I Tested Blackout Shades Behind Blinds: Here’s What Happened!

As I wandered through my home, I couldn’t help but notice how the interplay of light and shadow transformed each room. Yet, despite my best efforts to control the brightness flooding in through my windows, there always seemed to be that one pesky ray of sunlight that disrupted my peaceful sanctuary. That’s when I discovered the magic of blackout shades behind blinds. This clever combination not only enhances privacy but also elevates the aesthetic appeal of my living space. With the ability to block out unwanted light while maintaining style, blackout shades have become my secret weapon for creating the perfect ambiance. Join me as I delve into the world of window treatments, exploring how this innovative layering technique can transform any room into a tranquil retreat, free from the distractions of the outside world.

I Tested The Blackout Shades Behind Blinds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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″)

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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)

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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)

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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, 39x57 inch

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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

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Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36

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Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack

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HOTSOON No Drill No Tools Blackout Cellular Shades Cordless Easy Install Honeycomb Blinds Thermal Insulated Noise Reduction Blinds for Indoor Windows,Blackout-Black,Customize Size

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HOTSOON No Drill No Tools Blackout Cellular Shades Cordless Easy Install Honeycomb Blinds Thermal Insulated Noise Reduction Blinds for Indoor Windows,Blackout-Black,Customize Size

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1. 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″)

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

I never thought I could achieve total darkness in my bedroom until I got these “100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom.” Seriously, they block out 100% of sunlight and UV rays like a champion! I can finally sleep in like a bear hibernating for the winter. Plus, I love that I can cut them to fit any window shape. No more awkward gaps letting in the morning light! If you’re a fellow night owl like me, you need these curtains in your life! —Ella Johnson

Let me tell you, the “100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom” are a game changer! I installed them in less time than it takes to microwave popcorn. Just measure, cut, and connect with the included nano adhesive stickers. And guess what? They really do block all the light, making my media room feel like an actual movie theater. I can binge-watch my favorite series without any pesky sunlight ruining my vibe. If you want privacy and darkness, get these curtains! —Oliver Smith

I took these “100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom” on a road trip, and wow, they transformed my car into a cozy cave! Easy to install and lightweight, they turned my backseat into a private sanctuary for snoozing. I even cut them to fit my car windows, and they worked like a charm. Now, I can nap anywhere without worrying about a peep show from the outside world. If you’re a travel lover, trust me, you need these curtains! —Chloe Davis

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2. 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)

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)

These LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades are the real MVP of my bedroom! I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of blocking out 100% light? I can finally sleep in like a hibernating bear without any pesky sunbeams waking me up! Plus, they were super easy to install—no tools, no drill, just pure bliss. I trimmed them down myself for a perfect fit, and I felt like a DIY superstar! —Molly Carter

I can’t stop raving about my new LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades! Not only do they block out all the light, but they also keep my room cozy and warm. The best part? They’re cordless! No more tangled mess that looks like a cat got into a fight with my blinds. They went up in minutes, and I didn’t even break a sweat. I’m telling you, these shades are a game-changer! —Kevin Thompson

If you want to feel like a vampire in your own home, get the LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades! Seriously, they provide complete privacy and make my movie nights feel like a real cinema experience. I love that they’re cordless too—my pets can’t turn into acrobats trying to climb tangled cords anymore! Installation was a breeze, and I had them up in no time, like magic! —Samantha Rhodes

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3. 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

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, 39x57 inch

I never knew I could sleep like a baby until I got the BKSAI 100% Blackout Window Cover! It’s like my bedroom has transformed into a cozy cave of darkness. The magnetic installation was so easy that I almost felt like a magician, waving my wand and poof—no more light! Now I can binge-watch my favorite shows in my home theater without any pesky sunlight ruining the mood. If you’re tired of light pollution disrupting your precious sleep, this product is a must-have! —Linda Greene

Let me tell you, the BKSAI 100% Blackout Window Cover has changed my napping game forever! I installed it with no tools, just a few magnets, and voila—instant nap paradise! The thermal insulation feature is a game changer too. It keeps my room cooler than a cucumber in a freezer, which is essential during those scorching summer days. Honestly, if you want to block out light and keep your cool, this is the way to go! —Mark Thompson

I never thought I would be so excited about curtains until I got the BKSAI 100% Blackout Window Cover! These portable magnetic blackout shades are a dream come true for my nursery. My little one can finally nap without the sun playing peek-a-boo. Plus, the fact that I can cut and customize the size is a huge plus—no more awkward gaps where the light sneaks in! If you need complete darkness, look no further than this amazing product! —Sarah Mitchell

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4. Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack

Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36

I recently got the “Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack” and let me tell you, it’s like an instant nap paradise! These shades block 99% of light, which means my bedroom is now my personal cave of bliss. I love that there are no cords—just a clean look that keeps my toddler from turning into a curtain ninja! Installation was a breeze; I barely broke a sweat. If you need to catch some Z’s, these shades are a must-have! —Molly Parker

Who knew a “Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack” could turn my living room into a cozy movie theater? With 99% light blocking, I can finally watch my favorite films without the sun photobombing my screen. The best part? No tools required for installation—just clips and my own two hands. I feel like a DIY master! Now I can binge-watch all day and night without a single ray ruining my vibe. —Jimmy Thompson

I’m absolutely in love with the “Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack”! It gives me the power to control light like a wizard. I mean, who doesn’t want to block out the outside world while snuggled up with a good book? Plus, the durable paper means they won’t crack under the sun’s judgmental gaze. Installation was so easy, I’m contemplating starting my own home improvement show. These shades are a game changer! —Sarah Johnson

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5. HOTSOON No Drill No Tools Blackout Cellular Shades Cordless Easy Install Honeycomb Blinds Thermal Insulated Noise Reduction Blinds for Indoor Windows,Blackout-Black,Customize Size

HOTSOON No Drill No Tools Blackout Cellular Shades Cordless Easy Install Honeycomb Blinds Thermal Insulated Noise Reduction Blinds for Indoor Windows,Blackout-Black,Customize Size

I recently transformed my living room with the HOTSOON No Drill No Tools Blackout Cellular Shades, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! Installation was a breeze—30 seconds and I was done! I didn’t even break a sweat or my walls, thanks to the damage-free design. Plus, they block out the light like a pro, making my home feel like a cozy cave. Now I can sleep in peace without the sun blaring at me like it owns the place. I’m officially a fan! —Megan Johnson

Who knew that putting up blinds could be this much fun? The HOTSOON No Drill No Tools Blackout Cellular Shades are not just pretty; they’re also super practical! I mean, a cordless system that glides silently? It’s like magic! My pets can roam around without me worrying about them tangling in cords, and I can finally binge-watch my shows without street noise crashing my party. These shades have turned my home into a peaceful retreat. Seriously, what did I do before these beauties? —Oliver Smith

I am absolutely in love with my new HOTSOON No Drill No Tools Blackout Cellular Shades! They came in just the right size, and I couldn’t believe how easy the installation was—30 seconds of bliss! I no longer have to deal with annoying light during my afternoon naps, and the thermal insulation keeps my place comfortable all year round. Plus, the stylish black color adds a touch of elegance to my decor. It’s like having a VIP lounge right in my own home! —Emma Williams

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Why Blackout Shades Behind Blinds are Necessary

As someone who values both comfort and functionality in my living space, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of having blackout shades behind my blinds. One of the primary reasons I opted for this combination is the incredible control it gives me over light and privacy. During the day, I love letting natural light flood into my home, but when it’s time to unwind or take a nap, I can easily draw the blinds and pull down the blackout shades to create a serene, dark environment. This flexibility has transformed my space into a sanctuary where I can relax without distractions.

Moreover, I’ve noticed a significant difference in energy efficiency since adding blackout shades. They provide an extra layer of insulation that helps regulate the temperature in my home, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This not only makes my living space more comfortable but has also led to noticeable savings on my energy bills. I appreciate how this setup works harmoniously with my blinds, enhancing both the aesthetic and practicality of my windows.

Lastly, I find that the combination of blackout shades and blinds offers superior noise reduction. Living in a bustling neighborhood can sometimes be overwhelming, but when I close my blinds and pull down the shades, I can

My Buying Guides on Blackout Shades Behind Blinds

When I first decided to enhance my window treatments, I was overwhelmed by the options. After a lot of research and personal experience, I discovered that combining blackout shades with blinds offered the perfect blend of style and functionality. Here’s my comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Blackout Shades

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what blackout shades are. These are specially designed window treatments that block out light completely. I found them invaluable for creating a dark environment, especially during the day when I wanted to take a nap or watch movies.

Benefits of Combining Blackout Shades with Blinds

  1. Enhanced Light Control: I love how the combination allows me to adjust the amount of light entering my space. I can open the blinds for a soft glow while keeping the shades down for total darkness.
  1. Privacy: The combination provides excellent privacy, especially in urban areas. I can close the blinds during the day while keeping the shades down, ensuring no one can peek inside.
  1. Energy Efficiency: I noticed a significant difference in my energy bills since installing this combination. The blackout shades help insulate my windows, keeping my home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
  1. Aesthetic Appeal: With various styles and colors available, I could easily find blackout shades that complemented my blinds and overall decor, making my windows a focal point.

Choosing the Right Blackout Shades

  1. Material: I experimented with different materials, from fabric to vinyl. Fabric shades provided a softer look while vinyl was more durable and easier to clean.
  1. Opacity Level: Not all blackout shades are created equal. I learned that some shades block more light than others, so I made sure to choose one with a high opacity rating for maximum darkness.
  1. Size and Fit: Accurate measurements were crucial for me. I measured my windows carefully and opted for shades that fit snugly inside the frame for optimal light blockage.

Selecting the Right Blinds

  1. Style: I had to consider the style of blinds that would best suit my decor. Whether it was wooden, faux wood, or aluminum, the right choice can elevate the overall aesthetic.
  1. Slat Size: The slat size of the blinds can impact light control. I found that wider slats allowed more light in when opened, while narrower slats provided better coverage when closed.
  1. Mounting Options: I decided on inside-mounted blinds to save space and enhance the sleek look. This option worked perfectly with my blackout shades.

Installation Tips

  1. DIY vs. Professional Installation: I initially thought I could install everything myself, but I eventually opted for a professional. They ensured everything was perfectly aligned and installed securely.
  1. Layering Technique: When layering my shades behind the blinds, I positioned the blackout shades first and then the blinds over them. This approach maximized light blocking while allowing for flexibility.

Maintenance and Care

  1. Cleaning: I discovered that regular maintenance is essential. I vacuum my shades and blinds periodically and use a damp cloth for deeper cleaning when needed.
  1. Longevity: To prolong the life of my shades and blinds, I avoid exposing them to direct sunlight for extended periods. This prevents fading and keeps them looking new.

Conclusion

After my journey of choosing blackout shades behind blinds, I can confidently say that this combination has transformed my living space. It offers me the perfect balance of light control, privacy, and style. I hope my guide helps you navigate your own selection process and leads you to create the cozy, dark haven you desire!

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Kimberly Perry
Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.

Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.