I received this curtain and I was very excited to use it. It’s not a dull black color but it keeps the light out. In Arizona the sun shines bright and these curtains helped me keep the sunlight out and essentially helps lower the bill because it keeps my room nice and cool. The design made me believe it could not possibly be a blackout curtain but when I hung it up it was a total blackout! I recommend this curtain for anyone who wants a blackout curtain but also want to keep a trendy style in your room.