West Elm Worn Velvet Blackout Curtain: Expert Review & Buyer's Guide
By Ben Carter
9.2
Consumers Best Verdict: West Elm Worn Velvet Blackout Curtain Highlights
West Elm’s worn velvet reads rich without being shiny, and the blackout lining does the heavy lifting. You get real dim-down power, a quieter feel (not silent, let’s be real), and a tailored hang thanks to well-placed back tabs and a sturdy header. Value leans premium, but the brand’s reputation and consistent build quality help it earn the nod from Consumer's Best.
If you want blackout that doesn’t look “blackout,” the West Elm Worn Velvet Blackout Curtain nails it. The drape is lush, the light control is legit, and the room just feels finished. It’s not the cheapest panel in the aisle—far from it—but the combo of texture, weight, and performance makes it a smart splurge. My take: for bedrooms and media spaces, it’s the kind of upgrade you notice every single night.
In-Depth Look: West Elm Worn Velvet Blackout Curtain Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
Here’s what stood out in everyday use—morning sun, afternoon glare, the occasional nap, and yes, the movie-night test.
Serious blackout performance
The lined velvet blocks most incoming light, making early sunrises and streetlamps a non-issue for sleep or screen time.
Thermal help you can feel
That dense velvet plus lining softens drafts and helps stabilize room temps a touch—handy across seasons.
Luxe texture, lived-in vibe
The worn velvet has a matte, vintage feel that looks upscale without screaming formal. It dresses a room instantly.
Flexible hanging options
Back tabs and a pole pocket let you pick your look—clean pleats or easy slide—without wrestling hardware.
Quality construction
Weighty fabric, neat stitching, and a proper hem give the panel a tailored fall and fewer ripples out of the box.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- Premium price tag
You’re paying for design and materials. If you need multiple wide windows covered, costs add up fast.
- Care is typically dry-clean only
Velvet + lining usually means no toss-in-the-wash convenience; factor in maintenance.
- Not a soundproofing solution
It softens noise, sure, but city hum and hallway echoes won’t magically vanish.
- Velvet shows lint and pet hair
Looks stunning, but it will ask for a lint roller—and color tone can look different in daylight vs. evening.
Who Is the West Elm Worn Velvet Blackout Curtain Best For?
Light-sensitive sleepers
Need a darker bedroom or nursery without installing shades? These panels get you close to pitch-black comfort.
Design-first decorators
You want blackout benefits without sacrificing style—the worn velvet texture reads custom, not contractor.
Renters and DIY upgraders
Quick install with a rod, big visual payoff, zero drilling into the window frame—done and done.
Home theaters and offices
Cut glare for movie nights or Zoom calls where daylight wrecks your screen.
Seasonal comfort seekers
You’re chasing a cozier winter and a cooler summer with a soft thermal assist from heavy fabric.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- Budget-focused buyers
Need blackout on multiple windows without the splurge? Consider value panels from big-box brands.
- Low-maintenance households
Prefer machine-washable curtains? Look for performance polyester or twill blackout options.
- Minimalist, linen-first aesthetics
If velvet feels too plush, try linen-look or cotton blackout with a lighter, airy hand.
- Tricky windows or custom widths
Odd sizes may fit better with made-to-measure drapery or tailored shades.
