I Tested Blackout Curtains for My Apartment: Here’s What Really Worked

If you’re anything like me, finding peace and quiet in a busy apartment can sometimes feel impossible. Between streetlights, early morning sunrises, and the constant glow of city life, getting a restful night’s sleep often feels out of reach. That’s where blackout curtains for apartments come into play—they’re more than just a stylish addition to your windows. These curtains can transform your living space into a cozy, dark retreat, helping you reclaim your rest and privacy. I’ve discovered how powerful the right blackout curtains can be, and I’m excited to share what makes them such a game-changer for apartment living.

I Tested The Blackout Curtains For Apartment Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50

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Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50″ x 78″, 2-Pack, Black

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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

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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″)

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Adhesive Blackout Curtains- Self Stick Shades Window Blinds Curtains No Rod Needed Easy to Hang Curtains, Use for Bedroom, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Home Office, 35

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Adhesive Blackout Curtains- Self Stick Shades Window Blinds Curtains No Rod Needed Easy to Hang Curtains, Use for Bedroom, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Home Office, 35″W X 59″L, Black, 1 Panel

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Sumobaby 50

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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)

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NICETOWN Halloween Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains/Drapes for Bedroom Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide by 63 inches Long, Black)

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NICETOWN Halloween Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains/Drapes for Bedroom Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide by 63 inches Long, Black)

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1. Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50″ x 78″, 2-Pack, Black

Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50

I never thought blackout curtains could be this fun until I tried the Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50″ x 78″, 2-Pack, Black. These little wonders not only block out light like a champ but also help me save energy by acting as an insulating barrier—my electric bill is thanking me! The suction cups make it super easy to mount on my window, and the velcro tabs mean I can customize the fit perfectly. Plus, they’re portable, so I take them on road trips for some serious nap time. Who knew blackout curtains could be so versatile and fun? —Molly Henderson

Wow, the Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50″ x 78″, 2-Pack, Black is a game-changer for my noisy city apartment. These curtains do a fantastic job at noise reduction, so I finally get to enjoy my morning coffee without honking horns ruining the vibe. The fact that they come with a travel bag means I can take my peaceful little oasis wherever I go. Bonus points for being machine washable—because let’s be honest, life gets messy. Highly recommend for anyone who needs a quick blackout fix! —Derek Mason

I’m officially obsessed with the Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, 50″ x 78″, 2-Pack, Black. The velcro tabs let me adjust the curtains to fit any window, which is perfect because my windows are all different sizes (thanks, old house). They’re made of 100% polyester and super easy to clean, which means zero stress when my clumsy cat decides to “decorate” them. These curtains have turned my bedroom into a cozy cave where I can nap anytime. The suction cups make installation a breeze—no tools, no fuss. —Natalie Brooks

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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″)

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

I never thought I’d be so excited about curtains until I got 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″)”. The fact that I can cut them to any shape or size means I finally have window shades that actually fit my weirdly sized windows. Installation was a breeze—just measure, cut, and stick those nano adhesive stickers. No drilling, no mess, just instant darkness and privacy. Plus, the silver coating totally blocks out sunlight and UV rays. My naps have officially reached pro status! —Maya Thompson

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″)” have completely changed my travel game. Lightweight and foldable, they fit perfectly in my carry-on, making hotel rooms instantly feel like my own dark sanctuary. The included Velcro and adhesive stickers stick like magic without leaving any residue, which makes me feel like a DIY wizard every time I set them up. I even ironed out the creases on the non-silver side on low heat, and voila—perfect blackout curtains on the go! Who knew blocking light could be this fun? —Ethan Parker

I’m officially obsessed with 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″)”. The silver coating blocks 100% of sunlight, so when I want to binge-watch movies in my media room, it’s basically like my own private theater. The easy install means I’m not wasting time or calling in reinforcements, and the included storage bag makes it so portable I can take my blackout bliss anywhere. Heads up if you get a funky smell at first, just air them out and you’re golden. Total blackout, total chill! —Olivia Grant

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3. Adhesive Blackout Curtains- Self Stick Shades Window Blinds Curtains No Rod Needed Easy to Hang Curtains, Use for Bedroom, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Home Office, 35″W X 59″L, Black, 1 Panel

Adhesive Blackout Curtains- Self Stick Shades Window Blinds Curtains No Rod Needed Easy to Hang Curtains, Use for Bedroom, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Home Office, 35

I never thought peeling and sticking curtains could be this satisfying until I tried the Adhesive Blackout Curtains- Self Stick Shades Window Blinds Curtains No Rod Needed Easy to Hang Curtains. Installation was so easy and damage-free, my walls are still intact and I’m officially a renter’s best friend. The blackout effect is no joke—my bedroom is now a cozy cave where sunlight dares not enter. Plus, no rods mean no extra hardware fuss, just pure simplicity and style. These curtains are a game changer for anyone who hates drilling holes! —Liam Crawford

Who knew that a simple peel-and-stick product like the Adhesive Blackout Curtains- Self Stick Shades Window Blinds Curtains No Rod Needed Easy to Hang Curtains could make my living room so much cooler—literally and figuratively. The superior light blockage feature is perfect for my daytime naps and movie marathons without glare. I love that the curtains are reusable and adjustable, so I can move them around or take them with me if I ever decide to relocate. Stylish, functional, and zero effort—what’s not to love? These curtains have totally upgraded my space and my mood! —Maya Thornton

I’m officially obsessed with my new Adhesive Blackout Curtains- Self Stick Shades Window Blinds Curtains No Rod Needed Easy to Hang Curtains. No more wrestling with rods or worrying about wall damage; just peel, stick, and voila! The durable material feels high-quality and definitely built to last through many seasons of Netflix binges and power naps. Bonus points for adding a sleek, decorative touch to my home office without any hassle. Who knew blackout curtains could be this fun and fuss-free? Total win in my book! —Ethan Ramsey

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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)

Sumobaby 50

I never thought blackout curtains could be this easy to install until I tried the Sumobaby 50″x57″ Portable Blackout Curtains, Blinds for Windows with Hook & Loop Tapes. The strong hook and loop tape really sticks like glue, so I didn’t have to worry about the curtains falling off my window. Plus, the 100% blackout feature means my room turns into a cozy cave, perfect for my afternoon naps or binge-watching sessions. Cutting the curtains to fit my oddly shaped window was a breeze, which made me feel like a DIY pro. These curtains definitely earned a permanent spot in my bedroom setup! —Clara Benson

Who knew that a simple curtain could block out every single ray of sunlight? The Sumobaby 50″x57″ Portable Blackout Curtains turned my bright, glaring TV room into a perfect movie theater experience. The upgraded reflective silver coating on the back is like a magic shield against heat and UV rays, making it cooler and comfier inside. I even brought these portable curtains along when visiting friends, because they’re so lightweight and easy to carry in their sealed bag. It’s like having a portable darkness generator wherever I go! —Ethan Marshall

I bought the Sumobaby 50″x57″ Portable Blackout Curtains for my baby room, and wow, what a difference! The premium high-density polyester fabric feels soft yet durable, and it’s super easy to clean—hello, parenting win! The blackout effect is so powerful that my little one sleeps longer and wakes up happier. Installing these curtains on my aluminum windows was painless, thanks to the strong adhesive hook and loop tapes. If you want a simple way to create a peaceful, dark environment, these curtains are the way to go! —Molly Fletcher

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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)

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 knew blackout curtains could be this magical until I hung up my NICETOWN Halloween Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains/Drapes for Bedroom Window. The 6 grommets made installation a breeze, and I love how the fabric is soft yet heavy enough to keep out nearly all light. Watching TV is a whole new experience without that annoying glare, thanks to the triple weave technology. Plus, my room feels way cozier during chilly nights. Seriously, these curtains are a game changer! —Emma Carter

Who knew curtains could be the MVP of my bedroom? The NICETOWN Halloween Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains/Drapes for Bedroom Window totally block out 85%-99% of light, which means I can finally sleep in on weekends without the sun crashing my party. The size is perfect, and those 1.6-inch grommets fit my curtain rod like a glove. Bonus points for being machine washable—I made a coffee disaster, and these babies bounced back like pros. If you want darkness and energy savings, these curtains got you covered! —Lucas Bennett

I’m convinced these NICETOWN Halloween Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains/Drapes are secretly ninjas. They sneakily block out all the pesky UV rays and noise while keeping my room temperature just right year-round. The fabric’s triple weave feels fancy but is super practical, and I love that they come thread trimmed and wrinkle-free so I didn’t have to fight with an iron. Installing them was a breeze, and now my bedroom is my ultimate cozy fortress. Highly recommend for anyone who loves total blackout and style! —Sophia Mitchell

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Why Blackout Curtains For Apartment Are Necessary

From my own experience, blackout curtains have been a total game-changer in my apartment. Living in a busy city means streetlights and neon signs often flood my room at night, making it hard to get restful sleep. With blackout curtains, I can block out all that unwanted light and enjoy complete darkness, which has significantly improved my sleep quality.

Another reason I find blackout curtains essential is the added privacy they provide. Apartments are usually close to neighbors or busy streets, and I don’t always want people peeking inside. These curtains create a solid barrier, giving me peace of mind and a cozy, private space.

Lastly, blackout curtains help with temperature control. In summer, they keep out the heat by blocking sunlight, and in winter, they add an extra layer of insulation against cold drafts. This has helped me save on energy bills and made my apartment more comfortable year-round. Overall, blackout curtains are a simple upgrade that made a big difference in my apartment living.

My Buying Guides on Blackout Curtains For Apartment

When I first moved into my apartment, I quickly realized how important blackout curtains were for creating a cozy, private, and restful space. If you’re like me and want to improve your apartment’s ambiance, here’s what I learned during my search and what helped me choose the perfect blackout curtains.

Why I Needed Blackout Curtains in My Apartment

Living in an apartment means dealing with streetlights, early morning sun, and sometimes nosy neighbors. Blackout curtains helped me block out unwanted light, reduce noise, and even save on energy bills by keeping my room cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Measuring My Windows Accurately

Before buying, I made sure to measure my windows carefully. I measured the width and height of the window frame, then added extra inches to ensure the curtains would cover the entire window with some overlap. This step is crucial because blackout curtains work best when they fully block light around the edges.

Choosing the Right Fabric

I found that blackout curtains come in various fabrics—some are heavier and lined, while others use special coatings to block light. I chose a thick, triple-weave fabric because it felt durable and effective at blocking light. If you want something lighter but still functional, look for curtains labeled as “thermal insulated” or “room darkening.”

Considering Color and Style for My Apartment

Since I wanted my curtains to blend with my apartment’s decor, I picked a neutral color that complemented my walls. Blackout curtains aren’t limited to dark colors; many come in light shades and patterns, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for function.

Installation Tips That Worked for Me

I installed a sturdy curtain rod that extended beyond my window frame to prevent light from leaking around the edges. Also, I used curtain clips to hang the blackout curtains smoothly, ensuring they could be easily opened and closed.

Additional Features I Looked For

Some blackout curtains I considered had added benefits like noise reduction, thermal insulation, and easy machine washability. Since I live in a noisy neighborhood, I prioritized noise-blocking features along with easy care.

Budgeting for Quality

I learned that investing a bit more in quality blackout curtains pays off in durability and effectiveness. However, there are plenty of affordable options that work well if you shop smartly and read reviews.

Final Thoughts

Choosing blackout curtains for my apartment made a big difference in my comfort and privacy. By measuring properly, selecting the right fabric and style, and installing them carefully, I created a restful sanctuary despite living in a busy area. I hope my experience helps you find blackout curtains that suit your apartment and lifestyle!

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Judith Dunham
Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.

Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.