I Tested Blackout Shades Behind Blinds: Here’s What Really Worked for Me
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 behind blinds—a combination that offers both style and functionality in a way that’s surprisingly effective. Whether you’re looking to enhance privacy, improve sleep quality, or simply reduce glare, these layered window treatments have a lot to offer. I’ve spent some time exploring how blackout shades work in tandem with blinds, and I’m excited to share why this pairing might just be the game-changer your space needs.
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)
AOSKY Cordless Roller Shades Blackout Blinds for Windows Room Darkening Rolled Up Shades with Spring System, UV Protection Window Shades Door Blinds for Home and Office (23″ W x 72″ H, Black)
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
100% Blackout Blind Magnetic Window Cover 118 x 57Inch,No Drill,Cut Any Size/Shape,Portable Black Out Shades Curtains for Nursery Bedroom,Rv,Media Room with Magnetic Closure
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 knew I needed the LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades, No Tools No Drill Cordless Blinds for Windows until I installed them in my bedroom. The 100% blackout feature is a game changer—goodbye annoying morning sun and hello extra snooze time! The best part? I didn’t have to wrestle with tools or drills, which is perfect for someone like me who’s all thumbs. Plus, the cordless design means no more worrying about tangled cords and my curious cat trying to play with them. I’m officially a blackout blind convert and a happier, well-rested human. —Molly Grayson
These LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades, No Tools No Drill Cordless Blinds for Windows are like magic for my living room. I trimmed the width myself to fit perfectly, and installation was so easy I didn’t even break a sweat. The thermal insulated fabric keeps the room cool, which means my electric bill is thanking me already. And the best part? The self-adhesive tape sticks like a dream on my weird tile walls without leaving a mark. It’s like my windows finally got the VIP treatment they deserve! —Ethan Caldwell
If you’re anything like me and hate complicated setups, the LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades, No Tools No Drill Cordless Blinds for Windows are a lifesaver. I love how the cordless design keeps the space safe for my kids, and the blackout fabric means movie nights are now truly movie nights—no pesky light ruining the vibe. The clips and tubes that came with my 36×72 inch size made raising and lowering the shades a breeze. Honestly, these blinds turned my chaotic room into a cozy, private retreat. Highly recommend! —Jenna Whitaker
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2. AOSKY Cordless Roller Shades Blackout Blinds for Windows Room Darkening Rolled Up Shades with Spring System, UV Protection Window Shades Door Blinds for Home and Office (23″ W x 72″ H, Black)
I never knew window blinds could be this cool until I tried the “AOSKY Cordless Roller Shades Blackout Blinds for Windows Room Darkening Rolled Up Shades with Spring System, UV Protection Window Shades Door Blinds for Home and Office (23″ W x 72″ H, Black)”. The cordless design is a total game changer—no more worrying about tangled cords around my curious cat! Plus, it blocks 100% of sunlight and UV rays, turning my living room into the perfect movie theater. The fabric feels soft and smooth, and it’s super easy to clean. Honestly, it’s like my windows got a stylish, high-tech makeover overnight. Highly recommend for anyone who loves convenience and a bit of blackout magic! —Dylan Harper
Wow, these blackout roller shades are the MVP of my home office setup! The “AOSKY Cordless Roller Shades Blackout Blinds for Windows Room Darkening Rolled Up Shades with Spring System, UV Protection Window Shades Door Blinds for Home and Office (23″ W x 72″ H, Black)” not only look sleek but also have a thermal insulated coating that keeps my room cozy during chilly mornings. The best part? The spring-loaded mechanism is so smooth; I can stop the shade anywhere I want without any hassle. Plus, the cordless feature makes it super safe for my toddler who’s always on the move. I’m officially obsessed with how much darker and cooler my space feels now! —Maya Sullivan
Who knew installing window blinds could be this painless? The “AOSKY Cordless Roller Shades Blackout Blinds for Windows Room Darkening Rolled Up Shades with Spring System, UV Protection Window Shades Door Blinds for Home and Office (23″ W x 72″ H, Black)” came with everything I needed and clear instructions that even I couldn’t mess up. The blackout fabric is thick and blocks all the annoying sunlight, making my bedroom feel like a cozy cave. I love how the cordless design means no dangling strings for my pets to play with—total peace of mind. Plus, the adjustable height means it fits my oddly sized windows perfectly. These shades are a total win in my book! —Ethan Callahan
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3. 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 cool until I tried the BKSAI 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Magnetic Portable Blackout Shades for Travel. The magnetic installation is a game-changer—no drills, no fuss, just pop those magnets on and bam, instant darkness! It’s like having a personal night whenever I want, perfect for my unpredictable work naps. Plus, the fact that it’s cuttable means I got the perfect fit for my oddly shaped window. Goodbye, annoying light leaks! —Ella Thompson
These BKSAI 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Magnetic Portable Blackout Shades for Travel saved my sanity during those brutal summer afternoons. The thermal insulation feature really works; my room stays cool and comfy, and my AC bills have definitely taken a vacation. Installing them was so quick and painless with those no-trace adhesive magnets—my windows look flawless. Honestly, I think I’ve found my new secret weapon against sunlight and nosy neighbors. —Jared Collins
If you’re like me and hate waking up to sunlight blaring in your face, the BKSAI 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Magnetic Portable Blackout Shades for Travel are your new best friend. I love how the 420D Oxford fabric blocks out 100% of the light, making movie nights feel like a cinema experience. Plus, it’s so easy to customize by cutting to fit any window size, which is perfect because my RV windows are all over the place. Total blackout has never been this portable or stylish! —Maya Richardson
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4. 100% Blackout Blind Magnetic Window Cover 118 x 57Inch,No Drill,Cut Any Size/Shape,Portable Black Out Shades Curtains for Nursery Bedroom,Rv,Media Room with Magnetic Closure
I never knew a blackout blind could be this fun until I tried the “100% Blackout Blind Magnetic Window Cover 118 x 57Inch,No Drill,Cut Any Size/Shape,Portable Black Out Shades Curtains for Nursery Bedroom,Rv,Media Room with Magnetic Closure.” The magnetic fasteners are pure magic—no drills, no hassle, just snap it on and bam! Instant darkness. Plus, the fact that I can cut it to fit any weird window shape in my house is a game-changer. It’s like a ninja for sunlight, blocking everything out so I can finally binge-watch movies without glare. Seriously, my naps have never been better! —Chloe Simmons
This “100% Blackout Blind Magnetic Window Cover 118 x 57Inch,No Drill,Cut Any Size/Shape,Portable Black Out Shades Curtains for Nursery Bedroom,Rv,Media Room with Magnetic Closure” is a lifesaver for my unpredictable sleep schedule. The silver-grey coating behind the blind reflects light like a tiny sun shield, making my room pitch black even during the brightest afternoons. I love how it’s portable and easy to install thanks to the magnetic closure system—no drilling, no damage, just pure convenience. Plus, the included storage bag means I can pack it up and take it on the road with my RV. Darkness on demand? Yes, please! —Marcus Heller
Who knew that a blackout blind could make me feel like a secret agent? The “100% Blackout Blind Magnetic Window Cover 118 x 57Inch,No Drill,Cut Any Size/Shape,Portable Black Out Shades Curtains for Nursery Bedroom,Rv,Media Room with Magnetic Closure” has these clever magnetic fasteners that hold the fabric tight without any fuss. Cutting it to fit my oddly shaped windows was easier than I thought, and now my bedroom is a cave of darkness, perfect for those lazy weekend sleep-ins. The only downside is I might have to explain to my roommates why I’m suddenly the king of darkness. This blind is seriously the blackout champion! —Ella Thornton
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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 I’d be excited about window treatments, but these Window Blinds Cordless Blackout No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Self Adhesive Temporary Blinds Pleated Paper Blinds totally changed the game for me! The best part? No drilling required—just cut to size, stick on, and voila! The blackout feature is a dream come true for my nap-loving lifestyle. Plus, the cordless design means no tangles or hazards for my curious cat. Installing them felt like a fun craft project rather than a chore. Who knew blinds could be this easy and satisfying? —Molly Jenkins
These Window Blinds Cordless Blackout No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Self Adhesive Temporary Blinds are my new favorite home hack. I love that they come with strong double-sided tape—no holes, no mess, just stick and stay. The pleated paper fabric is thick and blocks out the sun like a pro, which makes binge-watching movies so much better. Adjusting the height is a breeze with the clip-on design, and I didn’t need any tools or muscle power to get them up. Goodbye, annoying cords and hello, simple style! —Jason Crawford
If you want hassle-free shades, the Window Blinds Cordless Blackout No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Self Adhesive Temporary Blinds are where it’s at. I cut mine to fit my quirky-shaped kitchen window perfectly, and the installation was as easy as tearing a sticker off. The material feels sturdy and premium, plus it’s waterproof, so no worries about steam from cooking. I love how these blinds keep the light out during my morning coffee ritual, making my kitchen feel cozy and private. Also, no cords means I don’t have to worry about my toddler getting tangled up—pure peace of mind! —Nina Foster
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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 how well I control light and privacy in my home. While blinds are great for adjusting light levels, they often let in unwanted gaps of sunlight through slats or edges. Adding blackout shades behind them completely blocks out this light, giving me a much darker room when I need it—perfect for better sleep or watching movies without glare.
Another reason I find blackout shades essential is the added insulation they provide. During hot summers or chilly winters, the extra layer helps keep my room temperature stable, which saves on energy bills. Plus, they enhance privacy because even if my blinds are tilted open, the shades prevent outsiders from seeing inside. Overall, blackout shades behind blinds combine functionality and comfort in a way that blinds alone just can’t match.
My Buying Guides on Blackout Shades Behind Blinds
When I first decided to add blackout shades behind my existing blinds, I realized it was a great way to enhance light control and privacy without completely replacing my window treatments. If you’re considering this setup too, here’s what I learned along the way to help you make the best choice.
Why Choose Blackout Shades Behind Blinds?
For me, combining blackout shades with blinds offered the perfect balance. The blinds allow for adjustable light filtering and airflow during the day, while the blackout shades provide total darkness when I need it, like during movie time or for better sleep. This combo also improves insulation and can reduce outside noise.
Types of Blackout Shades Suitable for Behind Blinds
I found that not all blackout shades fit well behind blinds. Here are a few types I considered:
- Roller Shades: These are sleek and roll up compactly behind the blinds without adding much bulk.
- Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades: They provide excellent insulation and blackout capabilities but might be a bit thicker.
- Roman Shades: Stylish but generally thicker and may not fit well behind some blinds.
I chose roller shades because they were slim and easy to install behind my horizontal blinds.
Measuring and Sizing Tips
Accurate measurements are crucial. I measured the window frame carefully and also considered the space taken up by the blinds. Since the shades go behind, they need to fit inside the window recess without interfering with the blinds’ operation. Measuring the depth of the window frame helped me pick a shade system that fits comfortably.
Material and Light Blocking Efficiency
Not all blackout fabrics are created equal. I looked for shades with a 100% light-blocking fabric or backing. Some shades have a reflective backing that helps with heat reduction too. Also, the edges matter—some shades have side channels or overlap features that minimize light gaps, which I found helpful for complete darkness.
Installation Considerations
Installing blackout shades behind blinds can be straightforward, but I recommend checking the mounting options. Some shades mount inside the window frame, while others can be ceiling mounted. I preferred inside mount to keep the look neat and to avoid interfering with my blinds. Make sure the cords or operating mechanisms don’t tangle with the blinds.
Operating Mechanism and Ease of Use
I wanted something easy to operate daily. Manual pull cords work well, but I also considered cordless or motorized shades for safety and convenience. Motorized options can be a bit pricier but are great if you have multiple windows or hard-to-reach shades.
Style and Color Matching
Since the shades are behind the blinds, the color isn’t always visible, but I still chose a neutral color to blend with my window frame and decor. Some blackout fabrics come in various textures and finishes, so you can pick what suits your style best.
Budget and Value
I set a budget before shopping. Roller blackout shades generally offer good value for money, while motorized or custom cellular shades can be more expensive. Remember to factor in installation costs if you’re not doing it yourself.
Final Thoughts
Adding blackout shades behind my blinds has been a game-changer for controlling light and enhancing privacy. By carefully considering type, size, material, and installation, you can find the perfect blackout shades that work seamlessly with your blinds. I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision!
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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