Maybe you’re tired of waking up at dawn. Maybe your child naps badly because the room is too bright, or you work nights and need to sleep in the daytime. Either way, you want a darker room, and the choice comes down to blackout curtains or blackout shades. Both can work well, though they’re good at different things.
Blackout curtains vs blackout shades: the short answer
For the darkest possible room, a well-fitted blackout shade mounted inside or close to the window frame, paired with curtains that cover the edges, usually wins. If you want something easy, affordable and decorative, blackout curtains hung wide and high suit most bedrooms. Neither gets a room perfectly black unless you deal with the light leaking around the edges too.
Why rooms stay bright: it’s the edges
Here’s something that surprises people. A lot of the light you notice in a “blacked out” room isn’t coming through the fabric. It sneaks in around the edges, above the rod and between the panels. That’s why fit matters more than the fabric itself. Whichever you choose, aim to cover the window completely, with extra on all sides.
Blackout curtains: the pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to install, and often easy to swap if you rent.
- Come in many colors and styles, so they fit your decor.
- Many are lined or thick, which can add some sound dampening and a little insulation.
- Can be hung wider and taller than the window to cut down light leaks.
Cons:
- Light still leaks along the sides and top unless the curtains are wide and the rod is high.
- The fabric can be bulky and takes up wall space when open.
- They collect dust and need washing now and then.
Leaning toward curtains? Check out our roundup of blackout curtains for bedrooms. For measuring and mounting tips, our guide to measuring and hanging curtains will help you cut the leaks.
Blackout shades: the pros and cons
Pros:
- A close fit, especially when mounted inside the window frame, which can reduce light from the front.
- Slim profile, so they work in tight spaces and with other window treatments.
- Some options are motorized, so you can set them to open on a schedule.
Cons:
- A small gap along the sides of the frame is common, and it lets in a thin line of light.
- Installation takes a bit more precision, and measuring errors matter.
- They’re less decorative on their own, so some people layer them with curtains.
Cellular (honeycomb) shades are a popular type. In a blackout version they can also help with insulation, and the cordless ones are a good choice where there are children or pets. Our guide to cordless cellular shades for windows covers the options. And if you like the convenience of a remote or app, see motorized blackout shades.
Safety with kids and pets
This one’s important. Corded blinds and shades can be a strangulation hazard for young children and pets. Standard US safety guidance is to choose cordless products, or ones with inaccessible cords, in any room where children sleep or play, and to keep cribs and beds away from windows and cords. That’s why cordless or motorized options are so popular for a nursery, and our guide to blackout blinds for nurseries has ideas.
Blackout curtains and shades side by side
| Question | Curtains | Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Light leaks | Sides and top, unless hung wide and high | Thin gaps at the sides of the frame |
| Look | Soft, decorative | Clean, minimal |
| Installation | Simple | Needs careful measuring |
| Best for | Bedrooms, renters, style | Tight spaces, nurseries, automation |
How to get the room as dark as possible
- Layer the two. A blackout shade inside the frame plus curtains that overlap the sides gives the best coverage.
- Hang curtain rods high and wide, extending at least a few inches beyond the window on each side.
- Choose curtains long enough to touch or skim the floor.
- Cover gaps with side channels or tracks if your shades allow it.
- Don’t forget other light sources, like the glow from electronics and the gaps under doors.
If you sleep hot
A dark room helps many people sleep, but a warm bedroom can undo the benefit. Heavier curtains can trap warmth in a room, so think about fabric, fans and bedding too. Our guide on how to make your bed cooler has practical tips.
Frequently asked questions
Do blackout curtains or blackout shades block more light?
Neither blocks everything, because light leaks around the edges. Shades fit snugly in the frame, curtains can be hung wide and high, and layering both gives the darkest room.
Are blackout shades safe for a nursery?
They can be, if you choose cordless or motorized ones with no accessible cords. Keep cribs and beds away from windows and cords as well.
Can I use blackout curtains and shades together?
Yes, and it’s often the best setup. Put the shade inside the frame and hang curtains that overlap the sides.
The bottom line
In the blackout curtains vs blackout shades debate, choose curtains for style and a flexible, budget-friendly setup. Go with shades for a snug fit or automation, and layer both when you need a truly dark room. Then browse the roundups linked above for curtains, cellular shades, motorized shades or nursery blinds.