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- The best blackout shade. This polyester cellular shade is one of the best we found at blocking light and the most attractive of the bunch, and it comes in one of the widest ranges of sizes and colors.
- More convenient, but limited selection. The IKEA Trippevals is easy to install, looks good, and works as well as custom options (as long as you need standard sizes).
- The best blackout roller shade. This shade doesn’t look quite as nice as cellular shades, but it’s easier to clean. It is the best looking of the roller models we tested and one of the most effective at blocking light.
- A DIY paper option. This inexpensive paper option doesn’t look as nice as other blinds we tested, but it’s a great quick fix. You can trim it to any size, and it hangs from an adhesive strip.
Jun 12, 2024 · Our pick for the best overall blackout shades is the ChrisDowa 100% Blackout Roller Shade for its ease of installation, multiple color options, and ability to block ambient noise.
- Jack Byram
- The Bottom Line
- Our Testing Process
- What to Know About Blackout Shades Before Shopping
- Other Blackout Shades We Tested
- Your Questions, Answered
- Who We Are
After conducting research and lab testing, the ChrisDowa 100% Blackout Roller Shadewon our pick for "best overall" due to its affordable price point, efficiency, and minimalist design that’ll suit just about any style of home decor.
We tested 18 blackout shades and curtains to determine exactly which ones were worth the investment. We installed the curtains in our homes and evaluated their effectiveness, specifically focusing on the ease of installation, the size and how well the shades fit the window, the quality of the material and how efficiently the shades blocked out the ...
Size
Blackout shades—like any other kind of window treatment—come in all kinds of sizes to best suit your specific windows. Make sure to carefully measure your window and compare with multiple shades to get the closest fit. This will ensure your shades function as well as possible. Properly fitting blackout shades won’t let light leak in from the sides or bottom of the shade, while a poor fit will render even the best shades less effective. You should also think about whether the shades are meant...
Material
The best material for a blackout shade depends on your specific preferences and exactly what you need the shades for. Polyester material is common and efficient at blocking out the light, but vinyl (the material our pick for the best roller-style blackout shadeis made from) is going to be much better for providing a cooling effect on your room as well.
Style
The best blackout shades are available in numerous styles to suit different design aesthetics and preferences. The most popular option that you’ll find on the market (including our top pick) is a roman-style blind, like the Pillowfort Blackout Roman Shade, which offers a softer alternative to more utilitarian options. You’ll also find cordless blinds and roller options that can be great for homes where kids are present. This style is much easier to use and provides a safer alternative to dang...
We also tested the Redi Shade No Tools Easy Lift Trim-at-Home Cordless Cellular Blackout Fabric Shade White, which did not make our list of the best blackout shades because we felt the quality was weaker than other options. While they blocked the light extremely well, the material did not feel like it would hold up with regular use as well as the other options.
These shades did a decent job of blocking out the light—we estimated it kept about 85% out of the room—but they weren’t as effective as most of the blackout shades we tried. Gaps around the sides also allowed a pretty significant amount of light leak. While they were fairly smooth to operate, the pull hook was sharp and actually a bit painful, which was a pretty big downside.
What type of shade is best for blackout?
Even if the shade has the “blackout” label, it may only be light filtering. To achieve complete darkness and a cooler temperature in a room, Lisa Jane, interior designer at Ruling Homes, says the best option is a cellular blackout shade. “These shades are specifically designed to block out light and are a popular choice for bedrooms, nurseries, and home theaters,” she says.
How much do blackout shades cost?
Blackout shades range in cost depending on the size, style, and brand you’re looking at. You can expect to find a high-quality blackout shade for about $30—but if you need something larger or specialized, you might end up paying closer to $60-$100 for your shades. The options on our list of the best blackout shades range from $30 to $63.
Are blackout shades energy efficient?
Depending on the material, most blackout shades can provide a certain degree of energy efficiency by helping to insulate windows and reduce heat transfer. “By blocking out sunlight and reducing heat gain, blackout shades can help to keep indoor spaces cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning,” Jane says. “Some blackout shades are designed with reflective materials or thermal insulation to improve their energy-saving properties further.”
This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens with three years of experience specifically writing lifestyle content and product reviews for a variety of publications, and Kaitlyn McInnis, a former lifestyle editor and freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. They also consulted Amy Kartheiser D...
Feb 27, 2023 · These light-blocking window treatments work great in bedrooms and nurseries. Here are the best blackout shades on the market.
100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable DIY Window Blinds, No Drill Window Shades & Blackout Blinds with Stickers & Tabs for Baby Nursery, Travel, Dorm Room (118" x 57")
Choose blackout shades when you need to sleep in late. Whether you just want some extra rest on the weekend, you work the overnight shift or you have a little one who needs a nap at 4pm, there’s a wide range of blackout shades to choose from.
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Jan 18, 2024 · When uninterrupted sleep, muffled sounds, and energy savings are a priority, consider some of the best blackout shades on the market.
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