The Best Curtains, Tested by BHG

Best Light-Filtering Curtains: IKEA RITVA

If you want your room to feel bright and alivebut not like you’re on display in a fishbowllight-filtering curtains are the sweet spot. BHG’s standout in this
category was IKEA’s RITVA, praised for letting in plenty of light while still maintaining privacy. The fabric has a linen-like texture that pleats nicely, giving
a more elevated look than the price suggests.

• Best for: Living rooms, kitchens, and anywhere you want glow without glare.
• Why it works: Balanced light diffusion + a crisp drape that looks “intentional.”
• Keep in mind: Color options may be limited, so you’re choosing more for function and texture than a huge palette.

Another Light-Filtering Favorite: Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen

Linen curtains have a particular superpower: they make a room feel finished without feeling fussy. BHG liked Pottery Barn’s Belgian flax linen panels for their
soft, timeless look and how beautifully they cascade. They’re also a strong option for taller windows, where longer lengths can be harder to find in standard lines.

• Best for: Primary living spaces, dining rooms, and anyone chasing that relaxed-luxury vibe.
• Why it works: The fabric looks rich, filters light softly, and feels substantial.
• Keep in mind: Linen wrinklesoften dramatically, like it’s auditioning for a period drama. If you hate wrinkles, plan to steam.

Best Sheer Curtains: Quince Cotton Sheer Curtain Set

Sheers are for people who want sunlight to enter the room politelyno harsh spotlighting, no squinting through your morning coffee. BHG’s top sheer pick from Quince
was noted for its modern crosshatch texture and a “substantial yet airy” feel. In testing, the panels looked high quality and were nearly wrinkle-free right out of
the package (which is basically the curtain equivalent of arriving early with snacks).

• Best for: Layering under heavier curtains, brightening bedrooms, softening harsh daylight.
• Why it works: Texture adds style even in solid colors; fabric still feels “real,” not flimsy.
• Keep in mind: Color selection may be limited and care may lean toward dry-clean instructions.

Another Sheer Option: Better Homes & Gardens Sheer Tie-Top Panel

Want sheers that don’t take themselves too seriously? BHG also highlighted a Better Homes & Gardens sheer tie-top panel sold through a big-box retailer.
Tie-tops read casual and charminggreat if you want “effortless” rather than “formal.” Think airy privacy, gentle movement, and a little visual personality.

• Best for: Guest rooms, rental refreshes, or a quick style win.
• Why it works: Easy to install, easy on the wallet, and still looks intentional.
• Keep in mind: Tie-tops can be less convenient for frequent opening/closing than rings or grommets.

Best Room-Darkening Curtains: Quince Cotton Slub Room-Darkening Curtain

Room-darkening curtains are the “I want less sun, not a full eclipse” option. BHG’s pick from Quince blocked nearly all sunlight in testing, leaving a soft ambient
glow instead of full darkness. The textured cotton cross-weave gives that natural, organic look, while the blackout-style lining helps with privacy and can make
a space feel noticeably cooler in hot months.

• Best for: South- or west-facing rooms, nurseries, and TV rooms where glare is the enemy.
• Why it works: Strong light reduction without the heavy feel of thick drapery.
• Keep in mind: Often priced per panelbudget accordingly for wide windows.

Best Blackout Curtains: Better Homes & Gardens Textured Chenille Blackout Panel

If your goal is “bedroom cave, but make it stylish,” BHG’s best blackout pick was a textured chenille panel from Better Homes & Gardens.
The big win here is that it looks softer and more elevated than many utilitarian blackout options. In BHG’s testing summary, it blocked the vast majority of light
(and delivered the privacy you want when it’s dark outside and your lamp is on).

• Best for: Bedrooms, shift-work sleepers, media rooms, and street-facing windows.
• Why it works: Plush chenille texture reads cozy and premium while still doing the job.
• Keep in mind: Even excellent blackout panels can leak light at the sides if your rod is too narrow or your panels aren’t wide enough.

Runner-up idea (also tested by BHG): Pinch-pleat blackout curtains can look more tailored and “custom.” BHG noted a pinch-pleat option that
noticeably darkened the room, though some edge light can still sneak in if the panels don’t wrap the window.

Other Tested-and-Loved Mentions: Satin Texture + Luxe Linen

BHG also tested (and liked) a light-filtering pebbled satin-style panel for its soft texture and high-end look created by hidden tabsthough it may need layering
if you want more privacy or less light. Another strong performer was a European flax linen panel praised for its drape, privacy, and elevated finish, with the bonus
of a wider color range (at a higher price point).

1) Measure Like You Mean It (Because Curtains Don’t “Wing It” Well)

Most curtain regrets come from two things: the wrong length, or panels that are too narrow. Designers consistently recommend fuller curtainsgenerally aiming for
total panel width around 2 to 2.5 times the window width for a rich look. If you’re going extra luxe, more width creates deeper waves and a
higher-end drape.

For hanging height, you’ll commonly see advice to mount rods a few inches above the window frameoften 4 to 8 inchesor even closer to the ceiling
to visually stretch the room. And yes, it works. Your ceiling doesn’t get taller, but your room starts acting like it did.

Fast measurement checklist

1. Decide rod placement first: higher for height illusion; wider for more light when open.
2. Rod width: plan for extra width beyond the window so panels can sit mostly off-glass when open.
3. Total panel width: target 2x to 2.5x your window width (or rod span) for fullness.
4. Length: measure from where the curtain will hang down to your desired endpoint.

2) Hang Them “High and Wide” for the Designer Effect

If you only steal one professional trick, steal this one. Hanging curtains higher and extending the rod wider than the window makes windows look larger,
ceilings look taller, and the whole room look more polished. Some guides suggest rods that extend roughly 8–12 inches beyond the window width, while other design
sources recommend going even wider when the wall space allows for a dramatic “bigger window” illusion.

3) Choose Your Light Level (Sheer vs. Light-Filtering vs. Room-Darkening vs. Blackout)

• Sheer curtains: soften daylight and provide daytime privacy, but they won’t block night visibility if lights are on inside.
• Light-filtering curtains: diffuse sunlight while offering better privacy and a more substantial look than sheers.
• Room-darkening curtains: reduce glare and dim the room significantlygreat for TV rooms and bedrooms that don’t need total darkness.
• Blackout curtains: designed for maximum light blocking and privacy, but results vary based on fabric, lining, and installation.

One reality check: “blackout” on a label doesn’t always mean “movie-theater dark.” Independent testing has found that plenty of curtains marketed as blackout
fall short of true blackout conditions. If you’re sensitive to light, consider theater-grade options, layered treatments, or adding a shade underneath.

4) Fabric, Texture, and the Great Wrinkle Debate

Fabric isn’t just a style decisionit changes how curtains hang, how they wear over time, and how much maintenance they require.

• Linen: airy, timeless, and casually elegantalso famously wrinkly. Great drape, but plan for steaming.
• Cotton: versatile, approachable, and usually easier care. Texture varies from crisp to slubby to gauzy.
• Velvet/chenille: rich, cozy, and excellent for light control; adds warmth and drama fast.
• Polyester blends: durable and often used in blackout linings; typically more wrinkle-resistant and budget-friendly.

Also: washing can change everything. Some designers warn that machine-washing certain fabrics (especially linen) can cause noticeable shrinkageso always check care
instructions before assuming your curtains can take a spin cycle like a bath towel.

5) Header Styles: The “Top” That Changes Everything

The header (how curtains attach to the rod) affects how they slide, how formal they look, and how much light leaks at the top.

• Rod pocket: classic and simple, but can be harder to open/close daily because the fabric grips the rod.
• Grommet: modern, smooth-gliding, and great for daily useexpect subtle light gaps near the rings.
• Back tab: creates soft waves with hidden hardware; a clean look that feels more tailored than rod pocket.
• Pinch pleat: structured and formal; often looks custom and pairs well with rings or tracks.
• Multi-way tops: flexible options that can work with back tabs, rod pockets, or rings depending on your hardware.

If you open and close curtains every day, prioritize smooth operation (grommets, rings, or back tabs). If they’re mainly decorative, you can pick purely based on style.

6) Comfort and Energy: Curtains as “Soft Insulation”

Thick curtains and lined drapes can help reduce drafts and heat gain near windows, especially when paired with well-fitting shades. For larger energy gains,
insulated shades (like cellular shades) are often cited as top performersbut layering them with curtains gives you both comfort and style.

How long should curtains be?

A popular designer look is curtains that “kiss” the floorjust barely touching. For a more dramatic, formal vibe, a small puddle can work (but it’s not ideal
for high-traffic homes or rooms with pets and kids). For practical spaces, slightly skimming above the floor helps keep hems cleaner.

How many panels do I need?

Start with the goal of 2 to 2.5 times the window width in total curtain fabric. For a standard window, that often means two panelsunless your panels are narrow,
your window is wide, or you want a very full, luxe look (in which case, add more panels).

How do I get blackout curtains to actually block more light?

Choose truly lined blackout panels, then focus on installation: hang the rod wider, ensure enough total fabric width, and consider wraparound rods or layering with
a shade underneath. Many “light leaks” are really “hardware and coverage” issuesnot fabric failures.