Best Blackout Window Treatments for Bedrooms

Why blackout is not always fully dark

Blackout fabric blocks light through the shade itself. The light you still see comes through the small gaps at the sides and top. Ordinary blinds leave many gaps, which is why a bedroom with blinds never gets quite dark.

Your main options

• Blackout cellular shades: block light and add an insulating layer of air
• Blackout roller shades: simple, modern and available in many fabrics
• Roman shades with a blackout lining: the softness of fabric with blackout performance
• Side channels: close the gaps at the edges for the darkest result

Mounting makes the difference

A shade mounted outside the window frame covers more of the gap than one mounted inside it. Side channels reduce the remaining light at the edges. We will show you how each option closes at your own window.

In Florida, a blackout shade on a sun-facing bedroom also helps keep the room cooler.

Safe for kids and nurseries

Cordless lift is the safer choice for children's rooms and nurseries, and most of our styles come cordless or motorized. Motorization also makes tall bedroom windows easy to close.

Products mentioned in this guide

• Cellular Shades
  The most energy-efficient option, in light-filtering or blackout.
• Cordless Roller Shades
  Simple and modern. Lift by hand, with no cords or chains.
• Roman Shades
  The softness of drapery with the tidiness of a shade.
• Motorized Roller Shades
  Raise and lower by remote, app, voice or a daily schedule.

Common questions