Head-to-head · Best Blackout Curtains

NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout vs Sun Zero Barrow

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Anyone who needs a nursery or bedroom genuinely dark on a small budget, and who will choose a darker colourway. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Blackout Curtains

NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout

4.4

3 sources1 derived$17.95as of Aug 1

The NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout takes the top spot on CNN Underscored's flashlight test, where it was the only panel that let no light through. The lined triple-weave build also adds thermal insulation and some sound damping, and the panels cost very little. Consumer Reports is cooler on it, flagging glare from the pure-white colourway, so the colour you pick matters.

Strengths

— The only curtain to pass CNN Underscored's flashlight test with no light visible through the fabric
— Lined triple-weave construction rated at 85 to 99 percent light blocking
— Silver grommets with a 1.6-inch inner diameter slide easily onto a standard rod

Watch-outs

— Consumer Reports found the pure-white colourway produces noticeable glare
— Lighter colours sit at the bottom of the 85 to 99 percent blocking range
— The lining makes the panels heavy and somewhat stiff to drape

$17.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Blackout Curtains

Sun Zero Barrow

4.3

2 sources1 derived$9.49as of Aug 1

The Sun Zero Barrow is the budget room-darkening pick, a classic rod-pocket panel that cuts light and noise for better sleep at often under $20. It is honest about what it is: Sun Zero rates it room darkening rather than full blackout, so some light will show through, especially in lighter colors. A shopper who wants to soften daylight and add privacy and energy efficiency cheaply will be happy. Anyone needing total darkness should choose a true blackout panel.

Strengths

— Extremely affordable, often available for well under $20 per panel
— Woven-solid fabric reduces light and noise for better sleep while adding energy efficiency
— Classic rod-pocket design with a soft, plush velvety feel that drapes nicely

Watch-outs

— Room-darkening, not full blackout, so some light will show through, especially in lighter colors
— Light blocking depends heavily on color: the darker the panel, the more it blocks
— Rod-pocket header is less convenient than grommets for daily use

$9.49 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout

It blocked light more completely than the Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, Eclipse Fresno, Best Home Fashion Premium Blackout and Sun Zero Barrow in CNN's flashlight test, the only panel to pass it. It shares the triple-weave approach of the Amazon Basics panels, but the extra lining is what pushes it ahead on true blackout.

Sun Zero Barrow

The budget room-darkening option, blocking less light than the true-blackout NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout, Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, Eclipse Fresno, and Best Home Fashion Premium Blackout. Its rod-pocket header is like the Eclipse Fresno's rather than the grommets on the NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout and Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, and it is the cheapest panel here.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout	Sun Zero Barrow
Fabric	Triple-weave polyester (lined)	Woven-solid polyester
Light Blocking	85-99%	Room darkening (color-dependent)
Header	Silver grommet (1.6 in inner dia.)	Rod pocket (fits rod up to 1.5 in)
Sizes	52 x 84 in (and other sizes), 2 panels	Multiple sizes and colors
Thermal	Insulating	—
Noise	Sound-reducing	Noise-reducing
Reversible	Same color both sides	—
Care	Machine washable	Machine washable
Material	Fabric	Polyester
Dimensions	63"L x 52"W	84"L x 54"W
Energy	—	Energy-efficient / insulating
Feel	—	Soft, plush velvety hand

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