Yahoo Movies The Best Blackout Shades and Curtains to Buy Right Now
- 1/11
The Best Blackout Shades and Curtains to Buy Right Now
When you or a family member can’t sleep, there's a mad rush to figure out a solution. Perhaps you try noise machines or sleep trackers, or even a new mattress. But have you tried eliminating light and noise with blackout curtains?
Blackout shades and curtains are a dream for light sleepers and for parents who want wide-awake children to nod off at nap time. In addition to blocking sunshine and noise, they also provide more energy-saving thermal insulation than traditional window treatments.
Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to find effective and stylish blackout shades in countless styles and colors. Whether you’re looking for temporary blackout curtains or affordable motorized shades like those found in high-end homes and hotels, read on for our top recommendations, plus what you need to consider before buying.
In the market for more way to create cozy rooms? Check out our stories on the best electric fireplaces, space heaters, and fireplace TV stands.
Best Blackout Shades and Curtains
What to Consider
Sizing
That old adage of “measure twice, cut once” is key when purchasing blackout shades (or any shades, for that matter). While some come in standard or trim-to-fit options, many of the shades we cover are custom, so it’s crucial to get the measurements right, or even call in a professional to do the job.
Light Filtration
“Blackout shade” is a catchall for any shade or curtain that darkens a room. But they’re sold in a range of light-filtering options, from sheer and semi-sheer to room-darkening, in addition to true blackout shades that completely block light and UV rays. So, if you like retreating into a cave midday or want shades for a nursery, be sure the shades you purchase block at least 95 percent of light.
Style
Beyond sizing and the actual function of a blackout shade, there are several corded and cordless styles to consider for windows and doors, including Roman, cellular, roller, and temporary, as well as mini or vertical blinds. You'll also find motorized blackout shades that need to be plugged in, hardwired, or come with a rechargeable battery and remote.
Safety
If you have young children or pets at home, the safest option is to go with cordless shades because dangling cords are a strangulation hazard. But if you do opt for corded shades, they should have one or more safety features to prevent an accident. Some cords automatically detach if pulled on, and cord stops can be installed to limit inner-cord bunching. There are also cord cleats to wrap cords up high and out of reach.
Installation
Most blackout shades include hardware needed for installation. Mounting options are typically inside or outside window frames, with the latter offering better light-blocking protection. Ceiling-mount shades work equally well.
How We Selected
As the mother of twins, and a former city dweller, I know firsthand how important sleep is—and how challenging it can be if light or outside noise interfere. I have tried several blackout shades over the years. For this roundup, we looked at hundreds of blackout shades with average customer ratings of at least four stars, and with high ratings from critics and pros, to boot. We sought out a wide range of styles and took into account methods of operation, quality of materials, and overall design. We also chose options that span multiple price points to suit every budget.
Staff, Courtesy of Redi Shade - 2/11
1) Bali Cellular Shades
Lowe's
lowes.com
$70.15
These blackout shades are surprisingly easy on the wallet. The cellular shades are also specifically designed to absorb sound, block UV rays, and provide superior insulation from heat loss in the winter. The corded lift is available in cordless or motorized lift upgrade options, both of which are safe for children and pets.
The sizing is customizable, with height options that range from 9 to 144 inches, The sizing is customizable, with height options that range from 9 to 144 inches, and you can choose from single- and double- cell designs. Pro tip: Darker colors will block out light better.
lowes.com - 3/11
2) Thermal Room-Darkening Roman Shade
Arlo Blinds
amazon.com
$41.00
This attractive, cordless room-darkening Roman shade is an excellent value. It’s made of thick polyester fabric, and while it only comes in four shades—dark and light gray, white, and black—it’s available in more than two dozen sizes.
The shade offers some thermal insulation, can be installed inside or outside the window frame, and all necessary mounting hardware is included. The cordless lift feature is easy and safe for all family members to operate.
Buyers love these shades, too, with several happy customers calling them a “great value.”
amazon.com - 4/11
3) Blackout Pleated Paper Shade
Redi Shade
amazon.com
$26.30
Need a quick fix to darken rooms until you decide on something more permanent? Temporary cordless blackout shades are the answer.
They're brilliant for covering windows in a new home—and with an attractive option like this, you won't feel pressured to buy right away. Plus, when you do get around to purchasing window treatments, you can also use the blackout shades behind them for extra coverage.
The paper shade blocks 99 percent of light and while it only comes in black, it's available in two sizes and is sold in a six-pack, making it a great value for the price.
amazon.com - 5/11
4) Blackout Fabric Roller Shades
Luckup
amazon.com
$38.99
This basic, affordable roller blackout shade is a great all-around choice for a bedroom, office, or den. Its polyester fabric is backed with three additional layers, plus it provides thermal insulation. It also has automatic chain detachment as a safety feature if a child or pet gets tangled in the cord. The shade only comes in gray and black, but it's available in 20 to 44 inches wide and 79 inches high, with the option of buying a two-pack.
“For such a cheap price it really is a great product and I highly and I highly recommend,” says one reviewer. “Looks good too, and definitely fulfills its intended purpose.”
amazon.com - 6/11
5) Motorized Roller Blackout Shade
Graywind
amazon.com
$153.99
This blackout shade doesn’t come cheap, but it is highly customizable down to the choice of motor. You can also choose roll direction, hem bar style, and mount type, and order it with or without a valance.
The polyester-blend shade offers 100 percent blackout light filtration and features a hardwiring option in addition to a plug-in one. It also comes with a remote and is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. There are 20 neutral shades to choose from.
amazon.com - 7/11
6) Custom Blackout Roman Shade
WindowLady
amazon.com
$59.99
With an optional liner, this elegant custom Roman shade can be used for room-darkening or to block roughly 95 percent of light, and you can choose from corded, cordless, or motorized with a rechargeable battery.
The shade also comes in multiple solid and striped styles, done in washable polyester and polyester-blend fabrics. You can mount it inside or outside the window frame, and all necessary hardware is included; you can even check out how the shades will work with your existing décor before you buy, thanks to the fabric samples available from the manufacturer.
Several customers love the shades in their bedrooms. One reviewer says: “The stitching is nice and everything is finished, no raw edges or questionable seams.”
amazon.com - 8/11
7) Blackout Curtains
Amazon Basics
amazon.com
$34.94
Looking for a straight-forward, reasonably priced solution to cut out light and noise? Step right up. These reasonably-priced room-darkening curtains add a soft, polished touch to any space. They come in 18 colors and patterns, plus they're available in six lengths, with either grommet or pole-pocket hanging styles.
There are two panels per set, and they're made of an opaque woven polyester fabric that's machine-washable, with a backing that helps block light and insulate rooms.
amazon.com - 9/11
8) Kids Travel Blackout Curtain
Amazon Basics
amazon.com
$26.97
For parents who are sleep-training their kids—or any light sleepers who struggle with time changes—this travel blackout curtain is a vacation-saver when you're on the road.
The polyester curtain blocks out sunlight and UV rays, with suction cups that attach it to a window and Velcro edges for a customized fit. It comes in a whimsical star-and-moon pattern set against a black background and measures 78 by 50 inches, plus it's machine-washable.
amazon.com - 10/11
9) Sliding Door Darkening Vertical Blinds
Symple Stuff
wayfair.com
$214.99
These vertical room-darkening blinds are pricer than other blackout shades and curtains we cover, but they're trim-to-fit, plus you have the option of installing a bottom rail for a professional look.
They come with a wand to open and close, and the set includes four gray panels covered in a textured gray woven fabric, each roughly 2 feet wide and 8 feet high. They're set on a track that extends to 7 feet wide, which can be installed in or above the window frame, or ceiling-mounted.
wayfair.com - 11/11
10) Blackout Curtain for French Doors
Flamingo P
amazon.com
$13.99
Moving into a home with windowed doors can mean more light than you bargained for. If you find yourself occasionally wincing at the French Door-filtered light all over your house, these pocket panels will do the trick. They’re also a great option for windowed doors between interior rooms when privacy or sound absorption is desired.
Each panel is sold individually and measures 26 x 68 inches. The panels come with tie straps at the top and the gathered fabric adds an elegant touch. With a sleek and simple cut, they blend into any contemporary or traditional home style.
amazon.com
