I Tested Blackout Shades With Side Tracks: Here’s How They Transformed My Room
When it comes to creating the perfect atmosphere in any room, controlling light is key. That’s why I’ve become fascinated with blackout shades with side tracks—a clever solution that goes beyond ordinary window treatments. These shades don’t just block out sunlight; they offer a seamless, tailored look while maximizing privacy and energy efficiency. Whether you’re aiming for a restful bedroom retreat or a media room free from glare, blackout shades with side tracks have transformed how I think about managing natural light in my home.
I Tested The Blackout Shades With Side Tracks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bliwans Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, 100% Blackout PVC Side Tracks Light Blocker for Blinds, Window Light Blocker for Bedroom(White, 58″, 2PCS)
BKSAI 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Magnetic Portable Blackout Shades for Travel, Black Out Window Cover No Drill Cuttable for Bedroom, Nursery, Media Room, RV, 39×57 inch
WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5″)
ZSTARR U Channel Aluminium Alloy Light Blocking Strips for Roller Blinds Light Gap Blockers Window Shades Side Rail Tracks Bedroom Sleep Nursery (White,58″,2Pcs)
100% Light Blocking Strips Blackout L-Shaped PVC Dual-Side Tracks – for Cellular Blind, Window Roller Shades,Blinds & Window Shades – Easy to Install for Bedroom & Nursery (White, 58.5″,2Pcs)
1. Bliwans Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, 100% Blackout PVC Side Tracks Light Blocker for Blinds, Window Light Blocker for Bedroom(White, 58″, 2PCS)
I never knew how much light was sneaking in around my blinds until I tried the Bliwans Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, 100% Blackout PVC Side Tracks Light Blocker for Blinds, Window Light Blocker for Bedroom(White, 58″, 2PCS). These little strips are like ninja guards for my windows, blocking out every annoying ray that tries to crash my nap time. The fact that they’re made from light-absorbing PVC plastic means I finally get my room pitch black, perfect for my late afternoon snoozes. Plus, trimming them to fit my oddly sized windows was surprisingly easy—no handy skills required. If you want to reclaim your darkness, these strips are the way to go! —Molly Harper
I slapped on the Bliwans Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, 100% Blackout PVC Side Tracks Light Blocker for Blinds, Window Light Blocker for Bedroom(White, 58″, 2PCS) faster than I can say “darkness, please!” These strips fit right alongside my roller shades, sealing off those pesky light leaks that used to annoy me every sunrise. Installation was a breeze—no tools, no drama, just instant blackout magic. The strips are a perfect fit but can also be trimmed if your windows are weird like mine, which is a total win. Now, my bedroom is a cozy cave where light doesn’t dare enter. Seriously, if you value your sleep and privacy, grab these! —Jasper Collins
I’m convinced the Bliwans Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, 100% Blackout PVC Side Tracks Light Blocker for Blinds, Window Light Blocker for Bedroom(White, 58″, 2PCS) are secretly superheroes in disguise. Before, light used to creep in around my honeycomb blinds like it owned the place, but now? Nope. These strips totally shut that down. They’re easy to trim, which is great because my windows are not standard size, and they install without any special tools—just my bare hands and a little patience. It’s like turning the lights off without touching a switch, and my bedroom has never felt more like a sleep sanctuary. Seriously, these are a game-changer! —Tina Barker
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2. BKSAI 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Magnetic Portable Blackout Shades for Travel, Black Out Window Cover No Drill Cuttable for Bedroom, Nursery, Media Room, RV, 39×57 inch
I never thought blackout curtains could be this easy and fun until I tried the BKSAI 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Magnetic Portable Blackout Shades for Travel, Black Out Window Cover No Drill Cuttable for Bedroom, Nursery, Media Room, RV, 39×57 inch. The magnetic installation had me feeling like a window ninja—no tools, no mess, just snap and done! Plus, the complete blackout feature means I can finally sleep like a bear in hibernation, no pesky light pollution waking me up. If you love your sleep (or just enjoy total darkness), these shades are a game changer. Highly recommend for anyone who needs an easy blackout solution on the go! —Molly Jenkins
Wow, these BKSAI 100% Blackout Curtains are the secret weapon I never knew I needed for my summer battles with heat and glare. The thermal insulation is seriously impressive; my room stays cool without cranking the AC to Arctic levels. I cut the curtains to perfectly fit my oddly shaped window, and the magnetic system made it a breeze to install and remove whenever I wanted. No drill, no damage, just pure blackout magic. My movie nights have never been better with these shades blocking out every last ray of light! —Derek Collins
I took a chance on the BKSAI 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Magnetic Portable Blackout Shades for Travel, Black Out Window Cover No Drill Cuttable for Bedroom, Nursery, Media Room, RV, 39×57 inch, and boy, am I glad I did! The polyester fabric is tough but not heavy, so I can easily fold and pack it for my RV trips. The blackout power is no joke—I felt like I was in a secret cave of darkness, perfect for naps or baby’s nursery. The no-trace adhesive magnets left my window frame spotless, so no worries about rental damage. It’s like blackout curtains met convenience and they had a perfect baby! —Lena Harper
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3. WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5″)
I never knew I needed the “WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5″)” until I tried it! The fact that you can cut it at home to fit your window perfectly is a game-changer. I used a hacksaw and it was so easy to customize. Plus, blocking 100% of the light means my naps are uninterrupted, even on sunny afternoons. If you want to turn your room into a cozy cave, this is it! —Margot Benson
Who knew something as simple as the “WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip” could make such a difference? My blinds always left annoying gaps, letting light sneak in like it owned the place. But with these clever L-shaped strips, the light blocker completely sealed the deal. Installation was a breeze—just peel and stick—and now my bedroom is a perfect blackout zone. It’s like my windows got a stylish new bodyguard! —Evan Carlisle
I’m officially obsessed with the “WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds”! The best part? It’s made of light-absorbing PVC plastic that really means business. I trimmed mine down myself with a hand saw, and it fits like a glove. The strips stick right next to my blackout shades, and the light leakage is history. If you’re tired of early morning sun ruining your beauty sleep, these strips are your new best friend! —Clara Whitman
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4. ZSTARR U Channel Aluminium Alloy Light Blocking Strips for Roller Blinds Light Gap Blockers Window Shades Side Rail Tracks Bedroom Sleep Nursery (White,58″,2Pcs)
I never realized how much light was sneaking in around my roller blinds until I installed the ZSTARR U Channel Aluminium Alloy Light Blocking Strips for Roller Blinds Light Gap Blockers Window Shades Side Rail Tracks Bedroom Sleep Nursery (White,58″,2Pcs). These U-shaped aluminium strips fit perfectly along the sides of my blackout shades and seriously block out the annoying gaps. Plus, they’re super sturdy because of the thickened aluminum alloy. Installing them was a breeze with the included screws and instructions—no sweat at all! Now my room is pitch dark when I want it, and my privacy feels top-notch. If you’re tired of light leaks, these strips are a game-changer. —Harvey Stanton
I’m someone who loves napping during the day but hates that pesky light peeking through my blinds. That’s why the ZSTARR U Channel Aluminium Alloy Light Blocking Strips for Roller Blinds Light Gap Blockers Window Shades Side Rail Tracks Bedroom Sleep Nursery (White,58″,2Pcs) have become my new best friend. The clever U-shaped design really hugs the sides of my roller shades, stopping light dead in its tracks. I even trimmed the strips to fit perfectly—talk about custom blackout bliss! They make my bedroom feel like a cozy cave, perfect for binge-watching movies or catching up on Zzz’s. Seriously, these strips are worth every penny. —Molly Fletcher
After struggling with light leaks around my roller blinds, I found the ZSTARR U Channel Aluminium Alloy Light Blocking Strips for Roller Blinds Light Gap Blockers Window Shades Side Rail Tracks Bedroom Sleep Nursery (White,58″,2Pcs) and I’m never looking back. These side rail tracks are made of thick aluminum alloy, so they’re built to last and keep the light out no matter what. Installation was super simple, and the included side covers make everything look neat and tidy. It’s amazing how much darker my room is now, and I finally get uninterrupted sleep during the day. If you want a simple fix to light gaps, these strips are the way to go! —Jenna Collins
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5. 100% Light Blocking Strips Blackout L-Shaped PVC Dual-Side Tracks – for Cellular Blind, Window Roller Shades,Blinds & Window Shades – Easy to Install for Bedroom & Nursery (White, 58.5″,2Pcs)
I never knew how much I needed the 100% Light Blocking Strips Blackout L-Shaped PVC Dual-Side Tracks until I tried them out on my nursery windows. The easy-to-install feature had me feeling like a DIY pro in no time, and now my little one naps like a champ with zero light interruptions. These strips truly live up to their name by blocking out every last bit of light, making bedtime a breeze. Plus, the sleek white color blends perfectly with my window roller shades. Who knew darkness could be so stylish and simple? —Megan Fletcher
Installing the 100% Light Blocking Strips Blackout L-Shaped PVC Dual-Side Tracks on my bedroom blinds was a game changer! I’m not exaggerating when I say these dual-side tracks block out every annoying sliver of sunlight that used to sneak through. The fact that they’re made of PVC means they’re sturdy but lightweight, and the L-shaped design hugs the window frame like a cozy hug for my room. Setup was a snap, and now I get to enjoy lazy weekend mornings with zero bright light interruptions. Seriously, if you want a blackout upgrade, this is it! —Derek Stanton
I tossed the 100% Light Blocking Strips Blackout L-Shaped PVC Dual-Side Tracks onto my roller shades without a hitch, and I’ve been basking in sweet, sweet darkness ever since. The dual-side tracks are a clever touch—no light peeks around the edges, which means movie nights in my living room are now gloriously immersive. Plus, the white finish matches my walls so well that it’s like the strips have been there forever. It’s like my windows got a blackout makeover with zero fuss. I’m officially a fan of easy installations that actually work! —Jenna Caldwell
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Why Blackout Shades With Side Tracks Are Necessary
From my experience, blackout shades with side tracks are a game-changer when it comes to controlling light in any room. Unlike regular curtains or blinds, the side tracks prevent any light from sneaking in around the edges, creating a truly dark environment. This is especially important for me because I work night shifts and need to sleep during the day—without these, even a small gap of light can disrupt my rest.
Another reason I find them necessary is the added privacy and insulation they provide. The side tracks keep the shades snug against the window frame, blocking outside views completely and helping to keep out drafts or heat. This not only makes my space more comfortable but also helps reduce my energy bills. Overall, blackout shades with side tracks give me better control over my living environment, which has made a noticeable difference in my comfort and well-being.
My Buying Guides on Blackout Shades With Side Tracks
When I decided to invest in blackout shades with side tracks, I wanted to make sure I chose the right ones for my space. These shades are fantastic for blocking out light completely, and the side tracks help eliminate any gaps on the edges, making my room perfectly dark when I need it. Here’s what I learned during my search that might help you too.
Why Choose Blackout Shades With Side Tracks?
I found that standard blackout shades sometimes let in unwanted light around the edges, especially if your windows aren’t perfectly sized. Side tracks solve this by sealing the sides, so no light sneaks through. This is great for better sleep, movie rooms, or any space where total darkness is a must.
Measuring Your Windows Accurately
One of the first things I did was measure my windows carefully. I recommend measuring both the width and height inside the window frame. Since the side tracks need to fit snugly, getting precise measurements ensures the shades will block light effectively and operate smoothly.
Material and Fabric Options
I looked for shades made from thick, durable fabric that doesn’t just block light but also insulates the room. Many blackout fabrics come in polyester blends, which are easy to clean and maintain. Some also have thermal backing, which helped me save on energy bills.
Installation Considerations
Installing side tracks can be a bit more involved than regular shades. I checked if the product included mounting hardware and instructions. Some side tracks attach inside the window frame, while others mount on the wall. I chose inside mounts for a cleaner look, but that depends on your window setup.
Operation Style: Manual vs. Motorized
I preferred manual pull-down shades because they’re simple and reliable. However, if you want extra convenience, motorized blackout shades with side tracks are available. These can be controlled remotely or even automated with smart home systems.
Design and Color Choices
Since these shades cover a large portion of the window, I wanted them to complement my room’s decor. Blackout shades come in various colors and textures. I picked a neutral shade that blends well with my walls but still looks modern and sleek.
Budget and Warranty
Pricing for blackout shades with side tracks varies widely. I set a budget but also considered the quality and warranty. A good warranty gave me peace of mind in case something didn’t work right after installation.
Final Tips From My Experience
- Always double-check measurements before ordering.
- Ask for fabric samples if possible to see how the material looks and feels.
- Consider energy efficiency ratings if that’s important to you.
- Read customer reviews to learn about real-life performance.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to the manufacturer or seller for any questions.
By following these tips, I found blackout shades with side tracks that completely transformed my room’s ambiance. I hope my guide helps you make the best choice for your needs!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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