5 Back Tab Blackout Curtains Worth Buying: Picks, Buying Guide & Easy Hanging Steps

Fall mornings still start early, and bright sunrise light can cut your sleep short. Back tab blackout curtains help because thick panels cut that glare. They use hidden fabric loops on the back, which make neat, even folds. Many sets slide onto a standard curtain rod in minutes.

Still, the word “blackout” can mislead you. Check the light-blocking percentage first, because some sets claim 100% and others block 60% to 90%. Velvet panels feel plush and trap heat at the window. Lining adds weight and stops more light.

We compared five popular sets using their product details, so you can find the right panel size and hanging style fast. Each pick fits a different window width and decor style. We also flag every set’s weak spot, like light leaks around the edges.

Back tab blackout curtains are window panels with hidden loops on the back and thick, light-blocking fabric. They hang on a standard rod and fall into even folds. They also cut glare and some heat. For the darkest room, choose dense fabric and panels wider than your window frame.

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In a Hurry? Our Top Pick

Deconovo is the easiest pick if you want blackout back tab curtains without a long search. The Deconovo back tab blackout curtains come as a pair of panels, and each panel is 52 by 95 inches. Together they cover 104 inches of width, so they fit wide bedroom windows and tall sliding doors. Every panel has seven back tabs, which fold the fabric into even pleats. A rod pocket is built in too, so you can switch to a gathered look.

The fabric is what sets this pair apart. Triple-weave polyester puts a black yarn layer between two smooth sides, so you don’t need a separate liner. That middle layer cuts sunlight and screen glare, which helps with afternoon naps and movie nights. It is room darkening, not total darkness, and dark colors shade better than light ones. The 230 GSM weight drapes softly, and the thermally insulated layer eases heat transfer in summer and winter.

Care is simple, which helps on busy weeks. Use a cold, gentle cycle in the washing machine and skip the bleach. A low iron steamer removes creases after washing. Before you buy, measure your window, the curtain, and the drop from the curtain rod to the floor. Then pick from 14 colors, from black and navy to beige and white.

Ready to darken your room? Check the current colors and sizes on Amazon, and choose black or navy for the strongest shade.

Deconovo Blackout Curtains (Deconovo Back Tab Blackout Curtains) – Best Overall

Most people should start with Deconovo. The Deconovo back tab blackout curtains come as a pair of panels, so one box covers a wide window. Each panel is 52 inches wide, so the pair spans 104 inches. The 95-inch length suits tall bedroom windows and sliding doors. Every panel carries seven back tabs for even folds. A rod pocket is built in, too, if you want a gathered look. Buyers can also hang them in a living room or home office.

Real-World Performance

Triple-weave fabric puts a black yarn layer between two smooth outer sides. That middle layer cuts light without a separate liner. It helps with afternoon naps and screen glare, but it won’t give you pitch darkness. Dark colors shade more than light ones, so pick black or navy for sleep. Hang the rod wider than the window frame to shrink edge gaps. The 230 GSM polyester drapes softly, but it won’t feel as heavy as velvet. Because both sides match in color, a panel edge never looks off at the window.

Features

• Triple-weave polyester with black yarn middle
• Seven back tabs on every panel
• Built-in rod pocket for gathered folds
• Thermally insulated drapes for year-round comfort
• Two panels, each 52 by 95 inches
• Machine washable on a gentle cycle

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comes in 14 colors, from black to sky blue
• Two hanging styles on one header
• The thermal layer softens summer heat at the glass.
• Easy care with cold-water washing

Cons:

• Not a full blackout, so the edge light can sneak in
• No separate liner, so light colors let more light through
• The long 95-inch drop may pool on short windows.

Buy it if you want a back tab set that darkens a bedroom and softens heat at the window. It also fits tall windows.

Skip it if you need total darkness for day sleep. Skip it for short windows, unless you’ll hem the panels.

If a darker bedroom is the goal, check the current colors on Amazon. Free returns make it easy to try one shade first.

MIULEE Velvet Curtains (Thermal Back Tab Blackout Curtains) – Best for Wide Windows

Heavy velvet is the whole point of MIULEE. These thermal back tab blackout curtains come as a set of four panels, not two. Each panel is 40 inches wide, so the set covers 160 inches of width. The olive green shade looks rich in a living room or home theater. Three header styles come built in: back tab, pinch pleat, and rod pocket. A pack of 48 hooks is included for the pinch pleat look. Pick it for wide windows.

Real-World Performance

Among back tab blackout curtains, velvet hangs heavier than thin polyester. The 60 to 90 percent shading means this set dims a room but won’t turn it pitch dark. Darker colors block more, so choose charcoal grey or black for sleep. Lighter shades like ivory block less light. The thick velvet also slows heat moving through the glass in winter and summer. You get only subtle noise reduction, so a busy street will still be heard. Four panels give you layout options, like two per side on a wide window. The weighted drape needs a sturdy curtain rod, so check your brackets first.

Features

• Four velvet panels per set
• Back tab, pinch pleat, rod pocket headers
• 48 hooks included for pinch pleat
• 60-90% shading, stronger in dark colors
• Thermally insulated drapes with subtle noise reduction
• Universal header that fits clip rings

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Four panels cover wide windows fully.
• Three hanging styles in one set
• Heavy velvet drape looks upscale.
• Long size range, from 63 to 120 inches

Cons:

• Not full blackout, since shading tops out near 90%
• Light colors let more daylight through
• Four panels may be too much for a small window.

Buy it if: You have a wide window or a sliding door and want a thermal velvet look for the living room.

Skip it if you need full blackout for day sleep. Skip it for a small window, since four panels is a lot of fabric.

Check the color list on Amazon, because the darker shades block more light. Free returns let you try one shade without much risk.

100% Blackout Shield Curtains (Linen Back Tab Blackout Curtains) – Best Linen Look

Brand 100% Blackout Shield leans hard on one promise: full darkness. These linen back tab blackout curtains pair a soft linen look with a blackout coating. The Alba Beige White shade looks calm and clean. Each panel is 50 inches wide, so the pair spans 100 inches. The 84-inch length fits standard bedroom windows. Eight back loops on each panel keep the folds even. Hang them on a track system too. A living room window works as well. Few linen-style sets make a promise this bold.

Real-World Performance

The listing says the blackout coating blocks 100% of sunlight. Light can still slip past the panel edges, so mount the curtain rod wider than the window. The 3-inch rod pocket fits rods up to 1.6 inches thick. Thick decorative rods won’t fit. Hooks and rings are not in the box, so buy them for a clip-ring look. The polyester is coated, not real linen. A warm iron removes stray creases. Among back-to-back blackout curtains, this set lists five hanging styles. The heavy-duty layer also holds heat in winter and dulls some street noise.

Features

• Linen looks like polyester with blackout coating
• Eight back loops on every panel
• • A 3-inch rod pocket fits 1.6-inch rods.
• Belt sewn on back for hook styling
• Machine washable in cold water
• Two panels, each 50 by 84 inches

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 100% blackout claim on the listing
• Five hanging styles, including track system
• Many color options, from Alba Beige to Kohl Black
• Wrinkle resistant and easy to cold wash

Cons:

• Hooks and rings are not included.
• The rod pocket limits rod thickness to 1.6 inches
• Light may leak past the panel sides.

Buy it if you want a linen look and a 100% blackout claim. It suits bedrooms and day sleepers. The 100-inch pair also fits wide windows.

Skip it if you own a thick decorative rod. Skip it if you want hooks included.

Check the Alba Beige White shade and your window height on Amazon before you order. Free returns make a first pair low risk.

Want more fabric ideas? Read our guide to linen blackout curtains.

NICETOWN Velvet Curtains (Black Back Tab Blackout Curtains) – Best Black Velvet

NICETOWN makes the one to pick if you want black. These black back tab blackout curtains are heavyweight velvet with a soft, plush touch. Each pair has two panels, and each panel is 52 inches wide. The 84-inch length fits standard windows. Hang them with a rod pocket or back tab. They also work over a sliding glass door or a home theater screen. Dark jet-black velvet hides light spills well. Winter drapes like these keep a cozy bedroom warm and private.

Real-World Performance

The listing says this velvet blocks 70 to 90 percent of light. That dims a room but is not full dark. Pick jet black for the deepest shade, since lighter colors let more light in. Among blackout back tab curtains, velvet is the heavy option, so the weighted drape needs a strong rod. The dense velvet traps warmth in winter and blocks some heat in summer. Noise reduction isn’t listed, so don’t count on a quiet room. Cold machine wash and low-heat drying keep the pile soft. A low iron fixes creases. Long sizes reach 228 inches, which suits tall windows.

Features

• Heavyweight velvet made of 100% polyester
• Rod pocket and back tab headers
• Light blocking of 70 to 90 percent
• Thick fabric adds thermal insulation.
• Sizes run up to 228 inches long.
• Cold machine wash, low heat dry

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Many colors, with jet black included
• The back tab and rod pocket both work.
• Heavy velvet adds winter warmth.
• Wide size range suits sliding doors

Cons:

• Not a full blackout, so edge lights show
• Heavy panels need a sturdy rod.
• Velvet pile needs gentle care to stay soft

Buy it if you want a plush black velvet pair for a bedroom, nursery, or home theater. It also covers a sliding glass door.

Skip it if you need a true 100% blackout for day sleep. Skip it for a very light, airy look.

Measure the drop from rod to floor, then pick your shade on Amazon. It carries an Amazon’s Choice badge, so it’s a safe place to start.

Prefer a lighter look? See our guide to white blackout curtains.

Lazzzy Velvet Curtains (Lined Back Tab Blackout Curtains) – Best Lined Velvet

Lazzzy adds a soft liner under its velvet, and that changes how the panels hang. These lined back tab blackout curtains use dense velvet for a fuller drape. The Burnt Orange shade brings golden autumn tones to a bedroom or living room. Each panel is 52 inches wide, so the pair spans 104 inches. The 84-inch length fits standard windows. Back tab loops and a rod pocket give you two ways to hang them. The listing says they block 95 percent of outside light.

Real-World Performance

The soft liner gives the velvet a fuller drape than a single layer would. Since the listing claims 95 percent light blocking, expect a very dim room, not total darkness. Gaps at the panel edges can still leak morning sun, so mount the rod wide. Velvet pile needs a regular vacuum with a a cold, brush. Wasbleach, and a simple: cold gentle cycle, no bleach, low tumble dry. A light-shifting removes creases when you rehang the panels. On back tab blackout curtains like these, the light shifting texture changes shade as the sun moves.

Features

• Dense velvet with a soft liner
• Blocks 95 percent of outside light
• Back tab and rod pocket headers
• Two panels, each 52 by 84 inches
• Sizes run up to 120 inches long
• Machine washable on a gentle cold

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lined velvet gives a fuller drape.
• Nine color options, from Truffle to Moss
• Hangs on a back tab or rod pocket
• Machine washable with simple care

Cons:

• Blocks 95 percent, not a full blackout
• Velvet pile needs regular vacuuming
• Edge gaps can let in morning light.

Buy it if: youif yout a lined velvet set that adds warmth and style to a bedroom or living room. It suits standard 84-inch windows.

Skip it if: youif youd a full 100 percent blackout. Skip it if you dislike vacuuming velvet.

Compare the Burnt Orange and Truffle shades against your wall color on Amazon. Free returns are listed, and the size chart reaches 120 inches.

What Are Back Tab Blackout Curtains?

Back tab blackout curtains are thick window panels with back tabs, which are small loops sewn on the back of the top edge. A curtain rod slides through the loops, so the panel hangs in soft pleats. The dense blackout fabric blocks most daylight, adds privacy, and gives the window a tailored look.

How Do Back Tab Curtains Work?

Back tab curtains use hidden loops sewn behind the top edge, not rings on the front. You push the curtain rod through each loop, one by one. The loops then pull the top edge into even pleats. From inside the room, you see a clean, tailored header and almost no pole. Because the loops grip the rod, you slide the panel by hand and not with a glide ring. Some sets also add a rod pocket, so you can pick a gathered style. Compare both styles in our rod pocket blackout curtains guide.

What Makes Them “Blackout”?

The fabric does the light blocking, not the tabs. Some panels use a triple-weave cloth with a dark yarn layer in the middle. Others add a lining layer behind the front fabric. A few use a foam coating, a thin rubbery film that stops light from passing through. Each listing shows a light-blocking percentage, so read that number before you buy. Dark colours shade a room better than pale ones. Sun can still sneak past the panel edges, so mount the rod wider than the window frame.

How to Choose the Best Back Tab Blackout Curtains

To pick back tab blackout curtains, check four things: the light-blocking percentage, the fabric, the panel length, and the colour. Dark, thick cloth blocks most light. Measure your window frame and curtain rod first. Then choose panels wider than the glass.

Do Back Tab Curtains Block Light?

Back tab curtains block light only as well as their fabric does. The back tabs are just loops, so they add no shading. A panel with a high light-blocking percentage keeps a bedroom dim for daytime naps. Still, light slips in through the top gap above the rod. It also leaks past the side edges of each panel. A valve covers the top gap. A wraparound rod curves back to the wall and closes the sides. Use one of these fixes if you want back tab curtains for light blocking.

Fabric and Lining

Polyester is the most common fabric in back tab panels, and it dries fast after a cold wash. Linen and faux linen give a soft, relaxed look. Velvet hangs heavier and feels plush, so it suits cosy rooms. Read more in our velvet blackout curtains guide. A triple-weave cloth hides a dark yarn layer inside, so it needs no extra lining. A foam coating is a thin rubber film on the back that stops light. Foam blocks well, but it can feel stiffer than woven layers. A separate liner adds weight and helps the drape.

Thermal and Insulated Options

Thermal panels use thick fabric to slow heat at the glass. In winter, they keep a cold window from chilling the room. In summer, they cut some afternoon heat. Velvet and triple-weave polyester both work well here. Look for the words ‘thermal insulated’ on the listing. Closed panels do the most, so keep the drapes shut on very hot or freezing days.

Size: 84, 96, and 108 inches

Measure from the curtain rod to the floor, then pick your panel length. An 84-inch panel fits many standard windows. A 96-inch panel suits 8-foot ceilings when the rod hangs high. A 108-inch panel fits 9-foot ceilings or very tall glass. Fewer brands make 108-inch sets, so check each size chart. One example is Superior, which lists 52 by 108-inch panels at Walmart. Hang the rod wider than the window frame too. Our Curtain Size Calculator does the math for you.

Colour: Black, White, Grey, and Beige

Black and navy block the most light, so they suit bedrooms. Dark grey gives a calm, modern look with strong shading. Beige feels warm and hides dust well. White brightens a room, but pale fabric lets more light through. Pick your colour after you check the light-blocking percentage.

Best Rooms

A bedroom needs dark, thick panels for sleep. See ideas in our modern blackout curtains for the bedroom guide. A living room can use linen-look panels for a softer style. Heavy velvet also works there and cuts screen glare on movie nights.

Back Tab vs Rod Pocket vs Grommet Curtains

Back tab curtains hide the curtain rod behind neat pleats and slide by hand. Rod pocket curtains bunch on the pole inside a fabric sleeve, so they are the hardest to move. Grommet curtains glide best on metal rings, but they show the rod. Choose the back tab for a tailored header.

Quick Comparison

	Back tab	Rod pocket	Grommet
Header look	Even pleats	Soft gathers	Wide waves
Sliding	Pull by hand	Hardest to slide	Glides on rings
Light gaps	Small top gap above the rod	Sleeve covers the top	Light can pass through ring holes
Rod visibility	Mostly hidden	Hidden inside the sleeve	Fully visible
Best rod	Standard round rod	Slim rod or tension rod	Thick decorative rod

Back Tab vs Rod Pocket Curtains

When you compare back tab vs. rod pocket curtains, start with the header. Back tabs are fabric loops sewn behind the top edge, and they pull the cloth into even pleats. A rod pocket is a closed sleeve that scrunches along the pole into soft gathers. The sleeve also hides the top edge better than loops do. Pocket depth limits rod thickness, so check the listing first. Many sets, like the Deconovo pair, put both styles on one dual header. Read more in our rod pocket blackout curtains guide.

Back Tab vs Grommet Curtains

Grommet panels hang from large metal rings set into the top edge. The rings let the panel glide along the pole with one pull. Back tab loops grip the rod, so you move the fabric by hand. So, are back tab curtains easy to slide? Not as easy as grommets, and a curtain wand can help on tall windows. Grommets also leave small gaps around each ring hole. Pick back tab blackout curtains if you open them rarely and want a clean header. Pick grommets for a sliding glass door you use daily. Compare that style in our grommet blackout curtains guide.

Back Tab Curtains Pros and Cons

Back tab curtains hide the curtain rod, add privacy, and make a neat tailored look. But they are harder to slide, and they can leave a top gap. They are worth buying if you open them rarely. Pick another style if you open them daily.

Advantages of Back Tab Curtains

• Even pleats give the window a neat, tailored look.
• The hidden loops keep the pole mostly out of sight.
• Do back tab curtains provide privacy? Yes, thick blackout fabric stops neighbors from seeing in.
• You need no rings, since the rod slides straight through the loops.

Disadvantages of Back Tab Curtains

• Loops grip the curtain rod, so you move each panel by hand.
• Light slips through the top gap above the rod.
• A valance or wraparound rod hides that gap.
• Thick decorative rods may not fit through small loops.

Are Back Tab Curtains Worth Buying?

Yes, they suit bedrooms where you open the panels rarely. Back tab blackout curtains pair a tailored header with strong light blocking. For a softer dim room, a room darkening panel may be enough. Compare each level in our blackout vs. room darkening vs. light filtering curtains guide.

How to Hang Back Tab Blackout Curtains

To hang back tab blackout curtains, mount the brackets, slide the curtain rod through every back tab, and then lift the rod onto the brackets. Space the tabs evenly and smooth the pleats. The whole job takes about ten minutes.

What You Need

Gather a tape measure, a level, a drill, and a pencil. Grab wall anchors too, in case you miss a stud.

Steps

1. Measure the rod width. Measure your window frame, then add 3 to 6 inches on each side. A wider rod lets blackout back tab curtains cover the side gaps.
2. Mark the hanging height. Hang the rod 4 to 6 inches above the window frame. A high rod also makes the ceiling look taller.
3. Install the brackets. Drill into a stud when you can. Otherwise, use anchors, because heavy velvet back tab blackout curtains need a strong hold.
4. Thread the tabs. Slide the rod through each back tab, one at a time. Learning how to install back tab curtains is easy once you see the loops line up.
5. Space the tabs. Spread the loops evenly along the rod. This keeps the pleats the same size.
6. Lift the rod onto the brackets. Set both rod ends in the brackets, then tighten the finials.
7. Straighten the panels. Pull each panel by hand to smooth the folds. A quick pass with a steamer removes creases from the box.

Quick tip: Check the panel length before you drill. The hem should skim the floor or hover half an inch above it.

How to Attach Blackout Liners to Back Tab Curtain Hooks

To attach a blackout liner, push a pin hook through the liner header, then hook it through the matching back tab. Both layers then hang from one curtain rod. A double rod works too, and it needs no hooks at all.

Option 1: Pin Hooks

Slide one pin hook into the header tape of the detachable liner. Next, push the same hook through the back tab on the curtain. Repeat this for every tab, so the two layers stay lined up. This setup suits blackout curtains’ back tab styles because the liner adds weight and stops more light. A detachable liner also washes on its own.

Option 2: Clip Rings

Clip the liner and the curtain to the same ring. This works when your panel has a flat header. The clips also let you pull the panels open with one hand.

Option 3: Double Rod

Mount a double rod, which holds two poles on one bracket. Hang the liner on the inner pole and the curtain on the outer pole. This keeps the blackout layer close to the glass, so less light slips in.

Final Verdict

Back tab blackout curtains work best when you match the light-blocking percentage, the fabric, and the panel length to your window. For most people, the Deconovo pair is the easiest start, with its triple-weave polyester, seven back tabs, and thermal insulated layer. Choose MIULEE for wide windows, 100% Blackout Shield for a linen look, NICETOWN for black velvet, and Lazzzy for a lined drape. Measure your window frame first, mount the curtain rod wider than the glass, and check the size chart before you order. Then your bedroom gets the dim, cozy sleep space you wanted.

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