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Blackout curtains vs blinds: which blocks light better

Blackout curtains vs blinds: curtains block more light and some noise, while blinds give finer control and take less room. See which suits a bedroom.

Camille Laurent3 min read

A bedroom window with dark floor length curtains and a bed in the foreground
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Verdict: blackout curtains block more light than most blinds, mainly because they can cover the edges. Blinds win for daytime control and small spaces.

The real fight in blackout curtains vs blinds is not the fabric. It is the gaps. Light leaks around the edges of a blind. A curtain that is wide and long can cover them.

Which wins on

FactorBlackout curtainsBlinds
DarknessCurtains. Wide ones cover the edgesBlinds leak at the sides
Daytime controlBlinds. Tilt slats or raise partlyBlinds
InsulationCurtains. Thick fabric helps hold heatCurtains
NoiseCurtains soften a littleCurtains
SpaceBlinds. Sit inside the window frameBlinds
CleaningCurtains go in the washBlinds need wiping
Child safetyCurtains with no cordsCords are a risk. Choose cordless

Pick blackout curtains if

  • Sleep is the priority, such as for shift work or a baby.
  • Streetlights shine in.
  • You want a warmer or quieter room.
  • You can fit a rod wider than the window.

Pick blinds if

  • You want to tilt light, not block it.
  • Your window is small or deep.
  • You want a clean, simple look.
  • You can fit them tightly inside the frame.

Getting more darkness from either

For curtains, hang the rod high and wide. Let the fabric overlap the window by several inches on each side. A curtain that stops at the sill leaks at the bottom.

For blinds, choose a blackout roller that sits in a side channel, or add a blackout liner behind. Some makers sell edge strips that seal gaps. Check the product description for "blackout" and not just "room darkening", since the second is lighter.

Light leaking around the edge of a window blind in a dark room
A thin edge of light is enough to wake some sleepersImage by pixel2013 from Pixabay

Worked example

Say your bedroom window faces a streetlight. A roller blind blocks most of it, but a thin bright line remains at each side. Add a wide curtain over the blind, and the room goes dark. Layering both is a common fix.

The difference that matters

The gaps. Count the edges where light can pass. The one with fewer gaps wins. If you cannot fit curtains wide enough, a snug blackout blind with side channels is the better bet.

Caution

Cords on blinds are a strangulation risk for young children. Follow the official guidance in your area, choose cordless where you can, and keep beds and cots away from windows. For bedtime comfort, see mattress topper or new mattress and memory foam vs hybrid mattress.

Quick questions

Do blackout curtains block all light?

Not always. A little light can come in at the top, sides and bottom. Wide, long curtains help.

Are blinds or curtains better for insulation?

Curtains, since the thick fabric holds more air. Some blinds add a little, but less.

What is the difference between blackout and room darkening?

Blackout is meant to block nearly all light. Room darkening cuts it but lets some through.

Are blackout curtains safe for kids' rooms?

Yes, if they have no cords or loops within reach. Follow your local safety guidance.

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