Blackout Curtain Panel

Stock curtains rarely fit. They come in a handful of lengths, and a window that falls between them ends up with a curtain that stops short of the sill or drags across the floor. For a blackout curtain, a poor fit matters even more, since gaps let light in.

The Blackout Curtain Panel is made to the drop you order and comes in a wide range of widths. Its dense polyester weave blocks light, and its four heading options fit a track, a pole or a pleat tape without an adapter. That fit is what makes it such a practical curtain for bedrooms and media rooms.

What makes the made to size blackout panel stand out

Fit is the headline. With widths from 39.4 to 196.9 inches and drops from 51.2 to 108.3 inches, you can choose a panel that reaches exactly where you want it, whether that is the sill, just below it or the floor.

The dense weave is the second strength. The panel is 100 percent polyester woven at 80 gsm in a dense blackout construction, which blocks light rather than filtering it. A bedroom stays dark past sunrise, and a living room stays watchable in the afternoon.

The heading choice is the third. Hook, grommet top with rings, rod pocket and pull pleated tape headings let the panel work on a track, a pole or a pleat system without buying an adapter.

The included accessories are the fourth. The heading accessories for the option you select come with the panel, so it arrives ready to hang.

The colors are the fifth. Blue and gray are calm, practical shades that suit bedrooms, nurseries and offices.

Where it looks best, room by room

• Bedrooms. Dark nights and late mornings.
• Nurseries. Daytime naps without bright sun.
• Media rooms. No glare on the screen.
• Shift workers' rooms. Daytime sleep in real darkness.
• Street facing rooms. No more streetlight glare.

In a bedroom, a panel cut to the floor and mounted wide of the window leaves very little room for light to creep in.

In a media room, blackout panels make daytime viewing comfortable and keep the screen free of glare.

Choosing the size and placement

Widths run from 39.4 to 196.9 inches, and drops from 51.2 to 108.3 inches. Check the size menu for the exact combinations available. Each order is one panel.

Width comes first. Curtain width should be about twice the width of the rod or track, so most windows take two panels. One order will not dress a window on its own, so plan for the number of panels you need.

Then choose the drop. Measure from the rod or track down to where you want the hem. For the best blackout effect, let the panel reach at least below the sill, or all the way to the floor.

Allow 1 to 1.18 inches of variation from hemming when measuring. If the length is critical, such as a panel that must clear a radiator, allow for that small difference.

The heading must match your hardware:

• Hook. For a track or rings.
• Grommet top with rings. Slides onto a pole in even folds.
• Rod pocket. Slides onto a rod and gathers.
• Pull pleated tape. Draws up into neat pleats.

Choose the heading to match the track or pole already up, since it cannot be changed afterwards.

A few tips help:

• Mount the rod or track wider than the window on both sides.
• Mount it high, close to the ceiling, to stop light at the top.
• Let panels overlap in the middle when closed.
• Hang panels soon after unpacking so creases drop.

Care is simple. Machine wash on a cool, gentle cycle and hang to dry. Press on a low iron setting if needed. Do not bleach and do not tumble dry hot.

Choosing between blue and gray comes down to the room. Gray is neutral and suits almost any scheme, while blue adds a calm, restful color that works well in bedrooms and nurseries. Slight color variation between your screen and the fabric is normal.

For wide windows and patio doors, the widest panels cover a lot of glass with very few seams. Two 98.4 inch panels, for example, dress a large opening with plenty of fullness.

For shift workers, real darkness during the day can make a big difference to sleep. Mounting the track close to the ceiling and extending it past the window on each side helps the panels seal the room.

If light still leaks around the edges, add a return, a short section of track or rod that curves back to the wall, or simply extend the rod further past the frame.

Think about the rest of the room as well. A dark bedroom benefits from a small lamp by the bed, so you can move around at night without opening the curtains.

Pairing it with other pieces

A blackout panel pairs well with a sheer curtain in front for daytime softness, a sturdy track or pole and simple tiebacks. Layering lets you choose between filtered daylight and full darkness.

Browse the curtains and drapes collection for sheers and other styles, or the throw blankets collection for bedroom textiles.

Is the made to size blackout panel right for your space?

This panel is a strong fit if you:

• Need a curtain that fits your exact window.
• Want real darkness for sleep or screens.
• Have a track, pole or pleat system already installed.
• Want the heading accessories included.
• Like calm blue or gray.

It may not suit a room where you want soft daylight to filter through, or a window where you would rather buy a matched pair in one order. A sheer panel or a paired set will suit those needs better.

For a dark, well fitted window, though, this panel is a smart and practical choice. Every US order ships free, and most arrive in 6 to 9 business days.