We Tested the Best Blackout Shades to Keep Rooms Dark and Cool (2024)

Our Top Picks

Based on our at-home testing, ChrisDowa’s 100% Blackout Roller Shade is our clear winner. We appreciated that this blackout shade was simple to set up and effectively darkened the room. In addition to blocking light, we found that this was one of the few shades that dulled ambient noise during our tests, which we attributed to its slightly thicker material.

The shade has a modern look and comes in six colors to give you design flexibility. We appreciated that the thin piece of wood at the bottom of the shade prevents it from flapping around and that the chain cord is very easy to use. Plus, the shade features a safety device that attaches the chain to the wall and keeps it in place. While designed to protect the cord from becoming a potential choking hazard, we also found it to make the overall appearance more aesthetically pleasing. During our testing period, we experienced no issues with the shade getting stuck while opening and closing it.

One thing to keep in mind: While we generally appreciated the quality of this shade, we thought the pull chain seemed a bit delicate. We wish that one element felt more durable, but we were very impressed with the product as a whole.

_{Type: Roller | Dimensions: 20 to 70 inches wide, 72 inches long | Material: Unspecified fabric, aluminum | Mounting Type: Inside or outside mount}

Levolor’s Blackout Cordless Roller Shade proved to us that you don’t need to break the bank to find a well-constructed blackout shade. In addition to its effectiveness in keeping the light out, we love that it can be cut down to any size at Lowes at no extra cost.

During testing, we mounted the shade on the inside of the window frame, and we found that it blocked approximately 90 percent of the light, with just a small fraction of light seeping in at the edges. While roller shades aren’t known for being particularly insulating, this one helped keep the room cool when it was shut. The shade didn’t seem to reduce noise from the outside—but that was the case for the vast majority of shades we tested.

For the price, we were very happy with the construction of the shade. The vinyl seemed easy to clean and didn’t collect any dust. The materials felt durable, and we had no concerns about the shade breaking during testing. This option doesn’t feature a cord, making it an appealing choice for someone seeking a minimalist design. To close the shade, you just have to pull down and out, and to open it up, you pull down and inward. In our tests, we experienced no issues with the shade getting stuck.

You'll only have two colors to choose from with this pick, but the white and cream hues should fit a nice range of decor styles. One potential drawback is the mounting hardware isn’t included and must be purchased separately, but fortunately, it is inexpensive.

_{Type: Roller | Dimensions: 37 to 73 inches wide, 78 inches long | Material: Vinyl | Mounting Type: Inside or outside mount}

If you prefer the style and look of Roman shades, our recommendation is this option from Pillowfort. It was easy to assemble, taking us only ten minutes to set up, and all of the necessary parts came with the shade. With pleated fabric and vertical ribbon accents—all in crisp white—it makes a welcome addition to any room.

In testing, we placed the shade on the inside of the window mount. We noted that the white fabric did allow some light to shine through, so if you’re looking for near-100 percent blackout, this won’t be the best option. We estimated that it blocked 85 to 90 percent of the light coming in from the window—still impressive in its effectiveness, but not quite as light-blocking as other models on this list. On the plus side, we found that it kept the room cooler on sunny days. This shade moves very smoothly—to operate it, you simply pull down or push up on the center bottom of the shade.

While we like the fresh look of the white fabric, some shoppers may feel limited by the single hue. Also, while we think it’s worth the price, it is more costly than some options on our list.

_{Type: Roman | Dimensions: 27 x 64 inches | Material: Polyester, linen | Mounting Type: Not listed}

If you’re willing to shell out a few extra dollars for a great-looking Roman shade, the Drew from Eclipse is the way to go. In testing, we had to install it on the window frame, which created an inch of space around the shade for light to sneak through and didn’t allow the shade to live up to its full potential. Still, the shade managed to block out about 85 percent of the sunlight with this setup. Plus, we observed that it reduced outside noise and prevented some heat from entering the room.

You get what you pay for with this shade, and for us that means quality in the little things. We found raising and lowering the shade was simple, smooth, and quiet. Depending on the retailer you order the shade from, you can snag it in a variety of neutral colors that complement your space, such as charcoal, linen, ivory, and white. We liked the polyester fabric, and we think this option looks and feels much more high-end than other blackout shades on the market.

It comes with straightforward instructions and only a few pieces to install, and we were able to get it done in half an hour. One design feature we think could be improved: The plastic loop for pulling down on the shade is a bit sharp. We found the shade operates just as well by pulling from the bottom without using the loop, but you could try sanding down the sharp edge of the plastic if you prefer.

_{Type: Roman | Dimensions: 27 to 39 inches wide, 64 inches long | Material: Polyester | Mounting Type: Inside or outside mount}

Sometimes finding the proper size blackout shade for your particular space can be tedious, especially if you have an unusual window size. When we put Sbartar’s Window Shade to the test, we appreciated that it works very well as a blackout shade and also comes in a wide range of sizes to ensure a good fit on most windows.

In terms of size, it is available in dimensions ranging from 22 to 58 inches wide, as well as in 38- and 64-inch lengths. If your window size is outside that range, you’re in luck—you can even get custom shade sizes up to 78 inches wide. The instructions for this shade were fairly straightforward, and we set it up in just 12 minutes. We found the shade to be highly effective at blocking out sunlight, and we found that its honeycomb structure kept some heat out, too. As with most shades we tested, we didn’t find this option to do a particularly good job of blocking out noise.

This shade operates without a cord or wand—simply pull on the bottom to move it up or down. Do note that it can’t be cut to size like some options on this list, but that isn’t much of a trade-off when you can order a shade that perfectly matches your window’s dimensions. Ordering a custom size will add to the final price, though.

_{Type: Cellular | Dimensions: 22 to 58 inches wide, 38 to 64 inches long, custom sizes also available | Material: Unspecified fabric | Mounting Type: Inside or outside mount}

If you’re looking for a blackout shade that also insulates windows, a cellular shade with an accordion-style design is a great choice. Ikea’s Trippevals Blackout Cellular Blinds impressed us by blocking out almost every bit of light. Even when assembled inside the window frame, it only allowed about 2 percent of the sunlight in our test window, mostly around the perimeter of the shade. We found that it did an excellent job of keeping the heat out, even when the shade wasn't fully closed.

We also thought the shade’s polyester construction looked attractive and sleek, and it felt high-quality, too. The shade also comes with a clear snap-on plastic handle that’s easy to use one-handed.

If we had any complaints about this shade, they’d revolve around the assembly. We found the wordless instruction manual to be quite unhelpful. Another drawback? This one doesn’t come with any of the mounting screws or hardware necessary to hang it. But we think this makes for an appealing blackout shade for a bedroom or any other room that requires an effective yet stylish window treatment.

_{Type: Cellular | Dimensions: 23 to 48 inches wide, 76.75 inches long | Material: Polyester | Mounting Type: Inside or outside mount}

A set of blackout curtains can be a reliable, chic alternative to a shade—and they’re often simpler to install, too. We tried out a pair of these panels from Better Homes & Gardens, and they were our favorite of the blackout curtains we tested. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.)

We were very impressed with these blackout curtains from the start. The room we used for testing had a street lamp directly outside of the window, and the curtains completely concealed it. In our experience, blackout curtains tend to be thick and rigid. We appreciated that the rayon-polyester blend of these curtains held its shape yet still felt soft and flexible. It would be nice if the material were machine washable, but these will need to be dry cleaned. On the plus side, they’re pleasant to look at and come in black, blue, gray, off-white, and tan hues to match different styles and color palettes.

We appreciated that these curtains were very easy to set up. The grommets can accommodate curtain rods measuring up to a half-inch in diameter. While shades tend to come in more widths than lengths, curtains are the opposite. These curtains are no exception; they’re available in lengths ranging from 63 inches to 108 inches to suit different window sizes. The curtain panels are sold separately, not in a two-pack, so you may need to stock up on multiple panels for your particular window.

_{Type: Curtain | Dimensions: 50 inches wide, 63 to 108 inches long | Material: Polyester, rayon | Mounting Type: Not applicable}

A good night of sleep isn’t just important when you are in your home, but traveling can present a handful of frustrations when you or your little ones try to get some shut-eye. Fortunately, Amazon Basics’s Portable Window Blackout Curtain Shade, which we found offers plenty of bang for your buck, can help you bring a good night of sleep with you on the go.

Because you usually can’t drill holes in places you’re staying temporarily, this option comes with suction cups that won’t damage any walls or windows. In testing, we found it to be highly effective, blocking approximately 90 percent of light when the sun was out. Additionally, the material feels very durable, though it is a bit stiff.

While it comes in one standard size, there is Velcro on the sides, so you can adjust the length and width of the panel to cover windows of different sizes. We wish it were easier to open and close it: To fully open the curtain, you need to remove the suction cups and take the whole panel down, which is less convenient than simply pulling it open or shut. But since it is designed to be a temporary solution, we don’t think that’s cause for concern.

This portable shade is also machine washable, which is a plus, but it does have to be line dried and will require ample space to do so. It also comes with a pouch which makes transporting it during travel easier.

_{Type: Curtain | Dimensions: 78 x 50 inches | Material: Polyester | Mounting Type: Suction cups}

Final Verdict

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. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, we love the Levolor White Blackout Cordless Roller Shade, which can be cut to your exact size.

FAQ

• What type of shades are best for blackout?

  In Elderot’s opinion, roller shades and cellular shades are the two best options for achieving a blackout effect. She says that roller shades, in particular, “can be customized with blackout materials to ensure maximum light blockage.” She notes that cellular shades can block light and insulate a window.

• What is the difference between blinds and shades?

  Blinds and shades differ mainly in their builds. Shades “are made of a single piece of fabric that can be raised or lowered to control light and privacy,” Elderot says.

  “Blinds typically consist of slats or vanes that can be tilted or adjusted to control the amount of light and privacy,” Elderot explains. “They are usually made of materials like wood, aluminum, or vinyl.” Blinds can also come in a variety of different styles, including high-tech smart blinds.

• Do blackout shades keep heat out?

  According to Elderot, certain blackout shades can do a good job of keeping heat out. However, not all blackout shades and curtains insulate to the same degree. The accordion-style construction of blackout cellular shades is particularly effective at insulating a window, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Also, those made with heavy, thick fabrics will typically be more effective than lightweight, thin fabrics. Roller and Roman shades typically do not offer much insulation.

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