Blackout Curtains for Bedroom – Best UK Brands, Types and Buying Guide

Blackout curtains have become a staple in UK bedrooms, offering more than just darkness. With dense linings that block up to 99% of external light, they help create a sleep-friendly environment regardless of what is happening outside. For shift workers, parents with young children, or anyone living in areas with high light pollution, these curtains can make a measurable difference to sleep quality.

The UK market offers a wide range of options, from high-street favourites such as John Lewis and Dunelm to budget-friendly picks at Amazon and IKEA. Choosing the right pair involves understanding heading styles, fabric types, and the specific benefits that matter most to you. This guide covers the key considerations, top brands, and performance factors to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you are looking for a traditional pencil pleat or a modern eyelet design, the information below draws on UK testing from publications such as House Beautiful, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping. The aim is to provide a clear, fact-based overview of what is currently available.

What types of blackout curtains are best for your bedroom?

Heading Styles

Compare eyelet, pencil pleat, and ultra blackout designs for your bedroom.

Top UK Brands

IKEA, Dunelm, Next, Amazon, and Curtains-2-go – which one suits you?

Key Benefits

Light blocking, noise reduction, thermal insulation, and energy savings.

For Kids’ Rooms

Safe, fun patterns that create a dark, calm sleep environment.

Blackout curtains can block up to 99% of external light depending on fabric and thickness.
Thermal blackout curtains reduce heat loss by up to 25% in winter and keep rooms cooler in summer.
Eyelet curtains are easier to install and slide smoothly; pencil pleat offers a traditional gathered look.
Most UK consumers prefer ready-made sizes but made-to-measure ensures a perfect fit.
Noise reduction is a secondary benefit – thick layered fabrics can lower outside noise by 20–50%.

Feature	Description	Typical Value
Light blocking	Percentage of light blocked by fabric	95–99%
Noise reduction	Measured in decibels (dB)	15–30 dB
Thermal insulation	R-value or heat retention	R-2 to R-5
Price range (UK)	Ready-made per pair	£15 – £60
Most popular heading	Consumer preference survey	Eyelet (40%), Pencil pleat (35%)

Which UK brands and retailers offer the best blackout curtains?

Several UK retailers have consistently performed well in tests conducted by House Beautiful, Country Living, Livingetc, and Good Housekeeping between 2021 and 2026. The following summary highlights the top performers for bedroom use, based on light blocking, noise reduction, and thermal performance.

John Lewis and Partners

The Barathea Pair Blackout Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains, priced at £45 and above, have been named Best Pencil Pleat Overall by both House Beautiful and Country Living. Testers described the thick polyester fabric as having a premium feel with no plasticky smell. The curtains scored joint first for light blocking and noise reduction, and Good Housekeeping testers reported that they instantly cut out light. The Anyday Pair Blackout Pencil Pleat and Eyelet Curtain Lining, available from £15, won Best Lining Add-On at Good Housekeeping in 2026. It fits behind existing curtains and comes in 11 colours.

Dunelm

The Solar Blackout Pencil Pleat Curtains, priced between £24 and £30, have been recognised as offering the Best Range with 20 colours and 14 sizes. House Beautiful and Country Living both praised their excellent light and noise blocking, as well as thermal performance. The curtains are dry-clean only and do not include pleat instructions. They are considered practical and cosy for bedrooms, with enough variety for children’s rooms.

Next’s Cotton Curtains Eyelet Blackout/Thermal have been named Best Eyelet by House Beautiful and Country Living. Available in playful colours including ivory, duck egg, and hot pink, they are machine-washable and offer thermal light blocking at a budget-friendly price. Testers noted some creasing after unpacking but praised the easy hanging process.

Marks and Spencer

M&S Thermal Pencil Pleat Blackout Curtains were named Runner-Up by House Beautiful, with testers highlighting their thick, premium fabric and thoughtful packaging. The Brushed Eyelet and Pencil Pleat Blackout Thermal options have been rated highly by Livingetc, with more than 600 reviews describing them as beyond expectations. Several reviewers noted an instant difference in heat retention and described the drapes as elegant and non-creasing.

Budget and value picks

Habitat Plain Blackout Eyelet (Argos/Home) – Good Housekeeping runner-up; linen-effect finish that blocks light. Budget-friendly but may need pressing to remove creases.
Wilko Eclipse Eyelet – Best Value according to Country Living. Good light blocking without a deluxe finish.
Asda George Home Hidden Tab/Blackout – Best Design and Value per Country Living and House Beautiful. Easy to hang with playful style.
Argos Home Blackout Eyelet – Best Guarantee and machine-washable. Described as fantastic value, though creased on opening.
Wayfair Eclipse Eyelet Thermal – Best Ease of Hanging. Offers thermal noise and light blocking at £20–£40.

Checking blackout claims

Not all curtains labelled blackout deliver total darkness. Look for product specifications that state the light-blocking percentage (aim for 95–99%). On Amazon, filtering for 4.5 stars and above with UK reviews can help identify curtains that genuinely perform as claimed.

What are the key benefits of blackout curtains beyond blocking light?

Light blocking and sleep quality

All top-rated blackout curtains aim for near-total light blocking, typically between 95% and 99%. John Lewis linings have been noted as particularly effective in this area. A dark room supports the production of melatonin, which regulates sleep cycles, making these curtains useful for anyone whose sleep is affected by streetlights, early sunrise, or neighbouring properties.

Noise reduction

Thick blackout fabrics can absorb sound, reducing traffic and urban noise by an estimated 15 to 30 decibels. John Lewis and Next models scored highest for noise reduction in Country Living tests. The effect is more pronounced with denser materials and when curtains are gathered fully across the window.

Thermal insulation and energy efficiency

Most top-rated options are thermal, meaning they help insulate against UK winters and summers. According to Good Housekeeping tests, thermal blackout curtains can reduce heat loss by up to 20–30%, which may lower heating bills. M&S and Dunelm models have been described by testers as noticeably warmer and cosy. The same fabrics can block heat during summer, helping to keep bedrooms cooler.

Thermal performance varies

Not all blackout curtains offer the same level of insulation. Foam or thick polyester linings tend to perform best. Check product details for thermal ratings or R-values. Some budget options may block light well but provide minimal heat retention.

How to choose the perfect blackout curtains for a child’s bedroom?

Safety considerations

For nurseries and children’s rooms, cord safety is the primary concern. Eyelet and rod-pocket styles eliminate hanging cords, making them safer choices. Blackout curtains also tend to collect less dust than blinds, which can be beneficial for children with allergies. Soft, safe fabrics are standard among UK retailers such as Next and Dunelm.

Patterns and colours

Next offers playful colours including hot pink and duck egg, while Dunelm’s Solar range provides 20 different shades suitable for kids’ rooms. Darker colours block light more effectively, but high-quality blackout linings can achieve strong performance even with lighter fabrics. Machine-washable options from Argos and M&S are practical for dealing with spills.

Practical features for parents

Machine-washable blackout curtains save time and effort. Argos Home Blackout Eyelet curtains are noted as machine-washable and come with a guarantee. Next’s cotton eyelet curtains are also machine-washable. For custom fits, brands such as Pretloves offer motorised blackout options suitable for nurseries and cinema rooms, as noted by reviewers who described the result as perfect ambiance.

Cord safety for young children

Blinds with cords pose a strangulation risk, especially for toddlers. Blackout curtains with eyelet or tab-top headings eliminate this hazard entirely. If you choose curtains with cords, ensure they are secured out of reach or use cord tensioners.

How to install blackout curtains for maximum effectiveness?

Measure your window width and height. For eyelet curtains, the pole should be 1.5 to 3 times the window width to allow proper gathering and fullness.
Choose floor-length drops for the best blackout effect. Shorter curtains may allow light to escape from the bottom.
Install the curtain pole or track as close to the ceiling as possible to minimise light gaps at the top.
Use a pole that extends beyond the window frame by at least 15–20 cm on each side to prevent light seepage around the edges.
For pencil pleat curtains, use the hooks and gather tape to create even folds. Some brands do not include pleat instructions, so check the packaging.
After hanging, check for light bleed at the sides, top, and bottom. Adjust the pole or add a lining if necessary.

Do blackout curtains block 100% of light?

Established information	Information that remains unclear
Most top-rated blackout curtains block 95–99% of external light.	Whether a specific product achieves 100% blackout is rarely confirmed in standard specifications.
Thick polyester and foam-backed linings provide the highest light-blocking performance.	Consumer reviews on Amazon and other platforms sometimes contradict manufacturer claims about true blackout.
John Lewis and Dunelm models scored highest for light blocking in UK magazine tests.	Light leakage at the sides, top, and bottom depends as much on installation and fit as on the fabric itself.
Machine washing can reduce the blackout coating over time, affecting long-term performance.	How quickly the coating degrades under normal washing varies by brand and lining type.

What fabric works best for blackout curtains?

Polyester is the most common fabric used in blackout curtains because it holds dense linings well and is relatively affordable. Cotton blends, such as those used by Next, offer a softer feel while still providing effective light blocking. Foam-backed linings, found in many Dunelm and M&S models, add thermal insulation and improve noise reduction. Thicker fabrics generally perform better on all fronts but can be heavier to hang and may require sturdy poles or tracks.

Made-to-measure options, available from Curtains-2-Go and specialist retailers like Pretloves, allow you to select fabric type and lining separately. This can be useful if you want a specific colour or pattern without compromising on blackout performance. Regular blackout curtains and thermal blackout curtains are not always the same; thermal versions include an insulating layer that also enhances light blocking.

Which brands are most trusted for blackout curtains in the UK?

UK high-street retailers dominate the trusted brands list. John Lewis and Dunelm have been consistently recommended by House Beautiful, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping between 2021 and 2026. Next and M&S also appear frequently in top-rated lists, with testers praising their combination of aesthetic appeal and practical performance. For budget-conscious buyers, Argos Home, Wilko, and Asda George Home offer functional options that have performed well in blind tests.

“Instantly cut out light.” – Good Housekeeping testers on John Lewis Barathea curtains.

“Above expectations. Noticed difference instantly.” – Livingetc reviewer, 600+ reviews on M&S Brushed Thermal curtains.

What matters most when selecting blackout curtains for your bedroom?

The best blackout curtains for your bedroom depend on your priorities: maximum light blocking, noise reduction, thermal insulation, or a specific heading style. John Lewis leads for overall quality and performance, while Dunelm offers the widest range of colours and sizes. Next provides strong eyelet options at a reasonable price, and budget retailers such as Argos and Wilko deliver reliable value. For those wanting a perfect fit, made-to-measure curtains from specialists like Curtains-2-Go are worth considering. If you are unsure where to start, refer to the How to measure your windows for curtains guide and the Complete guide to curtain heading styles for additional help.

Frequently asked questions

How do I wash blackout curtains?

Most blackout curtains can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid fabric softeners and tumble drying to preserve the coating. Always check the care label.

What size blackout curtains do I need?

Measure your window width and height. For eyelet curtains, the pole width should be 1.5 to 2 times the window width. Standard UK sizes are 46×54, 66×72, and 90×90 inches.

Can blackout curtains help reduce energy bills?

Yes, thermal blackout curtains can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25%, lowering heating costs in winter. They also reflect heat in summer, reducing air conditioning needs.

Are blackout curtains safe for babies?

Yes, they are safe as long as cords are kept out of reach. Choose eyelet or rod-pocket styles. Blackout curtains create a dark environment ideal for sleep and can reduce dust compared to blinds.

What is the best colour for blackout curtains?

Darker colours block light more effectively, but many high-quality blackout linings work well with any colour. White or light colours can also achieve 99% blackout with proper lining.

Are made-to-measure blackout curtains worth the extra cost?

Made-to-measure curtains ensure a perfect fit, which minimises light gaps at the sides and bottom. They are particularly useful for non-standard window sizes and can include custom linings for enhanced thermal or noise performance.

Can I use blackout curtains with a curtain track?

Yes, pencil pleat curtains are designed to work with both tracks and poles. Eyelet curtains require a pole because the rings need to slide along a bar.

Do blackout curtains smell?

Some budget curtains may have a plasticky smell when first unpacked due to the coating. Premium options from John Lewis and Dunelm have been noted for having no noticeable odour.

How long do blackout curtains typically last?

With proper care, blackout curtains can last 5 to 10 years. Machine washing may gradually reduce the coating, so following care instructions is important for longevity.