Crank-out windows open outward, so the right window covering needs to block light without getting in the way of the handle or sash. A cut-to-fit blackout shade attached to the glass or a flat part of the frame can be a practical choice when a curtain rod would interfere with the window. For a softer, more permanent look, a rod-mounted curtain may work if you have enough clearance. These picks include both options, with different sizes and attachment methods to help you find a fit for your window.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Size | Attachment style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sumobaby Portable Blackout Curtain | Large windows and cut-to-fit coverage | 50 x 60 inches | Hook-and-loop tape |
| Sumobaby 24 x 36-Inch Blackout Cover | Small windows and travel | 24 x 36 inches | Adhesive magic tape |
| OTUOER Cut-to-Size Blackout Blind | Custom-fit coverage | 42 x 60 inches | Adhesive fasteners |
| Tlany Portable Blackout Cover | Wide or unusually shaped windows | 70 x 58 inches | Adhesive hook-and-loop strips |
| NICETOWN Room-Darkening Curtain Panel | A traditional drapery look | 42 x 63 inches per panel | Grommets for a curtain rod |
Our Picks: Best Curtains For Crank Out Windows reviews
1. Sumobaby 50 x 60-Inch Portable Blackout Curtain for Flexible Coverage
This cuttable blackout cover is a useful option when a conventional curtain rod might obstruct a crank handle or an outward-opening sash. It measures 50 by 60 inches and attaches with the included hook-and-loop tape, so you can place it on a suitable flat surface such as glass, a wall, or an aluminum window frame.
The fabric combines high-density black polyester with a reflective silver coating. The manufacturer describes it as fully blackout, and its cut-to-fit design lets you shape it around a window that does not match a standard curtain size. For a close fit, measure carefully and leave a little extra material rather than cutting it too small.
It may suit bedrooms, nurseries, or other spaces where blocking light matters more than having a decorative drape. It is also portable, which can be handy if you need a temporary cover. A practical limitation is that the adhesive tape needs a clean, flat surface, and a fabric panel attached around the sash may need to be removed before opening the window.
Compared with the smaller Sumobaby option, this one provides more material for a larger opening. It is a straightforward pick if you want blackout coverage and do not need the traditional look of curtain panels.
Pros:
- Large panel can be trimmed to fit different window shapes.
- Reflective coating and dense fabric are designed to block light.
- Includes 15 pairs of hook-and-loop tape.
- Lightweight and portable for temporary use.
Cons:
- Adhesive installation may not suit textured or uneven surfaces.
- May need to be detached to operate or fully open the window.
Verdict: Choose this Sumobaby cover if you need a sizable, cut-to-fit blackout option and have a flat surface for the tape.
2. Sumobaby 24 x 36-Inch Blackout Cover for Small Windows
This smaller portable blackout cover is sized for windows that do not need a large panel. At 24 by 36 inches, it can be a more manageable choice for a compact crank-out window, provided you measure the glass or frame area you want to cover before ordering.
The black polyester fabric has a reflective silver coating, and the panel can be cut to fit different shapes. It comes with 10 adhesive magic-tape squares for drill-free installation. The manufacturer says the acrylic tape is heat resistant and designed to come off without residue, but the surface and installation conditions can affect how well adhesive holds.
The compact size makes this a practical option for travel, an RV, or a small bedroom window. Its main trade-off is coverage: it may not be large enough for a wider window, and trimming leaves no extra fabric if you cut too much. As with other attached covers, plan how you will reach the crank and open the sash.
Compared with the 50-by-60-inch Sumobaby cover, this version is easier to carry and better suited to smaller openings, but it offers less room to cover an oversized window.
Pros:
- Compact panel is easy to transport and store.
- Can be cut to suit a range of window shapes.
- Includes 10 adhesive tape squares for installation.
- Designed for blackout coverage and added privacy.
Cons:
- May be too small for medium or large windows.
- Adhesive attachment requires a suitable surface.
Verdict: This is a sensible pick for a small crank-out window or travel use when its compact dimensions match your measurements.
3. OTUOER 42 x 60-Inch Cut-to-Size Blackout Blind
The OTUOER blackout cover is a no-drill alternative to a rod-mounted curtain. Its 42-by-60-inch panel is designed to be measured, trimmed, and attached with adhesive fasteners. That approach can work well for a crank-out window where keeping the area around the handle clear is important.
The product is described as portable and removable, with a lightweight, foldable design for use at home or while traveling. The ability to cut the material is helpful for nonstandard window shapes, but accurate measuring is essential. Cut gradually and check the fit before removing more material, since an undersized panel can leave gaps around the edges.
This option may suit renters or anyone looking for a temporary darkening solution without drilling. The listed details do not specify the exact type or quantity of fasteners, so check the product listing for the included hardware and installation instructions. Adhesive covers can also be less convenient than a rod curtain if you regularly open the window.
Its dimensions put it between the smaller Sumobaby panel and the larger Tlany cover. Consider it when you want a moderate-size panel with a custom fit, rather than a standard curtain with visible folds.
Pros:
- Can be trimmed to fit different window dimensions.
- No-drill installation is designed to be quick and simple.
- Portable and foldable for travel or temporary use.
- Removable fasteners are intended for repeated use.
Cons:
- Exact fastener details are not specified in the supplied product information.
- Careful trimming is needed to avoid light gaps or a poor fit.
Verdict: Consider the OTUOER if you want a mid-size, customizable blackout cover and are comfortable fitting an adhesive-mounted shade.
4. Tlany 70 x 58-Inch Portable Blackout Cover for Wide Windows
With a 70-by-58-inch panel, this Tlany cover offers more material than the other portable options here. It is designed to be cut for different shapes and sizes, including wide windows, bay windows, skylights, and vehicle windows. For a crank-out window, the custom shape may help you cover the glass without using a rod near the operating hardware.
The cover is made from PU material with a silver-coated side, and the manufacturer describes it as waterproof and designed to block light and UV rays. Adhesive hook-and-loop strips are included for drill-free installation. The product information notes that the material may have a slight odor when new and can arrive with creases; airing it out and following the care instructions may help.
This larger format is best for a window that needs broad coverage or a less common shape. The trade-off is that a large panel can take more measuring and trimming, and the material is described as thinner than traditional curtains. If you want a soft, decorative drape, the NICETOWN panel is a better style match, assuming you have room for a rod.
Pros:
- Large panel can cover wide or irregularly shaped windows.
- Can be trimmed for a custom fit.
- Includes adhesive hook-and-loop strips for no-drill installation.
- Portable for use in bedrooms, vehicles, or temporary spaces.
Cons:
- May arrive with creases or a slight odor, according to the product information.
- Thinner construction may feel less like a traditional curtain.
Verdict: Choose the Tlany cover when you need a large, trimmable panel and can accommodate its adhesive installation method.
5. NICETOWN Room-Darkening Curtain Panel for a Traditional Look
Unlike the cut-to-fit covers, this NICETOWN option is a conventional curtain panel with grommets. Each panel measures 42 inches wide by 63 inches long, and the grommets fit a curtain rod up to 1.6 inches in diameter. It offers a softer, more finished look than an adhesive blackout cover.
The three-layer fabric is described as blocking about 85% to 99% of light, with darker colors offering stronger light blocking. That makes it a room-darkening choice rather than a guaranteed full-blackout cover. The fabric is also designed to help reduce heat transfer, and it can be machine washed according to the care instructions.
For a crank-out window, the main question is clearance. A rod-mounted curtain can hang in front of the window and may interfere with a crank or an outward-opening sash, depending on how the window and rod are positioned. Check the space around the handle and the path of the sash before choosing this style. The listing describes one panel per package, so consider how much width you need for the finished look.
This is the most decorative option in the group, but it is less adaptable to unusual window shapes than the cuttable covers. Choose it when the rod can sit clear of the window hardware and you prefer fabric panels over a cover attached directly to the window.
Pros:
- Traditional curtain-panel appearance with easy-sliding grommets.
- Three-layer fabric is designed to block much of the incoming light.
- Can help with heat control and reduce sun glare.
- Machine washable with the stated care instructions.
Cons:
- May interfere with the crank or opening sash if there is limited clearance.
- Room-darkening fabric may let in more light than a full blackout cover.
Verdict: Pick NICETOWN if you want a conventional curtain look and have enough space to mount a rod clear of the window’s moving parts.
How to Choose Curtains for Crank-Out Windows
Check the Window’s Opening Path
Crank-out windows swing outward, and the handle needs room to turn. Before choosing a curtain, picture how far the sash opens and where the curtain or shade will sit. A cover attached to the glass or frame can avoid a rod near the crank, but it may need to come off before you open the window. A rod-mounted panel is easier to draw aside, but only if it does not block the handle or the sash.
Measure the Area You Want to Cover
Measure the glass or frame area rather than guessing from the room opening. Decide whether you want to cover only the glass or overlap the edges to reduce light gaps. For a cuttable panel, compare your measurements with the full product size before trimming. Keep in mind that cutting too much material cannot be undone, so mark and check the outline first.
Choose an Attachment That Fits Your Surface
Adhesive hook-and-loop tape is designed for drill-free installation and can be useful on a suitable flat surface. Check whether the chosen location is smooth, clean, and large enough for the tape. A grommet curtain requires a rod and enough room for the fabric to hang clear of the window hardware. The right attachment depends on your window frame, surface, and how often you plan to open the sash.
Decide How Much Light Control You Need
Portable covers in this selection are described as blackout products, while the NICETOWN panel is described as room-darkening and may block less light. If you need a very dark room, look for coverage that reaches close to the edges of the window. Even a blackout material can leave light gaps if it is too small or poorly positioned.
Consider Daily Access and Portability
If you open the window often, think about how quickly you can remove or move the covering. A fixed adhesive panel may take more effort to detach and reattach than drawing a curtain aside, while a portable cover can be useful for travel or temporary darkening. If you rarely open the window and want a simple blackout surface, a fitted cover may be easier to keep in place.
Match the Material to the Room
A cut-to-size cover is focused on light control and flexible fit, while a fabric curtain adds a more traditional decorative layer. Consider whether you want a soft drape, a portable solution, or a cover that can be shaped around an unusual window. Also check the care instructions and the product dimensions before buying, especially if you are covering a wide opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular curtains on a crank-out window?
Yes, if there is room for a rod and the curtain does not block the handle or interfere with the sash as it opens. Measure the available clearance before choosing a rod-mounted panel.
Are adhesive blackout covers a good fit for crank-out windows?
They can be, especially when a rod would get in the way. They attach to a flat surface and can be cut to fit, but you may need to remove the cover to open the window. Adhesion also depends on the surface and installation.
Should I cover the glass or the full frame?
That depends on the product and how much light you want to block. Covering only the glass can leave light around the edges, while extending coverage beyond the glass may reduce gaps if the surface allows it. Measure the intended mounting area before cutting or attaching a panel.
Can I cut a portable blackout curtain to size?
The Sumobaby, OTUOER, and Tlany covers in this guide are described as cuttable. Measure and mark the panel carefully, and trim a small amount at a time so you do not make it smaller than needed.
Do these products make a room completely dark?
The portable covers are marketed for blackout coverage, but the final result depends on the fit and whether light can enter around the edges. The NICETOWN panel is described as room-darkening, with its light-blocking performance varying by color.
Which option is best for a small crank-out window?
The 24-by-36-inch Sumobaby cover is the smallest option in this selection. Check your window measurements first, since its compact size may not cover a larger opening.
Final Recommendation
For most crank-out windows, a cut-to-fit cover is the practical starting point because it can attach directly to the window area without requiring a rod near the crank. The Sumobaby 50-by-60-inch cover offers flexible coverage for larger openings, while the smaller Sumobaby panel is better suited to compact windows. If you prefer a traditional drape, the NICETOWN panel can work when there is enough clearance for a rod and the opening sash.
