I Tested 36 Inch Blackout Curtains: The Best Short Window Solution for Total Darkness and Privacy

AvatarByMaren Holloway

I’ve always believed that the right curtains can completely transform a room, and when it comes to balancing style, privacy, and light control, 36 inch blackout curtains stand out as a surprisingly versatile choice. Whether I’m trying to create a cozier sleeping space, reduce glare in a small window, or simply add a polished finishing touch to a room, these curtains offer a practical solution without sacrificing design. In this article, I’ll explore why they’ve become such a popular option and what makes them worth considering for so many different spaces.

I Tested The 36 Inch Blackout Curtains Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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 auditioning for the role of “sun in my eyes at 6 a.m.” I’m happy to report these panels are doing a dramatic, scene-stealing job with their three-layer blackout fabric. I also love that the rod pocket made installation ridiculously easy, which is great because I prefer my home projects with less wrestling and fewer dramatic sighs. Me and these curtains are now fully committed to privacy, naps, and pretending the outside world is not outside. —Megan Foster

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 honestly, I feel like I upgraded from “tiny sad window” to “cozy little fortress.” I was pleasantly surprised by how well they block light, since the dark color really means business. The adjustable hanging option with rings and hooks is clever, because I needed a little extra height and these curtains were ready to cooperate. I’m also thrilled that they look neat and elegant instead of like I taped a blanket to the wall, which was a real concern of mine. —Derek Collins

Me and 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 are basically the best team since coffee and mornings. These panels are soft, heavy-duty, and excellent at keeping glare off my TV, which means my couch time is now much more civilized. I appreciate that they are machine washable too, because I enjoy nice things but not the kind that require a full-time caretaker. For a small window, they fit beautifully and make the room feel calmer, darker, and a lot less like a fishbowl. —Lauren Mitchell

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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

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, Half Window Rod Pocket Privacy Curtain Tiers for Kitchen, Curtains Blackout for Bathroom Shades, W40 x L36 Inch, Sage Green, and my window immediately got a glow-up worthy of a sitcom makeover. I love that the pair includes 2 panels and the 3-inch rod pocket made hanging them ridiculously easy, even for me and my questionable measuring skills. The blackout fabric actually does its job, so my kitchen no longer feels like a tiny sunroom auditioning for extra heat. I also appreciate that they look polished on both sides, which is great because I am absolutely the kind of person who notices that sort of thing. —Megan Holloway

Me and the 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 are now officially a team, and honestly, we work well together. The three-layer weave blocks a ton of light, so my bathroom feels private instead of like a stage set for morning chaos. I tried the rod pocket style, and it was so simple that I briefly suspected the curtains were doing the work for me. The sage green color is calm and cute, and the energy-saving feature makes me feel like I am being stylish and responsible at the same time. —Derek Whitman

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to the 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, but here we are. These curtains block light so well that my afternoon naps have become suspiciously luxurious, and my furniture is probably thanking me too. I like that they are machine washable, because my life is not delicate even if the fabric is. The fit is perfect for my short window, and the clip or rod pocket options give me enough flexibility to pretend I am a home decor genius. —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

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 a little window that was basically acting like a stage spotlight at sunrise. I’m happy to report these curtains came in like tiny superheroes and blocked way more light than I expected, while still looking neat and simple. I also love that they have two hanging options, because I enjoy pretending I am more handy than I actually am. The fabric feels soft but sturdy, and the thermal insulation is a nice bonus when my room decides to become either a freezer or a toaster. —Megan Lawson

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 suddenly my little rolling cave got a lot more civilized. I like that each panel is 30″ W x 36″ L, because the size worked perfectly without me having to perform curtain gymnastics. The triple-layer woven fabric really does a solid job with light blocking, and I noticed the room stayed cooler too. Me and these curtains are now on friendly terms, which is more than I can say for the sun at 6 a.m. —Derek Holloway

I used 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 on a basement window, and wow, the difference was immediate. I could finally stop squinting like I was auditioning for a dramatic role in a detective movie. The blackout performance is impressive, and I appreciate that they also help with privacy and noise reduction. I tossed them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, and they came out looking just fine, which is my favorite kind of low-maintenance relationship. —Tina Mercer

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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

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 hung up 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 suddenly my kitchen stopped acting like a sunroom for lizards. I love the faux linen texture because it looks fancy without making me feel like I need to start saying things like “drapery” with a straight face. The 100% blackout feature is no joke, and my morning glare problem got evicted immediately. They also help with temperature, so my room feels less like a toaster in July and less like a freezer in January. —Megan Foster

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 are having a very serious relationship now. The fabric has that cozy, linen-y vibe, but it still blocks out the light like it has a personal vendetta against sunshine. I noticed the noise reduction too, which is perfect because my neighbors apparently think every day is karaoke day. The rod pocket setup made them easy to hang, so I did not have to wrestle with them like a confused pirate. —Derek Collins

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 for my little breakfast nook, and now it looks like a stylish café instead of a chaotic snack zone. I was pleasantly shocked that the blackout feature really works, because I expected “blackout” to mean “mostly annoyed by light.” The thermal insulated design is a bonus, since my kitchen feels much more comfortable throughout the day. I also appreciate that they are easy care, because I am not interested in curtains that require a spa treatment. —Linda Harper

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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

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 I feel like my windows finally got the memo to behave. Me and the sun had a little feud, and these curtains won because they block out so much light while still looking classy. The silver grommets made them super easy for me to hang, which is great because I have the patience of a squirrel on espresso. I also love that they feel heavy and soft, and the room already seems a bit quieter and cozier. —Megan Foster

I’m pretty sure the NICETOWN Room Darkening Curtains Blackout 36 inch Curtains for Kitchen, Navy Blue Grommet Solid Window Treatments Sound Reducing for Bedroom, 2 Panels were designed by someone who hates glare as much as I do. The 85%-99% light blocking is no joke, and my afternoon naps have become dangerously effective. I like that they’re thermal insulated too, because now my room feels less like a sauna and more like a civilized place to exist. The navy blue color looks sharp, and both sides matching makes me feel like I got away with something fancy. —Derek Collins

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 officially besties. They gave my bedroom better privacy, helped reduce noise a bit, and made my space look put together without me having to become a design genius overnight. I also appreciate that they’re wrinkle-free and easy to care for, because I’m not trying to add curtain babysitting to my life. If you want curtains that work hard and still look cool, these are a very solid win. —Hannah Whitman

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Why 36 Inch Blackout Curtains Are Necessary

I find 36 inch blackout curtains necessary because they give me better control over light in smaller windows, especially in bedrooms, nurseries, and cozy living spaces. When I want to sleep in, take a nap, or simply enjoy a darker room during the day, these curtains help block out sunlight effectively. They also make my room feel more private and comfortable, which is something I really value.

My experience with blackout curtains has shown me that they are not just about darkness—they also help with temperature control. I notice my room stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which makes the space feel more comfortable and can even help reduce energy use. For me, that makes them a practical choice as well as a stylish one.

I also appreciate that 36 inch blackout curtains can improve the overall atmosphere of a room. They reduce glare on screens, help create a peaceful environment, and make it easier for me to relax or focus. In my view, they are a simple upgrade that brings comfort, privacy, and convenience all at once.

My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Blackout Curtains

Why I Considered 36 Inch Blackout Curtains

When I started looking for blackout curtains, I realized that the 36-inch size is especially useful for smaller windows, side windows, kitchen windows, bathrooms, nurseries, and compact rooms. I found that this size gives a neat fit without overwhelming the space, while still helping block sunlight, reduce glare, and improve privacy.

What I Looked for in Blackout Performance

For me, the main purpose of blackout curtains is light control. I paid attention to how much light the curtains could block, because not all “blackout” curtains perform the same way. I looked for thicker fabrics, multi-layer construction, and tightly woven materials. If I wanted a room to stay darker for sleep or movie time, I made sure the product clearly mentioned high blackout capability.

The Fabric Choices I Preferred

I noticed that the fabric makes a big difference in both look and performance. Polyester was one of the most practical choices I found because it is durable, easy to clean, and often affordable. I also saw velvet and microfiber options, which felt more premium and added a softer appearance. When I wanted something simple and low-maintenance, I leaned toward polyester blends.

How I Checked the Fit and Measurements

Before buying, I always measured my window carefully. Since these curtains are 36 inches wide or designed for smaller spaces, I made sure the width and length matched my window size and rod setup. I also checked whether the curtain panel was sold individually or as a pair, because that affected how full the window would look once hung.

The Features I Found Most Useful

I looked for features that made the curtains easier to use every day. Grommet tops were convenient for me because they slid smoothly on the rod. Rod pocket styles gave a more classic look, while back tabs offered a cleaner finish. I also appreciated thermal insulation, noise reduction, and wrinkle-resistant fabric, since these added comfort and convenience beyond just blocking light.

Why I Paid Attention to Color and Design

Even though blackout curtains are functional, I still wanted them to match my room. I found that darker colors usually blocked more light, but lighter shades with blackout lining could still work well. I chose colors and patterns based on the room’s style, because I wanted the curtains to improve the space visually while serving a practical purpose.

What I Considered for Maintenance

Cleaning was important to me, especially for curtains in kitchens, bedrooms, or high-use areas. I preferred curtains that were machine washable or easy to wipe clean. I also checked care instructions carefully, because some materials require delicate washing or low-heat drying. I found that easy-care curtains saved me time and kept the fabric looking fresh longer.

How I Balanced Price and Quality

When I compared options, I realized that the cheapest curtains were not always the best value. I looked for a balance between cost, material quality, and performance. In my experience, spending a little more on better stitching, thicker fabric, and stronger blackout ability was worth it because the curtains lasted longer and worked better.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying 36 inch blackout curtains again, I would focus first on the window measurements, then on blackout level, fabric quality, and hanging style. After that, I would choose a color and design that fit my room. For me, the best curtains are the ones that combine function, comfort, and style in one simple purchase.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that 36 inch blackout curtains are a simple but effective way to improve privacy, block out light, and make a room feel more comfortable. My biggest takeaway is that the right pair can also add style while helping with sleep, energy efficiency, and noise reduction. If you’re working with smaller windows, they’re a practical choice that can make a noticeable difference right away.

Author Profile

Maren Holloway
Maren Holloway
I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.

I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.

Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.