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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

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

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

$25

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
Thermal Blackout Curtain Panels (2) Best NICETOWN	4.6	$25	View
Linen Textured Light Filtering Curtains (2) Value DriftAway	4.5	$28	View
Belgian Flax Linen Curtain Panel Pottery Barn	4.7	$99	View
Room Darkening Blackout Curtains (2) Amazon Basics	4.4	$19	View
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

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

$25

View on Amazon

Best Value

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

$28

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Premium Pick

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

$99

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Budget Pick

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

$19

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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

$49

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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.

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