Got them in teal and love them!  They're definitely blackout and oddly they actually do help reduce outside noise - my guy noticed that after he hung them.  I laughed and told him I had read the noise reduction part in the description but brushed it off because that wasn't a concern.  My concerns were color and blackout - the noise reduction is a bonus.  Now let's be reasonable.  I'm in no way suggesting that outside noise is COMPLETELY gone and all things are silent.  It's just a lil "ah ha" thing. 

Onto the blackout features - I  have them hung on windows with and without blinds, and they fit the bill for blackout.  On a sunny day,  if they're closed, you won't know how extra bright it is until you open them.  The first time I experienced that, it confirmed even more that I made the right choice. 

The embossed design and slight sheen is perfect - not overkill.