The 11 Best Blackout Shades of 2023

Best Overall

Bali Blackout Cellular Shades

4.6

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You would expect a custom fit like those from Bali Blackout Cellular Shades to be astronomically expensive, but these shades are budget-friendly as well as effective. You can choose your fit, with width and height options from 9 to 144 inches. Dimensions are customizable down to ⅛ inch so that you get exactly the look that you need. They are available in corded or cordless.

You can choose the type of shade as well, from single-cell, double-cell, antimicrobial, and different depth options. These can control the light getting through the window as well as provide insulation that can lower your energy costs. There are also plenty of colors, although some are more expensive than others. Some are true blackout shades, while others are light filtering. Make sure that you pay close attention when ordering so that your shade meets your needs.

With a custom-created shade, it’s important to be extra sure of your measurements, since returns can be tricky if they don’t work out. You can get a sample of some colors and styles, although not every type is available to see before you order. They are compatible with a remote control motor, which is sold separately and adds to the overall cost.

Price at time of publish: $137 to $1,695

_{Dimensions: 9-144 inches x 9-144 inches | Material: Fabric | Mounting Type: Inside or outside} 

Best Budget

Redi Shade Easy Lift Trim-at-Home Blackout Shade

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You can trim these shades right at home to get a custom fit without paying a ton upfront. They don’t require any special tools to install, making them a great economical choice for someone who is just starting out and might not have pricey power tools yet. They are pretty simple, with a white slat design. They stick to the top of the window frame, which requires them to sit flush with the inside mount of your window.

These are cordless shades, a great feature if you are in a home with young children or pets. Not only does it look sleeker and cleaner, but it is also much safer. All you have to do to adjust the shade is pull it down or push it up. Just be careful not to yank too hard, or it may come off the frame.

Price at time of publish: $59

_{Dimensions: 30-60 x 64 inches | Material: Polyester | Mounting Type: Inside}

Best Splurge

Pottery Barn Emery Linen Cordless Roman Blackout Shade

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While pricey, the Pottery Barn Emery window treatments are timeless and will look great, no matter your style. They are made of a linen-cotton blend and come in four neutral colors: white, ivory, gray, and charcoal. They look particularly nice as a background for Pottery Barn’s line of Emery curtains, which feature the same materials and style. These shades are cordless and fold neatly as you lift them up. The result is a clean look when they are raised, and an effective blackout feature when they are down.

There are multiple sizes available, but make sure that you measure your window well, because they are made to fit snug. You can mount them inside or outside the window frame, although your choice will impact the size that you need, so you need to decide before ordering. While there are 12 sizes available, there are only four colors.

Price at time of publish: $229 to $329

_{Dimensions: Various | Material: Linen and cotton | Mounting Type: Inside or outside}

Best for French Doors

Flamingo P Tricia Blackout Curtain for French Door

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Double french doors can let a lot of light into a room, but if you want to create a light-free oasis or just want to insulate your room better, these blackout curtains from Flamingo P look great and reduce noise. There are 15 colors available, and each of them has adjustable tie-backs that you can use when you want the curtains out of the way. All you need to do to install is peel back the adhesive layer and stick them to the frame.

These only come in single panels, so make sure to order two if you are putting them on a pair of french doors. Fortunately, they are affordable, even knowing that you need to make multiple purchases. They are machine washable, although you should try to avoid bleach and use a mild detergent. You can also iron or dry clean them for a really polished look.

Price at time of publish: $26

_{Dimensions: 26 x 68 inches | Material: Polyester | Mounting Type: Outside}

Best for Skylights

Tipiace Manual Pattern Cellular Shades Cordless Honeycomb Blinds

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Skylights are great for letting in natural light, but they don’t work well if you want to black out your space. These blinds create a light barrier for your skylight that also provide insulation that keeps your space cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They have tin foil built into the interior that can help keep your energy costs down. They are available in 15 colors, including one that is meant to replicate a beautiful blue sky day.

You will need to operate these blinds manually, which may require a step stool or long-handled tool. If you have a particularly high skylight, these might not even be reachable. These are custom-made and typically ship within one week, depending on how long it takes to make them. That means you need to take very careful measurements, since the metal track has to fit your skylight window exactly in order for the shade to work.

Price at time of publish: $78

_{Dimensions: Custom | Material: Aluminum | Mounting Type: Inside}

Best for Nurseries

Pottery Barn Kids Classic Cordless Woven Blackout Shade

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When it comes to blackout shades for nurseries, safety is just as important as function and style. These classic shades from Pottery Barn Kids look great with any style of decor, reduce light and noise, and operate without a cord. You won’t need to worry about your child or pet getting caught up in a cord, which can be a major safety hazard. They are also made without lead, formaldehyde, or heavy metals.

These shades are a bit expensive and are relatively simple in design, but the superior attention to detail and the extra safety features make them a great value for the nursery. They only come in two colors, white and gray, but they provide a neutral, classic look that will work even as your child grows, and their interests change. So, while pricey up front, you’ll be able to use them for years.

Price at time of publish: $250 to $400

_{Dimensions: 24-50 x 66-84 inches | Material: Polyester | Mounting Type: Inside or outside}

Best for Travel

Amazon Basics Portable Window Blackout Curtain

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This simple blackout shade suction cups directly to the window, making it the perfect option to take on the go. You can use the sewn-in velcro to customize the size and suction cup them to the window to keep them in place. These shades also have a carrying case, so even packing them is easy.

The shade does feature a moon-and-stars pattern, which doesn’t impact the performance or its ability to block light and sound. Just be prepared for a look that suits a nursery. It is still a great option, even if you aren’t using it for a child’s room. If you are using it to help with your baby’s sleep, it is a useful tool. “One concern parents may have with using blackout curtains is that the baby may only be able to fall asleep with complete darkness and is often associated with sleeping away from home while traveling or daycare,” says Sharpe. “However, there are so many incredible products easily available to make sleeping away from home with baby easier.”

Price at time of publish: $27

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

Best Motorized

Yoolax Motorized Smart Blind for Window with Remote Control

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These roller blackout shades can be operated via remote control as well as by using a smart home device, such as Alexa or Google Home. They are made of vinyl, which is durable as well as wipeable. The size is fully customizable, so take careful measurements when ordering. 

Depending on the version that you get and your smart home device, you may need a separate hub to get them to connect. Fortunately, Yoolax provides a helpful guide so that you know exactly how to set up your system. Unfortunately, all of these extras add to the already high cost of these shades.

Price at time of publish: $169

_{Dimensions: Customizable | Material: PVC | Mounting Type: Inside}  

Best Roller

Levolor Trim+Go White Blackout Cordless Roller Shade

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There are plenty of options in this roller shade with a variety of features, materials, and price points. You can opt for a light-filtering option, room-darkening shade, or full blackout shade. They come in 37-, 55-, or 73-inch widths. You can further customize them by getting them cut in the store before taking them home. Just keep in mind that once you get them cut, you can’t return them.

These can be mounted inside or outside. You will need to purchase the mounting hardware separately, however. They are also cordless for added safety and a clean, classic look. They only come in one color, white, but they are a good neutral option that checks all of the boxes for energy efficiency and blackout features.

Price at time of publish: $30 and up

_{Dimensions: 27-73 x 78 inches | Material: Fabric, solar, or vinyl | Mounting Type: Inside or outside}  

Best Curtains

NICETOWN Living Room Blackout Shades

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If you prefer a looser look, try blackout curtains like these from Nicetown. They come in 15 solid colors and 15 different sizes. They drape well and are made of three layers of woven fabric. Not only does this keep the light out, but it also muffles sound and adds a softer look to your entire room. 

These aren’t completely customizable, but they do have the most commonly found window sizes. You can get curtains in the same color to go all around the room or your house, even if your windows are different sizes. Unlike some other blackout curtains, these have the same fabric on both sides of the curtain. This creates a nice look from the outside of your home as well as from the inside.

Price at time of publish: $26 and up

_{Dimensions: 34-52 x 30-84 inches | Material: Fabric | Mounting Type: Rod pocket or clips}