6 Best Blackout Draperies For RV Living Rooms That Slash Energy Costs
Discover our top 6 blackout draperies for RVs. They block light and provide crucial thermal insulation, helping you slash your heating and cooling costs.
You park for the night in a sun-drenched desert spot, and within an hour, your RV living room feels like a sauna, the AC blasting just to keep up. The next morning, the sun streams in at 5 AM, waking you before you’re ready. This is the reality of living with large, poorly insulated RV windows, but a simple upgrade can completely change the game.
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Why Thermal Curtains Are an RV Game-Changer
Your RV’s biggest weakness is its windows. They’re typically single-pane and act as thermal holes, letting precious cool air escape in the summer and warm air in the winter. This is where thermal, or blackout, curtains become one of the most effective upgrades you can make.
Unlike standard decorative curtains, these are engineered for performance. They usually feature a triple-weave fabric or a foam backing that acts as a barrier. This construction does three crucial things: it blocks nearly 100% of incoming light, it reflects solar heat before it can warm your interior, and it creates an insulating air pocket between the curtain and the window.
The result is immediate and noticeable. Your air conditioner or furnace runs less, which directly translates to lower energy consumption whether you’re on shore power or trying to conserve your batteries and propane. Beyond energy savings, you gain a massive boost in privacy and a significant reduction in outside noise—two luxuries you can’t put a price on in a crowded campground.
NICETOWN Grommet Curtains: Top Thermal Performance
When you’re looking for a reliable, all-around performer, NICETOWN is often the first name that comes up. Their curtains are built with a triple-weave technology that sandwiches a high-density black yarn layer between two outer fabric layers. This design is incredibly effective at blocking light and creating a thermal barrier without being overly stiff or heavy.
What makes them a go-to for RVers is the sheer variety of sizes and colors available. Finding a set that fits an odd-sized dinette window or complements your existing decor is far easier than with many other brands. They hang beautifully and provide that pitch-black environment perfect for a midday nap or watching a movie without glare.
The grommet top design is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it makes them incredibly easy to slide open and closed, a huge plus for daily use. On the other, the grommets can allow small slivers of light to peek through at the top. This is easily solved with a small valance or by using a wraparound curtain rod that allows the curtain to curve back against the wall.
This adjustable 1-inch diameter curtain rod extends from 30 to 142 inches, supporting up to 33 pounds without bending. Its elegant matte black finish complements any room and curtain style.
Sun Zero Easton: Maximum Energy Efficiency
If your primary goal is slashing energy costs in extreme weather, Sun Zero is engineered for you. This brand focuses heavily on the technical aspects of thermal insulation, often marketing their products with lab-tested claims on energy savings and light-blocking capabilities. The Easton line is a perfect example of this function-first approach.
These curtains feature a robust thermal lining designed to reflect heat and cold. In a scorching Arizona summer, they create a noticeable temperature difference on the inside of the window. In a chilly mountain winter, they help trap the heat from your furnace right where you want it—inside your living space.
Be prepared for a heavier, more substantial curtain. This weight helps them hang straight and create a solid seal against the wall, but you need to ensure your mounting hardware is up to the task. The flimsy curtain rods that come standard in many RVs won’t cut it; you’ll want to anchor a sturdy rod directly to the wall for support.
Deconovo Room Darkening Thermal Insulated Drapes
Enhance your space with these white room darkening curtains. Featuring thermal insulation and noise reduction, they create a peaceful, comfortable environment while the modern wave dot print adds stylish flair.
Not everyone wants to spend a fortune outfitting their rig. Deconovo hits the sweet spot between affordability and performance, making them an excellent choice for RVers on a budget or those just wanting to test the waters of thermal draperies. They deliver solid light-blocking and insulating properties without the premium price tag.
While they may not block every single photon of light like some of their pricier competitors, they easily achieve 95-98% darkness, which is more than enough for most situations. Their thermal insulation is also a significant step up from standard blinds or valances, providing tangible comfort and energy savings.
One thing to keep in mind is that with most blackout brands, including Deconovo, lighter colors are slightly less effective at blocking light than darker ones. A beige or light gray curtain might allow a faint glow on a bright day, whereas a navy or black curtain will create a true cave-like environment. It’s a small tradeoff for matching your interior aesthetic.
RYB HOME Blackout Curtains for Total Privacy
RYB HOME blackout curtains block up to 95% of light for privacy and better sleep. Their thermal insulation helps regulate room temperature and protect furniture, featuring a convenient 3" rod pocket.
For those who prioritize absolute darkness and privacy, RYB HOME is a fantastic option. Their curtains are known for their dense, high-quality fabric that feels soft to the touch but is ruthless when it comes to blocking light. They are a favorite among full-timers who work night shifts or travel with small children who need to nap during the day.
A key feature that sets RYB HOME apart is that many of their curtains are the same color on both sides. This is a bigger deal than it sounds. Many RV parks have rules requiring window coverings to have a neutral white or off-white appearance from the outside. RYB’s design lets you have a dark, stylish color inside without violating park covenants or dealing with a separate liner.
The thick fabric also provides excellent sound-dampening qualities. While no curtain will soundproof your RV, these will noticeably muffle the noise of nearby generators, late-night arrivals, and early-morning departures. This combination of total blackout, privacy, and noise reduction makes them a powerful tool for creating a serene living space.
Eclipse MyScene Kendall: Modern Style and Function
Living in an RV doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice modern design. Eclipse is a brand that excels at blending contemporary style with high-performance thermal technology. Their MyScene Kendall curtains, for example, often feature subtle textures and modern color palettes that feel more like something from a residential home than a camper.
The magic behind their performance is a proprietary foam-backing process called "ThermaBack." This applied coating creates an impressive barrier against light and temperature transfer. It’s a proven technology that delivers on its promises of energy savings and room darkening, allowing you to have both form and function.
If you’re renovating an older RV or simply want to create a more modern, less "campy" interior, Eclipse is the brand to look at. They prove that you don’t have to choose between a curtain that works well and one that looks good. You can have a stylish, energy-efficient living room that feels like a cozy, well-designed home.
H.VERSAILTEX Linen Look for a Residential Feel
Let’s be honest: the slick, polyester feel of many blackout curtains isn’t for everyone. If you crave a more natural, textured look, H.VERSAILTEX offers thermal curtains with a beautiful linen-like fabric. This allows you to achieve a high-end, residential aesthetic without sacrificing the benefits of insulation.
These curtains provide a softer, more inviting look that can elevate your entire living space. They are still constructed with thermal properties in mind, often using a triple-weave method, so you’re not giving up all the functional benefits. They block a significant amount of light and provide a good thermal barrier.
The tradeoff is that a linen-textured curtain may not offer the same 100% "pitch black" experience as a heavy, foam-backed curtain. However, the difference is often minimal, and for many RVers, the massive improvement in style is well worth it. It’s the perfect choice for the RVer who wants their rig to feel less like a vehicle and more like a home.
Choosing the Right Size and Mount for Your RV
The best curtains in the world won’t work if they’re installed improperly. Measure everything twice. RV windows are notoriously non-standard. For maximum effectiveness, you want the curtain to extend 4-6 inches beyond the window frame on all sides. This overlap is critical for blocking light leaks and creating an insulating seal.
Next, address the mount. The decorative valances and flimsy rods that come with most RVs are rarely strong enough for heavy thermal curtains. The best approach is to remove the factory valance entirely and install a sturdy, residential-style curtain rod. Whenever possible, anchor the brackets into the aluminum wall studs for a secure hold. For a truly professional result, use a wraparound rod that allows the curtain to curve back and touch the wall, eliminating all light from the sides.
Finally, consider the length. While not always practical in a compact RV, floor-length curtains are the most energy-efficient option because they trap a large column of air against the window. If that’s not feasible, ensure your curtains hang at least 4-6 inches below the windowsill to prevent heat from escaping or intruding at the bottom.
Ultimately, upgrading to thermal blackout curtains is one of the highest-impact, lowest-effort modifications you can make to your RV. It’s a small investment that pays dividends in comfort, privacy, and real energy savings. By choosing the right curtain for your specific needs—be it maximum efficiency, budget, or style—you can transform your living space into a more comfortable and functional home on wheels.
