Blackout curtains are a must for every household, especially if you live in hot areas. To effectively prevent light from peeking inside, homeowners need to choose the right curtain rods.
For those who have no experience on this item, here are our 6 best curtain rods for blackout curtains that our experts picked, tested, and compiled for years:
Here are the best curtain rods for blackout curtains you can buy in 2024:
- Durable (Single Curtain Rod): NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Rod Set
- Best For Small Windows (Single Curtain Rod): AmazonBasics Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Rod
- Best For Large Windows (Single Curtain Rod): Rod Desyne 1-inch Blackout Curtain Rod
- Best For Ultra-Heavy Curtains (Double Curtain Rod): Umbra Twilight Double Curtain Rod Set
- Easy To Assemble (Double Curtain Rod): Decopolitan 30033-48AS
- Sturdy (Double Curtain Rod): MERIVILLE 1-Inch Diameter Double Window Curtain Rod
| 6 Best Curtain Rods For Blackout Curtains | ||
|---|---|---|
Durable | NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Rod Set
| |
Best For Small Windows | AmazonBasics Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Rod
| |
Best For Large Windows | Rod Desyne 1-inch Blackout Curtain Rod
| |
Best For Ultra-Heavy Curtains | Umbra Twilight Double Curtain Rod Set
| |
Easy To Assemble | Decopolitan 30033-48AS
| |
Sturdy | MERIVILLE 1-Inch Diameter Double Window Curtain Rod
| |
Durable: NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Rod Set
- Extremely durable - 1-1/8 inches’ diameter & aluminum material
- Able to fit many window sizes - three-length adjustment options
- Aesthetic & delicate - petal ball finials
- Wish the coating was scratch resistant
- The anchors need improvement
This curtain rod uses different features to ensure top-notch durability and versatility.
The rod has 1-1/8 inches diameter - which is quite big compared to other single curtain rods that we tested, and it's made of high-grade aluminum, which delivers decent strength.
Like most other models in this review list, its length is adjustable to fit nicely with a lot of window sizes. In this case, it offers three adjustment options: 72" to 101" with two rods and 101" to 144" with three rods.
One plus is for its beautiful petal ball finials, which adds to the room aesthetics.
| NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Rod Set Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4.54 pounds |
Dimension | 72" to 144" |
Material | Aluminum |
Highlight Features | 1-1/8 inches diameter aluminum material petal ball finials |
Highlighting an ultra-large 1-1/8” diameter rod and strong aluminum material, the NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Rod Set is durable enough to be compatible with either lightweight or heavy blackout curtains
Best For Small Windows: AmazonBasics Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Rod
- Fit small windows - adjustable length from 52
- The finish of the rod is prone to peel off
- A bit challenging to install
The AmazonBasics Blackout Curtain Rod features adjustable length from 52" to 92" (including wraparound ends), making it ideal for small windows.
Compared to regular single curtain rods, it stands out for the curved edges. This feature not only adds to the curtain rod aesthetics but also makes a big difference in sealing off your blackout curtains for the optimal black-out effect.
Besides, the rod has three finish color options: nickel, bronze, and black - which goes well with just about any decor.
| AmazonBasics Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Rod Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.14 Pounds |
Dimension | 92 x 4 x 3 inches |
Material | Metal |
Weight Capacity | 20 Pounds |
Highlight Features | adjustable length from 52" to 92" three finish color options curved edges |
The AmazonBasics Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Rod’s length is adjustable from 52” to 92”, making it a perfect pick for small windows
Best For Large Windows: Rod Desyne 1-inch Blackout Curtain Rod
- Compatible with large windows – the full length of 170 inches & the sturdy 1”-diameter design
- Convenient & easy to install – two mounting options
- A bit difficult to install the rod at its full length
The Rod Desyne 1-inch Blackout Curtain Rod has all the features to be the best pick for large windows.
It has a full length of 170 inches, which is the longest within the single curtain rods we tested.
It's also decently strong. The 1"-diameter metal rod design allows for holding big, heavy blackout curtains without any issues. Plus, it keeps the curtain fitting snugly to the wall and no light comes through.
With this model, you can mount it directly into the ceiling or to a wall easily. So convenient!
| Rod Desyne 1-inch Blackout Curtain Rod Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4.64 pounds |
Dimension | 170 x 1.5 x 1 inches |
Material | Alloy Steel |
Highlight Features | two mounting options the full length of 170 inches & the sturdy 1”-diameter design |
We highly recommend the Rod Desyne 1-inch Blackout Curtain Rod if you're in need of a high-quality blackout curtain rod for large windows.
Best For Ultra-Heavy Curtains: Umbra Twilight Double Curtain Rod Set
- The anchors could be sturdier
This is the strongest among Umbra's double-curtain rod versions, featuring a 3/4"-diameter front rod and a 5/8"-diameter back rod which are separately checked for quality assurance.
Unlike poor-quality rods that are easily found on the market, it highlights heavy-duty metal materials for the max loading weight of 22 pounds.
Both rods have telescoping capabilities with three size options: 48" to 88" and 88" to 144" to fit snugly in most windows.
The wrap-around bent design allows it to block out light perfectly.
| Umbra Twilight Double Curtain Rod Set Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.06 Pounds |
Dimension | 148.82 x 5.5 x 4.36 inches |
Material | Bronze |
Weight Capacity | 22 Pounds |
Highlight Features | featuring a 3/4"-diameter front rod and a 5/8"-diameter back rod three size options, from 48” to 144” |
The Umbra Twilight Rod Set is a great curtain rod for ultra-heavy blackout curtains.
Easy To Assemble: Decopolitan 30033-48AS
- Easy to assemble – lightweight design, compact size, quality components, & clear instructions
- Very strong – the 25-pound weight capacity
- Affordable
- The end is plastic, not metal
- The finish isn’t scratch-resistant
This double curtain rod set is specifically made to fit small windows from 48" to 86" and it's very easy to assemble thanks to the lightweight design, compact size, and durable wall brackets.
Plus, it comes with all the mounting hardware (including screws and drywall anchors) and clear instructions.
The Decopolitan 30033-48AS features a 1/2" diameter front rod and a 5/8" diameter back rod, but don't let that fool you about its strength. As made with high-quality materials, it can support up to 25 pounds of weight.
| Decopolitan 30033-48AS Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.11 pounds |
Dimension | 47 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches |
Material | metal |
Weight Capacity | 25 Pounds |
Highlight Features | Weight: 2.11 pounds Dimensions: 47 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches Step-by-step instructions & including all mounting hardware |
If you are looking for easy-to-assemble blackout curtain rods, the Decopolitan 30033-48AS is worth considering. It’s lightweight, compact, and features quality components.
Sturdy: MERIVILLE 1-Inch Diameter Double Window Curtain Rod
- Sturdy - high-quality polyresin finish
- Reliable - the manufacturer's 100% money-back guarantee
- Flexible & versatile - three finish color options
- No complaint
Scratches are the most common issue of many curtain rods but this model is not the thing. Aside from the full-metal alloy, it boasts a high-quality polyresin finish that is hand-painted with beautiful details.
The product, besides, is backed by the manufacturer's 100% money-back guarantee, which really convinced us.
Lastly, you've got three finish color options: gunmetal, royal gold, and burnt gold to choose from.
| MERIVILLE 1-Inch Diameter Double Window Curtain Rod Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.79 pounds |
Dimension | 48"-84" |
Material | Metal |
Highlight Features | high-quality polyresin finish the manufacturer's 100% money-back guarantee |
If sturdiness and strength take priority above price, the MERIVILLE 1-Inch Diameter Double Window Curtain Rod is a perfect choice for you.
How To Choose The Best Curtain Rod For Blackout Curtains?
Types
Considering the type of curtain rods is important as this feature decides how blackout curtains are achieved. Besides, there are a lot of curtain rod types on the market:
- Smart rods - which are the easiest to install and most versatile to fit any window size
- Tension rods – which are suited for people who do not know or feel like installing a curtain rod
- Traverse rods – which fit most to room divider curtains, large glass doors, or wide windows
- Wrapped rods – which helps block light from the sides the most effective for the darkest room ever
- Double rods – which are ideal for those who want to layer curtains or add a luxurious look to their room
- Single rods – which are commonly used for a single set of curtains
Size
Length (Or Width)
Choosing the right size of curtain rods so that they fit snugly to your window.
To do that, measure the width of the window, including the trim or frame. Measure it once near the bottom, once at the center, and once at the top of the window because these three measurements often vary a bit. Then, use the largest number of them.
We highly recommend extending 5” past your window if your room permits as this optimizes the blackout effect when your curtains are closed. Otherwise, it is still fine to choose the curtain rod the same width as the window.
Note: If you intend to use a tension rod, measure the windowpane’s width three times as described above, then use the smallest measurement.
Diameter
Aside from the length, the diameter of the curtain rod is important to consider as it allows you to choose the right curtain rod bracket plus it identifies whether the heading your curtains will fit onto the rod or not.
Weight Capacity
Blackout curtains can be lightweight or heavyweight depending on the material, thickness, and size.
Therefore, you should make sure that the curtain rod is strong enough to hold them through determining its weight capacity.
Which Brands Make The Best Curtain Rod For Blackout Curtains?
NICETOWN
Established in 1999, NICETOWN is one of the most successful private enterprises dedicated to the curtain industry. Their R&D team has many European and US designers, and their manufacturing process meets all strictly international standards.
Rod Desyne
Younger than NICETOWN, but Rod Desyne is a rapidly successful brand in this field. They were founded in 2007. Up to now, they have been developing many new innovations and designs, meaning that their curtain products are never out of style.
FAQs
What are the different types of curtain rods?
Five types of curtain rods are spring rods, cable rods, wraparound rods, double rods, and standard rods.
Can tension rods hold blackout curtains?
It depends. Tension rods work greatly if you install it carefully and hang lightweight curtains onto it.
Are double curtain rods good?
Double curtain rods are good for those who want to layer one more curtain for a more dramatic and enhanced look.
When should you use a double curtain rod?
You should use a double curtain rod when you want to add another curtain layer for extra blackout effects and dramatic look.
How do you hang curtains without a rod?
You can hang curtains without a rod by using upholstery tacks, copper pipes, nails, tree branches, ropes, or hooks.
Conclusion
Before starting to consider the best curtain rods for blackout curtains, always remember to ask yourself what you need in this item and how much you're willing to pay for it. Then, measure your windows and choose the right one.
We hope this ultimate buying guide helped you. Thanks for reading!
