Finding the Perfect (and Affordable) Blackout Curtains
After balancing precariously on a stool, tugging the blackout curtains I’d purchased onto the rod and nearly falling over to put them back in place, I sat down on my bed with a sigh. I foresaw standing with those same curtains in a long returns line in my future. Finding the right blackout curtains was a struggle.
Blackout curtains can help you sleep better by filtering out your neighbor’s motion-sensor garage light that goes off every time a fly buzzes past. They also keep cool air from leaking out windows in the summer and stop chilly drafts from creeping in during the winter. Sounds good, right? Most blackout curtains are ugly.
Those curtains now finally hanging on the rod were the third pair of blackout curtains I’d purchased for the bedroom in my new house, and the third pair I liked even less than the tacked-up towel that had previously hung in their place. The buy-try-and-return routine was starting to get old. It seemed like all blackout curtains were cheap and stiff—like a mystery happy hour cocktail. It didn’t matter what brand, color, or style. So why did I bother with blackout curtains at all? What about regular curtains in a pretty patterned fabric or a simple sheer curtain?
Trust me, I tried that tactic. But living with someone means compromise. My boyfriend wanted a pitch-black bedroom and didn’t care how it happened—blackout curtains, a towel hung over the window, a tarp perhaps (we already had one in the garage). The compromise I could pick whatever I wanted—so long as they kept the light out.
Discovering the Holy Grail of Blackout Curtains
After much searching and trial and error, I found the holy grail of blackout curtains. They kept out the light from the unfortunately placed streetlight outside our window and didn’t make me want to cry out of sheer ugliness. Here’s how you too can find cute blackout curtains:
Opt for Light-Filtering Curtains
A lot of blackout curtains feel stiff and unyielding because of the lining on the back of the curtains. This lining keeps out the light, but it also makes the curtains hang rigid. When searching, I found the curtains labeled as “light-filtering” were less rigid and tended to offer more variety of colors and patterns. Keep in mind the light-filtering curtains won’t create a true blackout, but will still block the light. They also tended to cost less than full blackout curtains.
Choose Fabric with Weight
The fabric makes a curtain look either luxurious or cheap. When shopping for blackout curtains, I noticed a lot were made with cheap-looking fabric. Seek out curtains made with fabric that has some weight to it. Curtains with a good, heavy fabric tend to drape better and look more luxurious because they flow and have movement.
Layer Sheer and Blackout Curtains
Picture this: Sheer, airy curtains blowing in a light breeze from the window. I wasn’t about to let those dreams of breezy, inviting curtains go completely. The solution? A double curtain rod.
Double curtain rods include two curtain rods on the same bracket, so you can layer two sets of curtains. Using the Storslagen double curtain rod set from IKEA, I slung up a sheer curtain I already owned on the first rod and layered my new blackout curtains over them on the second rod. Voila! The best of both worlds.
Achieving the Luxe Look on a Budget
These long, luxurious curtains changed everything I knew about blackout curtains. Most blackout curtains hover, stiff and rigid, like they don’t know what to do with themselves. These curtains know how to hang. The silky fabric drapes gloriously to the floor, naturally falling in delicious rumpled waves. Even straight out of the package—and slightly wrinkled—they immediately dressed up my bedroom.
A black liner on the back of the curtain panels keeps the pesky morning light from getting in and appeased the boyfriend. I chose a deep navy color because I wanted a little extra light-blocking power, but these curtains also come in pearl, stone, taupe, gray, coal, brown, and black. No word on how well the other colors block the light, but I assume the darker tones will do an equally good job.
If your curtains go straight from the package to the rod, you’re missing out on awesome-looking curtains. Take them to the next level with two simple tips: use curtain ring clips to hang them, and give them a quick perk-up with a cheap hand steamer. While I haven’t personally tested these blackout curtains in my home, they meet all the criteria I look for. Save yourself the drapery heartache of having to try out and then return a bunch of curtain options—give one of these a try.
These babies have it all: hidden tabs in the back to slide on the curtain rod, a deep blue color, and a great price point. And let’s not forget the fun two-tone gray color scheme of the Tryckling Blackout Curtains. While I question the reality of the description’s claim that the “innovative white foam-backing applied to the fabric offers light-blocking, noise-reducing, and energy-saving benefits,” you can’t deny the cute factor. I’d say they’re worth a little sunlight sneaking in.
For a more boho-chic vibe, the Cactus Blackout Curtains with their buffalo check pattern are a great option. Neutral enough to fit a variety of room styles, but way more fun than a solid-colored curtain. Grab them in gray, linen, chambray, indigo, or red.
Whether you want a bohemian-chic vibe or ultra elegance, you can’t go wrong with the combination of peacock blue and gold embroidered details on the Troulon Blackout Curtains. These pretty curtains would be right at home in Home Curtains Philadelphia‘s showroom.
So there you have it—my journey to finding the holy grail of blackout curtains that don’t break the bank but still look luxurious. With a little creativity and the right tips, you can achieve the peaceful, light-blocking sanctuary of your dreams without sacrificing style.
