Best Extra Wide Blackout Curtains for Large Windows

Last Update: April 2025

Hi there! I'm James, the owner of Dolcewe.com. For over 10 years, we've made custom size curtains for homes across the country. Today, I want to help you find the best blackout curtains for your large windows.

Do you have big windows that let in too much light? Are you tired of waking up too early? I know how frustrating this can be. Let me share what I've learned from helping thousands of customers solve this exact problem.

Key Takeaways

Why You Need Blackout Curtains for Large Windows

Superior Light Blocking

Blackout curtains & drapes create total darkness in your room. This is great for:

• Better sleep, even during the day
• Shift workers who need to sleep when it's light out
• Nurseries so babies can nap
• Home theaters for movie watching
• Preventing early morning sun from waking you up

Blackout thermal curtains create a dark, peaceful environment, promoting better sleep by blocking out disruptive light from street lamps, early sunrises, or passing cars

One customer told me: Your blackout curtains helped my night-shift nurse husband sleep during the day for the first time in years!

Enhanced Privacy and Security

Large windows let people see inside your home. Blackout curtains:

• Completely cover big windows
• Prevent nosy neighbors from peeking in
• Make you feel safe and hidden
• Are perfect for street-facing rooms and bedrooms

Improved Temperature Control

The thick fabric of blackout curtains insulates your windows. This means:

• Less heat comes in during the summer
• Warmth stays inside during winter
• You might save money on AC and heating

Tip: Opt for thick fabrics like velvet curtains or chenille curtain panels for a better thermal effect. 

Noise Reduction

Because blackout curtains are so dense, they reduce outside noise too. They make your home:

• Quieter
• More peaceful
• Great if you live on a busy street or in the city

How to Choose the Right Size Blackout Window Curtains for Large Windows  

Getting the size right is key for blackout curtains. Wrong sizes lead to light leaks and poor look.

Width Matters Most

For blackout curtains to work well, they must be wide enough.

Your curtains should be 1.5 to 3 times wider than your window. This allows them to:

• Close fully without gaps
• Look full and luxurious, not stretched out

For example, if your large window measures 72 inches wide, you would want curtains with a combined width of at least 144 inches (72 inches x 2).

Two extra-wide 100-inch panels would provide about 200 inches of total width, offering ample coverage and a visually appealing fullness.

Remember, these width guidelines apply to the total width of all the curtain panels used to cover the window.

So, if you're using multiple panels, each panel can be narrower, as long as the combined width falls within the recommended range.  Many stores only sell standard sizes. At Dolcewe, we make curtains to fit your exact windows.

Standard Curtain Lengths

The right length depends on your style and needs:

• Sill length: Ends at the window sill
• Below sill: Extends 4-6 inches below the sill
• Floor length: Stops 1/2 inch above the floor
• Puddle length: Extra fabric pools on the floor

For blackout purposes, floor length works best. It stops light from coming in at the bottom.

Curtain Sizes for Common Large Windows

Most curtains come in these lengths:

• 84 inches (213 cm)
• 96 inches (244 cm)
• 108 inches (274 cm)

If your window doesn't perfectly match these sizes, it's generally recommended to opt for a longer length rather than a shorter one. This allows for more installation flexibility and ensures adequate coverage.

At Dolcewe, our curtains are made to measure to fit your unique windows. Check our free curtains size calculator for help.

Measuring for Curtains

To get the right size, measure your window like this:

1. Measure the width and multiply it by 1.5-3
2. Measure from the top to where you want them to end (sill, floor, or puddle on the floor)
3. Round up to the closest standard size or get custom made

When in doubt, go for slightly larger curtains than your measurements. This will provide better light control and a more luxurious appearance.

Best Fabrics for Truly Dark Rooms

Not all blackout curtains are the same. The fabric makes a big difference in how well they work.

Triple-Weave Technology: The best blackout curtains have three layers. This blocks almost 100% of light.

Thermal Insulation: Look for curtains with foam backing. These block light and save energy.

Velvet and Suede: These thick materials block light naturally. They also look fancy in your room.

At Dolcewe, our most popular blackout fabric is our Premium Thermal Blackout. It blocks 99% of light and comes in 40+ colors.

A tip from my years of experience: Darker colors block light better than light colors. But light colors reflect heat better in hot climates.

How to Install Blackout Curtains for No Light Leaks

Even the best curtains can let light in if not hung right. These tips will help you get total darkness:

Hang curtains high and wide

Mount your curtain rod at least 6 inches above your window. Extend it 8-10 inches past each side.

Use wraparound rods

These curve back to the wall. They stop light from coming in at the edges.

Check your curtain heading

Rod pocket and back tab styles block light better than grommets.

Consider Ceiling Mounts

For the best light blocking, mount curtains to the ceiling. This covers the entire wall area. Our Mira and Nala ceiling mount track are study enough for heavy curtains.

Have you seen those annoying light halos around your curtains? This happens when the rod is too close to the window. Moving it out just a few inches fixes this problem.

Layering Techniques for Style and Function

Do you want light control and style? Try layering your curtains. This gives you more options.

Blackout + Sheer Combination

Use blackout curtains with sheer panels. This lets you have privacy with some light during the day.

Double-Rod Systems

These hold two sets of curtains. You can open or close each layer as needed.

Here's how I set up layered curtains in my own bedroom:

1. Install a double curtain rod
2. Put sheer curtains on the inside rod
3. Hang blackout curtains on the outside rod
4. Open blackout curtains during day for filtered light
5. Close both at night for total darkness and privacy

This setup gives you the most control over light and privacy.

Common Problems and Smart Solutions

After helping thousands of customers, I've seen all the common issues. Here are fixes for the most frequent problems:

Light Leaking Through Fabric: Some blackout curtains still let light through. Look for triple-weave fabrics with black middle layer.

Side Light Leaks: Use wider curtains and wraparound rods. Make sure curtains extend well past window frame.

Top Light Leaks: Mount curtains higher or use valances to block light from above.

Bottom Light Gaps: Choose floor-length curtains or add a weighted hem to keep curtains against the wall.

One customer had a south-facing bedroom with three large windows. She tried store-bought blackout curtains but still woke up at sunrise. After switching to our custom-sized blackout curtains with proper mounting, she gained an extra hour of sleep each morning!

Why Custom Size Matters for Large Windows

Standard curtains often don't work well for big windows. Here's why custom curtains make sense:

1. Perfect Width: No need to buy multiple panels and overlap them

2. Exact Length: No hemming or puddles unless you want them

3. Better Light Blocking: Made to fit your specific windows

4. Professional Look: Curtains that fit right look more expensive

Custom doesn't mean expensive. Our custom blackout curtains start at just $26.99. The small extra cost saves you time and frustration.

Shop Extra Long And Extra Wide Blackout Curtains at Dolcewe

At Dolcewe.com, we have a huge selection of custom blackout curtains:

• Lots of styles, fabrics, colors, and patterns
• Customizable headers like grommet, rod pocket, back tab, and pleated
• Curtains are made to measure just for your windows
• Prices start at only $26.99
• Free shipping over $199
• Extra 10% off when you sign up for an account

I hope this guide helps you find the best extra wide blackout curtains for your large windows.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. At Dolcewe, we're always happy to help!