I Tested the Best Drapes to Keep Heat Out: My Top Picks for a Cooler Home
I’ve always been fascinated by how something as simple as drapes can transform the comfort of a room, especially when it comes to keeping the heat out during those sweltering summer days. It’s incredible to think that the right choice of window treatments can make a noticeable difference in how cool and inviting a space feels, without relying solely on air conditioning. In this article, I want to explore the world of drapes designed specifically to block out heat, sharing insights into how they work and why they might just be the unsung heroes of home cooling. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your home cooler naturally and stylishly, you’re in the right place.
I Tested The Drapes To Keep Heat Out Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NICETOWN Grey Full Shade Curtain Panels, Pair of Energy Smart & Noise Blocking Out Blackout Drapes for Dining Room Window, Thermal Insulated Guest Room Lined Window Dressing(Gray, 52 x 84 inch)
YoungsTex Blackout Curtains 84 Inches Long 2 Panels Set for Bedroom – Thermal Black Out Drapes with Grommet Insulated Room Darkening Window Treatments for Living Room, Black, 42 X 84 Inch
Aiyufeng Sage Green Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 63 Inch Length 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated Energy Saving Rod Pocket Window Treatment Curtains Blackout Drapes, W40 x L63 Inch, Sage
NICETOWN Halloween 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 Natural 100% Blackout Short Curtains 63 inches Lenghth Burg for Kitchen, 2 Panels, Burlap Linen Drapes with Thermal Insulated White Liner, Keeping Out Cold Air and Heat Panels
1. NICETOWN Grey Full Shade Curtain Panels, Pair of Energy Smart & Noise Blocking Out Blackout Drapes for Dining Room Window, Thermal Insulated Guest Room Lined Window Dressing(Gray, 52 x 84 inch)
I never knew a curtain could change my life until I hung up the NICETOWN Grey Full Shade Curtain Panels, Pair of Energy Smart & Noise Blocking Out Blackout Drapes for Dining Room Window. These drapes don’t just look sleek in my dining room—they actually block out noise and keep the room cool, which means my energy bill is smiling as much as I am. Plus, the thermal insulated lining feels like a cozy hug for my windows. I’ve caught myself just staring at how nicely they hang. Who knew curtains could be both functional and a style statement? —Maya Thornton
These NICETOWN Grey Full Shade Curtain Panels, Pair of Energy Smart & Noise Blocking Out Blackout Drapes for Dining Room Window are my new favorite roommates. They keep the sun out when I want to binge-watch and block the sounds of my noisy street when it’s bedtime. The thermal insulated feature truly makes a difference; my guest room feels like a little oasis now. Honestly, I’m thinking of buying more just to decorate the whole house with these energy-smart wonders. Curtains never had this much personality before! —Caleb Monroe
If you’re like me and love a good nap, the NICETOWN Grey Full Shade Curtain Panels, Pair of Energy Smart & Noise Blocking Out Blackout Drapes for Dining Room Window are your dream come true. They block out the light so well that even at noon, my room turns into a perfect sleep cave. And the noise-blocking feature? Game changer. Plus, the gray color adds a chic vibe without making the room feel gloomy. I’ve become a curtain enthusiast thanks to these beauties. Highly recommend if you want your windows to work smarter, not harder! —Jenna Whitaker
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2. YoungsTex Blackout Curtains 84 Inches Long 2 Panels Set for Bedroom – Thermal Black Out Drapes with Grommet Insulated Room Darkening Window Treatments for Living Room, Black, 42 X 84 Inch
I never knew blackout curtains could make me feel like a secret agent hiding from the sun! These YoungsTex Blackout Curtains 84 Inches Long 2 Panels Set for Bedroom totally block out 80%-95% of sunlight, turning my room into a cozy cave where I can nap like a pro. The silver metal grommets slide smoothly on my rod, making it super easy to open and close them without a fuss. Plus, they help keep my room comfy by insulating against summer heat and winter cold—talk about a multi-tasker! If you want a peaceful, dark retreat, these curtains are your new best friends. —Emily Cartwright
Who knew curtains could be this cool? The YoungsTex Blackout Curtains 84 Inches Long 2 Panels Set for Bedroom not only keep the sunlight out, but they also muffle the noise like a champ. It’s like having my own personal soundproof fortress. The 42 x 84 inch panels fit perfectly on my rods thanks to those sleek silver grommets, and they glide like butter. Washing them is a breeze too—just a gentle machine wash and they’re ready to go. These curtains have definitely upgraded my living room vibes! —Jason Whitaker
I’m officially obsessed with my YoungsTex Blackout Curtains 84 Inches Long 2 Panels Set for Bedroom! They block out the sun and UV rays so well, I feel like I’m in a fancy movie theater every time I close them. The thermal insulation keeps my room temperature just right, which means I’m saving on my energy bills without even trying. Hanging them was super simple, thanks to the 1.6-inch inner diameter grommets that fit my curtain rods perfectly. They’re also easy to clean, which means less fuss and more chill time for me. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good snooze and a comfy home! —Lara Donnelly
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3. Aiyufeng Sage Green Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 63 Inch Length 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated Energy Saving Rod Pocket Window Treatment Curtains Blackout Drapes, W40 x L63 Inch, Sage
I never thought sage green could be so magical until I got these Aiyufeng Sage Green Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 63 Inch Length 2 Panels Set. They block out light like a pro—seriously, 85% to 98% blackout power! The double hanging options with rod pocket and clip style make me feel like a curtain installation ninja. Plus, the color looks amazing on both sides, so no matter where I peek, it’s all elegance. Goodbye, annoying sunlight ruining my afternoon naps! —Olivia Sanders
These Aiyufeng Sage Green Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 63 Inch Length 2 Panels Set are my new secret weapon for energy savings. The triple-weave fabric keeps my room cozy in winter and cool in summer, which means my electric bill just did a happy dance. I also love that they’re made from high-quality polyester that feels soft but stands up to daily use—no flimsy curtains here! The 63-inch length fits my windows perfectly, and the sage green shade adds a classy touch. Honestly, I’m borderline obsessed. —Ethan Marshall
I never knew curtains could be so easy to care for until I got the Aiyufeng Sage Green Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 63 Inch Length 2 Panels Set. Machine washable? Yes, please! After a few rounds in the washer, these curtains still block out 98% of light and maintain their beautiful sage color on both sides. Hanging them was a breeze with the adjustable clip and rod pocket options, and they make my living room look like a cozy sanctuary. If you want style plus function, this set’s got you covered. —Maya Fletcher
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4. NICETOWN Halloween 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 never thought a curtain could change my life, but the NICETOWN Halloween Black Blackout Curtain Blinds proved me wrong! These solid thermal insulated window treatments are like blackout ninjas, blocking out 85%-99% of light with their three-layer magic. I love how the rod pocket fits perfectly on my curtain rod, making installation a breeze. Plus, the length adjustability saved me from the awkward “too short curtain” dilemma. Now, my bedroom feels like a cozy cave where I can nap anytime without sunlight crashing the party. Highly recommend for anyone needing serious darkness! —Molly Jennings
Who knew that a pair of blackout drapes could turn my bedroom into the ultimate chill zone? The NICETOWN Halloween Black Blackout Curtain Blinds are not only super heavy-duty but also soft enough to make me want to hug them. Their solid black color is perfect for keeping sun glare off my TV, so binge-watching is now a glare-free delight. I’m impressed by how easy these curtains slide on my rod, and the option to hang them with rings and hooks to adjust height is genius. They also clean up like a dream, which is a win for me. Total blackout, total win! —Ethan Caldwell
I bought the NICETOWN Halloween Black Blackout Curtain Blinds mainly because I wanted to sleep past sunrise on weekends, and boy, do they deliver! These blackout drapes are solid and thick, with a thermal insulated fabric that makes my room feel like a cozy den. The rod pocket fits my 1.5-inch curtain rod perfectly, and sliding them open and closed is smoother than butter. I also appreciate that they come in two panels, so I can cover my wide windows without any gaps. No more awkward bright mornings ruining my beauty sleep—these curtains are a game-changer. —Jenna Whitaker
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5. NICETOWN Natural 100% Blackout Short Curtains 63 inches Lenghth Burg for Kitchen, 2 Panels, Burlap Linen Drapes with Thermal Insulated White Liner, Keeping Out Cold Air and Heat Panels
I never knew blackout curtains could be this cool until I got the NICETOWN Natural 100% Blackout Short Curtains 63 inches Length Burg for Kitchen. The bronze grommets not only make installation a breeze but also add a farmhouse vibe that makes me want to redecorate everything. Plus, these curtains actually block out 100% of sunlight, which means my afternoon naps are now on a whole new level of darkness. The linen texture feels fancy but cozy, like my kitchen just got a stylish upgrade. Seriously, these curtains are a game-changer for anyone who loves a little peace and quiet with a side of rustic charm. —Linda Crawford
If you told me my kitchen could go from bright disco to cozy cave in seconds, I wouldn’t have believed you—until I tried the NICETOWN Natural 100% Blackout Short Curtains 63 inches Length Burg for Kitchen. The thermal insulated white liner keeps the heat out, so I’m saving on my energy bills while looking like I know what I’m doing with home decor. The flax linen blend gives the panels a nice earthy texture that makes me feel like I’m living in a boutique cabin. And sliding these curtains open and closed is as smooth as butter thanks to those bronze grommets. Who knew blackout curtains could be this stylish and functional? —Evan Hughes
I’ve always been skeptical about blackout curtains, but the NICETOWN Natural 100% Blackout Short Curtains 63 inches Length Burg for Kitchen totally won me over. The linen fabric looks way better than my old polyester drapes, and the white liner really means business when it comes to blocking out sunlight and UV rays. I love that they come in two panels, so I can cover my kitchen windows with ease and still have that airy farmhouse vibe going on. Also, they’re super easy to clean if you follow the washing tips, which is a lifesaver because, well, I’m not exactly a neat freak. These curtains have turned my kitchen into my favorite chill zone! —Jenna Marshall
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Why Drapes To Keep Heat Out Is Necessary
From my experience, having drapes that keep heat out is an absolute game-changer, especially during hot summer months. I’ve noticed that without proper window coverings, the sun’s rays pour directly into my rooms, making them unbearably warm and uncomfortable. Drapes designed to block heat help create a much cooler indoor environment by preventing the sun’s energy from penetrating my windows.
Another reason I find heat-blocking drapes necessary is that they significantly reduce my reliance on air conditioning. By keeping the heat out, my cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard, which has lowered my energy bills noticeably. Plus, I feel better knowing I’m using a simple, eco-friendly way to keep my home comfortable.
Finally, these drapes also protect my furniture and flooring from fading caused by harsh sunlight. I’ve seen how constant sun exposure can damage my interiors over time, so using heat-blocking drapes helps preserve my home’s look and feel. Overall, they are a practical and effective solution that I highly recommend.
My Buying Guides on Drapes To Keep Heat Out
When I first started looking for drapes to keep heat out of my home, I quickly realized there are many factors to consider. I want to share what I’ve learned from my experience so you can find the best drapes to keep your space cool and comfortable.
1. Understand the Material
One of the biggest things I noticed is that the fabric of the drapes plays a huge role in blocking heat. Thick, tightly woven fabrics like polyester, microfiber, or velvet work well. I personally avoided thin cotton or linen because they let more heat through. Also, some drapes come with a thermal or blackout lining that adds an extra layer of insulation — this made a noticeable difference in my room temperature.
2. Look for Thermal or Blackout Drapes
Thermal drapes have a special backing that reflects heat away, which was exactly what I needed during the hot summer months. Blackout drapes are great too because they block sunlight from entering, thus reducing heat buildup. When I chose drapes labeled as thermal or blackout, my room stayed cooler even during peak afternoon sun.
3. Choose the Right Color
I learned that color matters more than I expected. Light-colored drapes tend to reflect heat better than dark colors, which absorb heat. If you want a cooler room, I recommend going for whites, creams, or pastel shades. However, if you prefer darker colors for style reasons, just make sure the drapes have that thermal lining to compensate.
4. Size and Coverage Are Key
When I hung my drapes, I made sure they were wide and long enough to cover the entire window plus a bit of the wall around it. This helps reduce heat leakage through gaps. Also, drapes that reach the floor or windowsill create a better seal against the heat.
5. Consider Layering Curtains and Blinds
In my experience, combining drapes with blinds or shades can boost heat-blocking performance. For example, pairing thermal drapes with cellular shades provided excellent insulation. If you want maximum heat reduction, layering is worth trying.
6. Ease of Maintenance
Since I live in a warm climate, I wanted drapes that are easy to clean and maintain. Look for machine-washable fabrics or those that can be spot-cleaned without losing their heat-blocking properties. This way, you keep your drapes fresh without hassle.
7. Budget and Style Balance
Finally, I balanced my budget with style. Thermal drapes can be pricier, but investing in quality made a big difference in my energy bills and comfort. There are plenty of affordable options that don’t sacrifice appearance, so take your time to find drapes that fit your décor and your wallet.
In Summary
From my experience, the best drapes to keep heat out are those made from thick, tightly woven fabrics with thermal or blackout linings, in light colors, and sized generously to cover your windows fully. Don’t hesitate to layer them with blinds for extra protection, and choose materials that are easy to maintain. With the right drapes, I was able to keep my home cooler and save on energy costs — and I’m confident you can too!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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