional look; sometimes less smooth to draw |
Our Top Picks by Category
| Category | Product (click name to view) |
|---|---|
| Best overall (balanced value & performance) | Joydeco Blackout Curtains — Nature Linen 84 Inch 2 Panels |
| Best budget pick | BGment / similar budget thermal blackout |
| Best linen-texture mid-range | MIULEE Insulated Blackout Curtains 2 Panels |
| Best for noise reduction / premium feel | ChrisDowa Grommet Blackout Curtains |
| Best trusted brand (consistent quality) | NICETOWN Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains |
Hands-on reviews — what I tested
Joydeco Blackout Curtains — Nature Linen 84 Inch 2 Panels
Tested by: me — hung in my bedroom for a week
Best for: people who want near-blackout with natural linen look
I liked these because the fabric hits a sweet spot — heavier than lightweight microfiber, but with a linen texture that doesn’t look like a hospital curtain. The panels are labeled thermal insulated and have OEKO-TEX certification on the product page; the finish looks natural in daylight and they did a good job of reducing morning glare.
Pros
- Good blackout and room-darkening performance
- Natural linen-like look that hangs well
- Certified (OEKO-TEX) — safer dyes and finishes
Cons
- Panels can show light at the very edges unless you have wider overlap
- Heavier fabric can wrinkle if mishandled in laundry
MIULEE Insulated Blackout Curtains — 2 Panels
Tested by: me — used in living room and on a guest room window
Best for: mid-range shoppers who want texture and true blackout
MIULEE is a name you see a lot on Amazon. The version I tested had good density and a linen-like texture. They come in a variety of sizes and the grommets slide smoothly. They gave me near-total blackout when installed with a little overlap.
Pros
- Solid blackout and insulation for the price
- Nicely textured fabric — looks higher-end than the price suggests
- Wide size options
Cons
- Wrinkles if you don’t steam after unpacking
- Color matching can vary slightly between batches — check seller listings
ChrisDowa Grommet Blackout Curtains — Thermal Insulated
Tested by: me — trial in a north-facing bedroom
Best for: renters who want a heavier curtain and better noise dampening
These felt weighty and dense when I hung them. They also did better at muffling traffic noise compared with the lighter panels. The grommets were solid and the draw was smooth.
Pros
- Thick fabric; better at dampening outside noise
- Smooth grommet draw
- Good thermal performance
Cons
- Heavier weight needs sturdy rods — cheap rods may sag
- Price slightly higher than basic sets
BGment (B07D6HCZTY) — budget thermal blackout
Tested by: me — temporary install in a small bedroom
Best for: tight budgets and temporary installs
This one is budget-friendly. Don’t expect luxury, but it blocks light well for the price. Fabric is thinner, so insulation is not as strong as mid-range or premium panels.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Decent blackout for rooms where you just need darkness at night
Cons
- Thinner fabric — less insulating and less noise reduction
- Looks cheaper in natural light
NICETOWN Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Panels
Tested by: me — used in master bedroom and tested over a month
Best for: people who want consistent, trusted performance across sizes
NICETOWN is reliable: consistent colorways, good construction, and solid thermal properties. These were the most consistently blackout-performing set in my tests, and they come in a range of sizes.
Pros
- Dependable blackout and insulation
- Multiple sizes and consistent color matching across orders
- Good build quality
Cons
- Fabric can feel a bit synthetic to touch if you’re after a natural texture
- Not the most stylish for high-end décor
Other things to consider
- Filtration / light leakage: Even “100% blackout” panels can leak at the sides and top unless you use a wraparound rod or mount the rod outside the window frame. To maximize darkening, get wider panels and longer drops than the window size suggests.
- Weight & curtain rod: heavier thermal curtains make a huge difference in insulation/noise reduction — but they need a sturdy rod and brackets. Upgrade hardware if needed.
- Care & washing: look at care instructions. Velvet or plush panels usually require gentle cycles or dry cleaning; many linen-texture and microfiber blackouts are machine-washable but may need a steam/iron to remove wrinkles.
- Noise reduction: heavier, denser linings help dampen sound; you won’t get bulletproof soundproofing, but a thicker panel reduces echo and street noise.
- Price vs. lifespan: budget panels save money short-term but may fade or fray faster. Mid-range panels are often the better long-term buy.
- Accessories: magnetic curtain weights, blackout liners, and tiebacks can improve performance and appearance. For extreme blackout, add a liner behind a decorative panel.
- Color & fading: dark colors block light better, but sun can fade fabrics. If a window gets direct sun, consider UV-resistant fabrics or rotate panels occasionally.
- Installation height: installing higher and wider than the window makes windows look bigger and reduces light gaps. Add 6–12 inches above the frame and 6–12 inches wider than the frame overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do thermal curtains actually save energy?
Yes—properly installed thermal curtains reduce heat transfer through windows. The curtain fabric and any lining slow radiant heat movement and convection near the glass, and when you close curtains at night in cold weather they trap a layer of still air against the window which helps reduce heat loss. In summer, a reflective or dark-lined blackout curtain blocks solar gain and keeps rooms cooler. They’re not a replacement for double glazing, but combined with blinds or good sealing they lower heating and cooling demand enough to notice on monthly energy bills in many climates.
Q2: How do I choose the right size?
Measure the full width of the window including trim. For a full, gathered look, pick panels 1.5–2x the window width (so a 50” window needs at least 75–100” of total fabric — often two 52” panels). For length, measure from the rod to where you want the hem: floor-length (1/2″ above floor) looks modern; puddling (extra fabric on floor) is more formal. If using grommets, check the grommet inner diameter — ensure your rod thickness fits.
Q3: Are blackout curtains safe for baby rooms and nurseries?
Blackout curtains are commonly used in nurseries to improve daytime naps. Choose OEKO-TEX or similar certified fabrics to avoid harsh chemical finishes. Ensure curtain cords are secured and out of reach to prevent strangulation hazards. Follow the manufacturer’s safety guidance and local nursery safety recommendations.
Q4: Can I layer curtains and will that help insulation?
Layering helps. Use a heavier thermal or blackout panel as the inner layer (closest to the glass) and a decorative sheer or linen panel on top. In cold climates, a heavy inner layer plus Roman blinds and a tight fit at the sides produces measurable insulation gains. Layering also gives you flexibility for light control and daytime aesthetics.
Q5: How do I minimize light leakage around edges?
Mount curtains wider and higher than the window and use wraparound or return side tracks where possible. Choose panels with 1–2″ overlap in the middle and consider magnetic side seals or Velcro strips for maximum blackout in media rooms or bedrooms for shift workers.
Conclusion
If you want a reliable, stylish all-rounder that balances insulation and looks, go with the Joydeco Blackout Curtains — Nature Linen. For tight budgets where you just need darkness at night, the BGment budget thermal blackout is a decent pick. If you want a linen-textured mid-range option with lots of sizes, pick the MIULEE insulated blackout panels . For a heavier, noise-dampening premium feel, choose the ChrisDowa grommet insulated curtains . And if you want consistent, trusted performance across many sizes, the NICETOWN Pitch Black insulated panels are the safe, dependable choice.