The 6 Best Blackout Shades of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
If you want a good night’s sleep, light, or lack thereof, can make a big difference. Your body’s circadian rhythm naturally responds to light and darkness, and having a dark room can help you sleep better. The best blackout shades can block out light regardless of the time of day or weather outside—they “are made of multiple layers of material that can block out nearly 100 percent of the sun’s rays,” says Kelly Simpson, the senior director of design and innovation at Budget Blinds.
“When looking for blackout shades, you should be aware of the materials they are made of, looking for a thicker material that is better at blocking the light,” says sleep specialist Angela Holliday-Bell, MD. “You should look for a style and size that fits your space and make sure that they actually block the amount of light you are looking for them to block. You should also consider whether they block sound in addition to light and be mindful of cost as their price range varies widely.”
To find the best blackout shades, we tested seven models while considering factors such as effectiveness, setup, design, quality, and overall value. We also spoke with Dr. Holliday-Bell and Simpson for their expert recommendations on choosing the best blackout shades.
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This roller shade is effective at blocking out both light and noise.
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The metal pull cord doesn’t feel very sturdy.
If you want total darkness while you sleep, this blackout roller shade delivers that and more. The shade is on the thicker side and blocks out most incoming light. In our testing, we noticed a tiny bit of light coming in from the edges around the shade, likely due to the window attachments, but it was minimal—we estimated it blocked out about 97 percent of light overall. The shade also has thermal-insulated backing to help insulate the room from heat, cold, and ambient noise. During our tests, we noticed that with the shade drawn, there was less outside neighborhood noise.
The shades have an aluminum bottom rod to weigh them down and a chain cord to open and close them. You can also mount the included safety device to the wall to hold the cord, so it doesn’t become a choking hazard if you have children in the house. The pull cord allows you to adjust the shade at whatever height you prefer, though it feels a bit flimsy.
Plus, the setup is simple—this shade fits inside your window, the roller is labeled room side and window side so you know which direction to attach it, and you can choose which side to put the cord on. It includes all the screws, but you will need a tool kit. Once installed, the shade has a streamlined look and is available in six colors and multiple sizes.
While we typically include a budget pick on our lists, this shade is one of the most affordable selections and performed best across all of the categories we tested. After six months of testing, they still performed well and became a nightly favorite for their ability to block out ambient noise and summer sun. While one shade got a bit dirty from our dog lying on the bottom, it was easy to wipe off the dirt with no stains left behind. These shades have exceptional performance and don't skimp on quality, even with their budget-friendly price.
Dimensions: 20 x 72 inches | Material: Fabric with PVC backing, aluminum | Style: Roller
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Jennifer May
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![The ChrisDowa 100% Blackout Roller Shade in a home setting]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Jennifer May
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