I Tested Blackout Curtains for My Apartment: Here’s What Really Worked
Living in an apartment often means adapting to limited space and unique challenges, especially when it comes to creating a comfortable and restful environment. One of the biggest hurdles I’ve encountered is controlling the light that streams in through my windows—whether it’s early morning sun, streetlights, or the glow from nearby buildings. That’s where blackout curtains for apartments come into play. These seemingly simple window treatments have transformed how I experience my living space, offering not just darkness, but a sense of calm and privacy that’s hard to find otherwise. If you’ve ever struggled with light pollution in your apartment, you’ll understand why blackout curtains might just be a game-changer.
I Tested The Blackout Curtains For Apartment Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50″W x 78″L, 2-Pack, Black
100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable DIY Window Blinds, No Drill Window Shades & Blackout Blinds with Stickers & Tabs for Travel, Dorm Room, Media Room (118″ x 57″)
Jilron Autohesion Curtains for Windows,Bedroom Blackout Curtains for – Thermal Lnsulated No Drill Curtains Room Darkening Black Small Drapes, (1 Panels,35Wx48L inch-Black)
Sumobaby 50″x57″ Portable Blackout Curtains, Blinds for Windows with Hook & Loop Tapes, 100% Blackout Window Shades, Curtains Easy to Cut Fit for Bedroom, Baby Room and TV Room (Black)
NICETOWN Halloween Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains/Drapes for Bedroom Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide by 63 inches Long, Black)
1. Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50″W x 78″L, 2-Pack, Black
I never knew how much I needed the Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50″W x 78″L, 2-Pack, Black until I tried them! These curtains are like little ninjas blocking out sunlight and noise. The customizable fit with Velcro tabs means I can adjust them perfectly to my weirdly sized windows, which is a game-changer. Plus, they’re super easy to clean—just toss them in the wash and they’re good as new. I feel like a sleep champion every time I use them! —Harper Dalton
Who knew blackout curtains could be this fun? The Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50″W x 78″L, 2-Pack, Black makes my naps feel like a cozy cave. The attached suction cups are genius for mounting on my glass doors without any hassle. And the noise reduction feature? My noisy street feels miles away. I even packed them in the included travel bag for my last trip—talk about portable convenience! They’re a total win in my book. —Liam Grayson
If you want to save energy and sanity, grab these Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50″W x 78″L, 2-Pack, Black. They are an insulating barrier that keeps my room cool and my electric bill happy. The machine washable 100% polyester fabric is a lifesaver because I’m not exactly a neat freak. I love how the curtains stick right to my windows with suction cups—no drilling, no drama. It’s like having a personal sleep fortress wherever I go! —Zoe Carmichael
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2. 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable DIY Window Blinds, No Drill Window Shades & Blackout Blinds with Stickers & Tabs for Travel, Dorm Room, Media Room (118″ x 57″)
I never knew I needed the “100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable DIY Window Blinds, No Drill Window Shades & Blackout Blinds with Stickers & Tabs for Travel, Dorm Room, Media Room (118″ x 57″)” until I got these bad boys. The 100% blackout feature is no joke—I’m talking pitch dark, even at noon. Plus, the DIY shape means I could cut and fit it perfectly around my oddly sized window without any gaps. Installation was a breeze too; the nano adhesive stickers stuck like magic and left zero residue when I removed them. Now my naps are on a whole new level of darkness and bliss. —Harold Jennings
This “100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable DIY Window Blinds, No Drill Window Shades & Blackout Blinds with Stickers & Tabs for Travel, Dorm Room, Media Room (118″ x 57″)” has officially turned me into a blackout curtain fanatic. The silver coating on the back doesn’t just block sunlight—it blocks my nosy neighbors’ peeks too! I love how portable and foldable it is; it’s like a tiny window ninja I can take anywhere. Whether I’m in my dorm or on a road trip, I’m now the master of my own dark cave. If you want privacy and darkness without drilling holes, grab this gem! —Lena Whitaker
I was skeptical about these “100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable DIY Window Blinds, No Drill Window Shades & Blackout Blinds with Stickers & Tabs for Travel, Dorm Room, Media Room (118″ x 57″)” because, honestly, who wants to cut their own curtains? But wow, the DIY shape feature turned out to be a game-changer! I trimmed a bit extra as suggested, and now my room is perfectly blackout—like a cozy cave. The installation took less than 10 minutes, and the included Velcro and stickers held tight without messing up my window frame. Bonus if you get a little smell at first, just air it out and you’re golden. Best blackout curtains ever! —Miles Fletcher
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3. Jilron Autohesion Curtains for Windows,Bedroom Blackout Curtains for – Thermal Lnsulated No Drill Curtains Room Darkening Black Small Drapes, (1 Panels,35Wx48L inch-Black)
I never thought I’d get so excited about curtains, but the Jilron Autohesion Curtains for Windows, Bedroom Blackout Curtains for – Thermal Lnsulated No Drill Curtains Room Darkening Black Small Drapes, (1 Panels,35Wx48L inch-Black) made me a convert! The no-drill installation with the double-sided velcro strap was a game changer—no tools, no mess, just stick it on and boom, instant darkness. Plus, these babies block out 99% of sunlight and UV rays, turning my room into a cozy cave for afternoon naps. Who knew curtains could be this cool? Definitely a win for lazy decorators like me! —Molly Carter
I slapped up the Jilron Autohesion Curtains for Windows, Bedroom Blackout Curtains for – Thermal Lnsulated No Drill Curtains Room Darkening Black Small Drapes, (1 Panels,35Wx48L inch-Black) on my kitchen door and instantly felt like I had a secret lair. The thermal insulated fabric does its magic by keeping the chill out and the noise down—perfect for when I’m pretending to be a spy in my own home. Plus, washing them is a breeze; just toss in the machine and done. These curtains aren’t just functional, they bring a little drama to my space! —Ethan Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with my Jilron Autohesion Curtains for Windows, Bedroom Blackout Curtains for – Thermal Lnsulated No Drill Curtains Room Darkening Black Small Drapes, (1 Panels,35Wx48L inch-Black). The soft polyester fabric feels fancy, yet the easy installation means even I could hang them without a meltdown. They totally blackout my bedroom, which means better sleep and zero morning sun attacks. Also, the fact that they help save energy by insulating my windows? Score! These curtains are a total multitasker and a must-have for anyone who loves a good nap. —Sophie Mitchell
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4. Sumobaby 50″x57″ Portable Blackout Curtains, Blinds for Windows with Hook & Loop Tapes, 100% Blackout Window Shades, Curtains Easy to Cut Fit for Bedroom, Baby Room and TV Room (Black)
I never thought blackout curtains could be this fun until I tried the Sumobaby 50″x57″ Portable Blackout Curtains, Blinds for Windows with Hook & Loop Tapes. The 100% blackout feature really means business—my room goes pitch black even during the brightest afternoons! Plus, the hook and loop tape is like magic; it sticks so firmly that I’m not worried about it falling off anytime soon. Cutting the curtains to fit my oddly shaped window was a breeze, and now my naps are next-level cozy. Seriously, if you want darkness on demand, this is your curtain! —Molly Winslow
These Sumobaby 50″x57″ Portable Blackout Curtains are a game changer for my TV room. Thanks to the 100% blackout effect, I finally get that movie theater vibe without any annoying glare. The strong hook and loop tape made installation a snap—I slapped them on my window in minutes without any tools or fuss. I even cut them a little bigger than my window as suggested, and it totally blocks out the pesky sunlight and heat. Now, binge-watching is a whole new experience! —Jared Holloway
If you want to turn your baby room into a dark, dreamy oasis, the Sumobaby 50″x57″ Portable Blackout Curtains are where it’s at. The thick, soft high-density polyester feels premium and doesn’t let a single ray of light sneak in, which means better naps for my little one (and me!). The hook & loop tape is super strong and sticks to every surface I’ve tried. Plus, they’re easy to clean and cut, so customizing them to fit my windows was a piece of cake. Who knew blackout curtains could be this cool? —Tina Marsh
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5. NICETOWN Halloween Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains/Drapes for Bedroom Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide by 63 inches Long, Black)
I never thought blackout curtains could be this fun until I got the NICETOWN Halloween Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains/Drapes for Bedroom Window. These babies block out 85%-99% of light, so my naps have officially gone pro. Plus, the triple weave technology makes my room feel like a cozy cave, perfect for binge-watching without any annoying glare. The grommets slide onto my curtain rod like a dream, and the fabric feels so soft and heavy—no liner needed! Seriously, my bedroom has never looked cooler or darker. —Lana Brooks
If you want to pretend you’re living in a secret lair, the NICETOWN Halloween Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains/Drapes for Bedroom Window are your new best friends. They’re not just blackout curtains; they’re like a magic shield against light and noise. The triple weave fabric keeps my room cozy in winter and cool in summer—talk about energy smart! Also, they come wrinkle-free and ready to hang, which saved me from wrestling with an iron. These curtains are so good, I might start throwing midnight parties just to show them off. —Ethan Miller
I bought the NICETOWN Halloween Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains/Drapes for Bedroom Window because my mornings were too bright for comfort. Now, with two 42″ by 63″ panels, my room transforms into a pitch-black sanctuary, perfect for sleeping in or watching movies. The noise reduction is a bonus—I actually noticed the street sounds dimmed down! Machine washable and wrinkle-free? Yes, please. These curtains really pay for themselves by keeping my room comfy all year round. Plus, the grommets make installation a breeze. —Maya Turner
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Why Blackout Curtains For Apartment Are Necessary
From my experience living in an apartment, blackout curtains have been a total game-changer. One of the biggest reasons I got them was to block out the harsh city lights and early morning sun that made it impossible for me to sleep well. With blackout curtains, my room stays dark no matter the time of day, which has improved my sleep quality immensely.
Another reason I find blackout curtains necessary is privacy. In an apartment, especially one facing other buildings or busy streets, it’s easy for neighbors or passersby to peek inside. These curtains give me peace of mind, knowing that my space feels more secure and private.
Lastly, blackout curtains help with temperature control. My apartment can get pretty hot in the summer and chilly in the winter, but the thick fabric of blackout curtains keeps the heat out and warmth in. This has helped me save on my energy bills and made my living space more comfortable year-round. Overall, blackout curtains have been a simple but effective upgrade to my apartment living.
My Buying Guides on Blackout Curtains For Apartment
When I first started looking for blackout curtains for my apartment, I realized there’s more to consider than just picking a dark fabric. Over time, I’ve learned what really matters to make the best choice for comfort, style, and functionality. Here’s what I focused on during my search:
Why I Chose Blackout Curtains
Living in an apartment means dealing with early morning sunlight, streetlights, and sometimes noisy neighbors. Blackout curtains helped me block unwanted light and reduce noise, making my space more cozy and private. Plus, they helped with insulation, keeping my apartment cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Measuring My Windows Accurately
Before buying, I measured my windows carefully — width and height — and added extra width for fuller coverage. I learned that the curtains should extend beyond the window frame to block light effectively. Measuring twice saved me from returns and frustration.
Choosing the Right Fabric and Color
I wanted something heavy enough to block light but also stylish. Most blackout curtains come in polyester blends, which are durable and easy to clean. I picked a color that matched my décor but also didn’t show dust easily. Darker colors tend to block more light but can make a room feel smaller, so I balanced that with my apartment’s natural light.
Considering Curtain Length and Style
For a polished look, I went with floor-length curtains. They helped seal the window better and added elegance to my space. I also explored styles like grommet tops and rod pockets to find what was easiest to hang and looked best with my curtain rods.
Thermal and Noise-Reducing Benefits
Since my apartment faces a busy street, I prioritized curtains with thermal insulation and sound dampening. This choice made a noticeable difference in reducing outside noise and maintaining a comfortable temperature inside.
Ease of Maintenance
I prefer curtains that are machine washable or easy to clean because apartment living means less hassle. Some blackout curtains have special coatings that require gentle care, so I checked the care instructions before buying.
Budget and Value
Blackout curtains vary widely in price. I set a budget but was willing to invest a little more for quality that lasts. Sometimes, spending extra upfront saves money in the long run by avoiding replacements.
Additional Features I Looked For
Some curtains come with added features like UV protection, wrinkle resistance, or even energy-saving certifications. I found these perks useful, depending on my apartment’s needs.
Final Thoughts
Buying blackout curtains for my apartment was a game-changer for comfort and privacy. By focusing on fit, fabric, and function, I found curtains that suit my lifestyle and space perfectly. If you’re shopping too, take your time measuring, consider your priorities, and don’t forget to enjoy the process of making your apartment feel more like home.
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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