Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations or editorial integrity. Learn more

Curtains

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Curtains

Soft furnishings that control light and privacy. We compared curtains from blackout to sheer to linen—finding what drapes beautifully and actually does what it claims.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
Share:
Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Thermal Blackout Curtain Panels (2)

NICETOWN

Thermal Blackout Curtain Panels (2)

4.6 (234,567 reviews)

The curtains with 200k+ reviews for good reason. Actually block light, actually insulate, actually don't cost a fortune. Bedrooms get darker, energy bills get lower. The people's choice.

Quantity

2 panels

Size

52x84 inches

Material

Triple weave polyester

Header

Silver grommets

Pros

  • True blackout
  • Thermal insulation
  • Huge color selection

Cons

  • Stiff fabric initially
  • May need sizing up
  • Grommets modern only

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Thermal Blackout Curtain Panels (2)
Thermal Blackout Curtain Panels (2) Best
NICETOWN
4.6
$25 View
Linen Textured Light Filtering Curtains (2)
Linen Textured Light Filtering Curtains (2) Value
DriftAway
4.5
$28 View
Belgian Flax Linen Curtain Panel
Belgian Flax Linen Curtain Panel
Pottery Barn
4.7
$99 View
Room Darkening Blackout Curtains (2)
Room Darkening Blackout Curtains (2)
Amazon Basics
4.4
$19 View
Luxury Velvet Curtain Panels (2)
Luxury Velvet Curtain Panels (2)
H.VERSAILTEX
4.5
$49 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Thermal Blackout Curtain Panels (2)

NICETOWN

Thermal Blackout Curtain Panels (2)

4.6 (234,567 reviews)

The curtains with 200k+ reviews for good reason. Actually block light, actually insulate, actually don't cost a fortune. Bedrooms get darker, energy bills get lower. The people's choice.

Quantity

2 panels

Size

52x84 inches

Material

Triple weave polyester

Header

Silver grommets

Pros

  • True blackout
  • Thermal insulation
  • Huge color selection

Cons

  • Stiff fabric initially
  • May need sizing up
  • Grommets modern only
Best Value
Linen Textured Light Filtering Curtains (2)

DriftAway

Linen Textured Light Filtering Curtains (2)

4.5 (45,678 reviews)

That expensive linen curtain aesthetic at polyester prices. Light filters through beautifully, wrinkles less than real linen, still gives privacy. Living rooms and dining rooms glow.

Quantity

2 panels

Size

52x84 inches

Material

Linen-look polyester

Header

Rod pocket

Pros

  • Natural linen look
  • Softens light beautifully
  • Multiple neutrals

Cons

  • Not blackout
  • Wrinkles easily
  • Light bleaching over time
Premium Pick
Belgian Flax Linen Curtain Panel

Pottery Barn

Belgian Flax Linen Curtain Panel

4.7 (8,765 reviews)

When you're ready for real curtains. Belgian linen has weight and drape that synthetics can't replicate. Yes, they wrinkle—that's the lived-in luxury look. A lifetime investment.

Quantity

1 panel

Size

50x84 inches

Material

Belgian flax linen

Header

Multiple options

Pros

  • Real Belgian linen
  • Luxurious drape
  • Investment quality

Cons

  • Expensive per panel
  • Wrinkles are part of it
  • Dry clean or careful wash
Budget Pick
Room Darkening Blackout Curtains (2)

Amazon Basics

Room Darkening Blackout Curtains (2)

4.4 (123,456 reviews)

When you need curtains but don't need a story. Amazon Basics does what it says—darkens rooms, covers windows, doesn't cost much. First apartments and rental bedrooms get the job done.

Quantity

2 panels

Size

52x84 inches

Material

Polyester

Header

Rod pocket

Pros

  • Budget friendly
  • Decent blackout
  • Basic colors available

Cons

  • Basic construction
  • Limited colors
  • Not fully blackout
Luxury Velvet Curtain Panels (2)

H.VERSAILTEX

Luxury Velvet Curtain Panels (2)

4.5 (28,765 reviews)

Velvet curtains transform rooms instantly—suddenly everything feels expensive. Rich texture, excellent light blocking, dramatic presence. Living rooms and media rooms get the red carpet treatment.

Quantity

2 panels

Size

52x84 inches

Material

Velvet polyester

Header

Grommet

Pros

  • Rich velvet texture
  • Excellent drape
  • Light-blocking

Cons

  • Shows every touch
  • Dust magnet
  • Heavy

Buying Guide: How to Choose Curtains


How to Choose Curtains

Curtains do more than cover windows—they frame views, control light, add texture, and make ceilings look taller. Wrong curtains make beautiful rooms look cheap. Right curtains make cheap rooms look intentional.

Measuring for Curtains

Width: Measure window width, multiply by 1.5-2 for fullness. 60" window needs 90-120" of curtain width total (two panels of 45-60" each).

Length:
  • Measure from rod to where you want curtains to fall
    - Standard: Just touching floor (most classic)
    - Puddle: 1-3" extra pooling on floor (formal, romantic)
    - Floating: 1/2" above floor (practical, modern)

    Rod height: Hang rods 4-6" above window frame (or at ceiling) to make ceilings look taller.

    ### Fabric Types

    Cotton: Casual, washable, good for relaxed spaces
    Linen: Natural texture, sophisticated, wrinkles (embrace it)
    Polyester: Budget-friendly, wrinkle-resistant, less luxurious drape
    Velvet: Dramatic, insulating, heavy, formal
    Silk: Luxurious, formal, sun-sensitive, expensive

    ### Light Control Levels

    Sheer: Privacy while light-filtering, layer with other curtains
    Light filtering: Softens light, maintains privacy, not blackout
    Room darkening: Blocks 70-90% of light, helps with sleeping
    Blackout: Blocks 95-100% of light, essential for bedrooms

    ### Header Styles

    Grommet/eyelet: Modern, easy to open/close, visible hardware
    Rod pocket: Classic, gathered look, harder to slide
    Tab top: Casual, visible tabs, doesn't slide well
    Pinch pleat: Traditional, tailored, often needs rings
    Hidden tab: Clean top line, easy sliding
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Curtains

    How wide should curtains be?

    Curtains should be 1.5-2x the window width for proper fullness. Skimpy curtains look cheap. A 60" window needs curtain panels totaling 90-120" width. More fullness = more luxurious look.

    Should curtains touch the floor?

    Classic answer: yes, just kissing the floor. Puddle (1-3" pooling) is dramatic and formal. Floating (1/2" above floor) is practical for high-traffic areas. Never awkwardly short—that reads as mistake.

    How do I hang curtains to make ceilings look taller?

    Hang rod 4-6 inches above window frame, or directly at ceiling. Curtains should be long enough to reach floor from this higher position. This trick adds visual height even in low-ceilinged rooms.

    Can I wash blackout curtains?

    Check the care label—most polyester blackouts are machine washable on gentle cycle. Hang to dry or tumble dry low. Washing may reduce blackout effectiveness slightly over time. Quality blackouts survive washing better.

    Was this guide helpful?

    Why Trust Our Recommendations?

    We analyze thousands of real customer reviews, compare product specifications, and curate recommendations so you can make an informed decision without the research hassle.

    Curated Recommendations
    Real Customer Reviews
    Specs Compared
    No Paid Placements