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Our top picks
Short on time? Our top recommendation is the Eclipse Darrell Rod Pocket Blackout Curta in Panel.
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At a glance
The traits that separate these picks, side by side.
| # | Product | Best for | Key feature | |
|---|
| 1 | | — | 37 x 84 inch single panel, rod pocket top | Check ↗ |
| 2 | | — | 40 x 63 inch single panel, grommet top | Check ↗ |
| 3 | | — | 38 x 84 inch pair | Check ↗ |
| 4 | | — | 52 x 63 inch pair, 2 panels | Check ↗ |
In depth
The 4 best, explained
Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
Best overallEclipse
And blocks over 99% of light, matching the wider Eclipse Palisade panel. Keep in mind that rod pocket top is slower to open and close than a grommet panel.
- 37 x 84 inch single panel, rod pocket top
- Thermaback blackout backing
- Blocks over 99% of light
- Reduces noise and insulates against heat and cold
- Machine washable
✓ Pros
- 37-inch width is proportionally right for a narrow window, unlike bulkier 52-inch panels
- Blocks over 99% of light, matching the wider Eclipse Palisade panel
- Rod pocket top gives a traditional, gathered look that suits a small decorative window
✕ Cons
- Rod pocket top is slower to open and close than a grommet panel
- 84-inch length needs hemming for a shorter small window
Sun Zero
40-inch width is naturally suited to smaller windows without looking bulky
- 40 x 63 inch single panel, grommet top
- Blocks up to 90% of light
- Lab-tested to reduce outside noise by 25%
- Reduces energy loss through the window by up to 25%
- Machine washable
✓ Pros
- 40-inch width is naturally suited to smaller windows without looking bulky
- 63-inch length fits a small window without hemming in many rooms
- Highest ratings volume of any panel in this list
✕ Cons
- 90% blocking is lower than the Eclipse Darrell's 99%+ rate
- Grommet-only, no rod pocket option in this line
Lush Decor
And sheer overlay adds a decorative daytime look uncommon in narrow blackout panels. Keep in mind that blocks somewhat less light than a solid laminated panel of the same width.
- 38 x 84 inch pair
- Sheer face fabric with insulated blackout lining sewn in
- Grommet top
- Softer daytime look while still blocking light at night
- Machine washable
✓ Pros
- 38-inch width is a natural fit for a narrow window without overwhelming the frame
- Sheer overlay adds a decorative daytime look uncommon in narrow blackout panels
- Sewn-in lining means no separate liner to buy
✕ Cons
- Blocks somewhat less light than a solid laminated panel of the same width
- Smaller ratings base than the more established brands in this list
Exclusive Home Curtains
63-inch length matches many smaller, shorter windows without hemming
- 52 x 63 inch pair, 2 panels
- 8 matte silver grommets per panel
- Sateen twill weave with Light Block and Thermax lining
- Blocks light and blocks harmful UV rays
- Machine washable
✓ Pros
- 63-inch length matches many smaller, shorter windows without hemming
- Sold as a pair, giving full coverage on a slightly wider small window
- Sateen finish looks more polished than a pla in utilitarian panel
✕ Cons
- 52-inch panel width is wider than ideal for a genuinely narrow window under 30 inches
- Fewer total ratings than the Eclipse or Sun Zero lines
How we chose these picks
This shortlist is the product of research, not advertising. We cross-checked manufacturer specs against independent reviews and long-term owner feedback, then ranked by value for real use cases.
Mistakes buyers often make
- Buying on brand name alone instead of matching features to your actual use case.
- Overpaying for headline specs you'll never use, define must-haves first.
- Ignoring size — compatibility, and ongoing costs (filters, accessories, refills).
- Trusting star ratings without reading what owners compla in about after 6 months.
How to choose: the factors that matter
- Capacity and sizing — Measure your space and your actual use before falling for bigger-is-better. The right size is the one that fits your routine, not the spec sheet's maximum.
- Build quality and materials — Heavier-gauge materials, tight tolerances, and solid joints outlast thin, rattly construction. In reviews, look for longevity comments over first-impression praise.
- Ease of use and setup — Clear instructions, intuitive controls, and minimal assembly separate daily drivers from garage ornaments.
- Maintenance and cleaning — Whatever you buy will need cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe, or wipe-clean parts get maintained; fiddly ones get neglected.
- Warranty and support — A multi-year warranty signals the manufacturer expects it to last. Check what's actually covered, motors and frames matter more than accessories.
The bottom line
There's no single 'best' here, only the best match for your situation. Start from your must-have features, then choose the least expensive pick that covers them.
FAQ
Common questions
What are the best blackout curtains for small windows right now?
Our top pick is the Eclipse Darrell Rod Pocket Blackout Curta in Panel (best overall), because 37-inch width is proportionally right for a narrow window, unlike bulkier 52-inch panels. The runner-up is the Sun Zero Easton Blackout Grommet Curta in Panel, followed by the Lush Decor Sheer Grommet Curta in with Insulated Blackout Lining.
Is the Eclipse Darrell Rod Pocket Blackout Curta in Panel worth it?
For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our blackout curtains for small windows research, though rod pocket top is slower to open and close than a grommet panel.
What panel width works best for a small window?
For a window under 36 inches wide, look for panels in the 37 to 40 inch width range rather than the standard 52-inch width, which can look bulky and disproportionate stacked on a narrow frame. A single 37 to 40 inch panel per side, or two narrower panels totaling roughly double the window's width, gives better proportions and still leaves enough overlap to close side light gaps.
Should a small window use one panel or two?
Two panels, when the budget allows, generally look and function better than one. A single panel pushed to one side of a small window can look off-balance, and it also leaves the entire opposite side of the window uncovered when open. Two narrower panels, one on each side, both close to fully cover the window and open to stack more compactly at the edges.
Do narrow blackout panels block as much light as standard 52-inch panels?
Yes, width does not affect the blocking percentage, which comes from the fabric and backing rather than the panel's size. A 37-inch Eclipse Darrell panel with Thermaback backing blocks the same 99%+ of light as the 52-inch Eclipse Palisade version. The ma in consideration for a small window is proportion and overlap, not light-blocking performance.
Is rod pocket or grommet better for a small window?
Either works, and the choice mostly comes down to look and how often the curta in is opened and closed. Rod pocket panels have a more traditional, gathered look and suit a smaller, more decorative window well. Grommet panels open and close more smoothly and suit a small window that gets adjusted frequently, such as a kitchen or bathroom window.
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