Best Blackout Curtains UK
British summers bring daylight from 4:30am onwards, making blackout curtains essential for anyone who values sleep. They also help insulate draughty sash windows in older UK properties, cutting heating bills in winter. We've picked options that genuinely block light — not just 'dim' it — across different budgets and hanging styles.
What to Look For
- 1Check the blackout rating — '3-pass' coated linings block 99%+ of light, while cheaper single-layer fabrics may only reduce light by 70-80%.
- 2Measure your window recess carefully and add 15-20cm either side for proper light sealing — light gaps at the edges defeat the purpose.
- 3Eyelet curtains are easiest to hang but pencil pleat styles allow more precise fitting on tracks, which is better for bay windows common in UK homes.
- 4For nurseries, consider portable suction-cup blackout blinds as a supplement — they seal directly against the glass for near-total darkness.
- 5Thermal blackout curtains serve double duty in UK winters, reducing heat loss through single-glazed or older double-glazed windows by up to 25%.
Our Top Picks
Deconovo Thermal Blackout Curtains Eyelet
Pros
- Triple-weave fabric blocks 85-99% of light depending on colour
- Thermal insulation reduces heat loss in winter
- Available in 30+ colours and multiple size options
- Machine washable at 30°C
Cons
- Lighter colours (white, cream) block slightly less light than darker shades
- Fabric can crease out of the packaging — needs steaming or hanging for a few days
Best all-round blackout curtain on Amazon UK — genuine 3-pass coating, thermal lining and a huge colour range at a fair price.
Nicetown Blackout Curtains Pencil Pleat
Pros
- Pencil pleat heading works with standard UK curtain tracks and poles
- Dense triple-weave fabric blocks 95-99% of light
- Soft, heavy drape that hangs well
- Good range of neutral colours suited to UK interiors
Cons
- Pencil pleat hooks not always included — check the listing
- Takes longer to hang than eyelet curtains
The best pencil pleat option for traditional UK curtain tracks, with excellent light blocking and a neat gathered look.
Tommee Tippee Sleeptime Portable Blackout Blind
Pros
- Suction cups seal directly to glass for near-total darkness
- Portable and lightweight — great for travel and holidays
- No drilling or fixtures required
- Easy to trim to fit non-standard window sizes
Cons
- Suction cups can lose grip on textured or old glass
- Only comes in black — designed for function, not aesthetics
A portable suction-cup blind that attaches directly to glass — perfect for nurseries, travel, and supplementing existing curtains.
PONY DANCE Blackout Curtains Eyelet
Pros
- Very affordable — often under £20 for a pair
- Soft microfibre feel rather than stiff blackout coating
- Wide range of sizes including short 54" drops
- Energy-saving thermal properties
Cons
- Blackout performance closer to 85% — not full darkness
- Thinner than premium options, may need a blackout liner for complete blocking
Strong budget option with decent blackout performance and a surprisingly soft hand-feel for the price.
Habitat Blackout Eyelet Curtains
Pros
- Thick, substantial fabric with a premium feel
- True blackout lining blocks 95%+ of light
- Clean, modern look suits contemporary UK interiors
- Available via Amazon UK with reliable delivery
Cons
- Higher price point than online-only brands
- Fewer colour options compared to Deconovo or Nicetown
A step up in fabric quality from budget brands, with the reassurance of a well-known UK high street name.
Editor's Note
In the UK, John Lewis's own-brand blackout curtains are considered the gold standard for quality, but Amazon alternatives from brands like Deconovo and Nicetown offer comparable 3-pass blackout performance at half the price. If you're buying for a nursery, the Tommee Tippee Sleeptime portable blind is worth adding alongside curtains for nap times. Summer is peak buying season — stock of popular sizes often runs low in June and July.