The 6 Best Blackout Shades to Keep Your Room Dark, According to Testing

What We Tested

We installed the shades at home to get a sense of how well they worked to block sunlight, artificial light, and heat. Each shade was given a score for light and heat filtering ability as well as ease of installation, size, and quality of materials. For more information on how we tested blackout shades, check out our testing process below.

These are the best blackout shades overall in our book. We found them to be 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.

We used these blackout shades for six months to block out light in our bedroom, and they held up well to daily use. The pull chain is easy to use and the mechanism doesn’t get twisted up or stuck when pulling or adjusting the blinds.

It only took us about half an hour to install this option, and it doesn’t require any prior knowledge of curtain installation to get it right. The price point also makes the shades appealing; they’re affordable enough to outfit an entire bedroom without spending into the hundreds. We also noticed some slight soundproofing.

The only slight downside to keep in mind is that the shades are narrower than other options on the list, which might result in light leaks along the sides. 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.

Product Details: Size: 20 x 72 in. | Material: Fabric | Style: Roller

Whether you have particular windows or you prefer a very precise finish, the this is by far the best option 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 it blocks more light than similar-looking roller shades and comes at an excellent price point. It kept our room completely dark while we slept throughout six months of testing. While it didn’t block sound, it did help keep a sunny room cool in the heat of the day. It’s worth noting that the vinyl material is super durable and very easy to clean; this means you can opt for the white color even if you live 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 cozy look.

Product Details: Size: 37 x 78 in. | Material: Vinyl | Style: Roller

We adored the shades' design; it’s cordless and suitable for kids' rooms from a safety perspective, while the bottom handle makes it easy to adjust manually. We tested these in a kid's bedroom for several months, and they kept the room much cooler during the day.

It took only us about ten minutes to set them up, and they offered a serious reduction in both outside light and heat during testing, which made it easier to sleep while keeping the room cooler.

We like that it's 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.

Product Details: Size: 23 x 64 in. | Material: Fabric | Style: Honeycomb

Having blackout curtains or shades in your nursery allows for a more cozy and restful sleep for your baby while giving you peace of mind. The Eclipse Drew 100% Total Blackout Roman Shade is the perfect choice for nurseries due to its soft textured design, thick, sturdy fabric, and foam-lined backing that blocks sunlight and reduces noise.

We tested this shade for six months, and it kept our bedroom cool during the day and blocked out light while we slept. We wish the shades closed a bit more quietly, but we love them nonetheless.

The shade is cordless, which is ideal for small children. It also has a detachable face fabric that allows for easier assembly and cleaning by lightly shaking or dusting. Best of all, this shade is Best for Kids Certified, which means it has been identified as a safe and cordless product by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA).

Each shade is 64 inches long and is available in five widths and four colors. Even if you don’t have a nursery, these Roman blackout shades provide an elevated look and give you the privacy and obscurity you’re looking for. Our only complaint is that unlike some peel-and-stick options, this option requires a bit of installation. 

Product Details: Size: 64 x 27 in. | Material: Polyester | Style: Roman

If you’re looking to splurge on some luxurious blackout shades that still add a delicate texture and tailored look to any room, the Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Roman Blackout Shade is the one for you. 

Made of woven Belgian flax fibers, this crisp linen shade has a polyester blackout liner that blocks out light but keeps the inside of your room looking soft and airy. The patented cordless system uses a roller mechanism with a concealed handle so it can be lowered and raised in one easy movement. It’s also safe to use around pets and children. Plus, the included installation hardware can be used as an inside or outside mount for your preferred look or window frame type.

This beautifully crafted shade will make a great addition to your home. It’s only available in white and dark flax, yet it’s offered in a variety of size options, so you should be able to find your ideal fit. The Roman style also gives this shade a more classic and decorative look with its light draping, especially when opened halfway.

Product Details: Size: 48 x 20 in. | Material: Linen, polyester | Style: Roman

These blinds from Ikea cut out almost all natural light when completely closed. They're 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 shade is also extremely efficient at keeping your room cool on hot days, even when left partially open.

Our tester used these blinds for six months in a baby's room, and it kept the room dark even during the day, making it easier for the baby to nap. We like that the cordless cellular blind is made of soft-looking polyester material that adds warmth to the space and doesn’t look clinical like some cellular blinds can. The minimal design can be paired with sheer curtains for additional visual interest.

Keep in mind that the blinds have Ikea's wordless instruction manual that 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 the blinds don't come with wall materials.

Product Details: Size: 30 x 76 ¾ in. | Material: Polyester | Style: Cordless