Best blackout curtains: 6 top buys for light-sensitive sleepers

The best blackout curtains are a must if light sensitivity means you're waking up with the larks – we've rounded up our favourites to make the buying process easier

blackout curtains
(Image credit: Loaf)

It's worth investing in the best blackout curtains if you're sensitive to light and often find yourself waking up much earlier than desired. While some people enjoy the feeling of being woken up by the sun, if you're a shift worker, have little ones who you'd prefer to sleep in a little later, or simply suffer from serious light sensitivity, blackout blinds are as good as essential.

It may seem like a small change, but blackout curtains have the ability to completely transform your sleep cycle. And you may be pleased to know that they've have come a long way, design-wise. It's now possible to choose from a range of styles and finishes, as opposed to being forced into purchasing a (rather unaesthetic) blackout curtain, or blind.

Check out our top picks below. Then, learn more about window treatments using our expert advice and design ideas.

Best blackout curtains available right now

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

blackout curtains

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

1. John Lewis & Partners Faux Silk Pair Blackout Lined Eyelet Curtains

The best silk-effect blackout curtains: add texture to your space without compromising sleep quality

Specifications

Material: Polyester
Colour: Teal, Champagne, Wisteria, Blue Grey, Duck Egg, Cassis and Mocha
Sizes: 135W x 137D to 168W x 229D

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish faux-silk design
+
Effective blackout curtains
+
A variety of colour finishes

Reasons to avoid

-
Silk finishes may not be for everyone

If you prefer the idea of silk-effect curtains, as opposed to cotton, we recommend these blackout curtains from John Lewis. Available in seven stylish shades, these curtains not only work in a variety of spaces, but will be effective in clocking out light too.

best blackout curtains: floral white and blue

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

2. John Lewis & Partners Wisley Pair Blackout Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains

The best floral blackout curtains: gorgeous curtains for country style homes

Specifications

Material: 100% cotton. Lining 59% polyester, 41% cotton
Colour: White and blue floral pattern
Sizes: 167W x 137D to 228W x 228D

Reasons to buy

+
Made using sustainable cotton 
+
Effective blackout curtains
+
Gorgeous floral finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Patterned finish may not be for everyone

Despite their pretty appearance – which we think would work perfectly in a home with a feminine, country style – these blackout curtains are also effective in blocking out light and protecting your space from the sun.

Style as part of a neutral scheme to add character to a space, or work into a kids room if you're after a subtly feminine feel.

blackout curtains with stars

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

3. Little Home Glow in the Dark Star Blackout Curtains

The best blackout curtains for kids’ rooms: curtains with kid-friendly designs perfect for children's rooms

Specifications

Best for: Children’s blackout curtains
Material: Polyester and cotton
Colour: Navy blue and white

Reasons to buy

+
 Glow in the dark stars 
+
 Blocks dawn light and street lights 

Reasons to avoid

-
 Issues with dry cleaning and blackout lining 

With their little glow in the dark stars, these blackout curtains are perfect for children’s bedrooms. Effective at blocking out early morning light and light pollution, its little stars will emit a subtle glow even in complete blackness – the perfect comforting presence for children scared of the dark. 

Part of John Lewis & Partners Little Home range, there are plenty of matching features for use throughout the rest of the scheme.

blackout curtains

(Image credit: Next)

4. Cotton Waffle 300 Thread Count Blackout Curtains

The best blackout curtains: stylish waffle curtains that also block out light

Specifications

Material: Cotton and polyester
Colour: Grey, Charcoal or Mink
Sizes: 135W x 137D to 168W x 229D

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish, timeless design
+
Will work within most spaces
+
Effective blackout curtains

Reasons to avoid

-
Some say they look slightly darker than in the images

If you're looking for a simple blackout curtain that's guaranteed to work with almost every scheme – particularly if it's neutral – you can't go wrong with these cotton blackout curtains from Next.

Easy to put up, these curtains will instantly transform your sleep set-up, while effectively framing windows and adding a relaxed feel to your space. The 300 thread count features a stylish waffle design, for added texture, while blackout lining eliminates outside light and – to an extent – noise.

blackout curtains

(Image credit: Next)

5. Optical Geo Jacquard Curtains

The best patterned blackout curtains: incorporate pattern into your space with these stylish blackout curtains

Specifications

Material: Cotton and polyester
Colour: Charcoal, Navy, Ochre, Pink, Teal
Sizes: 117W x 134D to 228W x 229D

Reasons to buy

+
On-trend geometric design
+
Effective blackout curtains

Reasons to avoid

-
Patterned finish won't be to everyone's taste

If you're looking for blackout curtains with a little more interest, these might be for you. Geometric prints are pretty on-trend at the moment, and this option from Next allows you to make the most of this, while also benefitting from black out technology.

Whether you're looking for something bright and bold, the ochre finish might be for you. Otherwise, something in pink or grey is slightly more subtle.

Geo Lines best Blackout Curtains

(Image credit: Next UK)

6. Geo Lines Blackout Curtains

Best thermal blackout curtains: keep the light out and the temperature controlled

Specifications

Material: Polyester and Cotton
Colour: Grey and Pink

Reasons to buy

+
Subtle patterning that would work in most spaces
+
Machine washable 

Reasons to avoid

-
 Eyelet style may allow light to filter through the top of the curtain 

While metal eyelets are sturdy in their design, these blackout curtains do allow a little light to filter through, which may or may not be enough to disturb your sleep.

Aside from that, these lightly patterned grey curtains are perfect for lifting neutral bedroom or living room spaces. Featuring a thermal blackout lining, they help to retain the heat in the winter months and block any unwanted draughts. 

Want more bedroom inspiration? 

Anna is a professional writer with many years of experience. She has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. She covers a range of topics, from practical advice to interior and garden design.