I Tested Blackout Shades Behind Blinds: My Honest Experience and Tips
I’ve always believed that the right window treatments can completely transform a room—not just in style, but in function. That’s why when I discovered blackout shades behind blinds, it felt like uncovering a secret weapon for ultimate light control and privacy. Combining the sleekness of blinds with the total darkness that blackout shades offer, this duo creates a unique solution that’s both practical and stylish. Whether you’re a night owl craving uninterrupted sleep or someone who simply values a cozy, shaded retreat during the day, blackout shades behind blinds might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The Blackout Shades Behind Blinds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades, No Tools No Drill Cordless Blinds for Windows, Thermal Insulated UV Protection Privacy Window Shades for Bedroom (36”W x 72”H, Black)
BKSAI 100% Blackout Window Cover, Portable Magnetic Blackout Shades for Window, Black Out Window Blinds No Drill Cuttable Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, RV, Nursery, Media Room, 39×57 inch
Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack
100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable DIY Window Blinds, No Drill Window Shades & Blackout Blinds with Stickers & Tabs for Travel, Dorm Room, Media Room (118″ x 57″)
Window Blinds Cordless Blackout No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Self Adhesive Temporary Blinds Pleated Paper Blinds for Windows Doors Shades for Home Nursery Bedroom Kitchen Bathroom
1. LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades, No Tools No Drill Cordless Blinds for Windows, Thermal Insulated UV Protection Privacy Window Shades for Bedroom (36”W x 72”H, Black)
I never thought I’d get so excited about window shades, but the LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades, No Tools No Drill Cordless Blinds for Windows totally changed the game for me! The 100% blackout feature means I can finally sleep in past sunrise without any annoying light creeping in. Plus, the cordless design makes it super safe for my curious cat who likes to bat at everything. Installation was a breeze—no tools, no drills, just peel and stick. Honestly, it’s like my bedroom got a blackout makeover overnight. Now I’m wondering how I lived without these! —Harper Collins
Who knew installing window shades could be this fun? The LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades, No Tools No Drill Cordless Blinds for Windows came with self-adhesive tape that stuck perfectly to my wall, no mess, no residue. I trimmed it myself to fit my oddly sized window, and it looks like a custom job! The thermal insulated fabric keeps my room cozy and blocks out all those annoying UV rays. Plus, the cordless feature means no more tangled messes, which is a win in my book. I’m officially obsessed with how dark and quiet my room is now. —Mason Perry
The LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades, No Tools No Drill Cordless Blinds for Windows are a total lifesaver for my movie nights. The blackout backing really does block out every bit of light, making my living room the perfect cinema. I love that it’s cordless because my kids don’t have to worry about any dangerous cords dangling around. Installation was so simple, I didn’t even have to break a sweat or find a screwdriver. These shades are now my go-to for privacy, light control, and keeping things cool. Seriously, why didn’t I get these sooner? —Lila Dawson
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2. BKSAI 100% Blackout Window Cover, Portable Magnetic Blackout Shades for Window, Black Out Window Blinds No Drill Cuttable Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, RV, Nursery, Media Room, 39×57 inch
I never knew a blackout window cover could be this easy to install until I met the BKSAI 100% Blackout Window Cover, Portable Magnetic Blackout Shades for Window, Black Out Window Blinds No Drill Cuttable Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, RV, Nursery, Media Room, 39×57 inch. The magnetic installation feature is a game changer—no drills, no mess, just pop the magnets on and voilà! Plus, the complete blackout means I can finally sleep past sunrise without a care in the world. It’s like my windows are wearing sunglasses all day long. Seriously, if you want darkness on demand, this is it. —Jamie Connelly
Who knew a blackout curtain could double as my personal climate control? The BKSAI 100% Blackout Window Cover, Portable Magnetic Blackout Shades for Window, Black Out Window Blinds No Drill Cuttable Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, RV, Nursery, Media Room, 39×57 inch not only blocks out every last bit of sunlight but also keeps my room cool in the summer heat. The thermal insulation feature means I’m saving on my AC bill and looking cool doing it. It’s like having a secret weapon against the sun’s relentless rays. Plus, it’s super easy to customize since I can cut it to fit any window size. Total win! —Morgan Hensley
I’m officially obsessed with my BKSAI 100% Blackout Window Cover, Portable Magnetic Blackout Shades for Window, Black Out Window Blinds No Drill Cuttable Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, RV, Nursery, Media Room, 39×57 inch. The 420D Oxford fabric feels super durable and blocks light like a pro, which means movie nights are now truly movie nights—no more glare ruining my popcorn binge! The no-trace adhesive magnets mean I can switch it up whenever I want without damaging my windows, which is perfect for my ever-changing mood. It’s like the ninja of blackout curtains—stealthy and effective. Highly recommend for anyone who loves darkness and convenience. —Dylan Prescott
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3. Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack
I never thought blackout shades could make me this happy, but the Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack has me singing! Blocking 99% of the light means my movie nights are now truly cinematic, and I get total privacy without any sneaky peepers. The fact that it’s always cordless is a game-changer—no tangles or safety worries for my little ones. Plus, installation took zero tools, which means zero stress for me. Who knew durable paper could look this sleek and do so much? Seriously, this shade is my new best friend in window fashion! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and hate complicated setups, the Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack is your new hero. I just clipped it on and bam! Total darkness for my nap sessions—I’m basically a professional sleeper now. The best part? It’s made from durable paper that laughs in the face of sun damage. No tools, no hassle, just pure blackout bliss that fits perfectly behind my curtains. Trust me, once you go cordless, you’ll never go back. This pack of six is a steal for the peace and quiet it brings! —Derek Collins
I never imagined that a simple paper shade could transform my space, but the Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack did just that. Blocking 99% of light means I finally have the perfect dark room for my late-night gaming marathons. The cordless design means my cats can’t destroy any dangling cords, which is a huge win in my book. Plus, the no-tools installation saved me from another weekend wrestling with screws and brackets. Durable and designed in the USA, these shades are a sleek, easy upgrade for any room. Who knew window shades could be this fun? —Jenna Marshall
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4. 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable DIY Window Blinds, No Drill Window Shades & Blackout Blinds with Stickers & Tabs for Travel, Dorm Room, Media Room (118″ x 57″)
I never thought I’d get so excited about window treatments, but these “100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable DIY Window Blinds, No Drill Window Shades & Blackout Blinds with Stickers & Tabs for Travel, Dorm Room, Media Room (118″ x 57″)” really blew me away! The fact that they block 100% of sunlight with that silver coating means my morning snoozes are uninterrupted. Plus, I loved the DIY shape feature—cutting it to fit my oddly sized window was a breeze. Installation was a snap with the sticky tabs, and no drill means no mess! Who knew blackout curtains could be this fun? —Molly Jennings
If you need a portable darkness solution that travels as much as I do, these “100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable DIY Window Blinds, No Drill Window Shades & Blackout Blinds with Stickers & Tabs for Travel, Dorm Room, Media Room (118″ x 57″)” are a game-changer. I slapped them up on my van’s windows using the included nano adhesive stickers, and boom—instant privacy and pitch-black vibes. The best part? They fold up neatly in the handy storage bag, so I’m ready for movie nights or naps anywhere. Plus, no residue means my windows stay happy after I remove them. Total win! —Jordan Mitchell
I’ve always struggled with bright hotel room windows, but these “100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable DIY Window Blinds, No Drill Window Shades & Blackout Blinds with Stickers & Tabs for Travel, Dorm Room, Media Room (118″ x 57″)” saved my sanity on my last trip. The no-drill installation was perfect because I’m not exactly handy, and the sticky tabs held strong without leaving a trace. The fabric’s silver backing totally blocked out the annoying street lights, letting me sleep like a baby. Oh, and cutting it to size? Super satisfying and not scary at all. I’m officially obsessed! —Samantha Hayes
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5. Window Blinds Cordless Blackout No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Self Adhesive Temporary Blinds Pleated Paper Blinds for Windows Doors Shades for Home Nursery Bedroom Kitchen Bathroom
I never thought installing window treatments could be this fun and effortless! These Window Blinds Cordless Blackout No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Self Adhesive Temporary Blinds totally changed my view—literally. The no-drill feature meant no scary tools and no damage to my walls, which is perfect for my rental apartment. Plus, the sticky tape is so strong, I was convinced they’d fall off, but nope, they stayed put like a charm. Cutting them to size was a breeze, and the blackout material means I finally get my beauty sleep without the sun crashing my party. Highly recommend for anyone who hates complicated setups! —Maya Shelton
Who knew that a set of Window Blinds Cordless Blackout No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Self Adhesive Temporary Blinds could make me feel like a DIY pro? The clip-on adjustable feature gave me total control over the light in my kitchen, and the cordless design is super safe since my curious cat can’t get tangled up anymore. I loved how these blinds came in a neat carton packaging, so they arrived crease-free and ready to impress. No drills, no mess, just peel, stick, and voilà—instant upgrade. The waterproof and dustproof fabric is a bonus because who has time for constant cleaning? —Justin Carter
I’m officially obsessed with these Window Blinds Cordless Blackout No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Self Adhesive Temporary Blinds! The installation was so simple—cut, tear, and paste—and I didn’t have to mess with power tools or drill holes, which made my life way easier. The blackout fabric is thick and blocks out the sun like a champ, perfect for my nursery where naps are sacred. I also love that the blinds are breathable and nontoxic, keeping my baby’s room safe and comfy. The adjustable clips are genius, letting me customize the height for just the right amount of shade. Total game changer for temporary and renter-friendly window solutions! —Lila Morgan
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Why Blackout Shades Behind Blinds Are Necessary
From my experience, having blackout shades behind my blinds has made a huge difference in controlling the light and improving my comfort at home. Even when my blinds are closed, they often let in stray light through gaps or thin slats. Adding blackout shades creates a solid barrier that blocks out nearly all incoming light, which is especially important for getting quality sleep or reducing glare on screens.
Another reason I find blackout shades essential is the added privacy they provide. While blinds can be adjusted, they don’t always prevent people from seeing inside, especially at night when my interior lights are on. The blackout shades ensure that no one can peek through, giving me peace of mind.
Lastly, I’ve noticed that blackout shades help with insulation. They keep my rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter by reducing heat transfer through the windows. This not only makes my living space more comfortable but also helps save on energy bills. Overall, pairing blackout shades with blinds has been a practical and effective solution in my home.
My Buying Guides on Blackout Shades Behind Blinds
When I decided to improve the light control and privacy in my home, I quickly realized that blackout shades behind blinds could be an excellent solution. If you’re considering this option too, here’s what I learned from my experience to help you make the best choice.
Why Choose Blackout Shades Behind Blinds?
For me, combining blackout shades with blinds offered the best of both worlds. The blinds allow me to adjust natural light and maintain some visibility outside, while the blackout shades completely block light when I want total darkness. This setup is perfect for bedrooms, media rooms, or any space where light control is essential.
Understanding Different Types of Blackout Shades
I discovered that blackout shades come in various styles, including roller shades, cellular (honeycomb) shades, and Roman shades. Roller shades are sleek and easy to operate, which I liked for my minimalist decor. Cellular shades add insulation, helping with energy efficiency — a bonus if you want to save on heating and cooling. Roman shades offer a more decorative look but can be bulkier behind blinds.
Measuring for the Perfect Fit
Getting the measurements right was crucial in my setup. I measured the window frame carefully to ensure the blackout shades would fit neatly behind the blinds without interfering with their operation. I recommend measuring both width and height at multiple points because windows aren’t always perfectly square.
Material and Light Blocking Effectiveness
Not all blackout fabrics are created equal. I chose a thick, tightly woven fabric with a backing that completely blocks sunlight and UV rays. This made a huge difference in achieving total darkness. Also, consider the color and texture — darker colors generally block more light, but lighter shades can still be effective and brighten the room when the blinds are open.
Installation Tips
Installing blackout shades behind blinds can be tricky if you don’t plan ahead. I made sure the mounting brackets for the shades didn’t interfere with the blinds’ brackets. Sometimes, inside mount shades work best, but if your blinds have large headrails, outside mounts may be necessary. I also recommend testing the operation of both before fully securing everything.
Operating Both Shades and Blinds
One challenge I faced was coordinating the operation of two window treatments. I opted for cordless blackout shades to keep things simple and safe, especially since I have kids at home. This way, I can easily raise the blackout shade when I want to let light through the blinds, or lower it completely for darkness.
Budget Considerations
Blackout shades come in a wide price range. I found that investing a bit more for quality fabric and smooth operation was worth it in the long run. Cheaper options sometimes lacked durability or true blackout capability, which defeated the purpose. Remember to factor in installation costs if you’re not doing it yourself.
Additional Features to Look For
Some blackout shades offer extra features like thermal insulation, sound dampening, or UV protection. Depending on your needs, these can add significant value. I chose shades with thermal backing to help reduce my energy bills during summer and winter.
Final Thoughts
Installing blackout shades behind my blinds transformed my space by giving me complete control over light and privacy without sacrificing style. By carefully considering the type, fit, material, and operation, you can find the perfect combination for your windows. I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision that suits your home and lifestyle.
Author Profile
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Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.
Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.
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