Best Blackout Curtains UK: Get a Truly Dark Bedroom
A dark bedroom is one of the simplest things that helps you sleep well. If a streetlight or an early sunrise is waking you up, blackout curtains can make a genuine difference — they block out the light and help you stay asleep longer.
Here’s what you need to know and a few good picks.
How we chose these
We haven’t hung every pair in a room. These picks are based on specifications, UK retailer information and owner reviews. We’ll explain what to look for.
What to look for in blackout curtains
- Blackout rating: look for “blackout” or a high opacity rating. Full blackout means almost no light gets through the fabric itself.
- Size: measure your window carefully — you want the curtains to overlap the frame and reach the floor (or at least past the sill) so light doesn’t sneak around the edges. Wider than the window is better.
- Hanging style: eyelet curtains are easy to slide on a pole; pencil pleat are for tracks. Pick what fits your set-up.
- Thermal lining: this also helps keep warmth in and is a nice bonus.
- Colour: dark colours block more light, but a proper blackout fabric works in lighter colours too.
Our picks
Enhanced Living Nightfall Eyelet Blackout Curtains
Aspire Homeware Blackout Curtains
Deconovo Blackout Curtains
Which one should you pick?
- Best budget + thermal: Enhanced Living.
- Good value with tiebacks: Aspire Homeware.
- Widest choice of sizes: Deconovo.
A tip for a darker room
Even with great curtains, light can sneak in through gaps. Make sure the curtains are wider than the window and hang them close to the wall. If you’re a shift worker, a sleep mask on top is a handy extra.
More sleep help? Browse our pillow guide for side sleepers.