Really do like these, however, they are not complete blackout curtains. There is still plenty of light shining through the top and sides. Perhaps ensuring a wraparound curtain rod instead of a traditional rod would improve the effect. It still has darkened the room considerably, but when you want total darkness, you want no rays coming through.  Still, I'm very happy, and I'll be keeping them. They seem to have some benefits with keeping the room cooler. I live in Texas, and I have no trees around my bedroom that has two large windows and a patio window. So it's definitely better than before.