We have these in the natural color in a rented apartment where I didn't want to spend lots of money. http://www.countrycurtains.com/product/010150bo+black+out+rod+pocket+curtains.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=

We don't use the rod pocket but use clip-on curtain rings (which are what is shown in the photo). Have had them about 6 months and they block almost all light and are attractive and durable. I ordered the Amazon ones that a PP posted first before I bought the ones I'm posting but I found the Amazon ones to look cheap (sort of shiny fabric). These look way more expensive than they actually were in person.

We have these from Amazon and they work very well in our baby's room. http://www.amazon.com/Grommet-Thermal-Insulated-Blackout-Pair-BLACK/dp/B0026SG2OM/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1392844249&sr=1-1&keywords=blackout+curtains+grommet

If its for a kids room, Pottery Barn kids are the cutest by far. It was a splurge to me, but totally worth it. Look brand new 3 years later. I got the gingham.

I have the Real Simple blackout (honeycomb) shades from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and really like them. They work best on windows that have deep casements for interior mounting.

Target seems to be the best. NEVER EVER wash them though. They say they're washable, but they're not. I ruined 4 panels that way.

I put my blackout drapes inside of my regular curtains since they aren't as pretty as the ones my seamstress makes.

If you want a cheap fix, go to Joanns, buy some blackout liner, clip it to existing curtains and hang. Or, go with the Eclipse brand available in Target or Amazon.

The ones from Target are pretty good and thick. I think they have Thinsulate.

For what room? I have some decent ones for the living room that I got at JC Penney (they have a pretty decent curtain selection that won't bankrupt you). For kids rooms, I've had good luck with Pottery Barn Kids. (waited for a sale)

Any recommendations for good light and maybe though not essential sound block.