I tried top rated non-toxic blackout curtains for my sun-drenched bedroom, and I’m sharing the best. The best non toxic curtains are made with natural fibers and without VOCs, PFAS, PVC coatings, acrylic foam backing, flame retardants or chemical treatments.

In a nutshell, the best affordable non-toxic blackout curtains for nurseries and night workers is Sleepout and the best non toxic custom curtains is TwoPages.

My testing method: I tested all the blackout curtains during the summer to see how well they blocked out early morning light as someone who’s sensitive to light. I couldn’t find any guide on the web that’s actually tested blackout curtains in real life, so I decided to create it myself to help others.

Toxins in Curtains

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride): used as a backing coating on synthetic blackout liners; can off-gas VOCs, especially when heated by direct sunlight.
• Phthalates: chemical softeners mixed into polyester to make the fabric more flexible, durable, and colorfast.
• Formaldehyde: used in some fabric finishing processes and one of the substances screened for under OEKO-TEX testing.
• Flame retardants: applied to meet fire-safety codes; linked to endocrine disruption and, per some research, immune and neurodevelopmental effects like ADHD.
• VOCs (volatile organic compounds): released from foam and PVC backings, with off-gassing accelerated by heat and sunlight exposure right where curtains hang.
• Azo dyes: synthetic colorants used for vivid or dark shades; some are classified as carcinogenic and are one of the substances OEKO-TEX and GOTS testing screens out.
• PFAS (“forever chemicals”): sometimes used in stain- or water-resistant finishes.
• BPA: a plastic additive occasionally used in polyester manufacturing.

Are Non Toxic Curtains Better?

• Curtains cover a lot of surface area and hang in rooms where you spend hours breathing that air, so any off-gassing has more opportunity to accumulate indoors.
• Better indoor air quality: natural fabrics like linen and organic cotton don’t off-gas.
• Hypoallergenic and skin-friendly: linen is naturally gentle on skin and helps resist bacterial growth. Look for curtains certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Class I, which means they’ve been tested free of harmful chemicals.
• Safe for kids, babies and pets: sensitive little hands and paws can be in direct contact with curtains or you may want baby-safe curtains in your non-toxic nursery.
• More durable and long lasting: natural fibers like linen is known for its strength and timeless texture that adds depth, warmth, and understated luxury to a room.
• Naturally temp regulating: fabrics like linen and cotton let air pass through more naturally, and linen naturally wicks moisture which makes it great warm months or humid climates.
• Helps with dust prevention and noise reduction: quality linen curtains help prevent dust buildup and can filter out dust and airborne particles.
• A more elegant, elevated look: natural linen and cotton curtains tend looks higher end than cheap synthetic alternatives
• Supports sustainable, lower-impact manufacturing

Materials Used in Blackout Curtains

• Organic cotton: most common front-facing fabric, no pesticide residue if certified
• European flax linen: durable, breathable, popular for higher-end blackout lines
• Hemp: naturally antimicrobial and biodegradable, less common but growing
• Organic silk: not common but used in some higher-end drapery
• Wool: sometimes used for insulating, room-darkening panels
• Natural blackout liners: non-toxic acrylic or cotton-based linings instead of PVC-coated ones (watch out for “natural” lines that still use polyester/polyacrylic blackout liner for full light-blocking without any safety certification). Naural fiber curtains with an acrylic finish should be certified that the finished product has been tested for harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, heavy metals, phthalates, banned azo dyes, and pesticide residues and verified to be safe.

I tried Sleepout Blackout Curtains (budget!)

Sleepout is the ONLY third party tested, non-toxic 100% blackout curtain company that’s got all three GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1, and Certified Safe by Best for Kids certifications. Plus they’re the most affordable option on the market. Sleepout is also the only brand in the world that makes a blackout fabric certified by Greenguard Gold and focuses entirely on safe blackout curtains, nothing else. There’s NO harmful chemicals, azo dyes, PFAS, formaldehyde off-gassing, or phthalates. They’re the best option for truly non toxic curtains for a nursery and our little ones who are most vulnerable.

I tried both Sleepout’s Loop Blackout and Lux Grommet curtains, and I immediately noticed how well made, strong and thick the curtains are. If you’re a night worker and need to sleep during the daytime, Sleepout is your best option. The standard length sizes are very reasonably priced, and they also have a custom luxe version that’s made to order plus portable blackout curtain. Everything is conveniently machine washable, but they’re so thick and heavy, I’ve been spot cleaning to make them last as long as possible. There’s somewhat of a chemicaly smell immediately out of the packaging but it quickly dissipates with the windows open.

Price: $158 for 2 panels (52″x84″) 

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I tried Quince Cotton Velvet True Blackout Curtain

I tried both Quince’s blackout curtain in 100% European flax linen and Cotton Velvet, both of which are OEKO-TEX certified to be non toxic. This is one of the more affordable non toxic curtain on the market and great for families on a budget. Quince offers TONS of choices of standard sizes and colors and all curtains come in Light Filtering, Room Darkening or True Blackout. The annoying part is the how long shipping takes because they ship directly from India and took about 10 days to reach California. Apparently, their prices are so low because they source directly from the same factories that supply luxury retailers and skip the wholesale markup entirely. This also has a chemicaly smell when I took it out of the package, but it quickly disappeared (plus I’ve got some great non-toxic air fresheners). Quince’s linen ones are great for summer but their velvet adds warmth and luxury during fall and winter.

Here’s the full list of Quince’s OEKO-TEX certified curtains:

• European Linen True Blackout Curtain
• European Linen Room Darkening Curtain
• Cotton Velvet True Blackout Curtain
• Luster Velvet True Blackout Curtain

Price: $89.90 for 1 panel (48″x84″) 

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I tried MagicLinen Blackout Linen Curtains

MagicLinen makes blackout curtains made with a 100% European flax linen outer layer and a polyester blackout layer sewn in with a rod pocket header. They’re OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, stonewashed for extra softness and everything is made in-house in Lithuania rather than outsourcing production. These come in three different lengths and four colors (white, gray, beige and woodrose) and the blackout only come in rod pocket but the other curtain styles come in tab top, tie top and pencil pleat headers. I find these to be more lightweight than other non toxic blackout curtains I tried and they do darken the room significantly, about 95% I would say, but not quite heavy duty enough to be a true blackout. I still think it’s a solid option just not for night shift workers who want total blackness during the day. They’ve got that slightly crinkled timeless look of linen but are surprisingly quite smooth and not textured if that’s what you’re looking for. I do love that MagicLinen specializes in everthing linen and offer every textile possible for the home with a focus on sustainability, fair labor, quality and durability.

Price: $139.20 for 1 panel 53″x64″ | $164 for 53″x84″ | $179.20 for 53″x96″

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I tried TwoPages Jawara Linen Cotton Curtains

TwoPages makes THE most customizable non-toxic curtains on the market hands down. They offer 24 different styles of certified non-toxic curtains that are customizable across 38 colors, hanging header styles, linings, tiebacks and body memory shaping. I chose the Jawara style because it’s made of 73% linen and 27% cotton, offering the best of both worlds – the breathable and naturally antibacterial properties of linen plus the durability of cotton. I find these have a nice midweight feel, look and feel sturdy and luxurious, have a nice tactile textured feel to them. I blind chose the White shade without ordering fabric samples and was worried it might be too bright or stark, but it’s a really soft elevated white. They shipped to me relatively very quickly too. Since each item is custom made it can take a little longer but their most popular style Liz Linen ships within 5 days, while the other styles can take around 7 to 12 days to make.

Here’s the full list of all their OEKO-TEX Certified non-toxic curtains:

Price: depends on customization

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Nordic Knots The Grand Wool Curtain

Nordic Knots makes luxury custom curtains from 100% certified non-toxic and natural fibers like linen, wool, silk, cashmere and cotton with the entire line carrying OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification. They’re priced on the premium end with The Sheer starting at $195 and The Jacquard at $445 per panel. Each can be custom-sized to your desired width and length, with a choice of no lining, privacy, or full blackout (except The Sheer curtain).

These are all the curtain types they offer:

• The Sheer / Sheer Linen: Ultra-lightweight fabrics designed to diffuse daylight
• The Sheer Stripe: Fine, woven vertical stripes crafted from a delicate natural blend of wool, silk, and cashmere.
• The Grand: A heavy, pure wool curtai
• The Jacquard: An artistic drapery line showcasing subtle, expressive patterns woven directly into natural wool fibers.
• The Shade: A cotton-linen blend fabric
• The Studio Linen: A midweight 100% linen curtain that is piece-dyed
• The Triple Stripe: A structured cotton-linen fabric with three vertical contrast lines along the border.
• The Cardigan: A heavy, tightly woven textile featuring geometric jacquard patterns built into the weave.
• The Velvet: A thick 100% cotton velvet drape with a subtle matte sheen

I tried TwoPages Bamboo Shades

If you’re looking for non toxic and natural fiber shades, TwoPages makes the best bamboo shades on the market. They’re woven from natural fibers like bamboo, jute, and flax (sometimes blended with ramie or paper) rather than fabric, and you can get them in light-filtering, room-darkening, or full-blackout versions with a motorized option available. Like the Jawara curtains, they’re fully custom-sized, and there’s a no-drill install option plus a built-in valance and your choice of cordless, corded, or motorized lift. I have their Rae Natural Ramie Flax Woven Wood Shade (that’s a mouthful!) and it’s made from 50% ramie, 40% kenaf, and 10% bamboo. I got them with a white edge binding (they’ve got tons of colors to choose from) so they last longer, and will update this post with how they hold up over time.

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