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The Best 72 Inch Wide Blackout Curtains for Total Light Blocking

Finding curtains wide enough to cover large windows or sliding glass doors can be a challenge. Standard window treatments rarely suffice for anything over 60 inches. But blackout curtains 72 inches wide or larger provide the ideal solution, offering full coverage for maximum darkness and privacy.

We'll also review top-rated blackout curtains sized 72 inches and share tips for getting the best performance from these room-darkening window coverings.

How Do Blackout Curtains Block Light?

Blackout curtains prevent light infiltration through intelligent construction. While regular drapes may look nice, only opaque curtains designed to stop light will banish unwanted brightness.

Tight Weaves and Multiple Layers

Quality blackout curtains utilize tightly woven fabric, often with a backing for extra blockage. Light struggles to penetrate the small holes between threads, keeping rooms dark. Mixing sheer and layered panels also hinders brightness.

72 inch wide blackout curtains

Built-In Liners

Many blackout drapes feature built-in linings for improved light blocking. These linings act as an inner barrier, trapping rays that get past the outer curtain. The liner also helps insulate for sound and temperature control.

Heavyweight Fabrics

Thicker, denser materials leave less space for light to shine through. Heavier curtains also hold their shape better with repeated opening/closing. The weight and fullness of 72 inch wide blackout curtains enhances coverage across large windows.

What Rooms Benefit From Blackout Curtains?

Certain rooms stand to gain the most from complete light blocking. Here are prime spots to install 72 inch wide blackout curtains.

Bedrooms

Blackout bedroom curtains encourage better sleep by creating a darker environment. This allows the body to produce melatonin and slip into deeper sleep cycles. For early risers, these curtains also prevent disruptively bright dawn light.

Home Theaters

By fully blocking external light, blackout theater curtains heighten the movie-viewing experience. Darker surrounds increase screen contrast for crisper picture quality and color accuracy.

Nurseries

Infants sleep best in near-total darkness. Light blocking nursery curtains replicate womb-like conditions for more restful napping. Lengthy daytime sleep also relies on an extremely dark room.

Offices

Workplace productivity thrives without visual distractions. Blackout office curtains prevent stray light from diverting focus during critical projects requiring deep concentration.

Factors To Consider When Shopping

All blackout curtains aim for darkness, but quality and design varies. Keep these factors in mind when selecting 72 inch wide blackout curtains.

Window Measurements

Precision measurements ensure proper coverage without light gaps. Consider the total width from wall-to-wall. For floor length, measure from the top of the rod's planned hanging spot down to where you want the curtains to end.

Hanging Weight

Larger blackout curtains hold more material, increasing their weight. Make sure your existing hardware can support heavier window treatments. Curtain rods, tracks, and wall anchors may require upgrades to avoid sagging.

Fabric Type

Look for opaque, tightly woven, and richly colored fabrics that offer the best light blocking for blackout curtains. Materials like polyester, velvet, fleece, and layered blends excel at keeping rays out.

Pattern and Color Options

Despite room darkening prowess, blackout curtains shouldn't skimp on style. Many feature attractive patterns, colors, and detailing for coordination with existing decor. Sheer or light filtering upper panels also allow some personalization.

Price Point

Costs range widely for 72 inch blackout curtains based on fabrics used and overall quality. However, sturdy construction and custom sizing for wider windows bumps most into a mid-to-upper pricing tier. Focus value over bargain hunting.

Insulation Value

Blackout curtains utilizing dense, heavyweight fabrics provide insulation against cold/heat. This also dampens outside noise. Thermal effectiveness depends on curtain quality and seam tightness. Consider energy efficiency needs based on climate and room location.

Reviews of The Top Blackout Curtains

The best 72 inch wide blackout curtains balance aesthetics, effectiveness, and durability. After extensive testing, these products topped our list.

Top Pick Overall: Chamberlain Blackout Curtains

We found the Chamberlain Heavy Duty Blackout Curtains ideal for rooms needing total darkness. Available in 19 colors/patterns and designed specifically for large windows, these curtains excel at blocking light. Built-in liners provide additional light and noise control. Premium crisp cotton construction ensures these curtains withstand frequent use without sacrificing style.

Runners Up: NICETOWN Blackout Curtains, H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains

For a less expensive option, NICETOWN Blackout Curtains offer similar light blocking in a range of sizes beyond 72 inches wide. We liked the thermal insulation and noise reduction from these budget-friendly curtains. H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains also impressed with triple weave construction for maximum opacity. The upgraded curtain headers add further functionality.

Honorable Mentions: Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains, AmazonBasics Blackout Curtains

Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains deliver solid bang-for-buck at the lowest price point. Despite the budget price, build quality remains respectable. For sheer value, also consider AmazonBasics Blackout Curtains. Their room darkening ability outperforms expectations given the very reasonable cost.

Installation Tips for Proper Functionality

Hanging 72 inch wide blackout curtains requires precision for optimal coverage and light blocking. Follow these tips to ensure your curtains function correctly.

Mounting the Curtain Rod

Reinforce walls with additional fasteners when mounting rods for larger blackout curtains. Extend brackets 2-3 inches beyond window frames. Mount overhead rods at least 4-6 inches above the window itself. For custom styles, adhere strictly to included hardware instructions.

Hanging the Curtains Evenly

Utilize rings, grommets, back tabs, or clips spaced evenly across the curtain top when hanging. Pull the fabric taught on the rod or track to prevent bunching or sagging in areas. Length should fully cover the window without dragging, but high enough not to reveal any gap when closed.

Securing the Edges Against Light Gaps

Side hems, overlapped fabric lengths, velcro strips, or weighted hems help seal blackout curtains tightly where they meet in the middle or at window edges. Proper use of included fasteners prevents the sneakiest light penetration points.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Handle wide blackout curtains with care to maintain appearance and performance. Here's how to keep them looking their best.

Regular Vacuuming

Vacuum panels and hems every 2-3 months using a soft brush head. This prevents buildup of dust, pet hair and other debris that could allow light past the fabric over time.

Following Fabric Care Instructions

Check tag recommendations before attempting to clean stains or wash blackout curtains. Some may require professional treatments. Others can withstand gentle machine washing and air drying. Take care not to damage any integrated light blocking membranes.

Spot Treating When Needed

Dampen a clean rag to dab most blackout curtain stains. Avoid harsh scrubbing. For tougher spots, spray an appropriate cleaner directly onto the stain, let sit briefly, then wipe gently away from center. Rinse and air dry before rehanging.

Replacing Damaged Curtains

Light blocking effectiveness depends on curtain integrity. Inspect frequently for holes, warped grommets, sagging fabric or broken fasteners. Replace any 72 inch wide blackout curtains at the first signs of damage or poor functioning.

When standard window treatments fail, blackout curtains 72 inches wide or larger handle the toughest brightness blocking jobs. As we've discussed, their intelligent construction, fabric density, and custom sizing creates rooms of complete darkness.

Ensure you follow accurate measuring and installation steps for the best coverage across your wide windows. Properly maintained, these room darkening curtains deliver top-tier light blocking performance for years of deep, restful sleep and distraction-free productivity right in your own home.