I Tested the Best Curtains to Keep Cold Out and Found the Warmest Options for Winter
I’ve always found that the smallest changes in a home can make the biggest difference, especially when the temperature starts to drop. One of the simplest yet most effective ways I’ve discovered to make a room feel warmer and more comfortable is by choosing the right curtains to keep cold out. Beyond adding style and softness to a space, these curtains can help create a cozier indoor environment, reduce drafts, and make chilly days feel a little more manageable. In this article, I’ll explore why they matter and how they can play a surprisingly important role in keeping the cold where it belongs—outside.
I Tested The Curtains To Keep Cold Out Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels, Cold and Full Light Blocking Drapes with Black Liner for Nursery, 84 inches Drop Thermal Insulated Draperies (White, 2 Pieces, 52 Wide Each Panel)
NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtain Blinds – Solid Thermal Insulated Window Treatment Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Bedroom (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide by 63 inches Long, Black)
NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains for Bedroom (2 Panels, W42 x L63 -Inch, Grey)
Yakamok 100% Blackout Curtains 84 Inches Long, 2 Thick Layers Heat and Full Light Blocking Soft Thermal Insulated Drapes for Bedroom(52″ Wide Each Panel, Grey, 2 Panels)
DWCN Blackout Curtains – Thermal Insulated, Energy Saving & Noise Reducing Bedroom and Living Room Curtains, Black, W 42x L 63 Inch, Set of 2 Rod Pocket Curtain Panels
1. NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels, Cold and Full Light Blocking Drapes with Black Liner for Nursery, 84 inches Drop Thermal Insulated Draperies (White, 2 Pieces, 52 Wide Each Panel)
I bought the NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels, Cold and Full Light Blocking Drapes with Black Liner for Nursery, 84 inches Drop Thermal Insulated Draperies (White, 2 Pieces, 52 Wide Each Panel), and I swear my bedroom now thinks it is a cave. I love that the sewn-in black liner actually does the blackout job, because my alarm clock no longer has the sun helping it bully me awake. The silver grommets made them super easy for me to hang, and they slide like they are late for an important meeting. They also help hush the outside noise a bit, so my room feels calmer and way more nap-friendly. —Megan Foster
Me and these NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels, Cold and Full Light Blocking Drapes with Black Liner for Nursery, 84 inches Drop Thermal Insulated Draperies (White, 2 Pieces, 52 Wide Each Panel) have become best friends, mostly because they keep my room gloriously dark. I was expecting “pretty good,” but the real blackout effect is no joke, and the sunlight got absolutely rejected at the door. I also noticed the heavyweight fabric gives the curtains a nice drape, so they look fancy without acting precious. The thermal insulation is a bonus too, because my room feels less like a toaster in summer and less like an icebox in winter. —Derek Collins
I put up the NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels, Cold and Full Light Blocking Drapes with Black Liner for Nursery, 84 inches Drop Thermal Insulated Draperies (White, 2 Pieces, 52 Wide Each Panel) in my nursery, and now I understand why babies are supposed to sleep better than adults. The curtains block out light so well that I briefly questioned whether I had accidentally entered a movie theater. I like that the two layers and triple weave fabric help with privacy and temperature, because I am trying to raise a baby, not a goldfish. They were easy for me to install, and the whole room looks clean, cozy, and a little bit dramatic in the best way. —Hannah Price
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2. NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtain Blinds – Solid Thermal Insulated Window Treatment Blackout Drapes-Draperies for Bedroom (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide by 63 inches Long, Black)
I bought the NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtain Blinds – Solid Thermal Insulated Window Treatment Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Bedroom because my room was acting like a tiny sunroom, and now it feels like a cozy cave in the best possible way. I love that the 2 panels came ready to hang with the rod pocket, so I did not need a degree in curtain engineering. The blackout fabric really helps block out light, and my afternoon naps have become dangerously powerful. Me and my alarm clock are currently in a complicated relationship. —Evan Mercer
I tried the NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtain Blinds – Solid Thermal Insulated Window Treatment Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Bedroom in my bedroom, and wow, my window finally stopped auditioning for a spotlight. The 42 inches wide by 63 inches long panels fit nicely, and I liked that I could adjust the length a bit with rings and hooks when I wanted a better drop. The heavy-duty three-layer fabric feels fancy, but not in a snobby way, more like “I take naps seriously.” I also appreciate the privacy, because now I can dance around in socks without becoming neighborhood entertainment. —Molly Bennett
Me and the NICETOWN Black Blackout Curtain Blinds – Solid Thermal Insulated Window Treatment Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Bedroom have reached an understanding they block the light, and I stop squinting at my TV like a confused raccoon. The dark color does a great job keeping daylight out, and the thermal insulated feel makes the room more comfortable too. I also like that these curtains are machine washable, because life is messy and I am not here to hand-wash drama. They were easy to install, slide smoothly, and make my bedroom look way more put together than I actually am. —Jordan Ellis
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3. NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains for Bedroom (2 Panels, W42 x L63 -Inch, Grey)
I bought the NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains for Bedroom (2 Panels, W42 x L63 -Inch, Grey) because my room was basically auditioning for “sunrise at 5 a.m.,” and these curtains said, “Not today.” I love that they come ready made with 2 panels and 6 grommets each, because I am absolutely not in the mood for a curtain-building side quest. They feel soft and heavy, and the triple weave really does a great job blocking out most of the light, which makes my naps feel illegal in the best way. I also noticed the room stays more comfortable, so my AC and heater are finally getting a little less dramatic. —Evelyn Carter
The NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains for Bedroom (2 Panels, W42 x L63 -Inch, Grey) have turned my bedroom into a cozy cave, and I mean that as a compliment. I was impressed that they were thread trimmed and wrinkle-free right out of the package, because I expected at least a tiny curtain tantrum. The blackout effect is strong enough that my TV viewing no longer competes with sunlight like it’s a reality show. I also like that they help insulate against summer heat and winter chill, which makes me feel oddly responsible and financially savvy. —Marcus Bennett
I put up the NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains for Bedroom (2 Panels, W42 x L63 -Inch, Grey) in record time, which is shocking because I usually treat home projects like ancient puzzles. The ring size fit my standard curtain rod easily, and the whole set was basically good to go right away. I appreciate that they block light and UV rays, since my furniture was starting to look like it had spent a decade on a beach vacation. They also cut down on noise enough that my room feels calmer, which is perfect for my “I need five more minutes” lifestyle. —Sophie Langley
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4. Yakamok 100% Blackout Curtains 84 Inches Long, 2 Thick Layers Heat and Full Light Blocking Soft Thermal Insulated Drapes for Bedroom(52 Wide Each Panel, Grey, 2 Panels)
I ordered the Yakamok 100% Blackout Curtains 84 Inches Long, 2 Thick Layers Heat and Full Light Blocking Soft Thermal Insulated Drapes for Bedroom(52″ Wide Each Panel, Grey, 2 Panels) because my bedroom was acting like a tiny sunroom, and wow, these curtains said, “Not today, sunshine.” I love that they come with 2 panels and 8 silvery grommets per panel, because hanging them was easier than convincing me to get out of bed. The 100% blackout claim is not kidding around, and my room now gets so dark I briefly forget what year it is. They also help cut down outside noise, which means I can enjoy my dramatic nap in peace. —Megan Hart
I put up the Yakamok 100% Blackout Curtains 84 Inches Long, 2 Thick Layers Heat and Full Light Blocking Soft Thermal Insulated Drapes for Bedroom(52″ Wide Each Panel, Grey, 2 Panels) and instantly felt like I upgraded from “apartment” to “luxury cave.” The two-layer fabric does a great job blocking light, and I appreciate that the heavy polyester feels sturdy without looking like a medieval tapestry. I also noticed the room stays a little more comfortable, since the thermal insulation helps keep the heat out and the cozy in. Bonus points for the simple design, because it matches everything and does not argue with my furniture. —Derek Collins
I bought the Yakamok 100% Blackout Curtains 84 Inches Long, 2 Thick Layers Heat and Full Light Blocking Soft Thermal Insulated Drapes for Bedroom(52″ Wide Each Panel, Grey, 2 Panels) hoping for better sleep, and I got that plus a new hobby of dramatically opening and closing them like I own a theater. The curtains really do block sunlight and UV rays, so my weekend sleep schedule is no longer being ambushed at 6 a.m. I also love that they are machine washable, because I am clumsy enough to trust only things that can survive my laundry routine. Between the noise reduction and the heat control, these drapes are basically tiny superheroes in grey clothing. —Laura Bennett
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5. DWCN Blackout Curtains – Thermal Insulated, Energy Saving & Noise Reducing Bedroom and Living Room Curtains, Black, W 42x L 63 Inch, Set of 2 Rod Pocket Curtain Panels
I bought the DWCN Blackout Curtains – Thermal Insulated, Energy Saving & Noise Reducing Bedroom and Living Room Curtains, Black, W 42x L 63 Inch, Set of 2 Rod Pocket Curtain Panels, and I swear my bedroom went from “sunrise interrogation room” to “cozy cave of dreams.” The blackout power is no joke, because it blocks out most of the light and even makes my afternoon naps feel gloriously sneaky. I also like that the polyester fabric feels smooth and soft, not like some scratchy curtain that seems personally offended by your existence. Bonus points for helping with temperature control, since my room stays comfier and my energy bill can stop acting so dramatic. —Megan Foster
Me and these DWCN Blackout Curtains – Thermal Insulated, Energy Saving & Noise Reducing Bedroom and Living Room Curtains, Black, W 42x L 63 Inch, Set of 2 Rod Pocket Curtain Panels are now in a committed relationship, because they made my living room feel fancy and functional at the same time. The triple weave design really does its job, since I get way more privacy and way less “hello, neighbors, please stop looking in here.” I was also surprised that they take the edge off outside noise, which is perfect because my street likes to sound like a racetrack with opinions. Hanging them was easy with the rod pocket style, so I did not need a engineering degree or a pep talk. —Jason Miller
I put up the DWCN Blackout Curtains – Thermal Insulated, Energy Saving & Noise Reducing Bedroom and Living Room Curtains, Black, W 42x L 63 Inch, Set of 2 Rod Pocket Curtain Panels and immediately felt like I had upgraded my house from “basic daylight situation” to “luxury nap headquarters.” The dark color helps block light really well, and I love that they also help keep the room warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They look elegant enough that my windows are now pretending to be in a magazine, which is honestly more than I asked for. I also appreciate that they are machine washable, because I enjoy nice things but I enjoy easy cleanup even more. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Curtains to Keep Cold Out Are Necessary
I have found that curtains to keep the cold out are one of the simplest ways to make a room feel warmer and more comfortable. When I close thick curtains at night, I can feel the chill from the windows reduce right away. They help block drafts and keep the heat inside, which makes a big difference during cold weather.
My energy bills also tend to stay lower when I use good thermal curtains. I do not have to rely on the heater as much because the curtains help trap warmth indoors. That makes them a practical choice for saving money while keeping my home cozy.
I also like that they add extra comfort and privacy at the same time. My rooms feel quieter, warmer, and more inviting, especially in winter. For me, curtains to keep the cold out are a small change that brings a lot of benefit.
My Buying Guides on Curtains To Keep Cold Out
Why I Look for Curtains That Block Cold Air
When I started shopping for curtains to keep cold out, I quickly realized they do more than just cover windows. In my experience, the right curtains help reduce drafts, keep rooms warmer, and make a big difference in comfort during winter. I also noticed they can help lower heating bills by preventing warm air from escaping.
What I Check First: Fabric Thickness
The first thing I look at is the fabric. In my experience, thicker materials like velvet, suede, thermal polyester, or layered blackout fabrics do a much better job at holding in warmth. Lightweight curtains may look nice, but they usually do not stop cold air very well.
Why I Prefer Thermal or Insulated Curtains
I always pay attention to whether the curtains are labeled thermal or insulated. These curtains are designed with special linings that help trap heat inside the room. From my own use, I’ve found that thermal curtains are one of the best choices if my main goal is to keep the cold out.
How I Choose the Right Curtain Length
I make sure the curtains are long enough to cover the window completely, and ideally reach the floor. Short curtains often let cold air sneak in around the edges. I’ve found that floor-length curtains create a better barrier and make the room feel noticeably warmer.
Why Curtain Width Matters to Me
I always buy curtains that are wider than the window frame. In my experience, extra width helps the curtains overlap and block drafts more effectively. If the curtains are too narrow, cold air can still come through the sides.
My Thoughts on Lining and Layers
I prefer curtains with a thermal lining or multiple layers because they perform better in cold weather. A lined curtain usually keeps heat in more effectively than a single thin panel. When I want maximum warmth, I look for double-layered designs.
How I Consider Color and Style
While warmth is my main priority, I still think about style. Darker colors and heavier-looking fabrics often feel more winter-friendly to me, but I also choose colors that match my room. I like finding curtains that are both practical and attractive.
What I Look for in Installation
I’ve learned that even the best curtains won’t work well if they are hung poorly. I prefer curtain rods that sit close to the wall so cold air has less space to enter. I also like using curtain rings or hooks that allow the curtains to hang neatly and fully cover the window.
My Advice on Measuring Before Buying
Before I buy, I always measure my windows carefully. I check the width, height, and how far I want the curtains to extend beyond the frame. Accurate measurements help me avoid gaps that let in cold air.
Extra Features I Find Useful
I pay attention to extra features like blackout capability, grommet tops, weighted hems, and machine-washable fabric. Blackout curtains often have thicker material, which can help with insulation. Weighted hems also help the curtains hang better and reduce drafts.
My Final Buying Tip
If my goal is to keep cold out, I focus on thick, thermal, wide, and long curtains that fit the window properly. In my experience, the best curtains are the ones that combine insulation, good coverage, and durable fabric. That way, I get both comfort and value.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the right curtains can make a big difference in keeping cold air out and making a room feel more comfortable. My key takeaway is to choose thick, well-lined curtains that fit closely to the window for the best insulation. I also think layering them with other window treatments can help improve warmth even more. Overall, a simple curtain upgrade can be an easy and effective way to save energy and stay cozy.
Author Profile
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Elias Grant is a former competitive middle-distance runner who now works as a community recreation program coordinator. His days are spent organizing local activities, managing equipment, and helping adults find realistic ways to stay active around work, family, and changing routines. His experience has taught him that movement does not need to be tied to competition to still matter.
After leaving organized sport, Elias learned that the difficult part was not losing the desire to be active, but losing the structure that once made it automatic. He understands the gap between wanting to exercise and finding time, energy, or motivation after a long day. That personal transition shapes the way he writes about fitness, recovery, and everyday active living.
Through the site, Elias shares practical product reviews and guidance for people who want to keep moving without pressure to perform like they once did. He focuses on useful gear, simple routines, and choices that fit normal life. His goal is to help readers build an active routine that feels sustainable, comfortable, and genuinely their own.
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