Top 3 Blackout Shades: Expertly Tested and Reviewed

Achieving restful sleep is often more challenging than it sounds. Among the many solutions—such as eye masks, white noise machines, and earplugs—blackout shades might appear as just another item to add to your growing list of sleep aids.

In selecting the top blackout shades, we evaluated factors like material, design, and overall functionality, prioritizing features that ensure optimal light blockage and user satisfaction. Notably, all three of our recommended options are cordless, offering a modern, hassle-free design, and made from polyester, known for its durability and affordability.

After careful consideration, we refined our choices to the top three options listed here, designed to cater to a variety of preferences and budgets.

Contributing Experts for This Article

Top Pick

What We Admired

After half a year of rigorous testing, these shades continued to impress, becoming a nightly essential for their exceptional ability to block both ambient noise and intense summer sunlight. The thicker material ensures minimal light penetration, while the thermal-insulated backing provides added benefits like temperature regulation and noise reduction. During our evaluation, we observed a noticeable decrease in outside noise when the shade was fully drawn. 

Additionally, the installation process is straightforward—this shade fits neatly inside your window frame, with the roller clearly marked to indicate the correct orientation. You can also decide which side to place the cord on. While all necessary screws are included, a tool kit is required. Once installed, the shade offers a sleek appearance and comes in three color options and various sizes. 

Although we usually feature a budget-friendly option in our recommendations, this shade stands out as one of the most cost-effective choices while excelling in every category we evaluated. These shades deliver outstanding performance without compromising on quality, despite their affordable price point. During testing, one shade accumulated some dirt from our dog resting against it, but the marks were easily wiped away without leaving any stains.

Areas for Improvement

During our assessment, we observed a slight amount of light seeping in from the edges of the shade, likely due to the window mounting system. However, this was minimal—we estimated the shade blocked approximately 97% of light (though achieving 100% would have been ideal).

Top Cellular Option

What We Appreciated

After several months of use, we were so impressed with these shades that we bought additional ones for another room. The semi-insulated construction effectively maintained warmth in winter and coolness in summer, offering added defense against drafts common around windows. Even after six months of daily use, they continue to perform as reliably as when first installed.

Despite its excellent blackout capabilities, this IKEA shade maintains a lightweight and airy feel due to its cellular structure, which forms air pockets between fabric layers. When installed within the window frame, it nearly eliminates all incoming light.

These shades feature a modern design with an internal cord system and a snap-on clear plastic handle at the bottom. While a draw rod is available for added convenience, we found the handle simple to operate, even single-handedly.

Areas for Improvement

A small amount of light seeped in from the top, sides, and bottom of the shade, primarily due to the handle. Additionally, the blind produces a rustling sound when adjusted, which might not be suitable for environments like nurseries. 

The blind can be mounted on either the wall or ceiling, but note that while wall fittings are provided, wall screws are not included. The manual specifies that different wall materials require specific screws, meaning some additional research and effort are needed for proper installation.

Top Choice for Variety

What We Loved

For homes with non-standard window sizes or those seeking a personalized touch, these customizable cellular shades are an excellent choice. Available in a variety of colors (most blackout options feature dual-tone designs), you can select either an inside or outside mount and customize the size to perfectly fit your windows.

Featuring a blackout liner, these shades effectively block out light, while their cellular design enhances insulation. During our testing, we noticed a significant cooling effect in the room. Even after two months of consistent use, their performance remained as reliable as when first installed.

The installation process is straightforward, requiring just two brackets, each secured with a single screw. These shades are cordless and wand-free; instead, they operate via a handle at the bottom, allowing for smooth and effortless adjustment in both directions.

What We Didn't Love

In our tests, this shade successfully blocked approximately 90% of incoming light. While some light seeped through the edges and the lower part of the shade, it still outperformed traditional blinds and curtains in terms of light control.

Final Verdict

The ChrisDowa 100% Blackout Roller Shade stands out as our top choice due to its exceptional light-blocking capabilities, straightforward installation, budget-friendly price, and durable construction. It also offers a wide range of colors and sizes. For those seeking a fully customizable solution, the Sbartar Blackout Cordless Cellular Shade is ideal, as it can be tailored to fit your window’s precise dimensions. 

Our Testing Process 

We rigorously tested seven blackout shades, assessing them on criteria such as performance, aesthetics, durability, and cost-effectiveness. To measure setup efficiency, we timed the installation process. For inside mounts, we positioned the shade within the window frame, covering only the glass, which sometimes allowed light to enter from the edges.

With outside mounts, we installed the shade over the window frame, ensuring both the frame and glass were fully covered. If the shade was adjustable, we cut it to the suggested length for the specific window size.

Throughout our testing phase, we gauged performance by observing how effectively each shade blocked light. We checked for complete blackout capabilities and noted any additional benefits, such as noise reduction or improved insulation. 

To assess design, we examined how the shade covered the window, checking for light leakage through the fabric or around the edges. We also tested the ease of raising and lowering the shade, ensuring it didn’t get stuck. Additionally, we evaluated the texture and thickness of the shades to determine their build quality, along with the efficiency of the retracting mechanisms (roller, wand, pull chain, or cordless).  

How to Shop for Blackout Shades Like a Pro 

Size

To achieve optimal light-blocking performance, it’s crucial to choose a blackout shade that fits your window perfectly. Shades that are too small will leave gaps, allowing light to seep through. We advise measuring your windows beforehand. Many of the products we tested, including our top overall pick, offer customization options to match your specific dimensions. Our best variety pick also provides a wide range of sizing choices. Keep in mind that the price of the shade often correlates with its size—larger shades typically cost more.

Style

Blackout shades are available in various styles, such as cellular, roller, and Roman. Your selection should align with your aesthetic preferences, but it’s also worth considering the functional and cost differences between these styles.

• Cellular: Featuring pleats or a honeycomb structure, these shades trap air to enhance insulation, making them ideal for large windows while also boosting energy efficiency, Simpson notes. 
• Roller: True to their name, these shades consist of a vinyl sheet that rolls up and down. They are an excellent option for those seeking energy efficiency at a more affordable price point, she explains.
• Roman: While not featured on our list, these shades are crafted from fabric that folds as it’s raised. Roman shades and natural woven shades can include a blackout liner for improved effectiveness, according to Simpson.

Ease of Installation

The blackout shades we evaluated came with clear instructions and took between 10 to 40 minutes to set up. Most required basic tools like a drill and screwdriver. For renters, adhesive-mounted options are available to avoid drilling into walls or frames. Always verify whether the shades include mounting hardware and screws to prevent last-minute hassles. 

Let's Settle This: Curtains vs. Shades

Take Our Word for It

Authored by Lesley Chen, a freelance writer for Mytour specializing in home and lifestyle content, this article provides insights into the best blackout shades. We rigorously tested seven products in both lab and home settings, assessing them on installation ease, performance, aesthetics, durability, and affordability. Additionally, we consulted Angela Holliday-Bell, MD, a sleep expert, and Kelly Simpson, the senior director of design and innovation at Budget Blinds, for professional advice.