Best Blackout Blinds

As wonderful as hot weather can be for some, in certain climates, the heat can be uncomfortable. Depending on which area of your home faces places like the kitchen or living room, the sun aiming directly at them can make you put a chair right in front of the air conditioner. It feels good at the moment, but it’s not desirable once the electricity bill reaches your inbox. This is why you need the best blackout blinds you can find. However, there are some things you should keep in mind before purchasing black out blinds.

As with any blinds with a cord, be careful with these blinds around children and pets. If your children are small and curious enough to play with them, cordless blackout blinds are the way to go. If you have plants that require sunlight, you’ll need to relocate them. And if you’re not a fan of complete darkness, obviously, you should just stick to traditional blinds that you can close. Do none of these issues describe your living situation? Then read on for 15 suggested light blocking blinds.

Best Blackout Blinds

1. Original Blackout

Let’s say you find the best blackout shades for your side windows but then you don’t feel like going through the trouble of using all the professional tools needed to get them up. While pretty much all of the blackout blinds have an option for someone to install them, you may find that just doing it yourself will save you a load of money. No worries if you’re not the most talented at DIY work. You can install these blackout window treatments in seconds without brackets, a drill or screws.

Key Features

• Sizes: 36 x 72 inches, 48 x 72 inches
• Six pack
• Clips to raise and lower shades

Ideally you can block 99 percent of outside light with the help of these blackout cellular shades. Use the clips to operate the 100 percent non-woven polyester shades as needed for a heat reflective layer to reduce humidity. The durable paper used on the blackout window shades will not yellow or crack due to sun exposure.

Pros

• No tools needed
• No cords

Cons

• Adhesive not strong enough to add blinds and remove; be prepared to leave on
• Several cellular shades reviews confirm that the blinds would not stay up on their own

The warranty and/or return policy for these blackout paper shades are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

2. Deconovo

Some people can sleep through a tornado. Others wake up at even the smallest smidgeon of light. The position in which you sleep can affect how well you sleep. The direction in which your bedroom faces can affect your sleep habits too. And if you happen to have a bedroom with windows facing the sun, you may want to find the best room darkening blinds to help you continue sleeping even when the sun comes up.

Key Features

• Available in 19 colors
• Sizes: 42 x 63 inches, 42 x 84 inches, 42 x 95 inches
• One panel per package

With six silver color grommets on each panel, these blackout curtains reduce light. While you can choose whichever color compliments your room, keep in mind that darker colors are better at reducing light. Made from thermal insulation properties, they keep heat from escaping during cooler weather (or air conditioning) and block sunlight from heating up your room.

Pros

• Silky texture that’s soft to the touch
• Machine washable (below 86 degrees Fahrenheit)

Cons

• Several reviewers reported the panels did not match in size, even if two of the same were ordered
• One reviewer described their appearance as blackout shower curtain liners

The warranty and/or return policy for this imported blackout curtain is unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

3. Thermal Insulated Blind

Although some people may not know blackout roller shades can block out noise, noise reduction is a possibility. Part of the reason is the heaviness of the blinds adds an extra layer of thickness to your window that thinner blinds do not. While it’s not quite clear (or proven) that soundproof curtains and blackout shades can do the same job of keeping noise to a minimum, some manufacturers may choose to use similar material. These shades happen to be one of those options, considering the heavier fabric.

Key Features

• Various sizes, ranging from 20 inches (width) to 96 inches (length)
• Available in 14 colors
• Aluminum weighted track

The UV protected blinds come with all hardware to easily put these blinds up. With the ability to insulate against heat and cold, these blinds not only provide privacy but also save energy. The mounting hardware is included, but you may need to do some double-checking on window sizes and shades before making permanent cuts or hanging. Instructions are included on the site.

Pros

• Waterproof fabric
• Thermal insulated

Cons

• Keep in mind fabric is about 1.2 inches less than shade width
• Will not deliver to P.O. box addresses

The warranty and/or return policy for these blackout roller shades are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

4. Nicetown

You’ve got your popcorn, blanket and movie subscription. You’ve spread out your couch bed or gotten comfortable in a lift/sleeper chair. But the birds are chirping and it’s blindingly bright outside. This is not exactly the best scene to watch your favorite horror flick, or even your cutest rom-com. If you want to have a movie night, here’s your chance to create a movie theater setting with these blackout curtains.

Key Features

• 100 percent polyester
• Available in 18 colors
• Sizes: 29 x 45 inches, 42 x 63 inches, 42 x 84 inches, 42 x 90 inches

These two panels are thermal insulated with triple weave technology. Don’t worry about shabby ends; these grommet blackout curtains have neatly trimmed edges. And when these noise-reduction curtains need to be cleaned, they can be washed by machine and tumble dried on low. Use a low iron to avoid wrinkles.

Pros

• Silky texture
• Solid heavy fabric

Cons

• Reviewer reported the grey curtains were two different colors
• Mixed opinions about whether these are blackout curtains or just light filtering curtains

The warranty and/or return policy for these blackout curtains are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

5. Cellular Shades

Maybe you’re looking for the perfect blackout cellular shades but know someone in your condo will snitch on you for having them. There’s always that one person who follows every single condo association rule and can probably read it to you by heart. And if your condo faces the front of the building, it may seem way too light for level passersby. These shades are a happy medium for condo associations that want to keep the blinds consistent while you want a darker, more private living space. One side of the cellular shades is white, and the other side is a darker color of your choice.

Key Features

• Available in four colors of six options: silver, ivory beige, ocean blue, white
• Sizes ranging from 23 inches to 64 inches
• Inside or outside mount options

These two-sided blinds are white on one side and the other options (see above) on the opposite side. Both sides of the spun lace fabric blinds can be installed, depending on your preference. In addition to offering sound absorption and insulation, this honeycomb cellular design helps control both warm and hot climates.

Pros

• Built-in environmentally friendly aluminum foil
• Cordless lift system for child safety

Cons

• Must order shades ¼-inch shorter than width of window for inside mount
• Mixed opinions about whether these are blackout shades or light filtering shades

The warranty and/or return policy for these blackout roller shades are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

6. Achim Home Furnishings

If you have little ones in your household, trying to find blinds you like without the cord can be quite a challenge. Just as cats find yarn to be a fun toy to get into and dogs can play with anything from garbage to your computer tablet, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, there have been cases in which children (and pets) have gotten into serious harm from playing with cords. That’s not a concern with these mini blinds because you can lower or raise these blinds simply by lifting or lowering the bottom rail.

Key Features

• Available in four colors: alabaster, mahogany, grey, white
• Sizes ranging from 23 inches to 64 inches
• Tilt want to control light and privacy

As with most blinds, installation is required. The hardware and installation instructions are included.

Pros

• Hidden brackets for easier installation
• Durable construction prevents fading, sagging and warping

Cons

• Multiple reviewers reported blinds would snap into brackets
• Blinds may bend while trying to install

The warranty and/or return policy for these darkening mini blinds are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

7. LuckUp

If you’re someone who burns easily, then you definitely should not be at risk of getting sunburn in your own home. It’s one thing to take a trip to the lakefront or beach. It’s another to have to pack on a pound of sunscreen lotion so you can sit in your own living room. Unfortunately, the sun does not discriminate and can aim right at you, especially if you don’t have quality windows. (This is something else you may want to think about investing in.) Blackout blinds may be a mandatory part of your home for UV protection and to avoid the uncomfortable results of sitting too close to your sunroof or windows.

Key Features

• Sizes ranging from 20 inches to 79 inches
• Thermal insulated
• 100 percent polyester plus reinforced insulation coating

These washable and wear resistant shades can save you quite a bit of money from professional cleaning; just use soapy water and a soft brush. These eco-friendly shades have an oil repellent coating and isolation layer. And should you have a preference for how you want these blinds to hang, you have the option of outside mounting only and inside/outside mounting. When choosing a size, keep in mind that the blind width includes the total roller blind with and mounting hardware space on each side, not just the fabric.

Pros

• Waterproof coating
• Mildewproof

Cons

• Must have a minimum 2-inch window frame depth
• Will not fit if no room for mounting hardware space (1.5 inches total, 0.75 inches per side)

The warranty and/or return policy for these fabric window roller shades are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

8. AmazonBasics

If you would like the option of bouncing back and forth between a room of sunlight and a dark room, these two Velcro tie options makes it easy to pull back and spread out window curtains quickly.

Key Features

• 100 percent polyester
• Size: 42 x 96 inches
• Velcro ties for pulling back curtains

These two imported blackout window curtains are made of innovative triple-weave fabric. Made in OEKO-TEX Standard 100 factory, AmazonBasics independent certification system confirms that the textiles within these curtains meet mandatory safety and environmental standards.

Pros

• Rod pocket fits any standard or decorative rod
• No stiff liner

Cons

• Color may vary from online photographs
• Lighting may also change the curtain color

The warranty and/or return policy for these blackout window curtains are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

9. LUCKUP 2 Pack

These eco-friendly, breathable blinds can block most ultraviolet, harmful dust, making your home more comfortable for all.  And if you need something that does the trick without being overly fancy, this is a reasonable option.

Key Features

• Available in three colors: black, white, grey
• Punch-free configuration
• Available sizes: Variations of 36 x 72 inches

Use the four clips to hang up these 100 percent non-woven fabric shades. Skip the holes and the hassle of trying to fix more involved blinds. And you’ll feel more comfortable with your children around these blinds, considering there is no bead chain to play with or be harmful. When they need to be cleaned, just use a clean rag or a feather duster.

Pros

• Easy installation: easily cut sizes, add adhesive, press and paste
• Breathable material

Cons

• WD-40 may need to be used to get off strong adhesive if you try to move the blinds later
• One user compared their lack of light filtering to “dryer sheets”

The warranty and/or return policy for this two-pack of foldable shades are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

10. Wontex

If you live on the first floor of your building or in a low-flat home, privacy may be an issue when it comes to nosy neighbors. These blackout curtains can keep them away.

Key Features

• Available sizes ranging from 38 to 95 inches
• High-density black yarn
• 22 available colors

These soft, comfortable two-panel curtains are 100 percent polyester. Each set of imported blackout curtains come with eight metal grommets (1.6-inch inner diameter), which fit both standard and decorative rods.  The triple weave blackout fabric is soft to the touch but heavy enough to block out sunlight. Wrinkle free and fade resistant, they should also have an elegant appearance in any room. When you need to wash them, you can use a traditional washing machine, tumble dry on low and iron as needed.

Pros

• Eight anti-rust silver grommets
• Thermal insulation

Cons

• Not fire retardant
• Reviewer encourages washing the curtains before first use to avoid the strong smell

The warranty and/or return policy for this blackout curtains are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

11. AmazonBasics Portable

Congrats to all the new mothers (and fathers) losing sleep while caring for their newborns. Should you need to sneak in a wink of sleep, maybe these blackout blind shades may trick your child into going to sleep. Or, if you’re the kind of napper who needs complete darkness, using these suction cup blinds may provide temporary darkness.

Key Features

• Suction cups (included)
• 78 x 50 inches (maximum window coverage)
• 100 percent polyester

These imported blackout blind shades have velcro edges to personalize how you want your shades to be folded.

Pros

• Velcro edges to fit various windows
• Easy installation

Cons

• Cannot be mounted to a curtain rod
• Regularly cleaning windows necessary to keep suction cups in place

The warranty and/or return policy for these portable blackout blinds are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

12. SunFree Window Shades

Although wooden floors are designed to be sturdy, if you don’t regularly use sun-resistant sealant your floors can have sun damage. Lacquer, polyurethane, shellac or varnish can also help keep your floors looking new. And so can blackout blind shades such as these.

Key Features

• Available sizes ranging from 23 to 72 inches
• Adjustable lifting speed
• Available in four colors: black, chocolate, grey, white

The silver coating blocks sunlight, shields ultraviolet rays and lowers cold air blowing inside of your home during winter months. You can choose between inside and outside installation options.

Pros

• Only need two screws
• Spring in aluminum tube on top easily rolls shade up

Cons

• Shades cannot be shut
• Reviewer stated that one side is a shiny silver color

The warranty and/or return policy for these cordless shades are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

13. Grandekor

Contrary to popular belief all blackout blinds do not have to be black. From the options above, plus the grey and white options for this one, you have plenty of options. However, there are arguable opinions about whether vertical blackout blinds are worse than horizontal blinds. More people side with roller blinds that lower and rise straight up and down because they have less of a risk of sunlight shining through each panel.

Key Features

• Upword slow option to lift blinds
• Available sizes ranging from 23 to 72 inches
• Available colors: black, grey, white

The back of these blinds is coated with silver to block out sunlight and harmful ultraviolet rays. The spring-loaded mechanism

Pros

• Only need two screws to install blinds
• Spring-loaded mechanism for easy lowering or raising

Cons

• Window width must be ¼ inch longer than shade width
• Reviewer complained that there are poor mounting brackets

The warranty and/or return policy for these blackout roller shades are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

14. Deconovo

These 100 percent polyester curtains provide the kind of privacy you need to sleep better and/or add more privacy to your home. If you are used to blinds in which passersby can you see you walking by through cheaper blinds, you will no longer have to worry about that with these.

Key Features

• Back (solid color), front (design pattern)
• Available sizes ranging from 42 to 108 inches
• Available in 10 color variations

These two panels have a triple weave blackout material with a high-density textile layer (i.e. front fabric layer, high-density blackout material, back fabric layer). Hanging from eight stainless silver grommets per panel, these curtains measure 1.6 inch inner diameters each.

Pros

• Insulated drapes
• Silky texture

Cons

• Hand wash only (recommended)
• Must air dry; not recommended to tumble dry or use fabric softener

The warranty and/or return policy for these light blockout curtains are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

15. Pony Dance

These thermal insulated, solid soft rod curtain panels are heavy enough to keep out light but soft enough that they compliment your windows. Heavier curtains can sometimes walk the lines between looking like blankets or attractive window treatment. These were made with the latter intentions.

Key Features

• Triple weave technology (front layer, black yarn, back layer)
• Solid heavy fabric (100 percent polyester)
• Available sizes ranging from 36 to 90 inches

Available in 18 colors, these two blackout curtain panels hand on 3-inch rod pocket tops. These curtains will help you avoid sun damage to your furniture, floor and (possibly) your own skin. These thermal insulated curtains can be washed by hand or a traditional washing machine. Tumble dry on low, and a warm iron can get out the wrinkles.

Pros

• Silky texture
• Trimmed edges

Cons

• Only 85 to 95 percent shading rate (other blackout curtains promise 100 percent)
• No liner (may not be a con but same material on both sides)

These curtains are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, in the long run, the warranty and/or return policy for these blackout curtains are unclear. Ask the seller before you purchase.

Bottom Line

If you’re concerned about blackout blinds or blackout curtains ruining your original window treatment, you don’t have to. These blackout blinds and blackout curtains can be used as standalone items or in addition to window treatment. Whether you choose a bright color or a darker color (which are commonly thought to keep light out better), you have plenty of options to choose from that will work for your home decor. And as with traditional curtains and blinds, you can almost always open them or remove them if you change your mind.

If you don’t particularly need blackout blinds on a consistent basis, avoid strong adhesive versions that cannot be moved. Once they’re up, you’re pretty much stuck with them unless you want to use WD-40 or another strong chemical removal. Velcro options that can be released and hang down are better options for versatility. But for all 15 options, make sure to measure your windows first. Some are inside mount only, and others are outside mount only. Know which version works best for your home. Enjoy the eco-friendly perkness, the newfound darkness and the extra level of privacy.