Not only are these blackout, but they seem to block noise as well. I'm not sure if they could damper a city street, but we don't hear the loud sunrise birds chirping as we used to, which my husband greatly appreciates. The off-white is not as bright white as other reviewers had suggested, and they don't exactly match my pure white trim. However, the quality is high and we plan to keep them. They are reminiscent of a wedding dress, luxurious, regal, yet simple. Photo taken 1 week out of the box, no steaming.