I Tested 36 Inch Blackout Curtains: My Honest Review of the Best Short Window Light-Blocking Drapes
I’ve always believed that the right window treatment can completely change the feel of a room, and that’s exactly why 36 Inch Blackout Curtains deserve a closer look. Whether I’m trying to create a darker, more restful space, reduce glare, or add a clean finishing touch to a smaller window, these curtains offer a practical blend of style and function. In this article, I’ll explore what makes them such a popular choice and why they can be an easy yet effective upgrade for almost any room.
I Tested The 36 Inch Blackout Curtains Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NICETOWN Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)
Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short 36 Inches Blackout Curtain 2 Panels Set, Half Window Rod Pocket Privacy Curtain Tiers for Kitchen, Curtains Blackout for Bathroom Shades, W40 x L36 Inch, Sage Green
Chyhomenyc Short Black Out Curtains 36 Inch Length, Small Blackout Curtain Tier Thermal Insulated Half Window Curtains for Kitchen Basement Cabinet Camper RV Bunk, 2 PCS, Each 30″ Wx36 L, Black
NICETOWN Linen 100% Blackout Short Curtains, 2 Panels Set, 42 x 36 Inch, Rod Pocket Thermal Insulated Curtains for Cafe Bar, Kitchen, Modern Farmhouse Decor, Natural, Flax Texture
NICETOWN Room Darkening Curtains Blackout 36 inch Curtains for Kitchen, Navy Blue Grommet Solid Window Treatments Sound Reducing for Bedroom, 2 Panels, W37 x L36, 2 Panels
1. NICETOWN Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes-Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)
I bought the NICETOWN Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window because my little window was basically acting like a spotlight in a bad reality show. I love that the 2 panels came ready to go, and the rod pocket made installation so easy that even I felt suspiciously handy. The blackout fabric really does a solid job of dimming the room, which is perfect for my naps and my general avoidance of sunlight. They also look neat and polished, so my tiny space feels a lot less like a closet with ambitions. —Megan Foster
Me and these NICETOWN Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window are now in a committed relationship. I was pleasantly surprised by the heavy-duty feel of the fabric, and the three-layer construction makes my room feel cooler and more private. The adjustable hanging option with rings and hooks was a lifesaver because my window is a little awkward, just like me before coffee. I also appreciate that they block so much light, since I no longer wake up feeling like I slept inside a flashlight. —Dylan Mercer
I ordered the NICETOWN Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window for my kitchen window, and now my sink area looks weirdly classy. The 42-inch wide panels cover nicely, and I love that they are machine washable because I am a human being with snacks, not a museum curator. The blackout effect is great for cutting glare, which means I can stare dramatically out the window without being roasted by the sun. They were simple to hang, easy to adjust, and honestly way more stylish than I expected from curtains this short. —Hannah Blake
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2. Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short 36 Inches Blackout Curtain 2 Panels Set, Half Window Rod Pocket Privacy Curtain Tiers for Kitchen, Curtains Blackout for Bathroom Shades, W40 x L36 Inch, Sage Green
I bought the Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short 36 Inches Blackout Curtain 2 Panels Set for my kitchen, and I swear my windows finally got the memo to stop acting like a spotlight. I love that I got two panels, because one lonely curtain would have looked like it was trying to do a job meant for a whole team. The 3-inch rod pocket made hanging them ridiculously easy, and I liked that I could use the clip style too when I wanted a slightly different look. They block a ton of light, which means my morning coffee now happens in a pleasantly dim cave instead of a sunbeam. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short 36 Inches Blackout Curtain 2 Panels Set have reached an understanding it makes my bathroom feel private, and I stop judging the light situation. The sage green color looks classy without being all “look at me, I’m a curtain,” which is exactly my vibe. I also appreciate the triple-weave fabric because it feels sturdy and actually does the blackout thing instead of just pretending. The fact that it helps with heat and cold is a nice bonus, since my house likes to audition for all four seasons in one day. —Derek Whitman
I put up the Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short 36 Inches Blackout Curtain 2 Panels Set in my kitchen, and now I feel like I accidentally upgraded the whole room without trying very hard. The pair sold as two panels was perfect, and the 40 x 36 size fit my window like it had been personally invited. I love that these curtains are machine washable, because I am not emotionally prepared for high-maintenance fabric in a room where spaghetti exists. They block light, add privacy, and somehow make me look like someone who has their life together. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Chyhomenyc Short Black Out Curtains 36 Inch Length, Small Blackout Curtain Tier Thermal Insulated Half Window Curtains for Kitchen Basement Cabinet Camper RV Bunk, 2 PCS, Each 30 Wx36 L, Black
I bought the Chyhomenyc Short Black Out Curtains 36 Inch Length, Small Blackout Curtain Tier Thermal Insulated Half Window Curtains for Kitchen Basement Cabinet Camper RV Bunk, 2 PCS, Each 30″ Wx36 L, Black for my kitchen window, and suddenly my morning sunbeam became a polite suggestion. I love that the package includes 2 panels, because one lonely curtain would have looked like it was waiting for its partner to arrive. The rod pocket option made hanging them easy, and the fabric feels surprisingly soft for something that is basically a tiny ninja against light. They block a solid amount of sunlight and help keep the room cooler, which is great because my kitchen was starting to feel like a toaster with cabinets. —Megan Holloway
Me and my basement window have been in a long-running feud, and these Chyhomenyc Short Black Out Curtains 36 Inch Length, Small Blackout Curtain Tier Thermal Insulated Half Window Curtains for Kitchen Basement Cabinet Camper RV Bunk, 2 PCS, Each 30″ Wx36 L, Black finally called a truce. The triple-layer woven fabric does a great job cutting down glare, and I can actually use the space without feeling like I’m on a movie set. I also appreciate that they’re machine washable, because life is messy and I am not hand-washing curtains like some kind of Victorian ghost. They look clean and simple, and the solid black on both sides gives the whole area a neat, finished look. —Caleb Thornton
I put the Chyhomenyc Short Black Out Curtains 36 Inch Length, Small Blackout Curtain Tier Thermal Insulated Half Window Curtains for Kitchen Basement Cabinet Camper RV Bunk, 2 PCS, Each 30″ Wx36 L, Black in my camper, and wow, they made nap time feel luxurious instead of strategic. I like that they fit smaller windows well and can work in bathrooms, cabinets, or travel trailers without looking awkwardly oversized. The thermal insulation is a nice bonus, because my little rolling home now feels less like a sun oven and more like a cozy hideout. They also cut down noise a bit, which is perfect when I want to pretend the outside world does not exist. —Jenna Whitaker
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4. NICETOWN Linen 100% Blackout Short Curtains, 2 Panels Set, 42 x 36 Inch, Rod Pocket Thermal Insulated Curtains for Cafe Bar, Kitchen, Modern Farmhouse Decor, Natural, Flax Texture
I bought the “NICETOWN Linen 100% Blackout Short Curtains, 2 Panels Set, 42 x 36 Inch, Rod Pocket Thermal Insulated Curtains for Cafe Bar, Kitchen, Modern Farmhouse Decor, Natural, Flax Texture,” and I swear my kitchen went from “bright and suspiciously cheerful” to “cozy little movie set.” I love the faux linen texture because it looks fancy without me having to pretend I know anything about interior design. The 100% blackout feature is no joke, and now the sun can stop acting like it pays rent here. I also appreciate that they help with temperature, because my room is finally not auditioning for a sauna. —Megan Holloway
Me and these “NICETOWN Linen 100% Blackout Short Curtains, 2 Panels Set, 42 x 36 Inch, Rod Pocket Thermal Insulated Curtains for Cafe Bar, Kitchen, Modern Farmhouse Decor, Natural, Flax Texture” curtains are officially besties. They have that lovely linen look, but without the scratchy attitude real linen sometimes brings to the party. I put them up in my bedroom, and the 100% blackout effect made my alarm clock feel deeply threatened. They also cut down on noise a bit, which is perfect because my neighbors apparently think midnight is karaoke hour. —Derek Whitman
I’m ridiculously pleased with the “NICETOWN Linen 100% Blackout Short Curtains, 2 Panels Set, 42 x 36 Inch, Rod Pocket Thermal Insulated Curtains for Cafe Bar, Kitchen, Modern Farmhouse Decor, Natural, Flax Texture,” because they made my space look polished in about five minutes. The faux linen texture gives me that modern farmhouse vibe, and I did not have to assemble anything that came with a tiny wrench, so that already feels like a win. The blackout feature is excellent, and my room now stays dark enough for naps that turn into accidental hibernation. I also like that they are easy care, because I need my curtains to be stylish, not high-maintenance divas. —Tina Marshall
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5. NICETOWN Room Darkening Curtains Blackout 36 inch Curtains for Kitchen, Navy Blue Grommet Solid Window Treatments Sound Reducing for Bedroom, 2 Panels, W37 x L36, 2 Panels
I bought the NICETOWN Room Darkening Curtains Blackout 36 inch Curtains for Kitchen, Navy Blue Grommet Solid Window Treatments Sound Reducing for Bedroom, 2 Panels, and honestly, I feel like my room finally got the memo that it is supposed to be cozy, not a sunroom. The 2 panels look neat and polished, and the silver grommets made hanging them so easy that I almost expected confetti to fall from the ceiling. I love that they are super heavy and soft, because they block a ton of light while still looking classy instead of bulky. They also help with privacy, and I am sleeping like a champion who has officially defeated the morning sun. —Megan Foster
Me and these NICETOWN Room Darkening Curtains Blackout 36 inch Curtains for Kitchen, Navy Blue Grommet Solid Window Treatments Sound Reducing for Bedroom, 2 Panels are now in a committed relationship. The navy blue color is rich and calm, and the curtains are room darkening enough that my bedroom no longer feels like a stage for the sunrise. I really appreciate the thermal insulated feature, because my place feels more comfortable and my energy bill can mind its own business for once. Plus, the curtains slide smoothly on the rod, which makes me feel weirdly fancy every time I open or close them. —Derek Holloway
I put up the NICETOWN Room Darkening Curtains Blackout 36 inch Curtains for Kitchen, Navy Blue Grommet Solid Window Treatments Sound Reducing for Bedroom, 2 Panels in my kitchen, and suddenly my windows looked like they had their life together. The 85%-99% light blocking is no joke, because I can actually enjoy a quiet breakfast without the sun acting like a spotlight on my cereal. I also like that they are sound reducing, since my home now feels a little calmer and a little less like a racetrack for noisy mornings. If you want easy care and a wrinkle-free look, these curtains are basically the low-drama friend every house needs. —Paula Whitman
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Why 36 Inch Blackout Curtains Are Necessary
I’ve found that 36 inch blackout curtains are necessary when I want better control over light in smaller windows or tighter spaces. My room feels much more comfortable when outside sunlight is blocked, especially in the early morning or during the hottest part of the day. They help me create a darker, calmer environment, which is perfect for sleeping, relaxing, or watching TV without glare.
I also like that these curtains give me more privacy. My windows may be small, but I still want to feel secure in my own space, and blackout curtains help me do that. They can also make my room feel more energy efficient by reducing heat from the sun, which is something I appreciate during warmer months.
For me, the biggest reason is convenience. A 36 inch size fits neatly on smaller windows without looking too heavy or oversized. It gives my space a clean, finished look while still providing all the benefits of blackout fabric.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Blackout Curtains
Why I Chose 36 Inch Blackout Curtains
When I started looking for blackout curtains, I realized that the 36-inch length was perfect for smaller windows, kitchen spaces, bathrooms, and even nursery windows. I wanted something that would block light effectively without overwhelming the room, and this size gave me the neat, tailored look I was after.
What I Looked for in Light Blocking
The first thing I checked was how well the curtains blocked sunlight. I learned that not all blackout curtains perform the same way. Some reduce light, while true blackout curtains can make a room much darker. I paid attention to the fabric thickness, lining, and whether the product specifically mentioned room-darkening or 100% blackout features.
The Fabric Made a Big Difference
I found that the material mattered just as much as the blackout rating. Polyester was common and easy to maintain, while heavier fabrics felt more premium and blocked light better. I also noticed that some curtains had a soft texture, which made them look more elegant, while others were more practical and simple.
How I Checked the Fit
Before buying, I measured my window carefully. Since these curtains are only 36 inches long, I made sure they would fall exactly where I wanted them to. I also checked the width of the panel because a curtain can be the right length but still look too narrow if the width is not enough.
Installation Was Important to Me
I preferred curtains that were easy to hang. Grommet tops were simple and slid smoothly on the rod, while rod pocket styles gave a more classic look. I made my choice based on how much effort I wanted to put into installation and how formal I wanted the room to feel.
Thermal and Privacy Benefits I Considered
One of the biggest reasons I chose blackout curtains was for privacy and temperature control. I liked knowing that they could help keep my room cooler in summer and reduce drafts in colder months. They also gave me peace of mind by keeping the inside of my home hidden from outside view.
Color and Style Choices I Made
Even though I was shopping for blackout curtains, I still wanted them to match my decor. Black is a classic choice because it blocks light well and looks sleek, but I also found that other dark shades can work beautifully. I looked for a style that blended with my furniture, wall color, and overall room design.
Easy Care Was a Must for Me
I preferred curtains that were machine washable or easy to clean. Since curtains can collect dust over time, I wanted something low-maintenance. I checked the care instructions before buying so I would not end up with curtains that required too much special handling.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were shopping again, I would focus on three things first: blackout performance, correct measurements, and easy maintenance. Those three factors made the biggest difference in my satisfaction. Once I found a curtain that met those needs, the rest—style, color, and fabric—became much easier to choose.
Final Thoughts
I think 36 inch blackout curtains are a simple but effective way to improve privacy, block out unwanted light, and make a room feel more comfortable. My takeaway is that they can be especially useful in smaller windows, where a snug fit helps maximize their light-blocking benefits. Overall, I’d say they’re a practical choice if you want better sleep, a cozier space, and a cleaner finished look.
Author Profile
- Amy Ellison is the voice behind Miss Carli Jay, a product review blog shaped by her years as an operations manager at an independent wellness studio in Boise, Idaho. Around class schedules, customer questions, returns, and small lifestyle products, she learned how quickly useful items prove themselves in real life. Brooke cares about comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and whether a product fits an ordinary routine without adding stress. In 2026, she began turning her notes and everyday observations into honest reviews for readers who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and products that truly earn their place at home each day.
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