Whether you’re looking for a complete blackout effect at all times of the day, or simply interested in a solution that provides light control— we’ve got the perfect blackout shades for you. There has never been more variety in the market with blackout features, and blackout shades have never been more affordable.

What image pops into mind when you think “blackout”? Some only consider curtains or drapes to deliver an effective blackout effect. But nowadays, many modern window treatments can be customized to include features that completely block out the sun— or you can order a specific kind of shade that is solely designed for blackout. 

Whether you’re looking for a window treatment that allows for total light control or simply blackout by itself, there is no need to sacrifice style or design to get the effect you desire. Below, we’ve provided some of our best-selling blackout shades in different styles.

We have also included suggestions for different places in your home that they would be great in—like a nursery, the bedroom, or your office.

Blackout Roller Shades

Roller shades are a timeless window treatment and a go-to in the interior design world. Why? Because the design is sleek, the fabrics and colors are endless, and they can fit almost any room or window. 

Budget Blinds offers roller shades in over 240 different colored fabrics and textures. The variety available makes pairing your shades with your decor and color palette effortless. Roller Shades can also be customized beyond fabric colors and design, too. If you’re considering using roller shades as a blackout window treatment, we also suggest utilizing cornices and light blockers.

The cornice on a roller shade can be found up top of the window treatment. It is the box-like encasement that hides the hardware of the roller shade. Cornices are the finishing touch that can make roller shades look sleek, modern, and uniform. Cornices are usually one solid color and are meant to add an element of design to the roller shade.

Cornices are an imperative part of the roller shade set up if you intend on going full blackout. The cornice will block any light peeking through the top half of the window corners. Light blockers are also another part that you should consider if you intend on getting the full blackout effect.

Light blockers are solid pieces of L shaped plastic that fits into the corner of your window. They can either be placed right before the roller shade to encase the shade, or behind the shade to block the light directly from the window. Whichever way you choose to use them, light blockers are just as essential as cornices to keeping out all the light.

Where window treatments like plantation shutters might not make the cut, roller shades are fantastic options for nearly any space. Roller shades are easy to clean, UV resistant, and can be customized to be motorized or cordless.

Roller shades can really go the mile for their blackout feature, the many fabrics for customization, and options for light blocking. Still on the fence? Download our free design guide to get your creative juices flowing. 

Cellular Blackout Shades

When it comes to blackout shades, cellular blackout shades are just as popular as roller shades—but for different reasons. Cellular shades are also referred to as “honeycomb shades” for their honeycomb-like shape. They’re excellent window treatments for blackout because of their varied light control. 

Cellular shades control light by the filters inside of the honeycomb shapes. Light filters through the fabric, meaning the more fabric in the honeycombs, the more light control. The honeycomb cells collapse and expand upon contraction, often resembling an accordion when rolled up.

Cellular shades differ from roller shades in style, look, and function—but cellular shades don’t offer as many light control options as roller shades do. 

For instance, let’s say you’d like the option to blackout a room—not a window treatment that only offers the one feature of total blackout. With roller shades, you can layer shades to complete a blackout look and roll one shade up when you’d like to let in natural light.

Honeycomb shades are usually customized to do one function: filter natural light for a glow, or total blackout. You can always dress the cellular shades with drapes if you’d like to let in natural light with the versatility of blackout when you’re in the mood. 

Although cellular shades are an amazing window treatment for energy efficiency and blackout, they aren’t ideal for places with high humidity and moisture. Consider cellular shades for places like your living room and office. Skip this option for spaces like laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.