Blackout curtains are a popular choice for people who want to block out light and create a dark, cozy environment in their bedrooms, media rooms, or nurseries. One important factor to consider when choosing blackout curtains is their color. While blackout curtains are commonly available in darker colors like black, navy, and dark gray, they can also be found in lighter shades such as beige, ivory, and white. Some people believe that darker colors are more effective at blocking out light, while others prefer lighter colors for a softer, more subtle look. Ultimately, the color of your blackout curtains comes down to personal preference and the overall aesthetic of your space.

Thanks we do have room on the sides. We also already have light filtering shades that are supposed to filter out 99% of the light. However there's still way too much light that comes through in the morning especially since the sun rises right in the window. We need blackout curtains in order to be able to sleep. They would be mostly pulled during the day so I'm not too worried about how they would look when closed. I'm afraid panels wouldn't work because light might come in where the two panels meet.

Blackout curtains are great, but you need to look at all the edges, as that is where light will leak out. In my experience that means: A pelmet on the top. Either one curtain or make sure they overlap where they meet in the middle. The curtains need to extend well beyond he window at each side. The rail that Sharon has posted looks a good idea too. Floor length sounds like a good idea, as long as you are not covering a radiator. Most radiators are situated directly below the window, so you end up blocking the heat. We have curtains that fall just below the window and tuck them between the radiator and wall. Aesthetically not ideal, but if you're asleep, who cares? Better than waking up to a cold room. A more expensive option is metal roller blinds fitted into the window frame.

I usually use blinds for the actual blackout and then the drapes added. If you post a pic of your bedroom you will get more help.