Best Blackout Curtains for Nurseries: A Complete Buyer's Guide (2026)

The short answer: The best blackout curtains for a nursery do four things well: they block light through the fabric, they fit the window closely enough that light can't leak around the edges, they're installed safely with no cords near the crib, and they come in a colour that still works when the nursery becomes a big-kid room. Made-to-measure blackout curtains usually make the darkest nursery, because fit is where most ready-made curtains fail.

Babies don't read clocks. A 5:30 AM summer sunrise, a bright 1 PM nap, or a streetlight shining through the gap beside the curtain all look like "time to be awake" to a little one.

If you're searching for the best blackout curtains for a nursery, this guide covers what the research says about light and baby sleep, the features that actually matter, the mistakes parents most often make, and how to choose curtains that keep working as your child grows.

Why Light Matters for Baby Sleep (What the Science Says)

Light is one of the strongest signals for the body's circadian rhythm, its internal clock. In darkness the brain releases melatonin, the hormone that prepares the body for sleep. Bright light suppresses it and encourages wakefulness.

Newborns aren't born with a mature body clock. Their sleep-wake rhythm develops over the first months of life, and a consistent sleep environment (including a dark room for naps and bedtime) helps support healthy sleep habits as it does.

What research and sleep experts broadly agree on:

  • Darkness supports sleep. Light exposure affects melatonin and sleep timing in children and adults alike.
  • Consistency matters. A room that's dark, cool and quiet for every nap and every night helps babies recognise sleep cues.
  • Light can trigger early wake-ups. When sunrise reaches the crib, it removes one of the signals that it's still sleep time.

To set honest expectations: blackout curtains won't make every baby sleep through the night. Babies wake for hunger, growth spurts, teething, illness and normal sleep cycles. What blackout curtains can do is remove one common, avoidable cause of waking: light entering the room.

What Makes the Best Blackout Curtains for a Nursery?

1. True blackout fabric (not "room darkening")

"Room-darkening" curtains only dim daylight. True blackout curtains are built to stop light passing through the fabric. This matters most for daytime naps, when direct sun can make a nursery surprisingly bright. Fabric weight is a good clue: heavier, denser fabrics block more light and drape better.

2. A close, custom fit: the factor most parents miss

Even perfect blackout fabric can't stop light that travels around the curtain. Light leaks in:

  • Above the curtain
  • Around both sides
  • Underneath the hem
  • Through the gap between two panels

For a truly dark nursery, curtains should extend past the window frame on every side. Ready-made curtains come in a handful of standard sizes, so most windows end up with gaps. Made-to-measure blackout curtains are built for the exact width and height of your window, which is why they typically produce a darker room.

3. Safe installation

Safety comes before looks or darkness. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises keeping an infant's sleep area free of hazards such as dangling cords, electrical wires and window-covering cords because of strangulation risk.

  • Keep the crib away from windows and curtains.
  • Choose cordless window treatments. Curtains hung on a rod or track don't need pull cords.
  • Mount rods and tracks securely.
  • Keep loose fabric out of reach of the crib and any furniture a child can climb.

4. Floor-length coverage

Curtains that reach the floor block more light than ones that stop at the sill, and they give the room a finished, hotel-like look. As your baby becomes mobile, just make sure the fabric stays out of reach of the crib.

5. A colour that grows with your child

Blackout curtains don't need to be black. Their performance comes from the fabric's construction, not the colour on the outside, so you can choose curtains that suit the nursery.

A nursery becomes a toddler room and then a child's bedroom, so it pays to choose either a timeless colour or a playful pattern you'll love for years.

6. Durable, easy-care fabric

Nursery curtains see years of daily use. A quality, dense fabric holds its shape, keeps blocking light, and survives little hands.

Best Nursery Curtain Colours, by Nursery Style

Neutral nursery

Cream, warm beige, taupe, light grey and off-white suit almost any décor and transition easily into a child's room.

Green nursery

Sage and muted greens are a modern favourite. They pair beautifully with warm wood, white, cream and botanical décor.

Pink nursery

A soft, dusty pink adds warmth without overwhelming the room and is easier to design around than a bright pink. Pair it with warm white walls, natural wood and brass details.

Blue nursery

Powder and dusty blues feel calm and airy, and work well with white furniture and light wood.

Playful prints

For a nursery with personality, a soft printed curtain (animals, stars, planets) can become the focal point of the room while still blocking light.

Custom vs. Ready-Made Blackout Curtains for a Nursery

Ready-made blackout curtains

  • Pros: lower upfront cost, available right away, fine for standard-size windows.
  • Cons: limited sizes, usually leave light gaps, hard to fit large or unusual windows, limited colours.

Custom (made-to-measure) blackout curtains

  • Pros: made for your exact window, fewer light gaps, more colour and style choices, a tailored look that lasts for years.
  • Cons: higher cost, take longer to make, require measuring your window.

If maximum darkness is your priority, the ability to size curtains to your window is the biggest advantage, and it's the main reason parents choose custom.

Blackout Curtains vs. Blackout Blinds for a Nursery

Blackout blinds sit neatly inside the window frame, have a compact, modern look and are easy to raise and lower.

Blackout curtains cover past the frame on every side, add softness and colour, help insulate the room and absorb some sound.

Many parents use both: a blind close to the glass, with curtains layered over it for the darkest possible room. If you combine them, make sure the whole setup is cordless or that any cords are completely out of reach.

Common Nursery Curtain Mistakes to Avoid

  • Curtains that are too narrow. If they barely cover the glass, light pours in around the sides.
  • Curtains that are too short. A gap at the bottom lets light bounce into the room.
  • Choosing style over performance. A pretty curtain won't help if the nursery still glows at nap time.
  • Accessible cords. Window-covering cords are a serious strangulation hazard for young children.
  • Placing the crib against the window. Keep the sleep space away from windows, fabric and hardware.
  • Assuming "blackout" means pitch black. Fabric blocks light; fit and installation decide how dark the room really gets.

Other Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Better

Blackout curtains work best as one part of a healthy sleep environment:

  • A cool, comfortable room. Avoid overheating; the AAP specifically advises against it. Closing curtains before direct sun hits the room can help limit heat gain.
  • A consistent bedtime routine. Bath, feed, book, cuddle, bed helps babies recognise that sleep is coming.
  • White noise to mask household sounds.
  • Watching for sleep cues like yawning, eye rubbing and fussiness.
  • Following safe-sleep guidance from your paediatrician.

Made-to-Measure Nursery Blackout Curtains by Evernights

Montreal-based Evernights makes made-to-measure blackout curtains built to the exact width and height of your window so light can't sneak around the edges.

  • Heavy 400 GSM blackout fabric that blocks up to 100% of light
  • Made to your exact measurements, with your choice of attachment, header and fullness
  • A Nursery & Kids collection of soft, playful prints (bunnies, safari animals, dinosaurs, planets, astronauts and more), plus calm solid Core colours like Coastal Sage, Pearl Cream, Powder Blue and Light Pink
  • Cord-free curtains that hang on a rod or track
  • Free shipping and no duties across Canada and the US
  • EverCare fit guarantee: measured wrong? We'll remake them (terms apply)

Design your nursery curtains →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best blackout curtains for a nursery?

Look for true blackout fabric, a size that covers past the window frame on every side, cordless and secure installation, durable fabric, and a colour that suits the room as your child grows. Made-to-measure curtains usually give the darkest result because they're built for your exact window.

Can I customize blackout curtains to fit my exact window dimensions?

Yes. Made-to-measure blackout curtains are produced to the width and height you enter, rather than the nearest standard size. At Evernights you enter your measurements in centimetres or inches and choose the colour, attachment style and fullness, and the curtains are made to order.

Do blackout curtains really help babies sleep?

They help create a darker sleep environment by reducing outside light, which can mean fewer disruptions from sunrise and brighter nap times. They don't guarantee longer sleep, since babies wake for many reasons, but they remove one common cause.

Are blackout curtains safe for babies?

Yes, when installed correctly. Use cordless window treatments, mount rods and tracks securely, and keep the crib away from the window and any hanging fabric.

What colour blackout curtains are best for a nursery?

There's no single best colour. Blackout performance comes from the fabric, not the colour, so cream, beige, sage, soft pink, powder blue and playful prints all work. Pick what suits your nursery and will still suit a toddler's room.

Should nursery curtains go to the floor?

Usually, yes. Floor-length curtains block more light than sill-length ones and look more finished. Just keep the fabric out of reach of the crib.

Are blackout curtains or blackout blinds better for a nursery?

Blinds are compact and sit inside the frame; curtains cover past the frame and add warmth and softness. For the darkest room, many parents layer both.

Do blackout curtains keep a nursery cooler?

They can help. Closing them before direct sun reaches the window limits some of the heat coming in. They're not a substitute for keeping the nursery at a comfortable temperature.

When should babies start sleeping in a dark room?

Many parents darken the nursery once their baby starts developing more regular sleep patterns in the first few months. Always follow your paediatrician's guidance for your child.

Are custom blackout curtains worth it for a nursery?

If a dark nursery is the goal, often yes. Custom curtains minimise light gaps, fit unusual windows, and stay in the room for years as it changes from nursery to child's bedroom.

Final Thoughts

The best blackout curtains for a nursery aren't simply the darkest-looking ones. They combine real blackout fabric, a close fit, safe cord-free installation and a design you'll love for years.

Fit is where most curtains fall short, which is why made-to-measure curtains so often make the biggest difference. Paired with a consistent routine, a cool room and safe-sleep practices, a properly dark nursery is one of the simplest upgrades you can make for better naps and earlier bedtimes.

Ready to create a darker nursery? Design your made-to-measure nursery curtains.

References

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Safe Sleep Recommendations. aap.org
  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Evidence Base for 2022 Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. publications.aap.org
  • Sleep Foundation. Light and Sleep. sleepfoundation.org
  • Sleep Foundation. Sleep Hygiene Tips for Kids. sleepfoundation.org
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency. nhlbi.nih.gov
  • U.S. Department of Energy. Window Treatments. energy.gov
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