Best Blackout Curtains for Nursery (2023): Better Baby Sleep

best blackout curtains for nursery

Not all blackout curtains actually make a room completely dark. We’ve tried many different versions and compiled this list of the best blackout curtains for your baby’s nursery. 

Let me help you save you the time, money, and hassle of going through the many available blackout curtain types for your baby’s nursery. We’ve researched the best blackout curtains for baby’s room that will make the room dark enough for your baby. 

Does a nursery need blackout curtains? We think so. A dark room is one step toward better sleep for your baby. And you! A darker room can help with nighttime sleep and daytime naps. They can keep outside noise, bright lights, and harmful UV rays out of your child’s nursery.

best nursery blackout curtains

Best Blackout Curtains for Nursery

There is more than one great option for blackout curtains and blackout shades to choose from for your baby’s nursery. Whether you choose a heavy duty curtain made of triple weave fabric or lightweight curtains with a blackout lining, it’s really a matter of personal preference and design style. You can find a blackout curtain that will fit your nursery decor and help your baby get a good night’s sleep.

Our Top 5 Blackout Curtains for Your Baby’s Nursery

A blackout curtain is good for babies. Here are our favorites:

  1. Deconovo Short Curtains for Small Windows

These curtains are available in a variety of colors and sizes, and check all the boxes when it comes to curtains for your nursery. 

The Deconovo blackout curtains are also insulated, meaning the energy-saving panels reflect heat from outside in summer and reduce the amount of heat loss during winter. This can help with heating and air conditioning costs.

The short length means they are safer for baby’s bedroom. As your child grows, he or she will not be able to reach up and pull on these curtains, possibly pulling the curtain and the curtain rod down on their sweet little heads. 

What we like:

  • Soft to the touch
  • Wide variety of colors and sizes
  • Nice price

What we don’t like:

  • The colors available won’t match every decor style

See all color and size options here.

2. Pottery Barn Kids Evelyn Linen Grommet Blackout Curtain Panel

While they are on the pricier side, they are very nice looking and high quality!

What we like:

  • High-quality product made of linen
  • Lightweight
  • Several color and size options to fit your nursery theme
  • These curtains also reduce sound, which can be helpful if you live on a busy street or have noisy neighbors!

What we don’t like:

  • The price is high
  • We wish they were available in a shorter size 
  • Dry clean only, which isn’t always ideal in curtains for a nursery

See the colors and styles available here.

3. Safari Watercolor Nursery Blackout Curtains by Etsy Seller MyLittleDreamer

If you’re looking for something that makes you say “aww” every time you walk into the room, these are the best nursery curtains for you!

What we like:

  • Available in multiple sizes to suit your needs
  • 100% cotton lined with blackout fabric
  • Machine washable
  • Adrorable!

What we don’t like:

  • The lead time for these handmade curtains is approximately three weeks. But if you’re not in a hurry, they may be worth the wait. 

Other patterns are available from this seller, and they are all equally adorable!

4. NICETOWN Full Shading Curtains for Windows

The variety of colors and sizes in this brand is extensive, and you’ll surely be able to find an option for your baby’s nursery. Nicetown curtains are VERY highly rated. 

What we like:

  • The perfect balance of heavy, blackout, and cost-effective.
  • They block out the light just as well as the heavier expensive curtains I have at a fraction of the cost, and they look lovely.

What we don’t like:

  • These are heavy! You’ll want to ensure you have a strong curtain rod installed correctly. 

And check out this option….while these “blackout” Nicetown curtains are specially designed to let in some light, we think they’re pretty cool. Maybe your cold children (if you have any) would like these!

5. Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black

As an alternative for you to consider, here are some blackout shades that could give you the darkness you are looking for temporarily while you shop for room darkening curtains or maybe even as a long-term solution. They will probably also work with any existing window treatments you may have.

What we like:

  • VERY easy to install, and no tools are needed
  • No cords mean these are safe for the baby
  • Can be cut to length
  • They come in a pack of six, so they can be used on multiple windows for one low price

What we don’t like:

  • They aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as curtains

Check them out here

More of the Best Blackout Curtains for Nursery

If those aren’t quite the blackout shades you’re looking for, these may better suit your baby’s room.

Non-Toxic Room Darkening Curtains for Nursery

If your goal is to create an eco-friendly, non-toxic bedroom for your baby, you’ll want to choose nursery curtains that fit the bill. The colors are also great for a gender-neutral nursery and can grow with your child as they grow up and their tastes in decor change.

Try these:

Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtains by Pottery Barn Kids

Made of 100% Belgian flax linen, these Pottery Barn curtains are perfect for a nursery. They are medium-weight blackout curtains to make nap time nice and dark.

Best Travel Blackout and Room Darkening Curtains

Suppose your baby is used to sleeping in their own dark and cozy nursery. In that case, getting them to sleep while you are traveling can be tricky because you might not have separate bedrooms or dark sleeping spaces. Take this easily portable blackout curtains with you on your next trip:

Amazon Basics Portable Window Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups for Travel

Velcro edges allow for customizing the dimensions of the curtain to fit various window sizes while on the go. Suction cups affix to the window for easy installation; they cannot be mounted to a curtain rod; be sure the window is clean and suction cups are dry before installation.

White Blackout Curtains

When looking for white curtains to darken your room, you’re probably looking for something completely white. This can be tricky to find.

This is a set of white blackout curtains that are white on both sides.

Buying Guide: Best Blackout Curtains for Nursery

Price: How much do blackout curtains cost?

 Typically, drapes and curtains cost an average of $100 to $250 per panel. However, this can range between $7 to $1,500 overall, depending on how fancy you want to get.

Fabric: What is the best fabric for blackout curtains?

Blackout curtains are commonly created with polyester or a combination of polyester and cotton. Heavy microfiber is an excellent fabric for blackout curtains, mainly if triple-weave technology is used. It can cut out light by up to 90%.

The best blackout curtains are those made from densely woven fabric like thick cotton or polyester. Thick fabrics won’t let light through their fibers. Look for a poly/cotton lining coated in acrylic to make it more effective at light-blocking and noise reduction.

Color: What is the best color for baby blackout curtains?

As long as your blackout curtains are lined on the inside, you can choose whatever color works with your nursery’s theme. Choose curtains that not only look great but are also functional. Blackout curtains don’t have to look terrible or feel any differently than non-blackout curtains aside from the internal lining.

Size: What is the best size for blackout curtains?

When choosing the size for blackout curtains, you must measure accurately and go slightly bigger when possible. Measuring correctly will reduce the sunlight peering through the sides.

◆ HOW TO MEASURE – WIDTH ◆

1. Your curtain width should be approx double the size of your curtain rod – a little less or a little more is fine!

◆ HOW TO MEASURE – LENGTH ◆

1. Measure from the curtain rods to where you want the fabric to stop. (Usually at least 12 in from the window sill)

2. No curtain rod yet? Measure your window frame and add at least 12 in. This will be your length.

FAQs: Blackout Curtains for a Baby’s Room

Should a Nursery Be Dark or Bright?

Darkness promotes sleep. Babies and toddlers often need early bedtimes and go to bed when the sun is still shining. 

Blackout curtains help create a dark and cozy environment conducive to sleep and might help babies not wake so early in the morning when the sun starts shining into their bedroom. Some blackout curtains are also energy efficient and provide thermal insulation.

Are Blackout Curtains Good for a Nursery?

Blackout curtains are a must-have, according to most baby sleep experts. 

As Cara at Taking Cara Babies says, shutters, blinds, or even dark curtains rarely block out the light sufficiently. Adding blackout blinds like THESE or THESE can be so helpful.”

As with everything in your baby’s room, think about safety when you’re thinking about adding blackout curtains or shades:

Because blackout curtains will go in a child’s bedroom, there are a few safety-related features to keep in mind:

  • Keep cords out of reach. If you must use corded, be sure the cords are hidden or secured up high, out of baby’s reach, since cords are a strangulation hazard as baby grows and becomes more mobile. Or better yet, choose a cordless option. 
  • Make sure the mounting is secure. Give the bottom of the curtains a little tug after they’re up to make sure they’re secured tightly.
  • Hang curtains out of baby’s reach. Ideally, your curtains will end at the windowsill, not where your baby can touch them. Keep baby’s crib away from the curtains and anything they can reach out and touch.

How Dark Should Baby’s Nursery Be?

The darker your baby’s bedroom can be, the better. According to sleep expert Cara at Taking Cara Babies, “We all sleep better in darkness.” This includes our babies. Too much light stimulates the brain. Darkness helps us fall asleep. Those are just the facts. 

Can Babies Sleep Without Blackout Curtains?

Not all babies need blackout curtains. Some babies are not as sensitive to light as others. In this case, regular curtains are good enough. Others are very sensitive to light, so investing in blackout curtains or shades will be the best option.  

So, yes, of course, babies can sleep without blackout curtains. But if you’re doing all the right things to help baby to sleep through the night and nothing is working – consider adding them to see if it helps. I know I sleep better in complete darkness and maybe your baby will too. 

Our Top Five Black Out Curtains for Baby’s Nursery

  1. Deconovo Short Curtains for Small Windows
  2. Pottery Barn Kids Evelyn Linen Grommet Blackout Curtain Panels
  3. Safari Watercolor Nursery Blackout Curtains 
  4. NICETOWN Full Shading Curtains for Windows
  5. Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black

 Whether you’re looking for the perfect blackout curtains or the best blackout shades, we hope that your new window treatments will help your baby get a better night’s sleep!

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best blackout curtains for nursery