Bamboo Blackout Curtains: Do They Actually Work?

Bamboo curtains as blackout window treatments. We tested 4 brands for actual light blocking and durability over 6 months.

7 min read · Bedroom

What We Found

Pure bamboo woven blinds (without blackout lining) do not provide effective blackout. Light passes through the weave gaps. For true blackout, you need either a fabric blackout curtain layered over bamboo blinds, or bamboo blinds with a thermal lining (which defeats the point of natural bamboo).

The practical recommendation: use bamboo blinds for privacy and partial light reduction (approximately 40-60% light blocking), and add a separate blackout curtain liner if you need complete darkness for shift workers or light-sensitive sleepers.