The 6 Best Blackout Shades, Tested by BHG

If your bedroom is getting ambushed by sunrise, streetlights, or that one neighbor who treats their porch light like a lighthouse,
blackout shades can be the difference between “I slept great” and “I have personally beefed with the sun.”
The best ones don’t just darken a roomthey help you feel calmer at night, nap longer during the day, and keep a space cooler when heat is pouring through glass.

Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) tested popular blackout shades at home, scoring them for how well they blocked light and heat,
how easy they were to install, and how “livable” they felt day to day (because a shade can be dark and still drive you crazy).
Below are BHG’s six top picksplus practical guidance to help you choose the right style, avoid light leaks, and get a true blackout effect.

Quick List: BHG’s Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: ChrisDowa Blackout Roller Shade
• Best Roller: Levolor Blackout Cordless Roller Shade
• Best Cellular: SBARTAR Blackout Cellular Shade
• Best Cordless: IKEA TRIPPEVALS Blackout Cellular Blind
• Best for Nursery: Eclipse Drew Blackout Roman Blind and Shade
• Best Design: Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Shade

How BHG Tested Blackout Shades

BHG evaluated blackout shades by installing them in real homes and judging performance where it matters most:
light blockage (sunlight and artificial light), heat filtering (how much they helped a room stay comfortable),
ease of installation, fit and sizing, and material quality.
That mix is importantbecause “blackout” on a product page doesn’t always translate to “pitch-dark at noon” in real life.

One more truth that seasoned shade shoppers learn quickly:
the fabric can be perfectly blackout and you can still get light creeping in around the edges.
That’s not a failureit’s physics. Most shades need small gaps so they can move up and down.
The goal is to choose the right style and install method to minimize those gaps.

The 6 Best Blackout Shades, Tested by BHG

Best Overall: ChrisDowa Blackout Roller Shade

If you want strong light-blocking without draining your entire “adulting budget,” this roller shade earned BHG’s top spot.
The material is thick and sturdy, and testers found it blocked light extremely well.
In a fun bonus that no one expects from a window covering, it even offered a little bit of sound-dampeningnice if your street hosts
nightly motorcycle auditions.

Why it stands out: A clean, minimalist look; effective blackout performance; approachable price; straightforward operation.

Keep in mind: BHG noted it may run narrower than some standard windows, which can leave slim side gaps.
If you’re very light-sensitive, consider pairing it with side panels or choosing an outside-mount install to reduce leaks.

Best for: Bedrooms, home offices that double as nap zones, and anyone who wants “hotel dark” on a sensible budget.

Best Roller: Levolor Blackout Cordless Roller Shade

Roller shades are popular for a reason: they’re simple, sleek, and easy to live with. This one stood out in BHG testing because it can be
trimmed to fit, which is a big deal if your window measurements are slightly odd (and many are).
Testers found it blocked more light than similar-looking roller shades and helped keep a sunny room cooler during the day.

Why it stands out: Customizable fit; durable vinyl; easy to wipe clean; strong light-blocking for a roller style.

Keep in mind: The vinyl look can feel a little “clinical.”
If you want a softer vibe, layer it with curtainsor pick a more textile-forward style like a Roman shade.

Best for: Kitchens, bedrooms, rentals, and windows that need a precise fit without a custom-shop price tag.

Best Cellular: SBARTAR Blackout Cellular Shade

Cellular (also called honeycomb) shades are the cozy sweater of the window world: they look soft, they feel warm, and they’re naturally good at
insulating. In BHG testing, this cordless cellular shade was quick to install and provided serious reduction in both outside light and heat.
It’s also a strong value, offering blackout performance without the “I need a second job” pricing some custom lines come with.

Why it stands out: Fast setup; cordless lift; strong light and heat reduction; good value.

Keep in mind: BHG described the material as having a slightly paper-like look.
It’s still durable, but the aesthetic is distinctivemore modern/streamlined than drapey.

Best for: Bedrooms that get hot, street-facing windows, and anyone who wants blackout plus insulation.

Best Cordless: IKEA TRIPPEVALS Blackout Cellular Blind

For shoppers who want cordless safety and near-total darkness, BHG found this IKEA cellular blind cut out almost all natural light when closed.
Testers also noted it helped keep rooms cool on hot dayseven when partially openmaking it a smart choice if your window faces intense afternoon sun.

Why it stands out: Near-blackout effect; cordless design; good cooling benefit; soft-looking fabric that feels less “sterile.”

Keep in mind: The instructions can be confusing (especially if you’re used to IKEA directions that work best for furniture),
and BHG noted you may need to supply your own wall hardware depending on your setup.

Best for: Bedrooms, nurseries, and apartments where cord-free is non-negotiable.

Best for Nursery: Eclipse Drew Blackout Roman Blind and Shade

Nurseries are where blackout shades earn their keep. Babies nap when babies napnot when the sun politely agrees to dim itself.
BHG liked this Roman shade for its thick, foam-backed construction that blocks sunlight and can reduce noise.
Another practical perk: the face fabric is detachable, so it’s easier to keep clean when life gets… sticky.

Why it stands out: Soft, textured look; thick blackout backing; cordless design; easier cleaning than many fabric shades.

Keep in mind: It requires more installation than quick peel-and-stick options.
If you want a totally tool-free solution, this may feel like “a project,” not a “five-minute win.”

Best for: Nurseries, kids’ rooms, and anyone who wants a warmer, more decorative look than a basic roller shade.

Best Design: Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Shade

If you want blackout performance and “this room looks styled” energy, BHG’s favorite design pick is a linen Roman shade with a blackout liner.
The woven texture reads soft and elevated, while the liner does the serious work of blocking light.
It also uses a cordless system with a concealed handle for a clean finishno dangling cords, no visual clutter.

Why it stands out: High-end texture; tailored Roman look; blackout liner; cordless, streamlined operation.

Keep in mind: Color options are limited, and it’s a splurge compared with budget-friendly rollers and cellular styles.

Best for: Primary bedrooms, living rooms that need privacy, and anyone who wants blackout without sacrificing design.

What to Know Before You Buy Blackout Shades

1) “Blackout” Isn’t Just FabricIt’s Fit

Many shades use blackout material, but light can still sneak in through side gaps, top gaps, or the space where the shade rolls up.
If you’re extremely sensitive to light, prioritize:
outside mounts (so the shade overlaps the window frame),
cellular designs (typically smaller light gaps),
or pairing shades with curtains to cover the edges.

2) Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

Inside mount sits within the window frame for a tidy, built-in lookbut it can allow a thin “halo” of light along the sides.
Outside mount sits above/around the frame and can cover more area, often reducing leaks.
If you’re chasing true darkness, outside mount usually gives you an advantage.

3) Material MattersEspecially for Heat Control

Roller shades can be fantastic for light control, but cellular shades are often the leaders for insulation.
Their honeycomb structure traps air, which can help reduce heat loss in winter and limit solar heat gain in summer.
If your goal is a darker and more comfortable room, cellular blackout shades are worth a serious look.

4) Cordless Is the Safer Default

If you have kids or pets, cordless (or motorized) shades are typically the safer option.
Beyond safety, cordless styles also look cleaner and feel easier to useno cords to tangle, knot, or turn into a cat toy.

5) Measure Like You Mean It

Before you click “Add to Cart,” measure the window width and height in multiple places (top, middle, bottom).
Windows can be slightly uneven, especially in older homes.
For inside mounts, follow the brand’s measurement instructions carefully.
For outside mounts, add overlap (often a couple inches on each side) to reduce light seepage.

Pro Tips for a “True Blackout” Setup

• Layer strategically: Use blackout shades for the main block, then add curtains to cover edge gaps.
• Choose overlap when possible: Outside mounts generally block more stray light than inside mounts.
• Think about the top edge: A valance or cassette can reduce light that peeks over the top.
• Use the room, not just the shade: Turn off bright LEDs, cover device lights, and consider a dim amber/red nightlight if needed.
• Match shade style to your window: Wide windows or odd sizes benefit from trimmable or customizable options.

Your Questions, Answered

Do blackout shades completely darken a room?

They can make a room dramatically darker, but perfection depends on fit and installation.
Even with blackout fabric, small gaps can let in lightespecially with inside mounts or roller styles.
If you want “movie theater at noon,” consider outside mounts, cellular shades, or layering with curtains.

Are blackout shades worth it if I already have curtains?

Often, yes. Curtains can leak light at the top and sides, and they don’t always help much with heat.
A blackout shade creates a closer-to-the-window barrier, and curtains can then act as a second line of defense.
Together, they’re usually better than either alone.

Which style is best for hot rooms?

Cellular blackout shades are a strong choice because their honeycomb construction can add insulation.
Roller shades can also help, especially in reflective or thicker materials, but cellular designs tend to be the go-to for comfort plus darkness.

What’s the easiest blackout shade to install?

Many roller and cellular shades are straightforward, but installation ease varies by mounting type and hardware.
If you want the simplest setup, look for brands that include clear instructions and all mounting parts,
and consider a standard-size window where you won’t need trimming or special brackets.

Real-Life Experiences With Blackout Shades (The Stuff You Don’t See in Product Photos)

Let’s talk about the “after” momentwhen the shade is up, the drill is put away, and real life moves back in. Because blackout shades aren’t just a purchase;
they’re a lifestyle negotiation between your sleep, your windows, and the laws of physics.

The streetlight showdown: If you’ve ever tried to sleep with a bright streetlight pouring through the glass, you know the vibe: your bedroom feels like it’s hosting
a tiny outdoor parking lot. A good blackout shade fixes most of that instantly, but the first night can be comically revealinglike you didn’t realize how much light you were tolerating
until it’s gone. The room feels calmer, quieter, and oddly more “private,” even if the shade is doing the exact same job it did five minutes ago. And then you notice it:
a thin ribbon of light at the edge. Not a dealbreaker, but it’s the moment you understand why people layer curtains or choose outside mounts.

The nap renaissance: Blackout shades are the unsung heroes of daytime sleep. Night shift workers, new parents, migraine sufferers, and anyone trying to recover from
“I stayed up too late scrolling” can relate. When the room is truly dim, your body stops arguing with the clock. Suddenly, a 30-minute nap becomes a real reset instead of a restless doze.
It’s also where the type of shade starts to matter: cellular shades can feel warmer and cozier during the day, while roller shades give you that crisp, clean “hotel” vibe.

Nursery reality: Parents often expect blackout shades to be about baby sleep, but the plot twist is how much they help adults too.
A nursery that stays dark for naps can become a calmer space overallless stimulation, fewer distractions, and fewer “why are we awake at 5:12 a.m.?” mornings.
Practical details matter here: cordless operation feels non-negotiable, and wipeable surfaces (or detachable fabric) are gold when spit-up and dust show up like they pay rent.
Also, blackout doesn’t mean “no daytime vibes”top-down/bottom-up options can give privacy while still letting in gentle light when you want it.

The home-theater effect: Even if you’re not building a full theater room, blackout shades make TVs look better.
Glare drops, contrast improves, and suddenly you can see what’s happening in that moody nighttime scene without turning your living room into a cave 24/7.
Many people end up using their shade daily not just for sleep, but for comfortkeeping harsh sun off furniture, cooling down a west-facing room, or getting privacy at night
without closing heavy drapes.

The “why is measuring so emotional?” phase: Measuring windows sounds simple until you meet your actual windows.
Older frames can be uneven. Rental windows can be oddly sized. And sometimes the trim is decorative in a way that makes mounting choices complicated.
The best experience is when the shade fits like it was meant to be thereno rubbing, no awkward gaps, no hardware surprises.
The frustrating experience is when you realize you chose an inside mount for the sleek look, but the “halo” of light is brighter than expected.
The fix is usually easy (outside mount next time, add curtains, or pick a style that hugs the frame more closely), but it’s a real-world lesson:
the most “blackout” product is the one that fits your window and your routine.

Bottom line: blackout shades are one of those upgrades that feel a little boring until you live with themthen you wonder why you waited.
And once you’ve experienced a truly dark room on a bright morning, you may find yourself casually recommending them to friends like you’ve joined a secret society.
(The password is “Please stop shining into my bedroom.”)

Final Take

The best blackout shade is the one that matches your window, your style, and your sensitivity to light.
BHG’s top picks cover the major needs: an affordable best overall, a trimmable roller for precise fit, insulating cellular options, a nursery-friendly Roman,
and a splurge-worthy linen shade that looks custom.
Measure carefully, choose the right mount, and don’t be afraid to layer if you want that “true blackout” feel.