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Head-to-head · Best Blackout Curtains

Eclipse Fresno vs NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout

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

Eclipse Fresno and NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout score essentially the same (4.4 vs 4.4). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Eclipse Fresno
Ranked #4 in Best Blackout Curtains
Eclipse Fresno
3 sources2 derived$31.99as of Aug 1

The Eclipse Fresno is the proven-blackout specialist, laboratory-tested to block 98-99.9% of sunlight through patented Thermaback construction. Bob Vila praised the Eclipse line for blocking 'nearly all sunlight, even in the middle of the day,' and reviewers note no light bleed from the edges, no chemical smell, and roughly 40% noise reduction. It ships as single panels with a rod-pocket header. As a thick, durable, near-total blackout panel at around $40, it is excellent.

Strengths
  • — Laboratory-tested to block 98-99.9% of sunlight and UV rays, with patented Thermaback/Thermaweave construction
  • — Bob Vila named the Eclipse Microfiber line 'Best Lightweight,' blocking 'nearly all sunlight, even in the middle of the day'
  • — Reduces noise by around 40% and insulates against summer heat and winter chill
Watch-outs
  • — Sold as single panels, so you need two (or more) to cover a typical window
  • — Rod-pocket/back-tab header is less convenient than grommets for daily opening
  • — Lighter colors block less light than the darker options
$31.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout
Ranked #3 in Best Blackout Curtains
NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout
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 AmazonFull 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

Eclipse Fresno

Its near-total light blocking puts it just behind the NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout and Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, and on par with the Best Home Fashion Premium Blackout. Its rod-pocket/back-tab header is less grab-and-go than the grommets on the NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout and Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, and it blocks far more light than the Sun Zero Barrow.

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.

Specs side-by-side

SpecEclipse FresnoNICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout
Fabric100% polyester, Thermaback/Thermaweave triple-weaveTriple-weave polyester (lined)
Light Blocking98-99.9%85-99%
HeaderRod pocket / back tabSilver grommet (1.6 in inner dia.)
Sizes52 x 84 in (single panel; other lengths)52 x 84 in (and other sizes), 2 panels
ThermalInsulating (heat and cold)Insulating
Noise~40% reductionSound-reducing
UVBlocks harmful UV rays—
CareMachine washableMachine washable
MaterialFabric, Microfiber, PolyesterFabric
Dimensions84"L x 52"W63"L x 52"W
Reversible—Same color both sides
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