Good sleep starts with good light control. Whether you’re a shift worker needing daytime darkness, a parent trying to protect nap time, or just someone who’s done with waking up at the crack of dawn, the right blackout shade can turn your bedroom or nursery into a true sleep sanctuary.
On top of better rest, blackout shades can:
- Help lower energy bills by insulating your windows
- Boost privacy at any time of day
- Add a polished, finished look to your space
This guide walks you through what to think about—from your sleep needs and shade types to style, safety and installation—so you can choose blackout shades that work beautifully for your real life. SelectBlinds offers options like Select Blackout Roller Shades and custom blackout cellular shades, plus easy, no-drill installs to make the whole process simpler.
Step 1: Know Your Sleep & Light Needs
Before you fall in love with a fabric or color, ask yourself:
- Who is this room for—you, a child, or a baby?
- When do you sleep here—overnight, daytime naps, or daytime sleep for shifts?
- Are you or your child light sensitive?
- Do you need full blackout or just very dim?
- Do you want to open up the room to natural light easily during the day?
Blackout vs Room-Darkening
- Blackout shades: Block about 99–100% of incoming light
- Great for nurseries, kids’ rooms, light-sensitive sleepers and shift workers
- Room-darkening shades: Let in about 5–15% of light
- Good for “very dim” rooms but not true darkness
If sleep is a struggle, or naps are non-negotiable, blackout is almost always worth it.
Step 2: Understand the Main Types of Blackout Shades
Not every shade style can achieve true blackout. Here are the top performers:
- Cellular (Honeycomb) Blackout Shades
- Blackout Roller Shades
- Roman Shades with Blackout Lining– Create soft, elegant light by day and cozy privacy at night, order Subtle Day & Night Roman Shades today.
- Blackout Drapery / Panels & Liners– Pair LEVOLOR x Select Drapery with LEVOLOR blinds or shades for a stunning layered look.
Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades
- Feature a honeycomb structure that traps air
- Provide excellent blackout when ordered in blackout fabrics
- Add insulation, keeping rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer
- Great for:
- Nurseries
- Bedrooms
- Energy-conscious homes
SelectBlinds blackout cellulars let you choose cell size and color to match your space while boosting comfort and efficiency.
Blackout Roller Shades
- Clean, minimal look that hugs the window closely
- Ideal for modern or space-conscious bedrooms
- Easy to pair with motorization or smart controls
- Great for:
- Small rooms
- Contemporary spaces
- Layering behind curtains
SelectBlinds options like Architect Blackout Roller Shades and Classic Vinyl Blackout Roller Shades give you lots of color and finish choices in a simple, sleek format.
Roman Shades with Blackout Lining
- Soft, fabric folds + blackout lining on the back
- Add warmth, texture and elegance to a bedroom or nursery
- Work beautifully in more traditional or cozy interiors
If you want style and softness but still need near-total darkness, lined Romans are a strong pick.
Blackout Drapery & Liners
- Blackout-backed fabric panels that can be used:
- On their own
- Layered over roller or cellular shades
- Add:
- Extra light blocking
- Sound dampening
- Visual softness and depth
Perfect for street-facing bedrooms or rooms with larger windows. Custom curtains that hang beautifully and perform daily, shop Classic Curtains now.
Step 3: Think About Material & Energy Efficiency
Material affects more than just looks—it impacts:
- Durability
- Energy efficiency
- Ease of cleaning
Common materials:
- Fabric: Soft, versatile, easy to match with décor; often treated to resist stains
- Vinyl: Durable, wipe-clean and great for kid spaces
- Polyester: Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant and affordable
- Aluminum-backed fabrics: Add extra heat reflection and insulation
Blackout cellular and certain roller shades can make a noticeable difference in how often your AC or heater kicks on. Over time, that can translate to real savings.
Step 4: Match Your Shade to Your Style
You don’t have to choose between pretty and practical.
- Light colors: Make rooms feel bigger, fresh and calm (great for nurseries and small bedrooms)
- Darker colors: Create a cozy, cocoon-like feel (great for primary bedrooms or TV-heavy spaces)
For nurseries:
- Think soft neutrals, gentle colors, or fun patterns that still feel restful.
For main bedrooms:
- Consider rich neutrals, muted tones or subtle textures for a more grown-up look.
Always try swatches first. Seeing fabrics in your actual light next to your paint and bedding makes decisions much easier and reduces the chances of regret.
Step 5: Prioritize Safety (Especially in Nurseries & Kids’ Rooms)
If there’s one non-negotiable in a nursery, it’s safety.
- Choose cordless or motorized blackout shades to eliminate strangulation hazards from cords.
- No-drill or peel-and-stick options are great for renters or those who don’t want to put holes in walls.
SelectBlinds offers:
- Cordless blackout roller shades
- Cordless blackout cellular shades
- Motorized options for easy control via remote or smart systems
All of these help you maintain a safe, simple setup without sacrificing performance.
Step 6: Measure & Install for True Blackout
Even the best blackout fabric won’t perform if the shade doesn’t fit correctly.
Measuring Tips
- Measure width and height at three points (top/middle/bottom for width, left/center/right for height).
- For inside mount, use the smallest width and height so the shade fits inside the frame.
- For outside mount, add a couple of inches on each side to block edge light.
Inside vs Outside Mount
- Inside mount: Clean, built-in look; may allow some light gaps around edges.
- Outside mount: Better for true blackout, as it overlaps the frame and reduces edge leaks.
Installation Tips
- Have the basics ready: level, drill (unless no-drill), screwdriver, pencil, measuring tape.
- Follow the instructions step by step (videos help a ton).
- If you want a perfectly polished result or have tricky windows, consider professional installation.
Where to Buy Custom Blackout Shades for Bedrooms & Nurseries
When choosing where to buy:
Look for:
- Custom sizing
- Free swatches
- Cordless and motorized options
- Clear installation support
- Strong reviews and warranties
SelectBlinds makes it easier to design your perfect blackout setup with:
- Online customization tools
- Plenty of style, color and lift options
- Helpful guides and customer support
You can browse by category—like Blackout Roller Shades or Blackout Cellular Shades—to quickly narrow down your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blackout shades block up to about 99–100% of light for near-complete darkness. Room-darkening shades still let in a soft glow.
Yes. Cordless eliminates dangling cords, making them safer for babies and young children.
They can. Many are designed to insulate windows, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Absolutely. Many blackout roller and cellular shades can be ordered with motorized lifts and even smart-home integration.
Most can be regularly dusted or gently vacuumed with a brush attachment. Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right blackout shade for your bedroom or nursery is really about knowing how you live—and then matching a smart, safe product to those needs. Once you understand your light sensitivity, energy goals, style preferences and safety requirements, it becomes much easier to pick the perfect shade type, material and lift system.
With customizable blackout cellulars, roller shades and more, plus cordless and motorized options, SelectBlinds makes it simple to build a sleep-friendly space that feels as good as it functions. When your room finally stays dark when you need it to, and bright when you want it to, your whole routine gets a little calmer, a little easier and a lot more restful.
