The 9 Most Effective Blackout Shades to Block Out Light in Your Space

Best Overall: Bali Blackout Cellular Shade

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What makes the Bali Blackout Cellular Shades stand out most is their versatility. There are nearly 80 colors to choose from, including neutrals and chic statement hues to complement a variety of decor. In terms of size, there's room to customize them down to an eighth of an inch. Their functional design makes them a great pick for any space in the home—from your bedroom to living spaces or even a home theater.

These shades come in single- or double-cell materials—both provide a blackout effect, but the double-cell options offer a bit more sound absorption, insulation, and energy efficiency for your home. Standout features include a top-down/bottom-up configuration for convenience, along with adjustable light filtration.

You can also initiate cordless controls for child and pet safety, with the option to upgrade to Bali's Z-Wave motorized adjustments that can be controlled from 65 feet away. Interested in smart window coverings? The Z-Wave feature can even pair with your mobile device.

Best Budget: Redi Shade Easy Lift Trim-at-Home Blackout Shade

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On a budget? There are some excellent affordable blackout window treatments out there. We're loving the Easy Lift Cellular Shades from Redi Shade. They're made of a crisp polyester fabric and feature a honeycomb structure to ensure all outdoor light is blocked while giving your home an energy-efficiency boost.

The cordless lifting mechanism makes them safe in homes with kids and pets while creating a clean, tailored look. These shades are only available in two colors (white and beige) and four sizes. But if your windows are a standard size and you're in the market for a neutral hue with an affordable price tag, you can't go wrong. If they aren't the exact right dimensions, the trim-at-home design allows you to cut them to a custom fit.

Best Luxury: Pottery Barn Emery Linen Cordless Roman Blackout Shade

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If you've got a higher budget for window coverings, you should definitely consider Pottery Barn's Emery line. The Roman Blackout Shades feature a blend of 73 percent linen and 27 percent cotton on the front and a poly-cotton liner on the back to ensure complete room darkening and total privacy when you want it, plus insulation and sound absorption.

Each panel is 64 inches long and available in five widths ranging from 26 to 48 inches. If you have shorter windows, the Roman-style design will fold any excess fabric into smooth pleats at the bottom. There are five neutral colors to choose from: charcoal, gray, dusty blue, oatmeal, ivory, and white. What's more, the cordless lift system and concealed handle make for a child-safe, streamlined appearance.

Best Roller: iFit Cut-to-Width Cordless Blackout Roller Shade

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For those partial to roller-style window treatments, we recommend the iFit Blackout Shade. Available in your choice of five neutral colors ranging from moody black to stark white, the front is a smooth textile. On the back, you've got a white thermal-coated polyester material for complete light blockage and heat reflection to help your home stay cool during the summer.

Unlike the roller shades of yesteryear, these are cordless. When you want to open or close them, all you have to do is gently pull the bottom. (The plastic pull tab may not be the most durable, but positioning your hands on either side of the bottom hem will provide a better grip anyway.) iFit shades are also pre-mounted to the headrail for quick, easy installation.

Best Roman: Arlo Blinds Cordless Bottom Up Blackout Fabric Roman Shade

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For those interested in Roman-style window treatments, we highly recommend Arlo Blinds. The brand's Cordless Blackout Roman Shades are made of a thick yet drapey fabric and feature an opaque white backing that blocks all light and reflects heat to help keep your home cool during the sunny season.

These reasonably priced blackout shades come in over 30 sizes of varying heights and widths. If you don't see the exact dimensions you need, you can order a slightly longer panel, and the Roman-style design will fold any excess material into smooth pleats. The fabric might be somewhat wrinkled out of the box, but any creases and crumples should relax a few days after installation. You can also steam your shades if needed.

Best White: Home Decorators Collection White Cordless Blackout Cellular Shade

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Can blackout window coverings be white? You bet! We like the Cordless Cellular Shade from Home Decorators Collection. With honeycomb construction, it has little air chambers that help insulate your space and boost your home's energy efficiency.

One thing to note is that DIY installation is a little complex, so you might want to hire a professional to mount this shade. You can buy just the panel or upgrade to an app-controlled motorized lifting mechanism. The optional motor is powerful and convenient, but it's somewhat loud, so manual lifting might be best when other people are sleeping.

Best Fade-Resistant: Eclipse Faux Silk Blackout Cordless Lined Roman Shade

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Recommended by interior designer Maria DeLucia, these window coverings are ideal for year-round sunny climates, as they prevent your furniture and the panels themselves from fading. A white foam backing promises to block 100 percent of outdoor illumination while absorbing sound, reflecting heat, and making your home more energy-efficient. Available in five neutral hues, Eclipse Roman Shades feature a luxurious faux silk material on the front.

The cordless design ensures they're safe for kids and pets, and a concealed handle makes for easy lifting and lowering. While there aren't any customization options, they come in five sizes. And like other Roman shades, if you don't see the dimensions you need, you can always opt for a longer panel, as it'll fold any excess fabric into pleats at the base.

Best Insulating: Levolor Blackout Cellular Shades

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The best insulating panels are undoubtedly Levolor Blackout Cellular Shades. Featuring a unique honeycomb construction and a white outward-facing material, they boast superior light control, full privacy, and sound absorption while helping your home stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Available in any height and width between 6 to 144 inches, you can order custom sizes down to an eighth of an inch. We also like that there are nearly 150 fabrics and colors to choose from, including single- and double-cell designs—double-cell offers a bit more insulation. Customizable upgrades include continuous cord loops, top-down/bottom-up lifting, day/night light filtration, and motorized controls. Though these shades are on the pricier side, we'd argue that they're worth the investment.