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Best curtains can control light, add privacy and finish a window, and this guide compares light control, length, panel width, header type and care in each listing. We looked at blackout panels in 42, 52 and 100 inch widths, plus a light filtering linen pair in a 96 inch length. The seven picks include grommet, back tab and rod pocket headers in solid and ombre colors.

We used listing details only, including opacity, length, width, grommet count, header type and wash care. Each score reflects those details, not hands-on use. Read more in our editorial policy, or see our main best blackout curtains guide for more choices.

Top 3 Best Curtains Picks for Living Rooms and Bedrooms

Score 9.2/10H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains Light Sage 52x84

H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains Light Sage 52×84

  • Two 52 by 84 inch panels in light sage
  • Three hanging options with back tab and rod pocket
  • Blocks 99 percent light and 100 percent UV as listed
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Score 8.9/10Nanspring Linen Curtains Natural 52x96 2 Panels

Nanspring Linen Curtains Natural 52×96 2 Panels

  • Two 52 by 96 inch panels in natural linen
  • 30 percent linen and 70 percent polyester
  • Back tab and loop pocket with three hanging options
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Score 8.6/10NICETOWN Grey Blackout Patio Sliding Door Curtain

NICETOWN Grey Blackout Patio Sliding Door Curtain

  • One wide panel 100 by 84 inches in grey
  • 14 silver grommets on top
  • Triple weave blackout fabric
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How We Score

CriterionWeightWhat we look at
Light control30The stated opacity and light blocking in the listing
Length and width25The stated length and panel width for the window
Header and hanging25The stated header type, grommet count and hanging options
Care and fabric20The stated fabric and wash care in the listing

Best Curtains Compared by Light, Length and Header

ProductBest ForScoreTypeKey spec
H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains Light Sage 52x84 H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains Light Sage 52×84Best Overall9.2Blackout Panels52×84 Inch PairView
Nanspring Linen Curtains Natural 52x96 2 Panels Nanspring Linen Curtains Natural 52×96 2 PanelsBest Linen Pick8.9Linen Panels52×96 Inch PairView
NICETOWN Grey Blackout Patio Sliding Door Curtain NICETOWN Grey Blackout Patio Sliding Door CurtainBest Wide Pick8.6Door Panel100×84 Inch SingleView
Estelar Navy Blue Greyish White Blackout Curtains Estelar Navy Blue Greyish White Blackout CurtainsBest Ombre Pick8.3Blackout Panels52×84 Inch PairView
Yakamok Grey Room Darkening Curtains 52x84 Yakamok Grey Room Darkening Curtains 52×84Best Grey Pick8.0Blackout Panels52×84 Inch PairView
NICETOWN Grey Blackout Curtains Bedroom W52 NICETOWN Grey Blackout Curtains Bedroom W52Best Wide Pair7.7Blackout Panels52×84 Inch PairView
NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains Living Room 42x84 NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains Living Room 42×84Best Narrow Pick7.5Blackout Panels42×84 Inch PairView

H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains Light Sage 52×84

Best OverallH.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains Light Sage 52x84
Pros
  • Three hanging options for a personal style
  • 52 by 84 inch panels with a 4 inch rod pocket
  • Blocks 99 percent light and 100 percent UV as listed
  • Machine washable with tumble dry low
Cons
  • Two panels in the set, so fewer coverage than the wide single panel
  • Light sage color gives a lighter look than the black panels
  • Back tab and rod pocket differ from the grommet headers
Size52×84 Inch
Panels2
HeaderBack Tab and Rod Pocket
OpacityBlackout

This pair of light sage blackout panels measures 52 inches wide and 84 inches long per panel, with a set width of 104 inches. The listing says each panel offers three hanging options with back tab, rod pocket and pleated tops, and a 4 inch rod pocket is sewn into each panel. The fabric gives thermal insulation and room darkening in a guest room, living room or bedroom.

The listing says the panels block 99 percent light and 100 percent UV, which suits a bedroom that needs dark mornings. Machine wash them, use only non chlorine bleach when needed, and tumble dry low. Score: light control 9, length and width 9, header and hanging 9, care and fabric 10.

Who the Light Sage Panels fits best

Choose these panels if you want three hanging options in light sage for a guest room, living room or bedroom.

Who should skip the Light Sage Panels

Skip these panels if you want a grommet header or a linen fabric.

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Nanspring Linen Curtains Natural 52×96 2 Panels

Best Linen PickNanspring Linen Curtains Natural 52x96 2 Panels
Pros
  • Long 96 inch length for tall windows
  • Linen blend with a textured natural look
  • Light filtering with privacy in daylight
  • Back tab and loop pocket for three hanging options
Cons
  • Semi sheer light filtering gives less light control than the blackout picks
  • 96 inch length needs more wall height than other picks in this guide
  • Linen blend differs from some other picks in this guide
Size52×96 Inch
Panels2
Material30% Linen
OpacitySemi-sheer

This pair of natural linen panels measures 52 inches wide and 96 inches long per panel, with a back tab and loop pocket top. The listing says the fabric is 30 percent linen and 70 percent polyester, with a rich flax linen look that is more textured than normal sheers. Open weave flax linen filters harsh sunlight while letting diffused light in.

The long length suits tall windows, and the light filtering design keeps privacy in daylight while letting light through. Machine wash them in cold water, do not bleach, and tumble dry low. Score: light control 8, length and width 9, header and hanging 9, care and fabric 10.

Who the Natural Linen Panels fits best

Choose these panels if you want long 96 inch linen panels for a bedroom, dining room, home office, living room or nursery.

Who should skip the Natural Linen Panels

Skip these panels if you want blackout light control or a different size.

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NICETOWN Grey Blackout Patio Sliding Door Curtain

Best Wide PickNICETOWN Grey Blackout Patio Sliding Door Curtain
Pros
  • Wide 100 inch panel covers a sliding door
  • 14 silver grommets with a 1.6 inch inner diameter
  • Triple weave fabric listed as thermal insulated
  • Machine washable below 86 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
  • Single panel in the package, so fewer panels than the two panel sets
  • 100 inch width needs a wide rod or sliding door
  • Grommet header differs from the back tab options
Size100×84 Inch
Panels1
Grommets14
OpacityBlackout

This single grey panel measures 100 inches wide and 84 inches long, with 14 silver grommets on top and an inner diameter of 1.6 inches. The listing says the triple weave polyester fabric is super soft and heavy, with the same material on the back as on the front. The wide panel covers a sliding door or patio door, and it also suits a large window in a living room.

The panel helps block most light and UV, with thermal insulation and privacy protection as listed. Machine wash it below 86 degrees Fahrenheit with mild detergent and no bleach. Score: light control 9, length and width 9, header and hanging 9, care and fabric 7.

Who the Wide Door Panel fits best

Choose this panel if you want a wide 100 inch panel for a sliding door or large window in a living room.

Who should skip the Wide Door Panel

Skip this panel if you want a pair of panels or a linen fabric.

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Best Ombre PickEstelar Navy Blue Greyish White Blackout Curtains
Pros
  • Ombre design in navy blue and greyish white
  • Listed as 100 percent blackout with a black back
  • Eight rustproof silver metal grommets per panel
  • Machine washable in a gentle cycle with cold water
Cons
  • Ombre pattern gives a busier look than the solid color picks
  • Two panels in the set, so less width than the wide single panel
  • Floral pattern in the listing differs from the solid picks
Size52×84 Inch
Panels2
Grommets8
OpacityBlackout

This pair of ombre panels measures 52 inches wide and 84 inches long per panel, with a set width of 104 inches. Each panel has eight rustproof silver metal grommets on top with an inner diameter of 1.6 inches. The listing says the curtains are made of 100 percent high quality polyester with a two color ombre design in navy blue and greyish white.

The listing says the ombre curtains with a black back can completely block 100 percent sunlight and UV, which suits a bedroom, dining room, home office, living room or playroom. Machine wash them in a gentle cycle with cold water. Score: light control 9, length and width 8, header and hanging 8, care and fabric 8.

Who the Navy Ombre Panels fits best

Choose these panels if you want an ombre design in navy and white for a bedroom, dining room, home office, living room or playroom.

Who should skip the Navy Ombre Panels

Skip these panels if you want a solid color or a linen fabric.

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Yakamok Grey Room Darkening Curtains 52×84

Best Grey PickYakamok Grey Room Darkening Curtains 52x84
Pros
  • Triple weave fabric blocks 85 to 99 percent sunlight and UV as listed
  • Eight grommets per panel with a 1.6 inch inner diameter
  • Tie back included in the package
  • Machine wash cold on a delicate cycle
Cons
  • 52 inch panels are narrower than some other picks in this guide
  • Triple weave fabric differs from the linen blend
  • Grey color gives a lighter look than the black panels
Size52×84 Inch
Panels2
Grommets8
OpacityBlackout

This pair of grey panels measures 52 inches wide and 84 inches long per panel, with eight elegant grommets per panel and an inner diameter of 1.6 inches. The listing says triple weave blackout fabric helps block up to 85 to 99 percent sunlight and UV, with darker colors having a better effect. A tie back is included in the package for a bedroom or living room.

The soft and elegant panels suit contemporary, traditional, vintage rustic and Victorian home styles. Machine wash them cold on a delicate cycle with mild detergent and tumble dry low. Score: light control 8, length and width 8, header and hanging 8, care and fabric 8.

Who the Grey Yakamok Panels fits best

Choose these panels if you want grey blackout panels with a tie back for a bedroom or living room.

Who should skip the Grey Yakamok Panels

Skip these panels if you want a wide single panel or a linen fabric.

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NICETOWN Grey Blackout Curtains Bedroom W52

Best Wide PairNICETOWN Grey Blackout Curtains Bedroom W52
Pros
  • Wide 52 inch panels for more window coverage
  • Silver grommet with a 1.6 inch inner diameter
  • Blocks 85 to 99 percent light as listed
  • Machine washable below 86 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
  • 52 inch panels are narrower than some other picks in this guide
  • Grey color gives a lighter look than the black panels
  • Grommet header differs from the back tab options
Size52×84 Inch
Panels2
GrommetsSilver
OpacityBlackout

This pair of grey panels measures 52 inches wide and 84 inches long per panel, with a silver grommet top and an inner diameter of 1.6 inches. The listing says the panels are super heavy and soft, with 85 to 99 percent light blocking, thermal insulation and privacy protection. Both sides are the same color, and the thread is trimmed and wrinkle free.

The wide panels suit a bedroom, dining room, living room, nursery or kids room, and the casual elegance of the grommets makes them easy to install and slide. Machine wash them below 86 degrees Fahrenheit with mild detergent. Score: light control 7, length and width 8, header and hanging 8, care and fabric 8.

Who the Grey Wide Panels fits best

Choose these panels if you want wide grey blackout panels for a bedroom, dining room, living room, nursery or kids room.

Who should skip the Grey Wide Panels

Skip these panels if you want a narrow panel or a back tab header.

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NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains Living Room 42×84

Best Narrow PickNICETOWN Black Blackout Curtains Living Room 42x84
Pros
  • Narrow 42 inch panels for a smaller window
  • Six grommets per panel with a 1.6 inch inner diameter
  • Blocks 85 to 99 percent light and UV as listed
  • Machine washable in cold water with tumble dry
Cons
  • 42 inch panels are the narrowest in this guide
  • Six grommets per panel is fewer than the eight grommet picks
  • Black color gives a darker look than the light sage and natural picks
Size42×84 Inch
Panels2
Grommets6
OpacityBlackout

This pair of black panels measures 42 inches wide and 84 inches long per panel, with six grommets on top of each panel. The listing says the quality fabric without a liner feels soft and heavy, with a ring inner diameter of 1.6 inches that fits standard curtain rods. The panels impede 85 to 99 percent light and UV, with dark colors working well as listed.

The narrow width suits a smaller window in a bedroom, living room, nursery, conference room or theater. Machine wash them in cold water and tumble dry, with quick ironing or steam cleaning when needed. Score: light control 8, length and width 7, header and hanging 7, care and fabric 8.

Who the Black Narrow Panels fits best

Choose these panels if you want narrow black blackout panels for a bedroom, living room, nursery, conference room or theater.

Who should skip the Black Narrow Panels

Skip these panels if you want a wide panel or a linen fabric.

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How to Choose Best Curtains for Your Windows

Measure the window first

Measure the width and height of the window before you pick curtains. A 42 inch panel suits a narrow window, while a 100 inch panel suits a sliding door. Write down the size so you can compare it with each listing.

Pick the light control you need

Read the opacity in the listing, such as blackout or semi sheer light filtering. Blackout panels block most light, while linen panels filter harsh sunlight and let diffused light in. Pick the light control that suits the room.

Check the header type

Check the header in the listing, such as grommet, back tab or rod pocket. Grommets slide easily on a standard rod, while back tab and rod pocket tops give a pleated look. Pick a header that fits your rod.

Count the panels and grommets

Count the panels in the set and the grommets on each panel. Two panels cover a standard window, while one wide panel covers a sliding door. More grommets can help a panel slide smoothly on a rod.

Read the wash care guide

Read the wash care in the listing, such as machine wash in cold water and tumble dry low. Some curtains name water below 86 degrees Fahrenheit, mild detergent and no bleach. Follow the care guide for the curtains you pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the best curtains for a bedroom?

The best curtains for a bedroom block most light, fit the window length and suit the header you have. A blackout pair in 52 by 84 inches can darken a bedroom well.

What length curtains fit a standard window?

An 84 inch length fits many standard windows, while a 96 inch length fits a tall window. Measure the window height first, then pick a length that reaches the floor or sill.

How wide should curtain panels be?

A 52 inch panel suits a standard window, while a 42 inch panel suits a narrow window and a 100 inch panel suits a sliding door. Two panels give more coverage than one panel of the same width.

Can linen curtains block light?

Linen curtains in this guide are semi sheer, so they filter harsh sunlight but let diffused light in. They give less light control than the blackout picks in this guide.

Final Verdict

Best curtains for living rooms and bedrooms starts with the Light Sage Panels, which pair three hanging options with a 52 by 84 inch size and strong light control as listed. The Natural Linen Panels are a strong alternate for tall windows and a light filtering look, and the Wide Door Panel is a strong alternate for a sliding door.

Looking for something else? Explore more rugs and curtains guides.

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