What Are The Best Blinds For An RV?
An RV is like a home away from home, so choosing the right window treatments for your RV is an important decision. The best blinds for your RV depends on how and where you plan to travel. Whether you’re parking close to neighbors, soaking up the beach sun, or heading off the grid for a winter adventure, the right blinds make a big difference in comfort, privacy, and energy efficiency.
Here’s a breakdown of the best RV window treatment options and the benefits of each, so you can pick the perfect fit for your home on wheels.
Pleated Shades
Pleated shades are lightweight and fold up neatly in an accordion style, making them easy to raise and lower. They’re an affordable, durable option that comes in a wide range of colors and textures.
Benefits:
- Lightweight and compact — easy to use in tight spaces
- Affordable and simple to maintain
- Available with light-blocking lining for added privacy
- Can be custom-made in wide widths (though seams may show)
Things to consider:
- Small pinholes of light may be distracting
- These shades provide some insulation, but not as effective as other options. If you’re a winter or mountain traveler, this may cause discomfort.
Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades
Cellular shades also fold accordion-style, but they include honeycomb pockets that trap air, offering excellent insulation — perfect for both hot and cold climates.
Why choose cellular shades?
- Superior insulation to help regulate RV temperature
- A cleaner look with no pinholes of light
- Available in wide widths without seams
- Can be cordless, motorized, or top-down/bottom-up for flexible light control
- Durable, easy to clean, and well-priced for their energy efficiency
Roller & Solar Shades
Roller and solar shades roll up tightly on a tube for a sleek, modern look. Solar shades are a type of roller shade designed to reduce glare and UV rays while maintaining outdoor views.
Benefits of Roller/Solar Shades:
- Clean, minimal style that rolls up neatly
- Light-filtering or room-darkening options available
- Super easy to clean and maintain
- Cordless and motorized options for safety and convenience
- Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures
Bonus Tip:
- Solar shades let you see out during the day, but at night, others can see in. Consider day/night shades to solve this issue.
Day/Night Shades
Day/night shades give you the best of both worlds by combining two fabrics: one for light filtering and one for room darkening.
Why choose day/night shades?
- Flexibility for daytime glare control and nighttime privacy
- Great for naps and temperature control during sunny afternoons
- Available in both pleated and cellular styles
Benefits:
- Adjust light and privacy throughout the day
- Perfect for controlling glare, afternoon naps, or blocking bright moonlight at night
- Great for temperature control in changing weather
Aluminum Blinds
Aluminum blinds could be a great choice for your RV because of their durability and affordability.
Why choose aluminum blinds?
- Lightweight and easy to adjust for light control
- Available in multiple colors and slat sizes
- Resistant to dust, stains, scratches, mold, and mildew
- Affordable and long-lasting
What to keep in mind:
- Less energy-efficient compared to other shades
- Narrow slats could obstruct your view
- Can rattle while driving (but hold-downs help minimize this)
Add Convenience with Motorized Shades
Add convenience with motorized shades — no more leaning over furniture to adjust them!
Benefits of motorized shades:
- Control with the push of a button or through a smartphone app
- No wiring needed — battery-operated with easy recharging (usually only once a year)
- Ideal for hard-to-reach windows
Don’t Forget: Hold-Downs for RV Shades
Whatever style you choose, hold-down brackets or tie-downs are a must for RV travel. They help keep your shades or blinds secure while you’re on the road.
Pro Tip: Budget Blinds offers Smart-Fit technology for cellular shades with magnetic hold-downs, perfect for bumpy roads and off-road adventures.
Quick Tips for Cleaning RV Blinds
To keep your custom RV blinds looking as good as new, we have some cleaning tips so you can enjoy your RV window treatments for as long as possible:
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth or feather duster
- Vacuum gently using a brush attachment
- Blow out debris from cellular shade pockets with compressed air or a hairdryer on the cool setting
- Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent — blot gently and let dry before raising
Ready for Your Next Road Trip?
The experts at Budget Blinds will bring samples right to your door (or campsite), help you find the perfect fit, and provide a custom quote based on your style and budget.
Request Your FREE Design Consultation here!