The 8 Best Blackout Shades for Easy, Restful Sleep
As a light sleeper, I can confirm that the absence of noise and light make a difference in how fast I’m able to fall asleep. Being able to sleep in complete darkness, free from any and all outside distractions, makes it easier for light sleepers to fall and stay asleep. You can use all of the relaxing sleep aids you want, have the coziest pillows and a mattress that supports you just right — but if the street light on your block is blaring into your window slumber is going to be harder to attain. The best sleep occurs when you’re in complete darkness, which is attainable by covering up all of those pesky charger lights, shutting off your phone and using blackout shades on your windows.
If you’re having trouble getting your full eight hours each night, try setting up one of these blackout shades to block out light. Blackout shades are made of thicker fabric and are designed to not let any light in when closed. They’ve got blackout blinds, curtains and a variety of other window fixtures that will fit your room’s light source to a T. They’re easy to set up and are relatively affordable for the most part. Here are the best blackout shades available to order on the web.
1. Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade
BEST OVERALL
Able to install in seconds, these opaque blackout shadows work with most windows and help keep your room as dark as you want. The soft 100% polyester fabric won’t scratch or scrap your walls, so you won’t have to worry about it negatively impacting your home’s decor.
Buy: Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade $26.30
2. NICETOWN White 100% Blackout Lined Curtains
RUNNER UP
Available in a range of different sizes, these blackout curtains come in a solid white color and look great in any setting. Able to block out all sunlight and UV rays, these curtains are a great option if you’re looking to add a little more privacy to any room as well.
Buy: White Blackout Lined Curtains $36.95
3. Cordless Blackout Cellular Shade
BEST CORDLESS
Specifically made for bedrooms and game rooms, these blackout shades come in a range of different color styles, so you can coordinate based on each specific room. The cordless design makes opening and closing the blinds as easy as can be. Of course, they’re also able to protect your room from UV rays that can tarnish furniture.
Buy: Cordless Blackout Cellular Shade $47.38
4. Total Blackout Window Film
BEST FILM
Instantly darken any room with this amazing blackout window film. Able to easily attach to any window or wall, the static cling of the fabric makes for effortlessly easy setup and removal — letting you instantly add UV protection to any room.
Buy: Total Blackout Window Film $14.99
5. NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains
BEST CURTAINS
As an Amazon bestseller, these insulated curtains come with 5,000 five-star reviews. They also come in an impressive 18 various color options. The grommet top design helps add an extra sense of elegance, while the curtains themselves are able to block out light and harmful UV rays.
Buy: Grommet Blackout Curtains $23.93
6. LUCKUP Blackout Pleated Fabric
BEST BLACKOUT FABRIC
This is blackout fabric you can apply to existing blinds or apply underneath curtains to blackout your room at night. It’s made to block out ultraviolet light and harmful dust so your family can sleep comfortably. All you have to do is cut, tear and stick to install these. No power tools, screws or anything complicated — and the fabric is easy to cut and adjust to the exact size of your windows.
Buy: LUCKUP Blackout Pleated Fabric $30.99
7. Achim Home Furnishings Black Window Shade
EASIEST TO INSTALL
These blackout shades take only three steps to install and come made of a textured, durable vinyl with a bottom rail that prevents sagging and extends their longevity. All it takes is trimming the shade down to the exact size of your window with a utility knife or something of similar sharpness, peeling and sticking it on, and adjusting the shade using the included pleats. Installing blackout shades does not have to be a long, drawn-out process — do yourself a favor and make sleeping easier with just a few steps.
Buy: Achim Home Furnishings Black Window Shade $13.90
8. SBARTAR Cellular Window Shades
BEST NOISE REDUCTION
Not only do these blackout shades block out 100% of UV light, they also have a noise-absorbing honeycomb structure with added insulation so your room stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They’re great for privacy control as they’re totally opaque and are very easy to pull up and down and position them exactly where you want them. These shades also have a different color on each side — beige and white — and you can choose which one faces inward.
Buy: SBARTAR Blackout Window Shades $61.99