Blackout Curtains That Look Chic, Not Hotel-y
Let’s be real: most blackout curtains scream “budget hotel circa 2007.”
You know the ones. Heavy. Shiny. Weirdly burgundy. Like they belong in a discount conference center, not your carefully curated space.
But what if I told you that blackout curtains can actually look elegant? Like, “quiet luxury,” “Pinterest mood board,” “I casually drink matcha in a cashmere robe” elegant? Yep, they exist. And no, you don’t have to drop $800 a panel to get the look.
So if you’re ready to finally block out the sun without blocking your style, I got you. Let’s find you some blackout curtains that look chic, not hotel-y — and I’ll even throw in a free window-measuring cheat sheet because no one has time for returns based on “oops, wrong width.”
Why Most Blackout Curtains Look So... Meh
Alright, let’s break it down. Why do so many blackout curtains look like a sad motel room?
Short answer: function over form.
Longer answer:
They’re often made with cheap synthetic fabrics
The finish is shiny or stiff (and not in a good way)
The colors are straight from the “50 Shades of Beige” palette
They hang weirdly and pool awkwardly or not at all
Basically, they do the job, but they also make your living room look like it smells faintly of cleaning spray.
But we’re not about that life. We want elegant blackout drapes that feel like decor, not damage control.
What Actually Makes a Blackout Curtain Chic?
Great question, friend. It’s all in the details.
1. The Fabric
Skip the plastic-y polyester and look for:
Heavyweight linen blends: soft, textured, luxe
Matte velvet: moody and dramatic in the best way
Brushed cotton: clean and classic
These fabrics fall beautifully and add visual depth without looking fussy.
2. The Color Palette
Your curtains should complement your space, not hijack it. Stick to:
Earth tones: oat, sand, olive
Deep neutrals: charcoal, navy, espresso
Soft warm whites: not stark white, but creamy or ivory
Avoid anything shiny, bright, or super high-contrast unless that’s very intentionally your vibe.
3. The Length
Too short? Child’s playroom. Too long? Drowning. Go for:
Floor-skimming or slightly pooling (1–2 inches max)
Hang them high and wide to make your windows look bigger (yes, it’s a hack and yes, it works)
4. Hardware That Doesn’t Suck
No tension rods allowed. Use:
Clean matte black or brass curtain rods
Minimal brackets
Ring clips for extra drape if you’re feeling fancy
Chic Blackout Curtain Picks That Don’t Cost a Fortune (Affiliate Time!)
Alright, let’s get to the good part. Here are my top picks for elegant blackout drapes that won’t make your space look like a sad hotel lobby. Bonus: they’re all shoppable with affiliate links (thanks for supporting small creators like me ❤️).
1. Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Drapes
Fabric: Linen/cotton blend
Colors: Oatmeal, Ivory, Pewter
Why I love them: They look high-end because they are high-end — but they go on sale often. The texture is beautiful.
IMO: These are the gold standard. If you can catch them on sale, snatch them up.
2. West Elm Cotton Canvas Blackout Curtains
Fabric: Thick cotton canvas
Colors: Rust, Slate, Stone
Why I love them: They hang like a dream and give off serious “quiet luxury” energy.
FYI: The blackout lining is legit. No weird orange morning glow.
3. Amazon Basics Total Blackout Curtain Set
Fabric: Brushed microfiber
Colors: Taupe, Navy, Charcoal
Why I love them: Budget-friendly and shockingly decent.
Warning: You need to steam them. But once you do? Chef’s kiss
4. IKEA MAJGULL Room Darkening Curtains
Fabric: Polyester, but matte (trust me)
Colors: Warm gray, blush pink, deep teal
Why I love them: IKEA knows what they’re doing. They’re modern, minimal, and the price? Unreal.
Hack: Replace the tab top with curtain rings for a designer look.
The Secret Weapon: The Window-Measuring Cheat Sheet
Look, you can have the chicest blackout curtains in the world, but if you hang them wrong, it all falls apart. Literally.
Here’s your quick & dirty window-measuring cheat sheet (bookmark this or tattoo it on your arm, your call):
Width
Measure the window width
Multiply by 1.5 to 2x for fullness (more fabric = better drape)
Height
Hang your rod 4–8 inches above the window frame
Curtains should hit just above the floor or slightly pool
Rod Width
Extend the rod 8–12 inches past the window frame on each side
This makes windows look bigger and lets in more light when open
It’s literally optical illusion magic. Don’t skip this.
What About Thermal Insulation & Noise Blocking?
You want chic, but you also want sleep, right?
Good blackout curtains do double duty:
Light blocking (obviously)
Thermal insulation (goodbye drafty windows)
Noise reduction (bless you, city dwellers)
Pro tip: Look for curtains with a multi-layer or triple-weave construction. That’s where the magic happens. Bonus if they’re labeled as “thermal.”
What to Avoid (A.K.A. Curtain Red Flags)
Just say no to:
Shiny satin finishes — unless you’re decorating a Vegas penthouse
Grommet tops that look like a gym locker room curtain
Short lengths that hover awkwardly like high-water pants
Bold patterns unless you really know what you’re doing
Honestly, if it looks like it came in a hotel room with a “bedspread you don’t touch,” it’s a pass.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Have Blackout Curtains That Look Chic
To recap (because I know you skimmed — no judgment):
Fabric matters: linen blends, cotton, matte velvet = chic
Color counts: think earth tones, soft neutrals, no shine
Length is key: floor-sweeping, always
Hardware upgrades: matte black or brass, nothing janky
And don’t forget your window-measuring cheat sheet — it’s the difference between “meh” and “magazine-worthy.”
Blackout curtains don’t have to be ugly. They can be gorgeous. Elegant blackout drapes are 100% a thing. You just need to know what to look for — and lucky for you, now you do 🙂
Go forth and block that light beautifully.