Last Updated on January 10, 2023
Top 3 Best Blackout Curtains
- Deconovo Thermal Insulated (Editor’s Choice)
- Deconovo Diamond Foil (Luxury Choice)
- Hachette Thermal Linings (Best Value)
If you work night shifts or need to take a daytime nap, you’ll understand how difficult it can be to get to sleep in a bright, day-lit room. Thankfully, blackout curtains are a great solution to block inconvenient light from reaching inside your home. Whether it’s for your bedroom or your lounge, we take a look at ten of the very best blackout curtains in the UK to help you choose your perfect match. We have scoured the market for the most popular choices. Read our in-depth reviews below to find the right option for you and your home.
How We Compared Blackout Curtains
To find the right blackout curtains we considered multiple factors including:
- Grommet Top
- Fabric
- Lining
- Tie Backs
- Size and Colour Options
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
To find out more about our process please see here.
Best Blackout Curtain Reviews – Top 10 Picks
Deconovo Thermal Insulated (Editor’s Choice)
The best blackout curtains in the UK and our editor’s choice is the Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain. These curtains help to keep your room insulated thanks to their light-blocking high-density, triple-weave polyester fabric. Not only will they help to keep your room darker, but they also feature an easy to hang, stainless-steel eyelet construction to add a modern look to any home.
Silky and soft, these Deconovo curtains are made of the same material on both sides and have a panel size of 117 x 138cm. While these curtains can be popped into the washing machine for easy maintenance without using a vacuum cleaner, it should be taken into consideration that they can snag fairly easily. You should be careful with them, especially when opening and closing the velcro on the tie backs. Also, paler versions block far less light than darker ones.
An excellent light-blocking curtain, the Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain by Deconovo is a great quality, modern model that’s ideal for improving your sleep.
Pros:
- High-density, triple-weave polyester
- Stainless-steel eyelet construction
- Machine washable
- Help to insulate your room
Cons:
- Paler colours block less light
- Tiebacks are less appealing
- Material damages easily
Deconovo Diamond Foil (Luxury Choice)
If you are looking for some modern sun-blocking curtains, be sure to take a look at the Diamond Foil Blackout Curtains by Deconovo, our luxury choice. Featuring a silver geometric pattern and stainless-steel eyelets, these curtains are easy to hang and bring a touch of style to any home.
Choose from a wide range of colours and sizes. Just bear in mind that the paler shades block less light and that the material is cut a little on the economical side, making sizes fairly tight. Otherwise, these soft-touch, triple-weave polyester curtains are effective at blocking the sun’s rays and insulating your room for greater comfort and energy savings.
While they are hand wash only, if you need a modern pair of blackout curtains, this stylish geometric pair is sure to impress.
Pros:
- Soft-touch triple-weave polyester fabric
- Energy-saving insulating properties
- Stainless-steel eyelet construction
- Modern silver geometric pattern
- Available in a range of colours and sizes
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- Paler shades are less effective
- Sizes are a little tight
Hachette Thermal Linings (Best Value)
If you love the colour and style of your existing curtains, use these clever, eco-friendly linings to turn them into total blackout curtains. Highly effective at providing excellent room darkening results, this blackout lining option is our best value choice.
Easy to install, no sewing is required. Simply attach it using the supplied hooks. These blackout linings are heavy to ensure maximum insulation, draught reduction, and heat deflection. It even comes complete with a special solar-reflective coating. Given their weight, you may want to purchase an additional pack of hooks to prevent any drooping. The only downside is that these linings are dry-cleaned only.
If you need a pair of thick blackout curtains and want to save time picking out a new set, simply customise your existing curtains with these highly effective blackout linings.
Pros:
- Excellent blackout results
- Solar-reflective coating
- No sewing is required and easy to install
- Insulates and prevents draughts
Cons:
- Dry-clean only
- May need extra hooks
- Heavy
Pony Dance (Best Machine Washable)
The Pony Dance Blackout Curtains use a triple-weave, 100% polyester fabric. Not only are they machine washable for easy maintenance, but they also have a soft, straight-hanging finish. Available in a large range of modern, bright colours, these curtains complement any contemporary home with their ten silver chrome eyelets.
While these curtains do help to block out UV rays and sunlight, note that they are unlined. Being very lightweight and thin to boot, they don’t quite live up to their full thermal insulating and noise reducing touted capabilities. They also arrive fairly creased, although with time they will straighten out.
If you need new curtains that will block out a fair amount of natural light, then this version by Pony Dance could be just what you’re looking for. Even more so if you want a bright or unusual colour.
Pros:
- 100% triple-weave polyester
- Machine washable
- Block out 85-95% of natural light
- Thermal insulation and noise reduction properties
- Large modern colour selection
Cons:
- Very lightweight
- Arrive very creased
- Very thin
Deconovo One Panel (Best Single)
This One-Panel Blackout Curtain by Deconovo is ideal for a glass-paned door or narrow window, helping to block out UV rays and daylight, as well as keeping temperatures cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Available in over 15 different shades, there is sure to be one that’s just perfect for your decor. The durable stainless-steel eyelet construction also adds a contemporary, highly practical touch.
The high-density, triple-weave polyester is effective at reducing daylight. However, the paler shades block much less light, while the whole construction is very thin. There is no tie back included, so you may want to look at another style if this is a dealbreaker for you.
Machine washable, with a silky soft finish and a nice drape, this blackout panel is a good solution if you need a darker room.
Pros:
- High-density, triple-weave polyester
- Machine washable
- Stainless-steel eyelet construction
- Silky soft finish
- Over 15 colours to choose from
Cons:
- No tie back
- Paler shades block less light.
- Very thin
H.Versailtex Citadel (Best Pencil-Pleated)
If you are looking for a pair of pencil-pleat curtains with blackout function, then be sure to take a look at this version by H.Versailtex. Made with a soft microfibre-rich material, these lightweight blackout curtains add a touch of class to any home. They are machine washable and ironable which is great as they do tend to crease very easily.
Despite their low weight, they effectively reduce the amount of light that will enter your room. Installation is easy. however, there are no curtain hooks included with your purchase. Two velcro-fastening tie backs come free of charge with every set of curtains, saving you from having to install wall hooks.
When measuring, choose a size that is not too borderline as this particular version tends to size a little out. All in all, it is a nice set of curtains that hangs well and helps to keep your room darker and better insulated.
Pros:
- Soft microfibre-rich material
- Pencil-pleated top
- Machine washable and ironable
- Easy to install
- Includes velcro-closure tie backs
Cons:
- No hooks included
- Crease easily
- Not cut true to size
Utopia Bedding Eyelet (Partial Light Reduction)
These Eyelet Blackout Curtains by Utopia Bedding are made from a substantial 250 GSM polyester, helping to effectively reduce the amount of light that enters your room.
Each set comes complete with two matching tie-backs. The curtains are of the same colour back and front and feature an unusual bronze eyelet design. These curtains are easy to install with any standard pole.
While they are machine washable for easy maintenance, unfortunately, the stitching is not of the highest quality. Also, with just four shades available, you may find the colour selection a little restrictive. While these curtains do go quite some way to blocking out a large percentage of light, they are very thin. Consequently, they do not offer all they promise in terms of sound reduction and insulation.
On the whole, it’s a good pair of light-reducing curtains that are made of lightweight, easy-care polyester fabric. What’s more, it’s easy to fit and hangs well.
Pros:
- Bronze eyelet top design
- 250 GSM polyester
- Includes two matching tie-backs
- Machine washable
- Same colour front and back
Cons:
- Only four shades are available
- Very thin
- Stitching could be better
Deconovo Decorative Thermal Insulated (Best with Insulation)
If you are looking for blackout thermal curtains, take a look at this version by Deconovo. These blackout thermal curtains help you to keep your room insulated.
Made from a polyester fabric with a soft and silky finish, there are several different colours and sizes to choose from. Each pair comes complete with a matching set of tiebacks for a harmonious finish. What’s more, the stainless steel eyelet top complements the pattern, and makes installation extra easy.
If you opt for this model, bear in mind that the lighter shades are more transparent and will block less light, as these curtains are not lined. In order to protect the decorative pattern, these curtains are hand wash only and require some specific care to ensure that they don’t become damaged.
If you are looking for the best thermal curtains UK stores have to offer to block out a decent percentage of light, then this model could be just what you need. Stylish, lightweight and easy to install, it’s a popular choice for bedrooms.
Pros:
- Soft and silky polyester material
- Stainless-steel eyelet construction
- Foil-printed wave and dots pattern
- Includes two matching tie backs
- Several colour and size options are available
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- Not lined
- Lighter colours are transparent
AmazonBasics Set (Best Triple-Weave)
The AmazonBasics Blackout Curtain Set is a good quality pair of light-blocking curtains complete with two matching ties. Thanks to their triple-weave construction, these heavy blackout curtains work as an energy saving-barrier. Not only do they block your light, but they also insulate against the cold and heat for a cooler room in summer and a warmer one in winter.
Machine washable for hassle-free cleaning, you may want to wash and iron them out of the box as they hold creases. Being fairly heavy, make sure that your curtain pole is sturdy enough to hold them. Also, be aware that the measurements can be a little confusing for this product, so be sure to double-check when ordering.
On the whole, if you are looking for a decent set of blackout curtains, this version by AmazonBasics won’t disappoint. Without any stiff backings or linings, you get a nice soft material with a sophisticated drape to it that works well in any room of your home that you want to keep dark.
Pros:
- Innovative triple-weave fabric
- Machine washable
- Grommets fit any standard or decorative rod
- Enhanced privacy and insulation
- Includes two curtain ties
Cons:
- Takes a while for creases to go
- Fairly heavy
- Measurements are misleading
John Aird Thermal (All Occasion Option)
If you’re looking for a simple pair of blackout curtains, then this version by John Aird is a great choice.
They are available in a wide variety of bright colours and also have matching cushions which you can get separately. These curtains are unlined, so they do not block out quite as much as light as some other types. However, the darker shades are effective at vastly reducing the amount of light and heat that enters your room.
On the downside, they are dry clean only, and some of the stitching could be better quality. Made from soft polyester material, they are a nice looking curtain that is easy to hang thanks to its ring eyelet top. On the whole, this is a good, light-reducing curtain set that is available in a wide variety of colours and sizes.
Pros:
- Includes free tie backs
- Soft polyester material
- Available in a wide variety of sizes
- Matching cushions available
Cons:
- Dry clean only
- Unlined
- Not the best quality stitching
Can Blackout Curtains Cool a Room?
If one of your rooms has plenty of sunlight streaming through its windows, you’ll find that it heats up much more than rooms with windows facing in other directions. As the sunlight reaches your window pane, its infrared light heats the glass in the window frame, which in turn radiates heat throughout your room.
Using a blackout lined curtain with a solar reflective backing helps to deflect some of this light, while a high-density fabric prevents the heat from radiating further into your room. This combined effect, while it won’t actually cool a room, will prevent it from heating up, or if your curtains are drawn at a later stage, allow it to cool down.
What Should I Look for in Blackout Curtains?
When you are looking for a good pair of blackout curtains, make sure that you keep an eye out for the following features.
Grommet Top
Grommets are an easy-to-fit choice, allowing you to simply slide your new curtain onto your existing curtain rod. While you may get some light shining through the grommets, these curtains are indisputably the easiest to install and provide a clean, contemporary finish. On the other hand, for better room darkening, some people may prefer pencil-pleat curtains.
Fabric
You’ll want to look out for a high-density, tightly woven fabric, capable of deflecting heat and light, so your room stays dark. Polyester is a popular choice and it also has a nice drape to it, with a silky, soft finish. Not all materials can be cleaned in the washing machine though, so if this is important to you, be sure to check the usage instructions first.
Lining
If your curtains aren’t made of high-density fabric, then you will need additional lining to ensure that it is sufficiently opaque to stop UV rays from passing through. Linings also improve your blackout curtains’ insulation qualities. However, as a blackout lining will increase weight considerably, always check that your curtain rod is securely fixed before installation.
Tie Backs
For when you want to let in the daylight, a pair of matching tie-backs makes a nice touch and keeps your curtains tidy and clean.
Size & Colour Options
Some blackout curtains have size allowance, so even if you mismeasure, there’s still a good chance that you can use it. If you are looking for a bright, modern design, your choice may be significantly narrowed down as other curtains have fewer colour options.
Remember, if you are opting for an unlined version, your choice of colour will be very important in terms of blackout capabilities. Lighter unlined blackout curtains tend to block much less light than the same model but in a darker colour. So, if light-blocking is your main priority, it’s generally best to go for the darkest shade that will complement your sofa cover and suit your decor.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of excellent blackout curtains available. If you’re still wondering which are the best blackout curtains in the UK, then we recommend our top pick and editor’s choice, the Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains by Deconovo.
This curtain set is excellent and will help to keep your room free of light, both during the day and night time. Thanks to its stainless-steel eyelet top, it is easy to install and compatible with all standard curtain rods. Machine-washable for easy maintenance, its high-density, triple-weave polyester fabric will also help to insulate your home for greater energy efficiency.
Kelly is an expert in consumer product research, which is very important when it comes to finding the most useful and aesthetically pleasing items for your home. This became her passion after finding it very time-consuming to wade through all the product information online.
She has a keen attention to detail which she brings to her articles, Kelly’s goal is to help you find what you need without spending too much time searching for it.