Bali Blackout Cellular Shades are our top choice on account of the high-quality design, ample customization options, and impressive features. Ahead, the best blackout shades available today. These shades come in single- or double-cell materials—both provide a blackout effect, but the double-cell options offer a bit more sound absorption, insulation, and energy efficiency for your home. Standout features include a top-down/bottom-up configuration for convenience, along with adjustable light filtration. You can also initiate cordless controls for child and pet safety, with the option to upgrade to Bali’s Z-Wave motorized adjustments that can be controlled from 65 feet away. Interested in smart window coverings? The Z-Wave feature can even pair with your mobile device. Price at time of publish: $137 The cordless lifting mechanism makes them safe in homes with kids and pets while creating a clean, tailored look. These shades are only available in two colors (white and beige) and four sizes. But if your windows are a standard size and you’re in the market for a neutral hue with an affordable price tag, you can’t go wrong. If they aren’t the exact right dimensions, the trim-at-home design allows you to cut them to a custom fit. Price at time of publish: $59 Each panel is 64 inches long and available in five widths ranging from 26 to 48 inches. If you have shorter windows, the Roman-style design will fold any excess fabric into smooth pleats at the bottom. There are five neutral colors to choose from: charcoal, gray, dusty blue, oatmeal, ivory, and white. What’s more, the cordless lift system and concealed handle make for a child-safe, streamlined appearance. Unlike the roller shades of yesteryear, these are cordless. When you want to open or close them, all you have to do is gently pull the bottom. (The plastic pull tab may not be the most durable, but positioning your hands on either side of the bottom hem will provide a better grip anyway.) iFit shades are also pre-mounted to the headrail for quick, easy installation. Price at time of publish: $77 These reasonably priced blackout shades come in over 30 sizes of varying heights and widths. If you don’t see the exact dimensions you need, you can order a slightly longer panel, and the Roman-style design will fold any excess material into smooth pleats. The fabric might be somewhat wrinkled out of the box, but any creases and crumples should relax a few days after installation. You can also steam your shades if needed. Price at time of publish: $54 One thing to note is that DIY installation is a little complex, so you might want to hire a professional to mount this shade. You can buy just the panel or upgrade to an app-controlled motorized lifting mechanism. The optional motor is powerful and convenient, but it’s somewhat loud, so manual lifting might be best when other people are sleeping. Price at time of publish: $96 The cordless design ensures they’re safe for kids and pets, and a concealed handle makes for easy lifting and lowering. While there aren’t any customization options, they come in five sizes. And like other Roman shades, if you don’t see the dimensions you need, you can always opt for a longer panel, as it’ll fold any excess fabric into pleats at the base. Price at time of publish: $75 Available in any height and width between 6 to 144 inches, you can order custom sizes down to an eighth of an inch. We also like that there are nearly 150 fabrics and colors to choose from, including single- and double-cell designs—double-cell offers a bit more insulation. Customizable upgrades include continuous cord loops, top-down/bottom-up lifting, day/night light filtration, and motorized controls. Though these shades are on the pricier side, we’d argue that they’re worth the investment. Price at time of publish: $114 Pottery Barn’s patented AeroLife lift system calls on a cordless, kid-safe roller mechanism. Opening and closing these Roman-style shades is easy—just gently pull down on the base. While these are on the pricier side and come in limited sizes and colors, they’re an all-around high-quality option made to last for several years. Price at time of publish: $229 for 26 x 64"
Inside vs. Outside Frame Mounting
Most blackout shades can be mounted either outside or inside the window frame. To ensure a true blackout effect without any strips of light peeking out from the sides or bottom, outside installation is the way to go. Some people prefer the look of inside mounting, in which case you might want to hang curtains over your shades to cover all cracks of outdoor illumination.
Materials and Colors
Blackout shades come in various materials, including natural textiles like linen and cotton and synthetic fabrics such as polyester. Linen and cotton tend to offer a slightly more high-end look, but you can find some excellent faux silk and textured poly blends as well. Your window coverings can be any color—even white—as long as they have a blackout lining on the back to block all outdoor light. Statement hues can enhance the overall design of your space, but when in doubt, go with a neutral tone. “I prefer to style windows with the same consideration I do when I style the room: in layers using [a] pattern, color, and texture,” says DeLucia.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home decor, textiles, furniture, and lifestyle products. From personal and professional experience, she has a keen understanding of the different types of window coverings, including styles, materials, and installation requirements. To increase the energy-efficient effect and ensure every spec of light is blocked while enhancing your home’s aesthetic, consider hanging curtains over your shades or blinds. “Combining a great patterned blackout shade with a textured solid curtain (or vice versa) and contrasting hardware will create a unique complement to your room decor,” says DeLucia. For this article, Theresa looked at dozens of blackout panels from various brands, combing through product specs, poring over reviews, and referencing the U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency’s guidance on insulating window treatments. She also spoke with two experts in the field—Logan Foley, Managing Editor at SleepFoundation.org, and Maria DeLucia, Interior Designer and Owner of Square One Studios—for additional insight.
