Quick answer: choose blackout curtains by the height you need to cover. Window curtains are 5 ft (152 cm), door curtains 7 ft (213 cm), semi-long door curtains 8 ft (244 cm) and long door curtains 9 ft (274 cm). For full darkness, buy enough panels to cover 1.5 to 2 times the rod width, plus one extra panel so the edges overlap.
What blackout curtains do (and when you need them)
Blackout curtains are made from a dense, opaque fabric that blocks most daylight and some of the heat coming through a window. They are the right choice for:
- Bedrooms, especially if you sleep in after sunrise or work night shifts
- Kids' rooms, for afternoon naps
- West-facing rooms that heat up in the afternoon sun
- Home theatres and TV rooms, to cut glare on the screen
For a living room where you want soft daylight with privacy, sheer curtains are usually the better pick. Many homes use both: sheers for the day and blackout curtains for the night.
Blackout curtain sizes: which length do you need?
| Size | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Window | 5 ft (152 cm) | Standard windows, ending at or just below the sill |
| Door | 7 ft (213 cm) | Standard doors, or floor-length curtains on a window |
| Semi-long door | 8 ft (244 cm) | Slightly taller doors, or when the rod is mounted high |
| Long door | 9 ft (274 cm) | High ceilings, French doors and balcony doors |
Our faux silk blackout curtains come as a set of 2 panels in all four lengths, so you can match windows and doors in the same colour.
How to measure in 3 steps
- Fix the rod height. Mount the rod 4 to 6 inches above the window or door frame. This stops light leaking over the top, which matters more for blackout curtains than for any other kind.
- Measure the length. Measure from the rod down to where the curtain should end: the sill for windows, or about 1 inch above the floor for doors. Pick the nearest size from the table above.
- Measure the width. Measure the full rod width, including 6 to 8 inches extra on each side of the frame. Plan panels that add up to 1.5 to 2 times that width, then add one panel for blackout so the edges overlap.
Our curtain size guide has more examples for different window and door types.
How many panels do you need?
- Narrow window or single door: 1 set (2 panels)
- Wide window or double door: 2 sets (3 to 4 panels)
- Balcony door or large picture window: 2 or more sets (4+ panels)
Choosing a colour
Darker colours look richer and hide light leaks at the edges better. Lighter colours keep a small room feeling open even when the curtains are drawn.
- Navy Blue Blackout Curtains: calm and classic for bedrooms, from ₹1,009
- Black Blackout Curtains: the darkest option, ideal for TV rooms, from ₹1,009
- Beige Blackout Curtains: a light, neutral look that suits any wall colour, from ₹999
- Maroon Blackout Curtains: warm and rich for bedrooms, from ₹1,149
- Purple Blackout Curtains: a bold accent colour, from ₹1,149
See every colour and size in our blackout curtains collection.
Frequently asked questions
What size are blackout curtains for a door?
Standard door blackout curtains are 7 ft (213 cm). Use 8 ft for slightly taller doors and 9 ft for balcony doors or high ceilings.
What size are blackout curtains for a window?
Window blackout curtains are 5 ft (152 cm). For a floor-length look on a window, use 7 ft curtains and mount the rod higher.
Do blackout curtains block all light?
The fabric blocks most daylight. Some light can still come in around the edges, so mount the rod above the frame, extend it past the sides and use an extra panel so the curtains overlap.
Do blackout curtains keep a room cooler?
They block much of the direct sunlight that heats a room, which helps most in west-facing rooms in the afternoon.
How do I wash blackout curtains?
Follow the wash instructions on each product page. As a general rule, wash separately in cold water on a gentle cycle and dry in shade.
Buy blackout curtains online from Story@Home
Free delivery across India, cash on delivery available, and orders dispatched within 24 hours. Shop blackout curtains.
