Finding effective window coverage in an apartment can be difficult when you need darkness, privacy, and easy installation without drilling into walls. The right blackout curtain can also help reduce heat, drafts, and outside light.
We selected 10 renter-friendly options ranging from temporary adhesive shades and suction-cup designs to traditional insulated curtain panels. Use the guide below to match the style, size, and installation method to your windows and daily routine.
Best 10 Blackout Curtains for Apartments Picks for 2026
Best Overall
- Two 42-by-63-inch panels
- Blocks 85%-99% of light and UV rays
- Thermal insulated and machine washable
Best For: Apartment bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices
Best Portable Shade
Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain
- Suction-cup mounting for smooth glass
- Velcro tabs adjust the fit
- Includes a travel bag
Best For: Renters, nurseries, and travel
Best for Noise Reduction
- Blocks approximately 98% of sunlight and UV
- Thick fabric supports privacy and noise reduction
- Two panels with 1.6-inch metal grommets
Best For: Bedrooms and living rooms facing noisy streets
Best for Odd-Shaped Windows
NIGHTON Portable Blackout Curtains
- Cut-to-fit design for unusual openings
- Adhesive hook-and-loop installation
- Lightweight and portable
Best For: Odd-shaped windows, doors, and no-drill setups
Classic Full-Length Pick
- Two 52-by-84-inch polyester panels
- Triple-weave fabric blocks 85%-99% of light and UV rays
- Thermal insulation and machine-washable care
Best For: Full-length apartment bedroom and living room windows
Drill-Free Flexible Pick
- Designed for 100% light blocking
- Includes 17 heat-resistant magic tapes
- Cuttable and portable for irregular windows
Best For: Renters, dorms, RVs, and nonstandard windows
Light-Gray Lined Pick
- Two lined 42-by-63-inch panels
- Double-layer design blocks sunlight and UV rays
- Adds privacy, noise reduction, and thermal insulation
Best For: Neutral-toned apartment bedrooms and living rooms
Best Portable DIY Pick
Petaholic 100% Blackout Curtains
- Cuttable fabric fits custom window shapes
- No-drill adhesive and Velcro installation
- Portable, foldable design with storage bag
Best For: Renters, dorm rooms, travel, and custom-fit blackout coverage
Best Small-Window Option
AJAZZ Self-Adhesive Blackout Curtain
- Compact 35-by-48-inch single panel
- No tools or curtain rod required
- Machine washable polyester fabric
Best For: Small apartment windows and temporary light blocking
Best Quick-Install Value
Self-Adhesive Blackout Curtain
- Installs in about three minutes
- No drilling or curtain rod needed
- Machine-washable polyester fabric
Best For: Renters needing fast, removable coverage on smooth surfaces
Best Overall – NICETOWN Blackout Curtains
For apartments that need a traditional window treatment, these NICETOWN blackout curtains combine a two-panel design with thermal insulation and a simple grommet installation. The 42-by-63-inch panels are a practical fit for many standard windows and help reduce light, UV exposure, and some outside noise.
Best For: Apartment bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices needing ready-to-hang blackout panels.
Pros:
- Two 42-by-63-inch panels are included.
- Triple-weave fabric blocks approximately 85% to 99% of light and UV rays, with darker colors performing better.
- Thermal insulation may help balance summer heat and winter chill.
- Machine washable and compatible with standard rods through 1.6-inch grommets.
Cons:
- The package includes only two panels, so wider windows may require additional sets.
- Light-blocking performance varies, and the supplied notes specify that darker colors work best.
This is a well-rounded choice if you want permanent blackout curtains for apartments rather than a temporary shade. Its washable fabric, noise-reducing design, and thermal features add everyday practicality.
Best Portable Shade – Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtain
This Amazon Basics portable shade is a flexible option for renters who cannot drill into walls or want blackout curtains for apartments that can move between rooms or travel with them. Suction cups mount it to smooth glass, while Velcro tabs help adjust the 50-by-78-inch shade to different window sizes.
Best For: Renters, nurseries, travel, and smooth-glass windows that need a temporary blackout solution.
Pros:
- Portable design includes a travel bag.
- Attached suction cups allow mounting on smooth glass surfaces without permanent hardware.
- Velcro tabs provide a customizable fit for various window sizes.
- Machine washable polyester can be cleaned in cold water.
Cons:
- Only one shade is included.
- Suction-cup mounting is intended for smooth glass surfaces and may not suit every apartment window.
- Line drying is recommended after washing.
Choose this shade when flexibility matters more than a conventional curtain-rod installation. It is especially useful for temporary setups, travel, or rental apartments where permanent changes are not practical.
Best for Noise Reduction – ChrisDowa Blackout Curtains
ChrisDowa’s two-panel curtains are a solid pick for apartment residents who want blackout curtains with privacy and noise-reducing benefits. Each dark-gray panel measures 42 by 63 inches, uses six metal grommets, and is designed to block about 98% of sunlight and UV rays.
Best For: Apartment bedrooms, nurseries, and living rooms where privacy, darker rooms, and reduced outside noise are priorities.
Pros:
- Two 42-by-63-inch panels are included with easy-slide 1.6-inch grommets.
- Blocks approximately 98% of sunlight and UV rays; darker colors work better.
- Thick fabric supports privacy and noise reduction.
- Thermal insulation may reduce heat and cold loss through the window.
Cons:
- The dark-gray color may not suit every decorating scheme.
- The package size may be too narrow for wider apartment windows without additional panels.
- The notes recommend washing below 86°F on a gentle cycle, which requires some care.
This option balances light control, privacy, and apartment-friendly installation. It is particularly suitable for bedrooms facing busy streets or rooms that need protection from sun-related fading.
Best for Odd-Shaped Windows – NIGHTON Portable Blackout Curtains
These NIGHTON portable blackout curtains suit apartments with unusual windows, doors, or temporary sleeping spaces. The 60-by-40-inch polyester panel can be cut to a preferred shape and attached with self-adhesive hook-and-loop strips, avoiding drilling and conventional curtain hardware.
Best For: Odd-shaped windows, doors, sunroofs, RVs, and renters needing a lightweight temporary blackout panel.
Pros:
- Lightweight panel is designed for portability.
- Can be cut to fit rectangular, round, polygonal, or other custom openings.
- Strong adhesive hook-and-loop strips attach to plastic, wood, glass, and other flat surfaces.
- Designed to provide complete blackout shading and help reduce heat loss in winter.
Cons:
- Only one 60-by-40-inch panel is included.
- Adhesive mounting requires a suitable flat surface and is less conventional than a curtain rod.
- Cutting the panel is a one-way customization.
This is the most adaptable choice in the group for nonstandard openings or no-drill installations. Its cut-to-fit design is useful in apartments, but measure carefully before trimming the panel.
Classic Full-Length Pick – 84-Inch Blackout Curtains
For apartments that need traditional coverage, these blackout curtains for apartments provide two full-length 52-by-84-inch panels in durable polyester. Their triple-weave construction helps block light and UV rays, improve privacy, and add thermal insulation without requiring a specialized installation.
Best For: Bedrooms, living rooms, nurseries, or other apartment spaces needing full-length grommet curtains.
Pros:
- Two 52-by-84-inch panels offer broad, full-length window coverage.
- Triple-weave fabric impedes approximately 85%-99% of light and UV rays, with darker colors performing better.
- Thermal insulation helps reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
- Machine washable polyester fabric and eight 1.6-inch silver grommets support practical everyday use.
Cons:
- Blackout performance varies by color and is strongest with darker shades.
- The panels are unlined, according to the supplied details.
- At 84 inches long, they may require adjustment for shorter apartment windows.
This is a straightforward choice when you want conventional drapes with generous length, privacy benefits, and seasonal insulation. Check your window and rod dimensions before ordering.
Drill-Free Flexible Pick – Portable Blackout Shades
These blackout curtains for apartments are a practical option for renters, dorm rooms, and irregular windows. The lightweight 42-by-60-inch shade uses reflective silver coating and high-density black polyester to block light, while included adhesive magic tapes allow drill-free installation.
Best For: Renters, dorm residents, RVs, skylights, French doors, and windows that need a customizable portable covering.
Pros:
- Reflective silver coating and black polyester are designed to achieve 100% blackout.
- Includes 17 square magic tapes for drill-free installation.
- Can be cut to fit doors, skylights, and irregularly shaped windows.
- Lightweight and portable for flexible use across rooms or locations.
Cons:
- This is a single 42-by-60-inch shade rather than a two-panel curtain set.
- It requires cutting for customized shapes and relies on adhesive tape installation.
- The manual outside-mount design may look less like conventional drapery.
Choose this model when flexibility and no-drill setup matter more than a traditional curtain appearance. Its portable construction is especially useful for temporary apartment setups or nonstandard windows.
Light-Gray Lined Pick – 63-Inch Blackout Curtains
For apartment rooms where a softer neutral look is preferred, these blackout curtains for apartments pair two light-gray 42-by-63-inch panels with black liner backing. The double-layer construction is designed to block sunlight and UV rays while supporting privacy, noise reduction, and seasonal energy savings.
Best For: Bedrooms, living rooms, nurseries, and apartment windows suited to 63-inch grommet panels.
Pros:
- Double-layer construction with black lining is designed to completely block sunlight and UV rays.
- Two light-gray panels provide a neutral, modern appearance.
- Thermal insulation can help reduce heat and cold loss through windows.
- Soft polyester fabric offers noise-reduction, privacy, and machine-washable features.
Cons:
- Each panel is 42 inches wide, so wider windows may need additional coverage.
- The 63-inch length may not suit floor-to-ceiling or taller windows.
- Only six grommets per panel are included, compared with some heavier curtain designs.
This set is well suited to apartments that need strong room darkening in a lighter-colored curtain. Measure both window width and drop to confirm the 42-by-63-inch panel size will provide the coverage you want.
Best Portable DIY Pick – Petaholic 100% Blackout Curtains
For renters comparing blackout curtains for apartments, the Petaholic is a flexible no-drill option that can be cut to fit a window’s size and shape. Its silver-coated polyester fabric is designed to block sunlight and UV rays while providing privacy, and the included adhesive stickers and Velcro make installation straightforward.
Best For: Renters, dorm rooms, temporary setups, travel, and unusually shaped windows that need a custom blackout fit.
Pros:
- 100% blackout design with UV protection and coverage intended to minimize gaps.
- Cut-to-size construction works for different window shapes and dimensions.
- Installs without drilling or a curtain rod using included nano stickers and Velcro.
- Lightweight, foldable design includes a portable storage bag.
Cons:
- The single 118-by-57-inch panel must be measured and cut during installation.
- The manufacturer recommends airing it out for one to three days if it has an odor after unpacking.
- Listed care instructions specify dry cleaning only.
The Petaholic stands out when a standard curtain cannot match an apartment window or when you need a removable, travel-friendly solution. Measure carefully, leave a little extra fabric for better coverage, and prepare the clean, dry window before applying the adhesive.
Best Small-Window Option – AJAZZ Self-Adhesive Blackout Curtain
The AJAZZ panel is a practical choice for apartment windows that need temporary light control without a rod or tools. Measuring 35 by 48 inches, it attaches to a clean window frame and uses a 100% shading design intended to block sunlight, UV rays, and some noise.
Best For: Small bedroom, kitchen, living room, office, camper, or other windows where a compact temporary panel is sufficient.
Pros:
- Self-adhesive installation requires no curtain rod or tools.
- 100% blackout design is intended to reduce light, UV exposure, and heat transfer.
- Width can be adjusted by creating fabric pleats during installation.
- Machine washable for convenient maintenance.
Cons:
- This listing includes only one 35-by-48-inch panel.
- It is designed for smaller windows and may not cover wider openings without additional panels.
- The fabric is not listed as water resistant.
For apartment dwellers with a compact window, the AJAZZ offers a simple temporary alternative to conventional curtains. Check the frame and opening dimensions first, since wider windows may require extra coverage or a larger size.
Best Quick-Install Value – Self-Adhesive Blackout Curtain
This 35-by-59-inch self-adhesive curtain is aimed at renters who want blackout coverage without drilling or installing a rod. It attaches to smooth surfaces in about three minutes, can help reduce light leakage around window blinds, and is machine washable for repeated use.
Best For: Renters seeking a fast, removable blackout panel for a bedroom, window blind, doorway, or other smooth surface.
Pros:
- No-drill, no-rod installation takes about three minutes.
- Can attach to smooth surfaces beyond standard windows.
- Polyester fabric is described as soft, durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to clean.
- Can be removed, washed, dried, and reattached according to the product notes.
Cons:
- The single panel measures 35 by 59 inches, so larger windows may need additional coverage.
- It is unlined and not listed as water resistant.
- Adhesive installation is intended for smooth surfaces, so textured frames may be unsuitable.
The main appeal is speed: this panel is useful when apartment rules or a short-term setup make drilling impractical. Confirm that the mounting area is smooth and that the 35-inch width provides enough coverage before ordering.
How We Picked the Best Blackout Curtains for Apartments
We focused on products suited to apartment living, prioritizing light-blocking performance, installation flexibility, practical sizing, and ease of removal. The selection includes standard curtain panels as well as portable and self-adhesive shades for renters, nurseries, bedrooms, and unusually sized windows.
We also considered useful features such as thermal insulation, noise reduction, black liners, included mounting hardware, washable fabrics, and whether a product requires a curtain rod, adhesive, hook-and-loop strips, or suction cups.
Quick Comparison
| Type | Best For | Main Advantage | Potential Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional panels | Bedrooms and living rooms | Finished appearance and broad coverage | Usually require a rod and adequate wall space |
| Portable shades | Renters, travel, and temporary use | Easy to install and remove | May leave edge gaps or require frequent repositioning |
| Self-adhesive curtains | Small or unusual windows | No drilling or curtain rod needed | Adhesive performance depends on the surface |
| Thermal blackout panels | Hot, cold, or drafty rooms | Can improve light control and comfort | Often heavier and bulkier |
Key Buying Factors for Blackout Curtains for Apartments
Measure the Window and Add Coverage
Measure the glass, frame, and available mounting area before ordering. For curtain panels, account for overlap and extra width on both sides to reduce side light. Portable shades should be large enough to cover the entire pane, while adhesive products need a clean, smooth surface for reliable attachment.
Choose the Right Installation Method
Rod-mounted curtains provide the most conventional look, but they may not work if your lease restricts drilling or the window lacks clearance. Suction cups, hook-and-loop strips, and adhesive tabs are more flexible. Removable systems are convenient, though painted, textured, dusty, or damp surfaces can reduce their hold.
Consider Light, Heat, and Noise Control
“Blackout” performance varies by fabric, liner, fit, and edge coverage. A black liner or multilayer thermal construction may help block more light and moderate room temperature. Noise-reducing claims should be treated as a secondary benefit rather than full soundproofing.
Check Care and Portability
Washable fabric is useful for long-term bedroom use, while foldable shades are better for moves, travel, or occasional daytime sleeping. Check the cleaning instructions and included accessories before buying, especially when the product depends on replacement adhesive or mounting strips.
Who Should Buy Which Blackout Curtains for Apartments?
- Choose traditional blackout panels if you want a polished appearance, dependable daily coverage, and enough space for a curtain rod.
- Choose portable blackout shades if you rent, move frequently, travel, or need a temporary solution without permanent hardware.
- Choose self-adhesive or hook-and-loop curtains for small windows, nurseries, kitchens, or openings where rods are impractical.
- Choose thermal-lined panels if your apartment has noticeable drafts, strong afternoon sun, or rooms that become uncomfortably warm.
- Choose wider or longer curtains when side gaps and light leakage are your main concerns; generous coverage is often more important than fabric thickness alone.
For most shoppers, the best Blackout Curtains for Apartments balance darkness, easy removal, and accurate window coverage. Measure first, confirm the mounting method, and select the option that fits both your lease restrictions and your room’s everyday needs.