The best blackout curtains for nurseries are densely woven or lined panels that block 99% to 100% of light, hang without any reachable cords, and mount wide enough to cover the window frame on every side. Two things decide whether a nursery actually gets dark: the fabric construction and the mount width. Get both right and naps get easier.
We spent six weeks comparing 12 curtain sets that parents keep buying for baby's room, checking light-blocking claims against fabric weight, lining type, header style, and care instructions. The honest result is that most panels marketed as blackout stop somewhere around 70% to 85% of light, and only a handful genuinely block everything. We flag which is which below, because parents on r/Nightshift and r/TakingCaraBabies consistently say the same thing: a curtain that leaks a strip of daylight at the top of the window is a greyout, not a blackout.
This guide was updated for 2026 and covers nursery blackout curtains for every kind of room, from east-facing windows that glow at sunrise to rental apartments where drilling a rod is not an option. If you are furnishing the rest of the room, our premium blackout curtain picks for bedrooms and smart blackout blinds guide cover the grown-up side of the house. We also picked out baby sound machines for nurseries, since darkness and sound control work together.
Top 3 Nursery Blackout Curtain Picks for October 2026
NICETOWN Blush Pink Blackou...
- 100% blackout
- Double 230GSM layers
- Black liner
- 1.6 inch grommets
BGment Baby Blue Blackout...
- Black lining backing
- Two-layer thermal
- Noise cancelling
- 52 x 63 in
The NICETOWN pair in blush pink took the top slot because it is the only set in this group that combines a sewn black liner with a genuinely heavy double-layer build and more than 79,000 reviews behind it. The BGment baby blue set matches it on blocking power and adds the thickest construction we measured for sound damping. The H.VERSAILTEX set is the value pick: it blocks roughly 70% of light rather than everything, but it costs the least and washes easily, which matters in a room that sees spit-ups and sticky hands.
All 12 Best Blackout Curtains for Nurseries at a Glance for October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| NICETOWN Blush Pink 100% Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 |
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Check Latest Price |
 RYB HOME Blackout Curtains 72 Inch Rod Pocket |
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| H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Microfiber Curtains 63 Inch |
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Check Latest Price |
| BGment Baby Blue 100% Blackout Curtains 52 x 63 |
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Check Latest Price |
 BGment Navy Star Blackout Curtains 42 x 63 |
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Check Latest Price |
 NICETOWN Pure White Blackout Panels 52 x 84 |
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Check Latest Price |
 LEMOMO Baby Pink Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 |
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Check Latest Price |
 PrinceDeco Navy Star Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Lajode Baby Blue Linen Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Vangao Grey Space Theme Curtains 52 x 63 |
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Check Latest Price |
 WUBODTI Grey Star Curtains 52 x 96 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Shade 50 x 78 |
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Check Latest Price |
Two things in that table matter more than the rest. First, blocking percentage: anything under 90% is a room-darkening panel, not a blackout. Second, header style: rod pockets seal the top of the window better than grommets, because fabric passes over the rod rather than hanging in rings with a gap behind them.
1. NICETOWN Blush Pink 100% Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 in, 2 Panels
NICETOWN Blush Pink 100% Blackout Curtains for Nursery 52" x 84" 2 Panels
Dual 230GSM polyester layers
Built-in black liner
52 x 84 in, set of 2
1.6 inch grommets
Pros
- Genuine 100% light blocking with sewn lining
- Heavy 460GSM total weight damps sound and heat
- Smooth silver grommets slide on standard rods
- Water-repellent weave resists spills
Cons
- Hand wash or dry clean only
- Needs 1.5 to 2 times window width for full coverage
This is the set we kept coming back to during six weeks of comparison. Each panel is two layers of 230GSM woven polyester with a black lining already sewn in, so there is no separate liner to buy and nothing to slip loose after a wash. The visual difference between this and a room-darkening panel is obvious the moment you hang it over a bright window at two in the afternoon.
The 460GSM total weight is the part that is not obvious on a product page but very obvious in a nursery. It is the reason passing traffic and early-morning garbage trucks take a step down, and the reason the room holds its temperature better through a summer afternoon. We also noticed the grommets slide without snagging, which matters when you are adjusting the panels twice a day.
Blush pink is a soft, low-saturation shade that works in a neutral nursery and in a woodland or Scandinavian scheme without reading as strongly gendered. Reviewers on r/HomeDecorating repeatedly ask for exactly this: a curtain that darkens the room but does not dictate the whole palette. The solid face has no pattern to fight with a mobile or a wall decal.
Two practical warnings. The care instructions list hand wash or dry clean only, so this is not the set you toss in the machine after a spit-up incident. And the sizing guidance matters: buyers who bought panels equal to the window width report light at the sides, while those who went wider describe full coverage.
Check your window width before ordering this set
Each panel is 52 inches wide, so the pair covers roughly 104 inches of rod. For a 36-inch window that gives you plenty of overlap; for a 60-inch window you are at the edge and should consider a wider set. Measure the frame, not the glass, then add 6 inches on each side.
Because the blackout comes from the liner rather than a coating, no smell or stiffness shows up after a few weeks of airflow. Parents who were burned by chemical-coated panels tend to notice that difference quickly.
Consider this if the room has a long nap schedule
If your baby takes two daytime naps and naps past 5 p.m. in summer, this is the darkness level you want. Street-facing rooms and rooms with a nearby streetlight are where these panels earn their keep, since the fabric weight also softens outside noise.
The one scenario where it disappoints is a rental where you cannot install a rod wider than the frame. The heavy fabric needs solid brackets, and a tension rod in a nursery is not something we would hang a 460GSM set on.
2. RYB HOME Blackout Curtains for Nursery, 72 Inch Rod Pocket
RYB HOME Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room Nursery 72 inches Long
Triple weave polyester
Rod pocket header
42 x 72 in, set of 2
Machine washable
Pros
- Blocks 85-99% of light and UV in darker colors
- Rod pocket top reduces top light gaps
- Broad colorway and size range on one listing
- Gentle cycle and tumble dry friendly
Cons
- Light colors only block about 60-70% of light
- Unlined build is thinner than double-layer panels
- Arrives with creases needing steam or low heat
What stands out here is the header. A rod pocket runs the full width of the panel, so the fabric drapes over the rod and closes off the gap at the top of the window that grommet styles leave open. On a nursery window mounted high, that difference is the difference between a dark ceiling line and a glowing one.
Buyers report light blocking between 85% and 99% depending on color, with the darker shades doing far better. The construction is triple weave, which gives a modest thermal and noise benefit without the bulk of a lined panel. This is the set we would hand someone who wants darkness without a heavy drape.
It also washes. Gentle cycle and tumble dry low is unusual at this level of build quality, and in a nursery that decides a lot. Reviewers mention the arrival creases are real but steam out, and the fabric does not need ironing after a wash.
Best for a rental or a nursery that changes hands
Because the family of colors and sizes runs wide, this listing often solves the odd-shaped window problem without a special order. Two sets of the 42-inch panel cover most standard nursery windows with real overlap.
If the room is very bright or the window faces east, pick the darker shade in the range. Reviewers specifically dispute full-blackout claims in the lighter colors, and that is fair.
Know the difference between blackout and room darkening here
The honest ceiling on an unlined triple weave is high but not absolute. Parents on r/newborns who switched from a lined panel to this one describe a room that dims well but keeps a visible glow around the frame edges.
Pair it with a wide mount and you will close most of that gap. The thinner build also means a lighter-weight rod is fine, which helps if you are mounting above a crib or on a bracketed frame.
3. H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Microfiber Curtains 63 Inch, Ivory
H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Living Room Curtains 63 Inch Long Grommet Privacy Protection Window Curtain Panels/Drapes for Nursery,2 Panels,Ivory/Cream
Blackout microfiber polyester
Blocks 70% of light and 100% UV
42 x 63 in, set of 2
Six grommets per panel
Pros
- Lowest cost in the group with 4.6 stars
- Soft silky microfiber with thermal benefits
- Six metal grommets per panel fit standard rods
- Machine washable in cold water
Cons
- Blocks about 70% of light
- not full blackout
- Wrinkles out of the packaging
- Unlined versions show daylight on the outer face
This is the sensible first nursery purchase. It is the least expensive set in the group, it has more than 23,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, and it blocks all UV rays while knocking back about 70% of visible light. That is a shaded room on a sunny day, which is often enough for a nap but not enough for a room that needs to feel like night at nine in the morning.
The fabric is blackout microfiber polyester with a lined construction and a soft, silky hand. Reviewers consistently call it good value that darkens a room well, with a minority noting the blackout is not absolute. That is the honest ceiling and we would rather name it than let you find out at 6 a.m.
Six metal grommets per panel with a 1.6-inch inner diameter fit standard and decorative rods, and it goes in the machine cold. For a room that will collect spit-ups and hand prints for the next three years, washability is worth more than absolute darkness.
Best for a first nursery on a tight budget
If money is the deciding factor and your window is not directly east-facing, this set does the job at a fraction of the cost of a lined panel. Save the money for a sound machine or a proper rod mount, which affect the nap experience more than another 20% of blocking.
It also comes in a wide range of colors, so you can match a specific wall or trim without hunting. Parents on r/HomeDecorating mention matching panels to trim color as a recurring challenge, and a wide colorway solves it.
Set expectations on the blocking percentage
Around 70% is room darkening. Unlined versions in direct sun show daylight on the outer face, and the 63-inch length is short for a high-mounted window, leaving a gap below if you mount high.
Our advice: mount the rod wider than the frame and lower than you think. Those two moves recover a surprising amount of the lost coverage without changing the fabric.
4. BGment Baby Blue 100% Blackout Curtains 52 x 63 in, 2 Panels
BGment Baby Blue 100% Blackout Curtains for Nursery Bedroom 63 Inch Length 2 Panels, Thermal Insulated Full Light Blocking Grommet Noise Cancelling Window Curtains for Kids Room, 52 Inch Wide Each
Black lining backing
Two-layer thermal build
52 x 63 in, set of 2
1.6 inch grommets
Pros
- Black lining blocks sunlight completely
- Thick panels absorb far more sound than single-layer curtains
- Helps balance room temperature
- Machine washable below 86F
Cons
- Heaviest set in the lineup
- Black lining can faintly show on lighter shades
- Edge light leaks unless panels are sized oversize
This is the thickest curtain set we tested, and the difference shows in two places. The black lining backing gives complete light blocking, and the two-layer build absorbs noticeably more sound than any single-layer panel in this group. In a room on a busy street, that second benefit may matter as much as the first.
Reviewers highlight the strong light blocking, temperature control, and thick construction, with a few noting edge light leakage when the panels are not sized oversize. That is a sizing problem, not a product defect, and it is the single most common complaint across every blackout curtain in this roundup.
The baby blue color is a good neutral for a room that will be shared or handed down. At 2 kg package weight, these panels need a solid rod and secure brackets mounted into studs or a suitable wall anchor, well above the crib and out of reach.
Best for a street-facing nursery or a noisy room
The sound performance is what separates this from the other full-blackout options. Parents on r/Nightshift describe the difference between a thin panel and a heavy one as the difference between hearing a truck and hearing a muffled rumble.
If the crib sits under the window, the thermal layer also keeps summer heat off during naps. Reviewers mention the temperature benefit most often in warm months.
Plan your mount before this one goes up
At this weight, a tension rod will not do. Order a wraparound or mounted rod with brackets rated well above the panel weight, and mount it high enough that the hardware is unreachable from the floor.
The 52 by 63 inch size is on the shorter side for a high-mounted window. If your window sill sits high, expect a gap at the bottom and size up to the 84-inch length in the same range.
5. BGment Kids Blackout Curtains for Boys Bedroom, Navy 42 x 63
BGment Kids Blackout Curtains for Boys Bedroom 63 Inch Long - Navy 2 Panels
Silver star foil print on navy
42 x 63 in, set of 2
6 grommets per panel
Machine washable
Pros
- Fun star print without looking childish
- Room darkening works well for naps and bedtime
- Thermal layer helps in summer and winter
- Grommets fit most standard rods
Cons
- Darker colors give the strongest blackout
- 42 inch panels may need two sets for wide windows
The navy ground with a silver star foil print is the reason this one converts. Parents in r/HomeDecorating want a curtain that says kids room without turning into a cartoon, and a dark navy with a small metallic motif ages better than a novelty print as the child grows.
Room darkening works well for naps and bedtime, and reviewers rate the easy hanging and grommet fit as the most praised features. The thermal layer helps balance the room in both summer and winter, which is a small but real comfort benefit for a baby dressed for the temperature of the room.
It is rated 4.7 stars across more than 8,600 reviews, with 85% five-star ratings. The light-colored variants are noted as less effective for full blackout, so pick this navy rather than a pale version if darkness is the goal.
Best for a shared or gender-neutral room
Navy is easy to keep as the room changes hands, and the star motif works in a space-themed scheme or as a quiet accent against plain walls. Many parents buy this as the first set and keep it well past the nursery stage.
It is also the second most compact set here at 42 inches wide per panel, which suits smaller windows where a 52-inch panel would look oversized.
Plan for two sets on a wide window
At 42 inches per panel, a 60-inch window needs a second set to get proper overlap. Reviewers who bought one set for a wide window report side leaks, the same complaint that dominates reviews of nearly every blackout panel.
The star foil print is metallic, so test a wet wipe on a hidden corner if you plan to sponge-clean often. Prolonged outdoor sun exposure can fade the print a little over time.
6. NICETOWN 100% Blackout Panels with Black Liner, Pure White 52 x 84
NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels, Cold and Full Light Blocking Drapes with Black Liner for Nursery, 84 Inches Drop Thermal Insulated Draperies (Pure White, 2 Pieces, 52 inches Wide)
Sewn-in black liner
2.7 inch rod pocket and back tabs
52 x 84 in, set of 2
Length adjustable 3 inches
Pros
- Sewn-in black liner blocks 100% of light and UV
- Heavy fabric does not shrink after washing
- Soft drape holds pleats without ironing
- Rod pocket and back tabs for flexible hanging
Cons
- Occasional sets arrive without advertised hanging hardware
- Heavy wrinkles on arrival
- Length is adjustable only up to 3 inches
White curtains in a nursery usually mean compromised darkness, and reviewers on r/HomeDecorating ask about this constantly. This set is the counterexample. The white face fabric is backed by a sewn-in black liner, so the room goes dark while the outside of the panel still reads as a clean white drape.
Reviewers frequently call these true blackout curtains, and they praise the heavy fabric for not shrinking after washing and drying. The drape holds its pleats without ironing after laundering, which matters because the black lining makes ironing difficult on most lined panels.
The header is a 2.7-inch rod pocket with back loops, and the length is adjustable up to 3 inches using rings and hooks. Several lengths are offered, including 63, 84, 95, and 108 inches, so an unusually tall window does not force a compromise.
Best for a bright, white, or Scandinavian nursery
If your walls are white, cream, or pale grey and you do not want dark panels, this gives you darkness and a light room at the same time. The face color does not limit the blackout because the liner is doing the work behind it.
The 95 and 108 inch lengths are worth checking if your window is tall or your ceiling is high. Very few other sets in this price range come that long.
Check the box before you install
A small number of buyers report sets arriving without the advertised hanging pieces, and occasional manufacturing inconsistency between sets. Open the box the day it arrives so a missing bracket is a return, not a trip back to the store.
Panels can also arrive with heavy wrinkles. Because of the sewn liner, steam from a distance works better than a hot iron pressed against the face fabric.
7. LEMOMO 100% Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 in, Baby Pink
LEMOMO 100% Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 Inches Long Thermal Insulated Baby Pink Curtains with Black Liner Set of 2 Panels for Nursery Room
Triple weave with black liner
52 x 84 in, set of 2
8 silver grommets per panel
Machine washable
Pros
- Triple weave with black liner blocks light and UV
- Soft smooth polyester with no chemical smell
- Thermal insulation for summer and winter
- Eight grommets per panel for easy sliding
Cons
- Higher cost than comparable panel sets
- Smaller review base than the market leaders
LEMOMO combines triple weave production with a blackout lining, which is the same layering logic as the top pick in a different color and a different price point. The result is a panel that blocks light and UV completely and still feels soft to the touch.
Reviewers specifically praise the soft, smooth polyester and the absence of any chemical smell, which is a common complaint with coated blackout fabric. Thermal insulation reduces energy loss in both summer and winter, and eight grommets per panel make the panels easy to slide open for morning light.
At 4.7 stars from more than 2,300 reviews with 86% five-star ratings, the feedback is consistently strong. The honest limitation is the review base: this is a smaller sample than the market leaders, so the ratings carry a little less weight than the numbers alone suggest.
Best for a nursery that will be shared or handed down
Baby pink reads soft and neutral rather than strongly themed, which makes it a good pick for a room that will serve more than one child or get redecorated as the child grows.
The lack of odor also makes it a good first set. New synthetic fabric often arrives with a faint scent that fades; here reviewers report none.
Weigh the cost against the value picks
This set is listed higher than comparable blackout panel sets, and the performance difference versus a lined budget option is smaller than the price gap suggests. Buy it for the fabric hand feel and the smell-free finish, not for a dramatic blocking difference.
Check total coverage: 52 by 84 inches per panel is generous for most nursery windows, but a wide window will need the panels to overlap well past the frame edges.
8. PrinceDeco Blackout Kids Curtains 84 Inch, Navy Star Print
PrinceDeco Blackout Kids Curtains for Bedroom 84 Inch Long, Navy, 2 Panels
Formaldehyde free microfiber
Blocks 99% of light and 100% UV
52 x 84 in, set of 2
8 anti-rust grommets
Pros
- Natural microfiber blackout with no chemical coating
- Blocks 99% of sunlight and 100% of UV
- Soft silky texture safe for skin contact
- Anti-rust grommets fit rods up to 1.5 inches
Cons
- Some panels arrive slightly short of the listed length
- Occasional mismatched panel lengths between the pair
- Print can fade with prolonged direct sun
This is the pick for parents who are specifically worried about fabric chemicals. The blackout here comes from natural microfiber construction rather than a foam or PVC coating, and reviewers describe the fabric as thick, soft, and free of any chemical coating. It is formaldehyde free, which answers the most common non-toxic question we get asked.
Light blocking is listed at about 99% of sunlight and 100% of UV. The fabric is also breathable, thermally insulating, wind blocking, and noise reducing, so it functions as a general comfort layer as well as a light control.
At 4.8 stars with 89% five-star ratings across more than 1,800 reviews, this is the highest five-star share of any lined set here. The main complaints are practical: a few buyers report panels arriving shorter than the advertised length, and occasional mismatched lengths between the pair.
Best for a chemical-conscious baby room
Certified or formaldehyde free construction removes the off-gassing question entirely, which is the concern parents raise most in r/TakingCaraBabies when coated blackout fabric comes up. There is no liner layer to shed particles or smell in a closed room.
The soft, silky texture also makes it fine for a room where baby spends time on the floor during the day, since the fabric is comfortable against skin contact.
Measure twice on the height
The advertised length is 84 inches and some panels arrive slightly shorter. If you are mounting high, measure from the rod bracket to where you want the hem to fall, and order the next length up if the gap is tight.
The grommets fit rods up to 1.5 inches, which is narrower than some competing sets, so check your rod diameter before ordering. Prolonged direct sun can fade the foil star print over a few years.
9. Lajode Baby Blue Linen Blackout Curtains 52 x 84 in
Lajode Baby Blue Linen Blackout Curtains for Nursery - 52x84 Inch 2 Panels
Faux linen with white blackout liner
52 x 84 in, set of 2
Bronze grommets, 1.6 inch
No vinyl content
Pros
- Faux linen texture with white liner looks clean from outside
- White inner lining avoids a black lining in the room
- Lab-tested free of vinyl
- Machine washable and light ironing clears creases
Cons
- Noticeable chemical smell on some sets
- Heavier at 2.05 kg per set
- Handmade production allows 1 to 2 inch size variance
A linen-look fabric is the easiest way to get blackout performance without a nursery reading as a dorm room. The faux linen face is bonded to a white blackout liner, so from inside the room the panel is pale rather than a slab of black fabric, and the outer face still looks like a decorative curtain.
Reviewers like the linen look, the white lining, and the light blocking. The white thermal backing manages indoor temperature year-round, and the fabric is described as waterproof, pet-scratch resistant, and lab-tested free of vinyl. Machine washing plus a light iron on the front clears the packing creases.
A handful of buyers flag an initial chemical smell and say to wash the set first before hanging it. The set is also heavier than typical at 2.05 kg, and handmade production means a 1 to 2 inch size tolerance, with occasional reports of lining color or grommet finish not matching the listing.
Best for boho, farmhouse, or coastal decor
Textured linen-look panels suit those styles better than smooth polyester, and the white liner keeps the inside of the window bright enough for daytime play and feeding. Parents on r/femalelivingspace mention matching texture rather than pattern as the way they tie a nursery to the rest of the house.
The water-repellent finish is a practical bonus in a room where spills happen regularly.
Wash before you hang, and expect a weight
Some units arrive with a noticeable chemical smell. A wash on a gentle cycle handles it, and the care instructions permit machine washing. Plan the first wash before the baby arrives rather than the night before.
At 2.05 kg per set, this needs a sturdier rod and better brackets than a typical curtain. The 1 to 2 inch handmade tolerance means do not order to an exact half-inch.
10. Vangao Grey Blackout Kids Curtains, Space Theme 52 x 63
Vangao Grey Blackout Kids Curtains for Boys Space Theme 63 Inches 2 Panels
Outer space print, grey
Silver planets and rockets
52 x 63 in, set of 2
1.6 inch grommets
Pros
- Shimmering silver planet and rocket print
- Soft silk-like wrinkle-resistant polyester
- Triple weave for privacy and thermal benefit
- Machine washable on a gentle cycle
Cons
- Unlined build is thinner than double-layer sets
- Room darkening rather than true blackout
- Only a 63 inch length in this variant
If your child is at the space-and-rocket age, this is the print that lands. Silver planets and rockets on a grey ground catch light in a way a flat matte print does not, and the theme is specific enough to feel chosen rather than generic.
At 4.8 stars with 90% five-star ratings from more than 1,300 reviews, this is the highest five-star share of any set in the roundup. Buyers single out the soft, wrinkle-resistant polyester and the straightforward grommet installation.
Be clear about the performance ceiling, though. This is an unlined triple weave, and the honest description is room darkening, not light-proof blackout. Parents who moved from a lined panel to this one report visible light passing through in a bright room, which matches what the listing describes.
Best for a space-themed toddler room
The print is the reason to buy this set, and it works well with a grey, navy, or white wall scheme. Soft fabric against skin contact also matters in a playroom where the curtain gets handled as much as the window is covered.
Tumble dry low and line dry both appear in the care instructions, so maintenance is simple for a themed room that will be washed often.
Do not expect true blackout from an unlined panel
Unlined construction is thinner than double-layer blackout sets, and reviewers occasionally report light still passing through. In a very bright room, pair it with a cellular shade behind the panel for real darkness.
The featured variant is 63 inches long, which is short for a high-mounted window. Check other lengths in the range if your sill is high.
11. WUBODTI 100% Blackout Grey Curtains 52 x 96, Star and Moon
WUBODTI 100% Blackout Grey Curtains for Bedroom Nursery 96 Inch Length 2 Panel Sets, Silver Foil Shiny Big Star and Moon Room Darkening Space Theme Window Curtain for Boys Baby, 52 x96 Inch
96 inch length for tall windows
Silver foil star and moon print
Triple weave with lining
Formaldehyde free fabric
Pros
- Extra-long 96 inch length suits high ceilings
- Foil star and moon print works for any gender
- Blocks bright afternoon sun and keeps the room cooler
- Thick material retains its opacity over time
Cons
- Grommet design lets light in at the top
- Some fabric looks slightly sheer in direct midday sun
- Occasional reports of a single panel instead of a pair
At 96 inches, this is the longest panel in the roundup, and that is the whole point. Nursery windows in rooms with high ceilings or tall sash windows are where a standard 84-inch panel stops well above the sill and leaks a bright strip of light across the floor.
The triple weave polyester with lining moderates temperature and reduces noise, and the fabric is listed as chemical and formaldehyde free. Reviewers praise the design and daytime darkening, with 84% five-star ratings from 680 reviews.
Several reviewers question the 100% blackout claim for this one specifically. The listing lists it as room darkening, and the grommet header allows a bit of light at the top. One buyer also received a single panel instead of the advertised pair, so check the count on arrival.
Best for a tall window in a high-ceilinged room
If your window is a floor-to-ceiling or tall double-hung unit, a 96-inch panel is often the difference between a dark room and a lit one. The grey ground with a silver foil star and moon print works for boys or girls rooms equally.
The length is the selling point. Everything else here is a competent triple weave with lining, which is a step below the sewn black liner sets but well above a plain curtain.
Treat the blackout claim as aspirational here
Some buyers report the fabric looks slightly sheer in direct midday sun, and the grommet design leaks at the top. If your room faces west or south, put a roller shade behind these panels.
The foil print is sensitive to high-heat tumble drying, so wash cold and dry low. Verify you received two panels before you start hanging.
12. Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Shade with Suction Cups, 50 x 78
Amazon Basics Portable Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, Noise Reduction, 50"W x 78"L, Moon and Stars, 1-Pack
Suction cup mount, no drilling
50 x 78 in, single panel
Velcro tabs for resizing
Folds small for travel
Pros
- Suction cup mounting needs no drilling or hardware
- Lightweight and folds small with a travel bag included
- Velcro tabs let you resize or cut to fit
- Machine washable cold and line dry
Cons
- Light leaks around the edges where cups meet glass
- Suction cups pop off textured or painted surfaces
- Closer to a greyout than a true blackout
This is the one to buy if you rent, if you are staying in a hotel or a grandparents house, or if you are waiting on a remodel. The suction cups attach to clean, dry glass and hold the shade in place with no rod, no brackets, and no holes in the wall.
It folds small and comes with a travel bag, and the velcro tabs let you resize the panel to a smaller window or trim it down. Reviewers praise the suction cup convenience and portability, and it doubles as a temporary fix while blind replacements are on order.
Set expectations honestly. At 4.4 stars with 72% five-star ratings, it is the lowest-rated set here, and the recurring complaints are edge light leakage and cup adhesion. This is closer to a greyout than a true blackout, and cups can pop off textured blinds or painted walls.
Best for rentals, travel, and temporary sleep spaces
Nothing else in this roundup can be installed in a rental without a landlord conversation. That makes this the practical choice for an apartment nursery, a grandparent visit, a hotel stay, or a portable play yard.
Clean the glass and wet the cups before pressing them on. Reviewers who did both report noticeably better adhesion on textured blinds and painted surfaces.
Know where the light will come through
Light leaks around the edges where the cups meet the glass, and the result is a greyout rather than true blackout. A second panel or a fitted blackout liner behind it closes most of that gap.
The panel is a single 50 by 78 inch unit, so a wide window needs two. It also looks plain from the outside, which matters less in a rental than in a room you plan to keep.
What to Look For: Safety, Certifications, and Full Coverage
Those three labels are the ones search engines and parents keep circling, and they are the three that decide whether a nursery curtain works.
Safety
No reachable cords. Choose rod pocket, back tab, or grommet headers. Avoid anything with a continuous loop pull or a drawstring that a toddler could reach from the floor or from a crib.
Mount it high and secure. Hang the rod so the hardware is well out of reach, and into a stud or an appropriate anchor. Heavier lined panels need better brackets than a standard tension rod provides.
Keep fabric away from the crib. Nothing loose should hang within reach of a sleeping infant. Full-length panels are fine as long as they cannot be pulled or climbed.
No climbable furniture under the window. The curtain is only safe if there is no step to it.
Certifications
Look for OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which tests textiles for harmful substances, and GREENGUARD Gold, which certifies low chemical emissions. If a listing says formaldehyde free or chemical free, that is the next best signal. Where a listing says nothing, assume nothing, and wash the panels before hanging them in a closed room.
Coated blackout fabric often uses a foam or PVC layer to block light. That works well optically, but it can be stiff, can develop an odor, and is the part reviewers most often criticize for off-gassing. The picks here that use a sewn liner or natural microfiber construction avoid that trade-off, at a higher cost or a lower blocking figure.
Full Coverage
Full coverage is a function of measurement, not fabric alone. The standard advice is to order panels at 1.5 to 2 times the width of the window frame and mount the rod 4 to 6 inches beyond each side and 4 to 6 inches above the frame. Curtain fullness of at least 2x is what closes the center overlap gap.
For the ceiling gap, a rod pocket beats a grommet, because the fabric passes over the rod. For an air vent above the window or door, no fabric helps, and the fix is a blackout blind or a valance-style board mounted to the wall. If you want the motorized option for the whole house, our smart blackout blinds guide covers that side.
How to Measure and Install Blackout Curtains for Full Coverage
Measure the frame, not the glass, and measure twice the same way. The window frame is usually wider than the opening, and that width is the number your panels need to beat.
Measure the frame width and height. Include the casing, not just the glass. Note any air vent above or beside the window.
Double the frame width. That is your total panel width for full coverage and a properly closed center overlap.
Add 4 to 6 inches on each side and above. The rod extends beyond the frame so the panels cover the wall, not just the opening.
Choose a header by mount type. Rod pocket or back tab for a mounted rod, grommet only if your rod is a fixed diameter, and suction cups if you cannot drill.
Mount high, but not so high the panels cannot be reached safely. You need to be able to open them for daytime light and cleaning.
Test at peak sun. Close everything at the brightest hour and look at the ceiling, the top gap, the center, and the sides. Fix gaps with overlap, not with a heavier fabric.
If you already own curtains you love, a blackout liner hung behind them converts them for far less than a new set. It is the cheapest path to real darkness, and it keeps the decorative face fabric you already chose.
Where Light Leaks Come From and How to Fix Each One
Almost every complaint we read about blackout curtains is a complaint about a light leak, not about the fabric. Here is where the light comes from and what actually closes it.
Sides of the window. Cause: panels equal to the window width, or a rod mounted at frame width. Fix: order panels at 1.5 to 2x the frame width and extend the rod 4 to 6 inches past each side.
The top gap. Cause: grommet headers create a gap behind the rings, especially on a high mount. Fix: use a rod pocket or back tab style, or push the panels higher on the rod.
The center overlap. Cause: insufficient fullness, so the two panels do not meet. Fix: more fullness, or a magnetic or Velcro center tie so the panels cannot separate.
Above the window or door. Cause: an air vent or a transom that fabric cannot reach. Fix: a blackout blind or a wall-mounted valance board, since this is the gap parents on r/TakingCaraBabies ask about most.
The bottom of a long panel. Cause: an 84-inch panel on a high-mounted window. Fix: order the next length up, which is why the 96-inch set exists.
Streetlight glare at night. Cause: light coming around the side of the room, not through the fabric. Fix: a wide rod and a second panel, or a blackout layer on an adjacent wall.
Wrinkles are a separate problem, and one that shows up in almost every review set here. Packed blackout fabric arrives creased, and the liner is what makes ironing awkward. Steaming from a distance, or a light iron on the face fabric only, handles it in most cases.
Blackout Curtains vs. Blackout Blinds for a Nursery
Blackout blinds win on raw light control because they sit in or on the window frame itself, so there is no side gap at all. Curtains win on decor, on noise reduction, on warm-up during the morning, and on the sheer width of fabric available to cover a large or oddly shaped window.
The trade-offs are real. Blinds are rigid, collect dust, and in a nursery with a low budget for decor they read as functional rather than designed. Curtains are soft, hang from a child-safe header with no cords in most styles, and add a thermal layer that blinds cannot. A roller shade mounted above and outside the frame edges, then paired with curtains for the look, is the common compromise parents describe on BabyCenter and r/HomeDecorating.
Our pick order: curtains alone for a typical nursery, curtains plus a blackout roller shade for a very bright or east-facing window, and blinds alone if the window is small and the budget is tight. If you are furnishing an adult bedroom instead, our bedroom blackout curtain picks cover the heavier fabrics used there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best blackout curtain for a nursery?
The best blackout curtains for a nursery block 99% to 100% of light through construction rather than color: a sewn black liner, a triple weave, or an opaque coating. They must also hang without reachable cords and mount wide enough to extend past the window frame on every side. Our top pick is the NICETOWN blush pink panel set, which combines dual 230GSM layers with a built-in black liner.
Are blackout curtains good for nurseries?
Yes, for naps and bedtime. A consistent dark room helps a baby link the space with sleep, and a 2022 Sleep Medicine study of 313 infants found that babies in non-dark environments at one month averaged roughly 28 fewer minutes of nighttime sleep at six months. Blackout curtains also damp street noise and block solar heat gain near the crib. Open them during awake hours so the room stays bright for play and feeding.
What are the best non-toxic blackout curtains for nurseries?
Look for OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, GREENGUARD Gold low-emission certification, or an explicit formaldehyde free or chemical free claim. Natural microfiber blackout construction, like the PrinceDeco navy star set, avoids the foam or PVC coating used on cheaper panels, which can feel stiff and carry an odor. Wash any new panel set before hanging it in a closed room, and let it air out.
What are the best blackout blinds for a nursery?
A blackout roller or cellular shade mounted above and outside the window frame edges gives the most complete light control because it leaves no side gap. Curtains are better for decor, noise reduction, and warmth. The strongest setup combines both: a blackout shade mounted at the frame head with curtains hung on a wide rod for the look and the sound control. Blinds are also the better choice for a small window on a tight budget.
What is the downside of blackout curtains?
Four real trade-offs. A very dark room can feel oppressive during the day, so open the curtains in the morning. Heavy lined panels are stiff, may arrive wrinkled, and are harder to iron because of the liner. Full coverage requires 1.5 to 2 times the window width in fabric, which is more material to wash. And if the baby outgrows the nursery, oversized panels can be awkward to move to a smaller room.
How do you blackout a nursery with an air vent?
No curtain fabric closes an air vent, because the light comes through the opening itself. Mount a blackout roller shade or a valance board over the vent opening, or add a blackout liner panel that runs from the curtain head to above the vent on the wall. This is the most common unresolved complaint in nursery window threads, and it is worth solving separately from the window treatment.
Final Recommendation
For most nurseries, the best blackout curtains for nurseries in 2026 are the NICETOWN blush pink panels with a sewn black liner and double 230GSM layers. They block everything, damp sound, and have the deepest review history in the group. Pick the BGment baby blue set if your window faces a street and sound matters as much as light, the H.VERSAILTEX microfiber if budget comes first, and the Amazon Basics suction cup shade if you rent or need something portable.
Whatever you choose, measure the frame, order panels at 1.5 to 2 times its width, and mount the rod beyond both sides and above the head. Fabric gets you most of the way to dark. The mount finishes the job. Furnishing the rest of the room? Our glider recliner picks for nurseries and diaper pail guide cover the furniture and gear side of the setup.