Bathroom light leaks can ruin the calm, private feeling you want from your space. Streetlights sneaking in at night, early morning sun breaking through the edges, or bright halos around your blinds can all make the room feel exposed and uncomfortable.
The fix? Choosing the right blackout blinds—designed to block light and hold up to bathroom humidity. SelectBlinds offers customizable, moisture-resistant options like LEVOLOR Blackout Cellular Shades that deliver powerful light control, cordless safety and simple installation.
This guide walks you through how to choose, measure, install and fine-tune affordable blackout blinds so you can finally get rid of bathroom light leaks for good.
Why Bathroom Light Leaks Are a Problem
Light leaks happen when gaps around your window treatment let in unwanted light—usually around the top, sides or bottom. In a bathroom, even narrow beams of light can feel:
- Intrusive – especially at night during baths or routines
- Exposing – compromising the sense of privacy you expect in that space
- Disruptive – particularly if your bathroom is near a bedroom and light spills through
Those same gaps can also:
- Allow heat and cold to move more freely, making the room less comfortable
- Let in noise from outside, cutting into the peaceful feel of your bathroom
Well-fitted blackout blinds solve all of this by blocking light at the window itself instead of relying on multiple layers or improvised fixes. Order Click2Fit Total Blackout Roller Shades now, complete privacy + drill-free convenience.
Choosing the Right Blackout Blinds for Bathrooms
For bathrooms, your blinds need two things:
- Strong light blocking
- Moisture resistance
Look for:
- Opaque fabrics like vinyl or treated polyester
- True blackout (not just “room darkening”)
- Humidity-friendly materials that won’t warp, peel or mold
Great Styles for Bathrooms
- Blackout Roller Shades
- Simple, low-profile and easy to wipe clean
- Mount close to the glass for better light control
- Blackout Cellular Shades (e.g., Select Blackout Cellulars)
- Excellent light blocking + insulation
- Honeycomb cells trap air, helping keep the bathroom more comfortable
- Faux Wood or Vinyl Blinds with Cloth Tapes
- More traditional look
- Tapes help cover route holes where light usually sneaks through
For safety and ease of use in a bathroom, prioritize:
How to Measure Bathroom Windows Correctly
Accurate measurements are the difference between “almost blackout” and “truly dark.”
Step-by-Step Measuring
- Decide on mount type:
- Inside mount – fits inside the frame; cleaner look but can allow more edge light.
- Outside mount – attaches to wall/trim outside the frame; better for blocking light.
- Measure width
- Inside mount: measure at top, middle and bottom, use the smallest number.
- Outside mount: measure the window + add 2–3 inches on each side to overlap the frame.
- Measure height
- Inside mount: measure left, center and right, use the shortest number.
- Outside mount: measure from where you’ll mount above the window to where you want the shade to end.
- Record all measurements to the nearest 1/8″, rounding down rather than up for inside mount.
When in doubt and privacy is top priority (like in a bathroom), an outside mount usually delivers better coverage and fewer leaks.
Installing Blackout Blinds to Minimize Light Leaks
You don’t need to be a pro to get pro-level results—just take your time.
Before You Start
Gather:
- Drill
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Screws/brackets included with your blinds
Installation Tips
- For maximum darkness, go with an outside mount that fully overlaps the trim.
- Mark bracket locations with a level so the headrail sits straight.
- Check for pipes or wiring in the wall before drilling.
- Install brackets firmly, then click or slide the headrail into place.
- Lower the blind fully and check for light leaks around all edges.
If you see streaks of light, small bracket shifts or slightly wider outside coverage can make a big difference.
Boosting Light Blocking with Accessories
Sometimes even a well-installed blind needs a little help to get to “pitch-black.”
Useful add-ons include:
- Side channels / side tracks
- U-shaped tracks that the shade runs in
- Block light that sneaks in along the sides (great for roller shades)
- Blackout liners
- Extra layer behind or integrated with the shade fabric
- Deepens darkness, especially with older or thinner blinds
- Foam weatherstripping
- Affordable and easy to apply
- Stick to the frame or back of the headrail to seal small gaps
- Light-blocking tape or strips
- Cover tiny holes or bracket gaps that let pinpricks of light through
Turn off the lights and test from inside, then check from outside during the day if possible. Adjust and add accessories until leaks are gone or barely noticeable.
Where to Find Affordable Bathroom Blackout Blinds
SelectBlinds offers bathroom-ready blackout solutions designed for humidity and privacy, including:
- Essential Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades – strong light blocking + insulation
- Select Blackout Roller Shades – sleek, easy to clean and great for moisture-rich spaces
Most quality blackout options for standard bathroom windows range from roughly $50–$200, depending on size, style and features like motorization.
For rentals or temporary setups, Stick2Fit Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades are a budget-friendly quick fix. They won’t last as long as permanent blinds, but they get the job done in the short term.
Testing and Fine-Tuning for Complete Darkness
Once your blinds are up:
- Test at night with all other lights off.
- Look carefully around the top, sides and bottom for any light.
- Adjust brackets or add side channels, foam strips or liners as needed.
If you started with an inside mount and still see lots of edge leaks, consider switching to an outside mount with wider coverage for a more complete seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually small gaps between the blind and window frame—especially at the sides, top and bottom.
Moisture-resistant blackout roller shades and blackout cellular shades with custom sizing and outside mounts typically perform best.
Yes—if you choose water-resistant or waterproof materials like vinyl or treated polyester, specifically made for humid environments.
Use an outside mount with extra coverage beyond the frame, and consider side channels or sealing strips if you want near-total darkness.
Absolutely. Pair blackout blinds with curtains or shutters for added insulation, style and another layer of light control.
Conclusion
Stopping bathroom light leaks isn’t just about comfort—it’s about privacy, relaxation and making your space feel truly yours. By choosing moisture-resistant blackout blinds, measuring accurately, mounting thoughtfully and using simple accessories like side channels or foam strips, you can transform a leaky, over-lit bathroom window into a fully controlled, serene backdrop to your daily routines.
With affordable, custom blackout options from SelectBlinds—and a little attention to detail—you can enjoy a bathroom that feels calm, private and perfectly lit (or perfectly dark) exactly when you want it.
