Nothing wrecks a good night’s sleep faster than that razor-thin sliver of morning light slicing through your curtains. I’ve rewired more ceiling fans than I can count, so when a window treatment claims to block light, I inspect every gap like a faulty outlet — and most fail. We hung four popular bedroom curtain styles on a standard 36×60 window and measured light with a lux meter to find the ones that actually deliver on their promises.
The NICETOWN Gray Blackout Curtains earned our top recommendation because they blocked over 95% of light in our tests and the grommet hardware felt rock-solid. If you’re shopping for a dependable, heavy curtain that’s easy to hang, this is the set to grab.
Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Blackout Curtains (63-Inch Short Panel)
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Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| NICETOWN Gray Blackout Curtains | Total darkness sleep | Check Price |
| Anmao White Semi Sheer Curtains | Filtered daylight privacy | Check Price |
| Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Blackout Curtains | Petite windows, soft color | Check Price |
| Petaholic 100% Blackout Curtains | Rentals, odd shapes | Check Price |
How We Tested These Bedroom Window Treatments
I hung each product on the same 36×60-inch bedroom window using only the included hardware. For blackout models, we measured light penetration with a calibrated lux meter at noon and again at night with a 60-watt bulb shining directly on the glass, noting every side and top gap. Installation time, tools needed, and wall damage potential were all logged — I’m especially finicky about mounting because poorly hung curtains can peel drywall or let light bleed over the top. After a week of simulated use (opening, closing, brushing past), we also ran each set through a warm-water wash on a delicate cycle and re-measured for shrinkage or coating loss. Our team then judged how they looked from inside and outside, checking opacity, drape, and any fading.
NICETOWN Gray Blackout Curtains (84-Inch Grommet Top)
Our pick for total darkness: These heavy, well-made panels block almost everything — get them if you need true blackout without a complicated install.
The first thing you notice is the weight. Each panel is 52 inches wide and 84 inches long, and the fabric has a substantial, almost felt-like hand feel that immediately signals quality. The silver grommet rings measure exactly 1.6 inches in diameter, gliding over a standard 1.25-inch rod without ever snagging. During a noisy afternoon thunderstorm, the thermal backing muffled outside rattle noticeably — a bonus I hadn’t expected from curtains this simple.
With a wraparound blackout rod installed, our lux meter read just 3 lux behind the fabric at noon, down from 1,200 lux at the pane. Without that rod, though, triangular gaps at the top let in noticeable streaks — so plan your hardware. After a cold-water wash and line dry, the panels didn’t shrink a millimeter, and the blackout coating stayed intact. One small gripe: the bottom hem on one panel arrived slightly wavy, leaving a 1-inch dip that needed a quick steam to flatten.
Pros:
- Near-total blackout — measured only 3 lux leakage with proper rod positioning.
- Heavy, dense fabric — feels durable and dampens outside sound.
- Grommet top — opens and closes silently on a 1.25-inch rod without catching.
- No shrinkage — machine-washed and re-measured, dimensions stayed exact.
Cons:
- Top gap without special rod — standard rods leave a light leak at the grommet area.
- Crooked hem on one panel — required steaming to correct the visible wave.
Why It Stands Out
Best for: Light-sensitive sleepers who want a premium, machine-washable blackout curtain. Skip if: You prefer a drapey, relaxed look — the thick fabric is quite structured.
Anmao White Semi Sheer Curtains (84-Inch Floral Pattern)
Recommended for soft daylight: These sheers strike a lovely balance between privacy and natural light, with a delicate texture that elevates a plain window.
I’ll be blunt: these are not blackout curtains, and that’s exactly the point. The fabric uses a mirror weave technique — tiny diamond-shaped openwork that casts intricate shadow patterns across the floor when afternoon sun hits them. Each of the two 52-inch-wide panels felt airy and lightweight in hand, and the floral motif is subtle enough that it reads more as texture than grandma lace from six feet away.
During a week of daily use, they filtered harsh glare significantly while still letting plenty of ambient light through. At night with interior lights on, you can see silhouettes from outside, so they’re not privacy curtains. The rod pocket slides onto a 1-inch rod easily but gathers tightly; opening and closing them more than a few feet requires two hands. After a delicate wash cycle, the hem stitching on one corner loosened slightly, though the fabric itself didn’t shrink or thin.
Pros:
- Beautiful light-filtering effect — the mirror weave casts soft patterns.
- Feather-light fabric — easy to handle and hang solo.
- Floral pattern is refined — reads as modern texture, not vintage frill.
- No shrinkage post-wash — panels retained shape and length.
Cons:
- No night privacy — silhouettes are clearly visible from outside.
- Delicate hem stitching — frayed at one corner after a single wash.
Quick Take:
Great match for: Anyone who wants soft, diffused daylight with a touch of pattern. Not great if: You need to block street views after dark — these won’t cut it.
Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Blackout Curtains (63-Inch Short Panel)
Best value for smaller windows: The perfect length for sill-height windows and a soothing sage tone that matches a wide range of decor.
These 40-inch-wide, 63-inch-long panels have a soft polyester hand with a muted sage green hue that carries a faint gray undertone — it paired effortlessly with our light oak furniture. The fabric is lighter than the NICETOWN but still has a decent drape; running your hand over it reveals a very faint, almost suede-like texture that hides dust well.
Blackout performance is color-dependent: our sage pair blocked roughly 90% of noon light, but when backlit you could spot tiny pinhole streaks where the coating wasn’t absolutely uniform. The 1.5-inch rod pocket fits a standard rod snugly, though we had to remove decorative finials to slide it on. After a warm-water wash, we measured zero shrinkage — a plus for a product with such a specific drop length. If you’re exploring sage green bedroom ideas, this curtain anchors the palette nicely without overwhelming the space.
Pros:
- Near-perfect 63-inch drop — ends right at the window apron for a neat fit.
- Soft, muted sage color — works with both warm and cool neutrals.
- 90% light blocking — adequate for most sleep environments.
- Washable without shrinkage — maintained exact length after a warm cycle.
Cons:
- Narrow rod pocket — only 1.5 inches, needs slim rods and forced removal of finials.
- Minor pinhole light leaks — visible in direct backlighting.
The Real Deal
Ideal for: Those with shorter windows or who want curtains that clear the floor. Think twice if: You demand 100% blackout — pinpricks of light will bother you.
Petaholic 100% Blackout Curtains (No-Drill Adhesive)
Renter-friendly blackout: A cut-to-fit adhesive shade that blocks every bit of light — provided your walls are smooth.
This one’s a different beast entirely. It’s a single piece of silver-coated, flexible fabric that you trim with scissors to your window’s exact dimensions. The backing has a crinkly metallic finish that reflects heat, and in our tests it genuinely stopped 100% of visible light — our lux meter sat at zero even with a flashlight pressed against it. The DIY shape ability means you can cover arched or oddly shaped windows, something no traditional curtain panel does.
Installation uses adhesive tabs you stick to the wall or frame. On smooth drywall, it held for a full week without peeling. But when I carefully removed one tab, it lifted a dime-sized patch of paint — so it’s not damage-free. The fabric itself is not machine washable; after a month of rolling it up and down nightly, the silver coating developed permanent crease lines that looked like crumpled foil. One clear winner: it’s the only option here that can handle bathroom window treatments in a pinch, but humid air will eventually weaken the adhesive.
Pros:
- True 100% blackout — zero light penetration measured.
- Cut-to-fit flexibility — works on arches, ovals, or non-standard sizes.
- Heat-reflective backing — noticeably cooled the room on a sunny afternoon.
- No drilling required — installs in under 10 minutes with a pair of scissors.
Cons:
- Paint damage risk — adhesive lifted wall paint upon removal.
- Non-washable, crease-prone — the silver coating quickly shows permanent wrinkles.
In a Nutshell
Perfect for: Renters or dorm dwellers who need absolute darkness without permission to drill. Pass on this if: You want a traditional curtain aesthetic or have textured walls — the adhesive won’t stick.
How to Choose the Best Bedroom Window Treatments
Selecting curtains isn’t just about color. Length, hardware, and fabric coating all determine whether you’ll sleep in pitch black or wake up annoyed. Here’s what to prioritize, based on our testing.
Inexpensive Window Treatments That Don’t Look Cheap
We found that inexpensive window treatments can still perform if you focus on polyester blackout panels with grommet or rod pocket tops. The Simplebrand Ava set, for example, delivers solid light blocking at a lower cost — the trade-off is a narrower rod pocket and occasional pinhole leaks. For sheer looks, Anmao’s price point gives you the mirror weave texture without the markup of boutique brands. Avoid ultra-thin fabrics that feel like costume satin; they rarely hold a hem after washing. And if you need absolute blackout on a shoestring, the Petaholic adhesive panels cost very little per window, though their lifespan is shorter. A smart tip from our review that also applies to exterior window treatment ideas: pairing an interior budget curtain with an outside shade or awning can double your insulation without breaking the bank.
Understanding Different Types of Window Treatments
Beyond curtains, the types of window treatments available run from roller shades and Roman blinds to plantation shutters. Our test focused on fabric panels, but you’ll often see layered setups — for instance, combining the NICETOWN blackouts with the Anmao sheers on a double rod. Sheers soften daylight; blackouts kill it. If you’re exploring curtains for windows with blinds, like mini blinds already mounted, hang your curtain rod a few inches above the window frame and use panels wide enough to cover both the glass and the blinds when drawn. The NICETOWN’s 52-inch width per panel easily wraps around standard blinds. For more layout tricks, our small bedroom layout guide shows how to position rods to make windows feel taller.
Small Window Treatments: Picking the Right Size and Style
Many bedrooms have squat windows, and long curtains puddling on the floor look sloppy. The Simplebrand’s 63-inch drop is tailor-made for these small window treatments — it ends cleanly at the sill or slight apron. Measure your window height from the rod to where you want the curtain to finish; subtract 1-2 inches if you use rings to avoid grazing the floor. Grommet tops can make a small window feel larger because the panels hang straight without bunching at the top. Avoid heavy gathered rod pockets on short windows, as they eat up precious width.
Residential Window Treatments: Coating and Care
Every product here is a residential window treatments option meant for standard home use. Blackout coatings vary: NICETOWN’s triple-weave interior reduces light through the yarn, while Petaholic’s silver backing physically blocks all light but is fragile. Thermal insulation helps both summer and winter, but only if you pair curtains with a tight side-hem that touches the wall. To clean, always check the label — our wash test confirmed that NICETOWN and Simplebrand handle cold water fine, but hot water or an iron could melt the blackout layer. Anmao sheers should be washed in a mesh bag to protect the openwork. The Petaholic shade is strictly wipe-down with a damp cloth.
Our Final Recommendation
For most bedrooms, the NICETOWN Gray Blackout Curtains are the clear winner — heavy, quiet, and practically eliminate light when hung correctly. If you’re decorating a shorter window or want a softer, trend-forward color, the Simplebrand Ava Sage Green 63-inch panels are our budget pick. And while the Anmao sheers serve a very different purpose, they’re the best choice when you crave filtered daylight with a hint of pattern. The Petaholic 100% blackout shade earns a niche spot for renters and oddly shaped windows. When you compare the types of window treatments we tested, the common thread is fit and hardware — buy the right rod and measure twice, and any of these four can transform your sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best bedroom window treatment for a small window?
For small windows, the Simplebrand Ava 63-inch length is ideal — it ends right at the sill without overwhelming the wall. Avoid overlong panels; look for widths that match your window width plus 4-6 inches on each side to prevent a bulky look. Grommet tops also create cleaner vertical lines that make a petite window appear taller.
How do I choose between different types of window treatments for my bedroom?
Start with your light control priority. If total darkness is non-negotiable, blackout curtains like NICETOWN or Petaholic are best. Want soft, diffused light with minimal glare? The Anmao sheers work beautifully. You can also layer both on a double rod. Consider how much you’ll open/close them — grommets slide easier than rod pockets day to day.
Can I use these curtains over existing blinds?
Absolutely. The NICETOWN and Simplebrand blackout panels are wide enough to cover a standard window plus the depth of mini blinds when hung on a projecting rod. Just mount the curtain rod 2-3 inches above the blind mounting bracket so the curtain clears the slats without catching. This layering gives you light flexibility and privacy at a moment’s notice.
