For a decade, one household has relied on blackout curtains to create a dark, sleep-friendly environment, and their latest purchase—the Sun Zero Nordic 2-pack Grommet Curtain—has proven to be a budget-friendly solution at under $50. The curtains, hung in 2024, have transformed a bedroom facing east, where early sunrises used to disrupt sleep by an hour or two.
The Sun Zero curtains are installed over existing shutters, which were aesthetically pleasing but insufficient for light control. The combination now makes the room "a cave" at night, so much so that the curtains are kept slightly open to allow morning light for waking. This level of darkness also enhances movie nights, as the room can be fully darkened for projector viewing, and the user is considering adding similar curtains to the TV room for better light pollution control.
Color and Size Flexibility
The curtains come in 14 colors, with the reviewer choosing sage green, which turned out to be lighter and more pastel in person than the darker olive shown in the Amazon listing. This color variation was a pleasant surprise for the user, but it could be a consideration for those with specific decor schemes. The curtains are available as singles or pairs, and sizes range from 54 to 120 inches in height, all with a 52-inch width. The 84-inch panels were selected to reach the floor in front of a glass door.
Material and Maintenance
The polyester fabric is described as soft, smooth, and having a subtle sheen, though not luxe. It appears more expensive than its price point suggests. The curtains are machine washable, according to the brand, and the user, who hasn't needed to wash them yet, is confident in the material's durability. After six months of use, the hem showed no signs of wear.
Design and Usability
Grommets allow for precise positioning of each panel, avoiding the bunching common with pocket-style curtains. The grommet spacing is praised for creating neat, accordion-like folds when the curtains are open. The blackout lining is hidden from the front, maintaining a clean look from both sides.
While the curtains are effective, the polyester material may not appeal to those preferring natural or sustainable textiles. The user acknowledges this but is in no hurry to replace them, citing their excellent light-blocking capability, variety of options, and overall aesthetic.
At under $50, these curtains offer a practical and affordable way to improve sleep environments in bedrooms, living rooms, guest rooms, or nurseries. They stand out as a simple upgrade compared to other sleep-related purchases like pillows or sheets.
