Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are a little different from your everyday pair. They’re made from clever, tightly woven fabrics (or sometimes have an extra thick lining) that do a brilliant job of keeping the light out – even when the sun’s got its hat on.

They’re not just great for dreamy lie-ins, either. Their snug, layered design helps keep things cool in the summer and toasty in the winter. Quiet, and pitch-black when you want it... sounds like the perfect excuse for a nap, if you ask us.

What Are The Best Blackout Curtains?

The absolute best blackout curtains have very densely woven fabrics like cotton and linen, or a blend of both, accompanied by a similarly dense lining. This is perfect for keeping out pesky rays of light for uninterrupted snoozing.

It’s important to make sure that your blackout curtains are properly sized. After all, you don’t want any gaps where sunlight can sneak through. Luckily, you can pick out the best size of blackout curtain with our curtain size guide.

Popping up curtain rods might sound like a bit of a faff, but with a little know-how (and maybe a cuppa to keep you going), it’s totally doable.

First things first – grab your tools. You’ll need a tape measure, pencil, drill, wall plugs, screws, and a trusty screwdriver. A spirit level is handy too, if you’ve got one lying around (wonky curtains are nobody’s friend).

1. Measure up: Decide where you want your curtain rod to sit – usually 10–15cm above the window frame and wide enough to let the curtains sit neatly at the sides when open.
2. Mark your spots: Use your pencil to mark where the brackets will go. Double-check they’re level – it’s worth the extra minute.
3. Drill time: Carefully drill into the wall where you’ve made your marks. Pop in your wall plugs for extra sturdiness.
4. Bracket business: Screw in the brackets nice and tight.
5. Rod goes in: Slide your curtains onto the rod (or attach the rings, if you’re using them), then pop the rod into the brackets.

And ta-da… you’ve just installed your curtain rod like a total pro. If you need a bit more guidance, we’ve got a curtain hanging guide with all the tips you need.

We generally recommend professional dry cleaning for blackout curtains. The blackout lining can be damaged by machine washing, and different shrinkage rates between the face fabric and lining can cause issues. Always check the care label on your specific pair. You can read more in our caring for curtains guide.

To minimise light bleed, it is often a good idea to be generous with your measurements. Measure the pole or track width (not the window) and consider a floor-length drop for maximum coverage. 

You can find detailed instructions on our curtains advice page.