I love these curtains. I've owned blackout curtains before and these are very similar in the sense that they are heavy and have a sheen to them. I agree, the white isn't a crips white, and depending on the angle or lighting can look grey. Despite that, I think they loOk very classy and expensive. Unfortunately, they're not long enough for my livingroom Windows so I've put them in my boys' bedroom. They appreciate the blackout feature and I still get to see them. I did look into returning them but that costs nearly $7. I bought 2 sets & sold the other set to a friend instead.