Skip Basic Window Curtains: The Modern Alternative From Amazon To Keep Light Out & Add Privacy

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

In some situations, a traditional curtain rod just won't cut it. Whether you're looking for a temporary solution to block light, need a rental-friendly DIY that won't jeopardize your deposit, or have a window in an inconvenient location like a door, drilling into the wall isn't always an option. Luckily, there's an easy solution: RYB Home Blackout French Door Curtains. These adhesive curtains are marketed for doors with windows — after all, who wants to drill a rod mount into something so sturdy — but their uses don't stop there. Just about anywhere you need to block light and gain a bit of privacy, these curtains can come in handy.

The RYB Home curtains don't require any drilling to install. In fact, they don't need a rod at all. Instead, an adhesive strip with a Velcro side is attached to the area above the window. This strip then attaches to a matching Velcro strip on the top of the curtain, securely sandwiching together to create a secure but removable hold. So, once it's time to update your home with new window treatments or move out of your apartment, you can easily remove the existing curtain.

Prices for this adhesive curtain range from $12.68 to $31.95 on Amazon. The main reason for the price differences is the size. These curtains are sold in 24 different sizes, ranging from a slim 8-inch-wide, 32-inch-long option all the way up to a large 42-inch-wide, 72-inch-long panel. Whether you're covering a small doorlight or a massive living room window, you're sure to find a size to fit.

Installing these curtains is incredibly simple, but you should still put in some effort to maintain them properly. Thanks to the Velcro strip along the top, you can remove these curtains and wash them without peeling off the adhesive. The manufacturer recommends a gentle, cool cycle and tumble drying on low. A customer on Amazon noted that their curtains arrived heavily wrinkled, so if yours do too, wash and tumble-dry them to remove the wrinkles. While it has a cottony feel and a linen-like texture, the fabric is polyester, so remember to avoid drying on high heat.

Another convenient characteristic of these curtains is their included tiebacks. Because the curtain isn't on a rod, you'll need to scrunch it upwards to see out of the window. There are two straps already attached to the back of the curtain that can stick to Velcro points on the front, keeping the fabric secure when it's not fully down. The manufacturer recommends folding the fabric up like a fan to create a pretty accordion look when it's not in use, but for a sleeker finish, you could also roll it up before securing it with the tie backs.

If you're worried that your curtains will come tumbling down with this kind of regular handling, the included adhesive strips should provide a very strong hold. The brand recommends letting the adhesive strips cure for around 24 hours before hanging the curtain to ensure a secure attachment. But as long as you're working with a clean, dry surface, you should be good to go.

Customers on Amazon are overall very happy with their purchases. This product has earned 4.5 stars across more than 17,000 ratings, and most reviewers are impressed with how easy it is to install and maintain. The lower ratings mainly come from inconsistencies with the product. For example, one person noted that the colors appeared different in person than in the product photos, and another customer said the measurements were off. 

While slightly inconsistent measurements may not matter to some, it can cause a major issue if you're going for a blackout effect. Customers were overall impressed by the opacity of these curtains, but if they're too small, you could have to deal with light leakage around the edges. To prevent your blackout curtains from letting in too much light, err on the side of caution and try to size up a couple of inches to ensure the window is completely covered.

Despite the sizing issue, the general consensus is quite positive. One Amazon reviewer, along with many others, echoed the same sentiment: "Great product! Easy to install, blocks out fierce afternoon sun coming into my double back doors. Easy to fasten up or let down. Great quick fix if you don't want to drill and hang curtain rods." While no product is perfect, many shoppers view these curtains as a convenient, easy, and affordable fix for a very common problem.