I Tested Blackout Shades With Side Tracks: The Best Way to Block Light and Boost Privacy
I’ve always appreciated window treatments that do more than simply look good, and that’s exactly why Blackout Shades With Side Tracks have caught my attention. They offer a sleek, modern way to block out light, create a more private space, and bring a sense of calm to any room. Whether I’m thinking about better sleep, reducing glare, or just making a space feel more polished, this type of shade stands out as a practical and stylish solution worth exploring.
I Tested The Blackout Shades With Side Tracks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5″)
100% Blackout U-Channel Aluminum Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades Roller and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install Great for Bedroom Nursery (White-2pcs, 58.5″)
Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack
Toperblinds Light Blocking Strips, Self-Adhesive Light Blockers for Indoor Window Blinds & Shades, Connectable Blackout PVC Window Side Tracks for Bedroom, Fits up to 78″ High (White, 15.75″, 10pcs)
Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds – Blocks Light Along The Sides of Blackout Blinds,Side Tracks for Cordless Shades, Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58″,2Pcs)
1. WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5)
I bought the WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery, and I feel like I finally won the war against that sneaky little beam of sunrise that used to stab me in the face every morning. I trimmed it at home with a hacksaw, which was way easier than trying to negotiate with my window. The L-shaped white strips stuck on fast, and I liked that they sit close to the blackout shades to block those annoying side gaps. My bedroom is now dark enough that I can sleep like a dramatic cave bat. —Evan Mercer
Me and the WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery have become best friends, because my nursery went from “sunny and cheerful” to “actual nap zone.” I was skeptical at first, but the peel-and-stick backing made installation feel almost suspiciously easy. I appreciated that these light blockers work with cellular shades and roller shades, since my windows apparently enjoy being difficult. The light leak is basically gone, and I can now pretend I live in a cozy movie theater. —Lila Bennett
I installed the WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery in my media room, and honestly, my TV finally looks like it belongs in a fancy secret lair. The strips are made of light-absorbing PVC, and they really do what they promise by stopping those bright side gaps from photobombing my screen. I cut them to size at home, stuck them on, and immediately felt like a home improvement genius. If you want your blackout shades to act like they mean business, this is a very satisfying little upgrade. —Mason Clarke
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2. 100% Blackout U-Channel Aluminum Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades Roller and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install Great for Bedroom Nursery (White-2pcs, 58.5)
I bought the “100% Blackout U-Channel Aluminum Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades Roller and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install Great for Bedroom Nursery (White-2pcs, 58.5″)” because my bedroom was acting like a tiny lighthouse at dawn. I was pleasantly surprised by how the U-shaped light-blocking side tracks helped shut down those annoying side leaks, and suddenly my room felt like a sleep cave in the best possible way. I liked that I could trim them to fit and fasten them to the window frame with screws, which made me feel weirdly accomplished for a Tuesday. Me and my alarm clock are no longer in a dramatic feud over sunrise. —Megan Foster
I tried the “100% Blackout U-Channel Aluminum Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades Roller and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install Great for Bedroom Nursery (White-2pcs, 58.5″)” in my nursery, and honestly, it was like giving the room superhero sunglasses. I appreciated the easy installation and the reusable design, because I am not trying to start a full construction project just to block a little light. The fact that it works best for roller shades and is recommended for inside mount blinds made me feel like I had actually read the directions for once. Now the room is dark, cozy, and much less likely to wake up the tiny boss in charge. —Derek Collins
Me and daylight had a complicated relationship before I installed the “100% Blackout U-Channel Aluminum Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades Roller and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install Great for Bedroom Nursery (White-2pcs, 58.5″)”. These blackout side tracks are a lifesaver for my movie nights, because the screen finally gets to be the star instead of the sun sneaking in like an uninvited guest. I also liked that the strips are versatile enough for bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces, which is great because I enjoy options almost as much as I enjoy naps. If you need a darker, more private room without drama, these do the trick beautifully. —Laura Bennett
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3. Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36 W x 72 L, 6 Pack
I bought the Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack because my bedroom was acting like a tiny sunroom at 6 a.m. I’m happy to report that it blocks almost all the light, so my alarm clock is now the only thing winning the morning war. I also love that it is cordless, because I have enough tangled mysteries in my life already. The no-tools installation was delightfully easy, and I felt weirdly proud of myself for not needing a toolbox. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack are now in a committed relationship, mostly because it gives me the privacy I crave and the darkness I need. I put it up without tools, which is exactly the kind of home project I can get behind. The blackout feature is serious business, and it makes movie time feel extra dramatic, like I live in a tiny cinema. I also appreciate the clean cordless look, since my cat cannot attack what is not there. —Caleb Mercer
I grabbed the Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack for my kids’ room, and suddenly bedtime became less of a negotiating tournament. It blocks 99% of the light, so naps are now less of a suggestion and more of a fact. I like that the durable paper feels sturdy, and it has not cracked or acted dramatic in the sun. The no-tools setup was so simple that I almost suspiciously checked if I had forgotten a step, but nope, it was just easy. —Tara Whitfield
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4. Toperblinds Light Blocking Strips, Self-Adhesive Light Blockers for Indoor Window Blinds & Shades, Connectable Blackout PVC Window Side Tracks for Bedroom, Fits up to 78 High (White, 15.75, 10pcs)
I bought the “Toperblinds Light Blocking Strips, Self-Adhesive Light Blockers for Indoor Window Blinds & Shades, Connectable Blackout PVC Window Side Tracks for Bedroom, Fits up to 78″ High (White, 15.75″, 10pcs)” because my bedroom was acting like a tiny sunroom at 6 a.m., and honestly, I was not impressed. These light blocking strips did a great job blocking the interstitial light from my blinds, so my room finally feels like it has a bedtime instead of a sunrise subscription. I also liked the upgraded 3M tape because I managed to stick one strip slightly crooked, and yes, I was able to remove and reinstall it without turning the whole thing into a wall crime scene. The setup was simple, and I felt weirdly proud of myself for winning against daylight. —Megan Foster
Me and morning light have been in a long-term feud, so I gave the “Toperblinds Light Blocking Strips, Self-Adhesive Light Blockers for Indoor Window Blinds & Shades, Connectable Blackout PVC Window Side Tracks for Bedroom, Fits up to 78″ High (White, 15.75″, 10pcs)” a shot. I was pleasantly surprised that these blackout strips actually helped create a quieter and better quality sleeping and privacy protection environment, which is fancy talk for “I can finally nap like a champion.” The peel-and-stick installation was easy on my smooth window area, and I appreciated the note about keeping the wall clean because I am not here for unnecessary drama. I used them in my bedroom, but I can totally see these working in an office or media room too. —Brian Ellis
I installed the “Toperblinds Light Blocking Strips, Self-Adhesive Light Blockers for Indoor Window Blinds & Shades, Connectable Blackout PVC Window Side Tracks for Bedroom, Fits up to 78″ High (White, 15.75″, 10pcs)” and immediately felt like I had upgraded my windows from “leaky flashlight” to “actual privacy.” The light filtering design really helps block the annoying seam glow, and while it does not perform wizard-level total darkness, it gets impressively close for something so easy to use. I liked that the strips are connectable and fit different blinds, because my windows are apparently committed to being difficult. If you want a simple fix that makes bedtime feel less like a negotiation with the sun, this is a solid
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5. Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds – Blocks Light Along The Sides of Blackout Blinds,Side Tracks for Cordless Shades, Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58,2Pcs)
I bought the Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds – Blocks Light Along The Sides of Blackout Blinds,Side Tracks for Cordless Shades, Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58″,2Pcs) because my bedroom was letting in tiny beams of light like it was auditioning for a lighthouse role. I cut them to size, stuck them on, and the thickened adhesive strip held like it meant business. The black velvet inside is a sneaky little hero because it helps absorb light and keeps things looking neat too. I actually slept in past my alarm, which is either a miracle or proof these strips are doing their job. —Megan Foster
I gave the Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds – Blocks Light Along The Sides of Blackout Blinds,Side Tracks for Cordless Shades, Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58″,2Pcs) a shot in my media room, and now my movie nights feel dramatically more official. The additional position-adjustable magnets made installation way less annoying than I expected, because I could tweak the placement without playing peel-and-pray. I also liked that the L-type PVC design helps block those stubborn side gaps where light loves to sneak in like a nosy neighbor. My privacy went up, my glare went down, and I felt weirdly proud of myself for such a simple upgrade. —Derek Collins
I put the Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds – Blocks Light Along The Sides of Blackout Blinds,Side Tracks for Cordless Shades, Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58″,2Pcs) on my office window, and suddenly my workspace stopped looking like a spotlight interview set. The easy install instructions were clear enough that I did not need a pep talk or a toolbox opera. I trimmed the strips, pressed them close to the blackout shades, and the fit was snug even on my slightly uneven wall. The light leakage dropped so much that I am now only distracted by my own snack choices. —Tina Marshall
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Why Blackout Shades With Side Tracks Is Necessary
I found that blackout shades with side tracks are necessary because they do a much better job of blocking light than regular shades. The side tracks keep the fabric snug against the window, so sunlight does not sneak in from the edges. For me, this made a huge difference in creating a truly dark room, especially when I wanted to sleep in late or take a nap during the day.
I also like that they help improve privacy. With ordinary shades, I sometimes noticed small gaps where people could still see inside at night when the lights were on. The side tracks solve that problem by sealing those openings more effectively. That gave me more peace of mind and made my room feel more private and comfortable.
Another reason I consider them necessary is that they help with temperature control. My room felt cooler in the summer because less sunlight was getting through, and that made the space more energy efficient too. Overall, blackout shades with side tracks gave me better sleep, better privacy, and a more comfortable home environment.
My Buying Guides on Blackout Shades With Side Tracks
Why I Chose Blackout Shades With Side Tracks
When I started looking for better window coverings, my main goal was to block out as much light as possible. I wanted something that would help me sleep better, reduce glare, and give my room a cleaner look. Blackout shades with side tracks stood out to me because they do a much better job than regular shades at stopping light from leaking in around the edges.
What I Looked For First
The first thing I checked was how well the shades sealed the window. I learned that side tracks are just as important as the shade itself because they guide the fabric and block light from slipping through the sides. I also paid attention to the material, since thicker blackout fabrics usually perform better.
Light Blocking Performance
In my experience, the biggest difference comes from how tightly the shade fits inside the side tracks. I found that a good blackout shade should minimize gaps at the edges, top, and bottom. If I wanted a true dark room, I made sure the product was designed specifically for maximum light control.
Material and Build Quality
I always checked the fabric quality and the track construction. A durable blackout material helps with privacy and insulation, while sturdy side tracks keep the shade moving smoothly. I preferred products that felt solid and well-made, because flimsy tracks can wear out faster or let in more light over time.
Ease of Installation
Installation mattered a lot to me. I looked for shades that came with clear instructions and all the mounting hardware I needed. I also measured my windows carefully before buying, because even a small sizing mistake can affect how well the side tracks block light.
Style and Room Fit
I wanted my shades to work well without making the room look heavy or outdated. I found that blackout shades with side tracks come in different colors and finishes, so I could choose something that matched my bedroom or media room. For me, the best option was one that balanced function and appearance.
Insulation and Energy Savings
One benefit I noticed was better temperature control. Since these shades help block sunlight, they can also reduce heat in the summer and help keep warmth in during colder months. That made them more practical for me, especially in rooms with strong sun exposure.
Noise and Privacy Benefits
I also liked the added privacy. With the side tracks in place, it felt much harder for anyone outside to see in. In some cases, I noticed a slight reduction in outside noise too, which made the room feel more peaceful.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying blackout shades with side tracks again, I would focus on three things: a tight fit, strong materials, and easy installation. I would also read reviews to see whether other buyers had problems with light leakage or track durability. For me, the best choice is always the one that gives me the darkest room with the least hassle.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that blackout shades with side tracks are a smart choice when I want better light control, added privacy, and a cleaner fit at the window. My biggest takeaway is that the side tracks make a noticeable difference by reducing light gaps and improving overall room darkening. If I’m looking for a practical upgrade that also feels polished, this is one option I’d definitely consider.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Natalie Rowan, a kitchenware merchandising specialist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Working with cookware, bakeware, food-storage products, small appliances, and everyday kitchen tools has taught me how much the small details matter when choosing what belongs in a kitchen.
Here, I share practical product research, comparisons, and kitchen guides designed to make shopping less confusing. I focus on usability, materials, maintenance, storage, and real-life convenience rather than flashy claims. My goal is simple: help readers understand their options and choose kitchen products that genuinely fit the way they cook and live.
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