The Best Cheap Blackout Curtains with 2 Panels

Finding affordable yet effective blackout curtains can be a challenge. When you need to darken a room completely to allow for peaceful sleep or an immersive entertainment experience, cheap panels that let light creep in simply won't do. That's why we've done the research to bring you the best recommendations for blackout curtains with 2 panels that actually block light effectively while fitting any budget.

Why Choose Blackout Curtains?

Before getting into the specifics of cheap 2 panel blackout curtains, let's review why you may want them in the first place. Here are some of the top benefits of using blackout curtains in your home:

• Block Outside Light: Blackout curtains are designed to prevent light from windows to create darkness. This makes them perfect for bedrooms to promote better sleep.
• Insulate Rooms: Blackout fabrics are layered and woven tightly to prevent heat or cold from escaping. This can reduce energy costs.
• Provide Privacy: The thick opaque fabric keeps people from seeing inside rooms during the daytime.
• Reduce Noise: The dense materials used in blackout curtains also help muffle sounds from outside like traffic.
• Variety of Styles: Blackout curtains come in a wide range of colors and patterns to match any room's decor.

What to Look for with 2 Panel Blackout Curtains

When evaluating budget-friendly options for blackout curtains sold in 2 panel sets, here are some key factors to consider:

• Complete Light Blocking: Ensure the curtains utilize room-darkening construction, not just a black color.
• Quality Materials: Look for tightly woven, durable fabrics that will hold up over time.
• Proper Fit: Measure your windows carefully so the panels are wide enough for full coverage.
• Design and Style: Choose colors, patterns and header styles that coordinate with your existing room decor.
• Easy Installation: Opt for grommet or back tab tops that make hanging simple and secure.

Our Top Recommended Brands

We've compared all the most popular and affordable 2 panel blackout curtains on the market today. Here are our top picks in terms of value, quality and performance for blocking light.

Best Value: NICETOWN Thermal Insulated

For an exceptional combination of low price, quality construction and light blocking effectiveness, we recommend NICETOWN blackout curtains. Available on Amazon starting under $20 for smaller sizes, these curtains feature triple-weave fabric with foam backing for optimal blackout performance. The thermal insulation also helps reduce energy costs. Choose from 15 color options to match any decor. We love the foam and fiberglass lining that blocks irritating light as well as noise. These machine washable curtains represent an outstanding value while still delivering on blackout effectiveness.

Most Affordable: BGment Blackout Curtains

If you're looking to darken your room on the tightest of budgets, BGment Blackout Curtains start at just $16 on Amazon. The polyester and cotton blend fabric manages to block most light from entering despite the affordable price tag. Back tabs make for easy hanging while the triple layer construction ensures effective insulation. Choose from dark gray or beige colors. While you'll sacrifice some durability and true blackout performance at this price, these curtains deliver surprisingly well given how little they cost.

Highest Quality: HC Collection Hotel Style

For top-of-the-line quality and construction paired with complete light elimination, the HC Collection Hotel Style Blackout Thermal Curtains provide outstanding performance. The eclipse blackout technology uses multilayer back coating and thick polyester front fabric for the most effective light blocking possible. These curtains almost seem like blankets, with a luxe feel at an affordable price ranging from $25-$60 depending on size. With ornate jacquard designs in colors like champagne/gold, these curtains don't skimp on style either. As our top quality pick, you can't go wrong with the HC Collection curtains to entirely darken a room affordably.

Trendy Prints: MIULEE Blackout Window Curtains

MIULEE makes our list by offering an on-trend selection of blackout curtain prints and patterns at just $20-$30 on Amazon. Spice up your living room or bedroom with mod shapes, vibrant colors and bold designs. Despite featuring stylish aesthetics, these curtains don't compromise on function. The triple-weave fabric blocks outside light thanks to a thick polyester front layer and insulating middle layer. Noise reduction properties also help provide a restful sleep environment. Available in over three dozen colors/patterns with multiple size options, MIULEE injects some style into affordable blackout curtains.

Energy Efficient: Utopia Bedding Blackout Window Treatments

For optimal insulation paired with complete light blocking properties, Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains deliver exceptional performance and energy savings. The curtain utilizes an innovative foam-back technology sandwiched between rich velvet layers for both comfort and blackout effectiveness. Available in a spectrum of sizes and over ten colors like grey, brown and ivory, these curtains make an attractive upgrade to any room while still maintaining budget-friendliness at $18-$25. We love the thermal efficiency provided through the layers of insulating fabric that also prevent peeking through the curtains during the daytime. For the side benefit of energy bill savings combined with total darkness, Utopia Bedding curtains are a superb choice.

Where to Purchase Discount Blackout Drapes

Wondering where to find the best deals on cheap blackout curtains sold in convenient 2 panel sets? Here are our top recommended stores for finding discounts:

• Amazon: Largest selection of brands, styles and best prices with free shipping for Prime members
• Target: Frequently runs sales on home goods with affordable everyday pricing
• Walmart: Low everyday prices with free 2-day shipping on orders over $35
• Overstock: Closeout deals can lead to extra savings with their discounted home goods
• Bed Bath & Beyond: Known for 20% off entire purchases and deals on quality curtains and drapes

Pro Tips for Installing Blackout Curtains

Once you've selected the perfect affordable blackout curtains for your space, make sure you follow our pro tips when installing them for the best performance:

• Measure Carefully: Allow at least 2 inches wider than window frame for full light coverage to avoid peeking.
• Account for Shrinking: Pre-wash fabrics prior to hanging to prevent curtains from shrinking unevenly over time.
• Use Lining: Pair an inner blackout lining with any curtain for the most effective density and gap elimination.
• Expand Rod Width: Mount traverse rods at least 4-6 inches wider than the window measurements.
• Handle with Care: Look for machine washable fabrics or take delicates to a dry cleaner to protect quality and integrity over time.

Troubleshooting Common Blackout Curtain Issues

Having problems achieving complete darkness or experiencing other quality issues? Here are some tips for troubleshooting pesky blackout curtain challenges:

• Prevent Sun Damage: Shield curtains from UV rays which can dry out fabrics by installing high-quality thermal or blackout linings against the window side.
• Reduce Noise Transfer: Utilize a triple weave with thick backing designed specifically to absorb sound waves.
• Eliminate Gaps: Close spaces where light peeks through with integrated side channels, bottom weights and overlapping panels.
• Fix Sagging Length: Customize long curtains dragging the floor by hemming panels to just below the windowsill to prevent sagging.

Unique Blackout Curtain Alternatives

If standard blackout curtain panels aren't giving you the light blocking results or aesthetic you desire, consider these stylish alternatives:

• Blackout Cellular Shades: Honeycomb layers trap light from sneaking through for dense coverage.
• Blackout Roller Shades: Streamlined and simple shades roll down to prevent light entry.
• Wood Blinds: Real wood or faux wood options like faux wood blinds in darker wood tones look luxe.
• Roman Shades: Soft, elegant folded fabric shades provide beautiful insulation.
• Layered Looks: Pair blackout curtain panels with sheer overlays for depth and dimension.

FAQs

Do you still have questions about purchasing affordable and effective blackout curtains? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How wide should blackout curtains be?

For full coverage without light seeping in from the edges, your curtains should extend 4-8 inches wider than the actual window frame opening. This ensures complete overlap and density to block outside light effectively.

What blocks light better: blackout curtains or shades?

When optimized effectively, most experts agree properly installed blackout curtains perform slightly better than shades at preventing all light from entering a room.

Do blackout curtains work with heat or cold?

Yes, the dense and layered construction of quality blackout curtains provides insulation against both hot and cold temperatures outside, helping regulate indoor comfort.

Are blackout curtains safe?

When hung correctly away from heat sources and fitted with flame-retardant linings, blackout curtains meet safety standards for use in home and commercial properties.

When should I replace blackout curtains?

Plan to replace blackout curtains every 2-5 years with average use, or when you notice visible wear, tearing, shrinking or light beginning to penetrate the fabric layers.

Installing effective blackout curtains doesn't need to break the bank. Affordable options like NICETOWN Thermal Insulated panels and Utopia Bedding Blackout Treatments offer exceptional light blocking performance under $30. Measure window sizes carefully, account for shrinking and utilize curtain lining for the best results blocking light on a budget. With a wide selection of colors and patterns available, you can easily darken any bedroom or living room without sacrificing style or quality.