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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.

The short answer

NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about Anyone who wants the most complete light blocking for a nursery or bedroom, validated by hands-on flashlight testing, at a budget price. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Eclipse Fresno
Ranked #3 in Best Blackout Curtains
Eclipse Fresno
$17.18as of May 29

The Eclipse Fresno is the proven-blackout specialist, laboratory-tested to block 98-99.9% of sunlight via 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 is sold as single panels with a rod-pocket header, but for 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
$17.18 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Blackout Curtains
NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout
$17.95as of Jun 7

The NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout is our top pick because it was the standout in CNN Underscored's hands-on testing, the only curtain that passed their flashlight test with no light visible through the fabric. Its triple-weave, lined construction blocks the most light here while adding thermal insulation and noise reduction, and it costs around $42. Other labs rate it more middlingly, but in the test that matters most for sleep, it won.

Strengths
  • — The only curtain to pass CNN Underscored's flashlight test, with no light visible through the fabric
  • — Triple-weave construction blocks 85-99% of light plus thermal insulation and noise reduction
  • — Silver grommets with a 1.6-inch inner diameter slide smoothly onto standard rods
Watch-outs
  • — Reviewed.com rated it only 'solidly average' at blocking light, so results vary by reviewer and color
  • — Consumer Reports noted the pure-white colorway can produce glare
  • — Lined construction makes the panels heavy and somewhat stiff
$17.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

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

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. Like the Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout it uses a triple-weave build, but its added lining edges 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
Reversible—Same color both sides
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