The Best Nursery Blackout Curtains for Baby’s Nursery
For new parents, sleep is precious. But getting baby to drift off and stay asleep is easier said than done, especially when the sun is high in the sky. While there are plenty of sleep aids that claim to help infants slumber through the night, every child is different and there’s no fix-all solution (sorry folks!). With that said, creating a calm sleep environment free from ambient light can help baby catch some zzz’s. That’s where nursery blackout curtains come in. These special window treatments block out the light, muffle sound and help to regulate the temperature in baby’s room. Keep reading to learn more about how blackout curtains promote healthy sleep patterns, then browse our pick of the best drapes on the market.
Every baby is different, especially when it comes to their sleeping habits. Some children need complete darkness in order to drift off, whereas others will conk as soon as their head hits the pillow. With that said, nursery blackout curtains and blinds can help create a better sleep environment for babies and toddlers.
According to Jillian Thistel, a certified pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting in Ontario, Canada, a dark environment promotes the production of melatonin (AKA the sleep hormone), which helps baby fall asleep, stay asleep and prevents early wakings. Exposure to darkness during periods of sleep and light during waking hours also helps regulate baby’s circadian rhythm. “Any light that is coming into a sleep environment during naps or night sleep can stimulate the brain, sending the message to a baby that it’s time to be awake, potentially leading to more wakings, short naps, or early morning risings,” continues Thistel.
Aside from blocking ambient light, nursery blackout curtains muffle external sounds and regulate the room temperature. The thick material used in blackout drapes blocks natural sunlight and prevents heat from escaping, which helps to keep the room at an adequate temperature. The result? A cozy sleep space.
In short: The darker the better! Although every child has different light sensitivities, it’s best to create a pitch black sleep environment—especially if baby tends to wake early or you struggle to set them down for a daytime nap. “As a general rule, you want to be able to close the blinds, close the door to baby’s room, turn out the light and put your hand out in front of you. If you can see your hand, then the room may not be dark enough,” says Thistel.
Decided on nursery blackout curtains? Before you start shopping take accurate measurements of your windows to help you find the best fit. There are many easy-to-install options on the market, but whichever type you choose, follow the installation instructions to the letter. If you opt for a blackout blind or curtains with cords, make sure the cords are kept out of reach. Now that we’ve covered these practical considerations, browse our list of the best blackout curtains for nursery decor.
Best pink blackout curtains for nursery
- Affordable price point
- Triple-weave fabric
- Available in multiple colors and lengths
- Unlined
Thought blackout curtains had to be black? Think again. These pink blackout curtains for a nursery are oh-so-pretty but still get the job done. Soft and silky to the touch, the thermal drapes are made from a triple-weave fabric that blocks 99 percent of incoming light. Better yet, this pair is machine-washable and comes with two curtain panels for a full window treatment.
Dimensions : Multiple sizes starting from 52″ (W) x 63″ (L) per panel | Material: Unlined polyester | Panels: Double curtain panels | Hanging style: Rod pocket
Best blue blackout curtains for nursery
- Blocks 100 percent of light
- Machine-washable
- Cute starfish print
- Sold as a single panel
Going for a nautical theme? Check out these blue blackout curtains for a nursery. A sweet starfish pattern adds a touch of whimsy while the true blackout fabric blocks 100 percent of natural light, so baby can enjoy a long, uninterrupted nap. An intuitive design makes them easy to install, simply slide the curtain rod through the built-in slip pocket and mount them to the wall.
Dimensions : 52″ (W) x 84″ (L) | Material: Unlined polyester | Panels: Single curtain panels | Hanging style: Rod pocket
Best white blackout curtains for nursery
- Blackout lining
- Made with sustainably sourced cotton
- Minimalist style
- Dry-clean only
Typically darker material is better at blocking light, so it can be tricky to find effective white blackout curtains for a nursery. Fortunately, these drapes by Pottery Barn Kids meet the mark in terms of practicality and style. Adorned with delightful pom-poms, the cotton curtains have a thick polyester blackout lining. Purchase a pair or opt for a single panel depending on the size of your window frame.
Dimensions : 44″ (W) x 84″ (L); 44″ (W) x 96″ (L) per panel | Material: Cotton with polyester lining | Panels: Single or double curtain panels | Hanging style: Pole pocket or drapery hooks
Best green blackout curtains for nursery
- Thick textured fabric
- Sold as a pair
- Affordable price point
- Machine-wash cold
Add a zen vibe to baby’s room with a pair of green nursery blackout curtains. Made from a textured heather fabric, the curtains have a triple foam backing that stops light from filtering through and disrupting baby’s sleep.
Dimensions : 38″ (W) x 63″ (L); 38” (W) x 84” (L) per panel | Material: Polyester | Panels: Double curtain panels | Hanging style: Rod pocket
Best patterned blackout curtains for nursery
- Fun pattern
- Made using non-toxic dyes
- Custom lengths and fabric swatches available upon request
- Dry clean only
TP Joy has nursery blackout curtains in a range of cute patterns. Our top pick? This celestial-print pair featuring the sun, moon and stars. Made from a mid-weight cotton decorated with non-toxic dyes, this pair is available in a wide range of sizes and you can even request custom dimensions for awkward spaces. The best part? When installed correctly these curtains will stop up to 99 percent of sunlight from entering baby’s room.
Dimensions : Multiple sizes starting from 25″ (W) x 63″ (L) per panel | Material: Cotton | Panels: Double curtain panels | Hanging style: Back tab with pole pocket or hidden clips with pole pocket
Best non-toxic blackout curtains for nursery
- Eco-friendly materials
- Blocks light, heat and sound
- Machine-washable
- Sold individually
Create an oasis of calm with these nursery blackout curtains by Pottery Barn Kids. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, the cotton canvas material is sustainably sourced and treated with environmentally-friendly dyes. And, thanks to the brand’s signature blackout lining, these drapes block light, dampen sound and insulate baby’s room against drafts.
Dimensions : 44″ (W) x 84″ (L); 44″ (W) x 96″ (L) per panel | Material: Cotton canvas with a polyester lining | Panels: Single or double curtain panels | Hanging style: Pole pocket and reverse belt loop tabs
Best embellished blackout curtains for nursery
- Sold as a pair
- Machine-washable
- Available in a range of colors and sizes
- Unlined
Not into wild prints but still want something playful? Check out this colorful collection of nursery blackout curtains available on Etsy. Available in a variety of colors, these drapes have a fun pom-pom trim that’ll liven up any windowscape. The triple-weave fabric has a nice weight to it and effectively blocks out the light so baby can sleep in peace.
Dimensions : Multiple sizes starting from 50″ (W) x 72″ (L) per panel | Material: Unlined polyester | Panels: Double curtain panels | Hanging style: Rod pocket or hem rings
Best short blackout curtains for nursery
- Shorter length works well for small spaces
- Available in 10 colors
- Affordable price point
- Unlined
- Sold as a single panel
Whether you’re dressing a small window or simply prefer the look of short curtains, this pair shouldn't be overlooked. Available in a range of neutral colors, these nursery curtains hang just below the window sill providing ample coverage while blocking out ambient light.
Dimensions : 56″ (W) x 45″ (L); 56″ (W) x 54″ (L) per panel | Material: Unlined polyester | Panels: Single curtain panel | Hanging style: Tab top
Best portable blackout curtains for nursery
- Installs to any size window in seconds
- Greenguard gold and OEKO-certified
- Comes with a travel bag
- Sold as a single panel
Is your little one super-sensitive to light? Avoid a fussy, sleep-deprived baby by investing in a portable nursery blackout curtain for overnight trips and vacations. Made from 100 percent blackout fabric, the Sleepout Portable blocks light, sound and heat for a cozy sleep space on the go. It’s made from the finest materials and is Greenguard certified, meaning it’s passed rigorous testing for harmful chemicals. Plus, it installs in seconds thanks to two industrial strength suction cups that stick directly onto the window pane.
Dimensions : 52″ (W) x 76″ (L) per panel | Material: Thermaguard fabric | Panels: Single or double curtain panel | Hanging style: Suction cups
The Sleepout Portable Blackout Curtain 2.0
- Fully lined
- Machine-washable
- Blocks light, heat and sound
- Sold as a single panel
Last up on our list of the best blackout curtains for a nursery, is an affordable option from Wayfair. Available in seven bright colors, this single-panel curtain muffles noise, insulates your space and offers the highest level of blackout protection. All that for under $13? Bargain!
Dimensions : 40″ (W) x 63″ (L); 40″ (W) x 84″ (L); 40″ (W) x 96″ (L) per panel | Material: Polyester | Panels: Single curtain panel | Hanging style: Grommet
We get it—your home is your sanctuary, and it can be difficult to find stylish drapes that effectively block out light and noise. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. We do this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing products, including insulation, materials, quality, value and style.This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a functional blackout curtain that helps your child enjoy an uninterrupted sleep.
To decide which nursery blackout curtains are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the low-down on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these products with their own families.
To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we spoke with a pediatric sleep consultant to understand essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind when you’re shopping.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
About the expert:
Jillian Thistel, is a certified pediatric sleep consultant in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. She is a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants and founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting.
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