Blackout vs. Room Darkening Curtains: The Airbnb Host’s Guide to Better Guest Sleep

Room Darkening vs. Blackout Curtains: What Every Airbnb Host Needs to Know

Let’s talk curtains, because yes, they actually matter.

If you’ve ever stayed in an Airbnb where the morning sun blasted through the windows at 6 AM, you know how something as simple as curtain choice can make or break a guest's experience.

As an Airbnb host, your job isn’t just to provide a clean bed, it’s to create a space where guests feel at ease, well-rested, and ready to leave a five-star review. One small but mighty detail that plays into that? The type of curtains you use.

So if you’ve been wondering whether to go with room darkening curtains or blackout curtains for your short-term rental, consider this your Airbnb Host’s Guide to Better Guest Sleep—a breakdown of what works, where, and why it matters.

First, What’s the Real Difference?

Room Darkening Curtains

These are your go-to when you want to dim the room without making it pitch black. They block out about 70–80% of natural light, offering a cozy, comfortable vibe. Think of them as the middle ground between sheer curtains and full blackout panels.

Great for:

• Living rooms

• Dining areas

• Kitchens

• Any space where you want light, just not too much of it

Blackout Curtains

These mean business. Blackout curtains are designed to block 100% of light (yes, even that annoying streetlamp outside). They’re made with heavier or layered fabrics that also offer better insulation and noise reduction.

Perfect for:

• Bedrooms (especially if you want happy, well-rested guests)

• Home theaters or media rooms

• Nurseries or nap-friendly spaces

Which One Is Better for Airbnb Hosts?

The truth is: it depends on the room and the experience you want to offer.

At BNB Guardians, we teach our Airbnb coaching students that thoughtful design isn’t about going over the top, it’s about smart, functional decisions that maximize guest comfort and minimize complaints.

Here’s how we think about curtain strategy:

Bedrooms = Blackout

Guests expect a good night’s sleep. In fact, it’s one of the most-mentioned topics in Airbnb reviews. Blackout curtains make sure early sunrises or bright city lights don’t ruin your guest’s rest. This alone can boost your Airbnb ratings and occupancy.

Common Areas = Room Darkening

In places like the living room or dining area, a little natural light is good! Room darkening curtains give you that happy medium—privacy and light control without creating a cave.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Curtains for Your STR: Airbnb Host’s Guide to Better Guest Sleep

1. Durability & Maintenance

Your curtains will see a lot of action. Look for machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant materials that can handle wear and tear. You don’t want to be replacing them every few months.

2. Aesthetics Matter

Curtains can make your space feel high-end or cheap real fast. Choose neutral colors or soft patterns that blend with your existing decor. Think “hotel chic,” not college dorm.

3. Light Control by Room

• Bedrooms: Go full blackout

• Living rooms/kitchens: Room darkening is usually enough

• Media rooms: Blackout for optimal viewing

4. Cost-Effectiveness

You don’t need $500 curtains to impress guests. Some of the best-performing options are budget-friendly and easy to find on Amazon.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

If you're new to Airbnb or struggling to boost your listing's performance, it might surprise you how often small upgrades like curtains show up in glowing (or critical) reviews.

Better Sleep = Better Reviews

Guests value rest. And when you help them sleep soundly, they’re far more likely to rate you five stars.

Privacy + Comfort = More Bookings

Your photos and your vibe should scream comfortable, private, peaceful. High-quality window treatments help you nail that.

Thoughtful Details Set You Apart

Anyone can throw a bed in a room and list it. But successful hosts—like the ones we coach at BNB Guardians understand that strategic design choices create the kind of guest experience that leads to repeat bookings and referrals.

Pro tip: We use Guesty to automate our Airbnb operations, but physical touches like this are what keep guests happy and coming back.

Final Thoughts: Make Smart Design Part of Your Airbnb Strategy

The curtains you choose aren’t just window dressing. They’re part of your Airbnb strategy, and they directly impact guest comfort, reviews, and occupancy.

If you’re just starting your Airbnb journey or want to level up your listing without spending a fortune—small upgrades like these are the way to go.

And if you're feeling overwhelmed with all the moving parts of hosting, you don’t have to do it alone.

Need Help With Airbnb?

Whether you're launching your first listing or scaling to your fifth, BNB Guardians can help. ✅ Join our Airbnb Host Academy on Skool ✅ Book call with our team and get step-by-step Airbnb coaching that helps you grow, without burning out

Let’s turn your short-term rental into a stress-free, income-generating machine!