Best Overall
ChrisDowa Blackout Roller Shade
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Effectiveness4.8/5
- Design5/5
- Quality4.8/5
- Value5/5
- This affordable roller shade is super easy to install and highly effective at blocking light.
This affordable roller shade is super easy to install and highly effective at blocking light.
- This option is less wide than others and might result in small light leaks in standard windows.
This option is less wide than others and might result in small light leaks in standard windows.
The ChrisDowa 100% Blackout Roller Shade earns the top spot in our books as the " best overall." We found that they’re very good quality—they’re on the thicker side and block all the light, while the material itself feels sturdy and is built to last a long time even with heavy use. The pull chain on the shade is also super easy to use and the mechanism doesn’t get twisted up or stuck when pulling or adjusting the blinds.
We also really like how easy these blinds are to install. The overall time to install this option is only about half an hour or so and doesn’t require any prior knowledge of curtain installation in order to get it right. The price point also makes this blackout shade very appealing; they’re affordable enough to outfit an entire bedroom without spending into the hundreds. We also noticed some slight soundproofing with these shades.
The only slight downside to keep in mind is that this option is narrower than other options on the list, which might result in slight light leaks along the sides of the shade. This would be minimal in most cases and shouldn’t keep you awake, but it is something to be aware of if you’re very sensitive to light.
Size: 72"L x 20"W | Material: Fabric | Style: Roller
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENNIFER MAY
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENNIFER MAY
Best Roman
Pillowfort Blackout Roman Shade
TARGET
- Setup5/5
- Effectiveness4.4/5
- Design5/5
- Quality4.5/5
- Value4.5/5
- This versatile blackout shade is aesthetically pleasing and looks great when used as a regular blind.
This versatile blackout shade is aesthetically pleasing and looks great when used as a regular blind.
- The white fabric isn’t as efficient at blocking light as black would be.
The white fabric isn’t as efficient at blocking light as black would be.
If you’re looking for a blackout shade that’ll block out light and heat but still offers an aesthetically-pleasing design, consider the Pillowfort Blackout Roman Shade. This option is our favorite in terms of the look and functionality of it. It has a clean design that is super easy to use and won’t get stuck like other shades.
The fabric offers a softer look than your typical blackout shade which makes this one a great option for both living rooms and bedrooms alike. We also really like how quick and easy it is to install these shades—it should take only about 10 to 15 minutes with the right tools.
Keep in mind that if you’re really looking for blackout shades that allow absolutely no light to come through, you might want to opt for a shade in a darker color like black in order to ensure it won’t allow any leakage into your space. That said, these shades still block out enough light (we estimate about 85-90%) to be comfortable and serve as a great alternative to more oppressive-looking blackout options.
Size: 64"L x 27"W | Material: Fabric | Style: Roman
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / KATHRYN COSSI
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / KATHRYN COSSI
Best Roller
LEVOLOR Blackout Cordless Roller Shade
LOWE'S
- Setup4.8/5
- Effectiveness4.5/5
- Design4.8/5
- Quality5/5
- Value5/5
- This option can be cut to fit your exact window measurements for a perfect fit.
This option can be cut to fit your exact window measurements for a perfect fit.
- The vinyl roller design is a bit clinical looking.
The vinyl roller design is a bit clinical looking.
Whether you have particular-shaped windows or you just prefer a very precise finish, the LEVOLOR 37-in x 78-in White Blackout Cordless Roller Shade is by far the best option if you’re looking for a fitted roller blackout shade. The shade is extremely easy to install and use, but the best part is that it was made to be cut to your exact window measurements to ensure a perfect fit.
We found that the shade provides a lot more shade and darkness than similar-looking roller shades and comes at an excellent price point. While it didn’t block sound, it did help keep a sunny room cool in the heat of the day. It’s also worth noting that the vinyl material is super durable and very easy to clean. This means you don’t have to worry about the white colorway even if you share your home with kids or pets.
While we love that this option is customizable and easy to install, the vinyl roller design is a bit clinical looking and might not be the best option for those looking for something softer in style. That said—the streamlined design can easily be paired with softer curtains to create a more cozy finish.
Size: 78"L x 37"W | Material: Vinyl | Style: Roller
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LEXI JUHL
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LEXI JUHL
Best Cordless
IKEA Trippevals Blackout Cellular Blind
IKEA
- Setup3/5
- Effectiveness4.8/5
- Design5/5
- Quality4.5/5
- Value5/5
- This cordless blind is extremely efficient at blocking out almost 100 percent of outside light.
This cordless blind is extremely efficient at blocking out almost 100 percent of outside light.
- The instructions are a bit confusing and don’t address certain aspects of blind installation.
The instructions are a bit confusing and don’t address certain aspects of blind installation.
The Trippevals Blackout Cellular Blind from Ikea cuts out almost all natural light when it’s completely closed. This option is slightly more expensive than the average blackout blind, but it’s worth it if you want something that’ll truly offer a blackout experience during the daytime. The blackout shade is also extremely efficient at keeping your room cool on hot days, even when left partially open.
We also like that this cordless cellular blind is a soft-looking polyester material that adds warmth to the space and doesn’t look clinical like some cellular blinds can. The minimal design can also be paired with sheer curtains for additional visual interest.
You’ll want to keep in mind that these blinds are crafted by Ikea—which means the instruction manual is wordless and only uses images to explain the installation process. This works fine for furniture but is actually quite confusing when it comes to affixing things to the wall or ceiling in a proper manner. It’s also worth noting that this option doesn’t come with wall materials to hang the blinds.
Size: 76 ¾"L x 30"W | Material: Polyester | Style: Cordless
Best Cellular
SBARTAR Cordless Blackout Shades
AMAZON
- This cellular blind is quick and easy to install thanks to the cordless design.
This cellular blind is quick and easy to install thanks to the cordless design.
- The paper-like material is aesthetically distinctive.
The paper-like material is aesthetically distinctive.
We adored the design of this shade. It’s cordless and suitable for kids' rooms from a safety perspective, while the bottom handle makes it easy to adjust the shade manually. We found the shades easy to set up (it took only about ten minutes) and they offered a serious reduction in both outside light and heat during testing, which makes it easier to sleep while keeping the room cooler.
We really like that this option is relatively affordable without sacrificing quality or efficiency. It also has a different color on either side, giving a different look depending on how you hang your blind. This allows you to choose between colors once the blind is in your home rather than having to visualize how the colors will look before making a purchase.
One potential downside is that the fabric material looks almost paper-like which gives off a very distinct decor style. Keep in mind that despite its delicate look, it’s still made from durable material and won’t crease or tear the way a regular paper blind would.
Size: 64"L x 23"W | Material: Fabric | Style: Honeycomb
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / TAMMY GARDINI
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / TAMMY GARDINI