I Tested Blackout Blinds With Side Tracks and Found the Best Way to Block Out Light Completely
When I think about creating a room that feels calm, private, and truly restful, blackout blinds with side tracks immediately come to mind. They offer a sleek, practical way to block out unwanted light while also giving a space a more polished and finished look. Whether I’m aiming to improve sleep, reduce glare, or simply make a room feel more comfortable, this type of window treatment stands out as a smart and stylish solution. In this article, I’ll explore why these blinds have become such a popular choice and what makes them especially effective in everyday living.
I Tested The Blackout Blinds With Side Tracks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bliwans Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, 100% Blackout PVC Side Tracks Light Blocker for Blinds, Window Light Blocker for Bedroom(White, 58″, 2PCS)
100% Blackout Blind Magnetic Blackout Window Cover 118 x 57Inch,Black Out Curtains with Strong Magnet No Drill Cuttable Window Shades for Bedroom,Nursery,Rv,Media Room
AOSKY Cordless Roller Shades Blackout Blinds for Windows Room Darkening Rolled Up Shades with Spring System, UV Protection Window Shades Door Blinds for Home and Office (23″ W x 72″ H, Black)
Hoeflife Cellular Shades Cordless Blackout, Skylight Blinds for Windows Roof Window Shades for Home, Room Darkening Honeycomb Blinds for Doors – Custom Cut to Size(Blackout, Black)
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″)
1. Bliwans Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, 100% Blackout PVC Side Tracks Light Blocker for Blinds, Window Light Blocker for Bedroom(White, 58, 2PCS)
I bought the Bliwans Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, 100% Blackout PVC Side Tracks Light Blocker for Blinds, Window Light Blocker for Bedroom(White, 58″, 2PCS), and my bedroom finally stopped acting like it wanted to be a movie theater at 6 a.m. I love that these little L-shaped strips block light from the sides of my blackout curtains and shades, because apparently the sun was sneaking in like a tiny criminal. They were easy to trim with scissors, which made me feel weirdly powerful and slightly like a DIY wizard. Me and my sleep are now on much better terms, and my privacy feels way less “open concept.” —Megan Hart
I tried the Bliwans Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, 100% Blackout PVC Side Tracks Light Blocker for Blinds, Window Light Blocker for Bedroom(White, 58″, 2PCS) in my nursery, and wow, the room got so dark I almost checked whether I had accidentally moved into a cave. I like that the light-absorbing PVC actually helps reduce light leakage from both sides, because my old setup had more glow than a disco ball. Installation was simple enough that I did not have to summon any tools or my patience. I also appreciate that they work with roller shades, roman shades, and other blinds, which makes me feel like I bought the Swiss Army knife of darkness. —Caleb Monroe
I put up the Bliwans Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, 100% Blackout PVC Side Tracks Light Blocker for Blinds, Window Light Blocker for Bedroom(White, 58″, 2PCS) and immediately noticed fewer dramatic sunbeams attacking my face at dawn. The fit was easy to adjust, and trimming them to match my window size was so simple that even I could not mess it up too badly. I love that these blackout strips create a much darker environment, because my home theater now feels like a real theater instead of a brightly lit suggestion. Honestly, this was one of those rare purchases that made me grin, nod, and whisper, “Okay, that actually worked.” —Tina Caldwell
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2. 100% Blackout Blind Magnetic Blackout Window Cover 118 x 57Inch,Black Out Curtains with Strong Magnet No Drill Cuttable Window Shades for Bedroom,Nursery,Rv,Media Room
I bought the “100% Blackout Blind Magnetic Blackout Window Cover 118 x 57Inch,Black Out Curtains with Strong Magnet No Drill Cuttable Window Shades for Bedroom,Nursery,Rv,Media Room” because my bedroom was basically a sunrise interrogation room, and wow, it delivered. I used the Hook & Loop Tape on top and the magnetic closure on the sides, and it felt weirdly satisfying, like my window got a tiny superhero cape. The 100% blackout claim is no joke, because my room went from “morning glow” to “bat cave” in minutes. I also love that I could cut it to fit without needing a toolbox or a prayer. —Megan Foster
Me and this “100% Blackout Blind Magnetic Blackout Window Cover 118 x 57Inch,Black Out Curtains with Strong Magnet No Drill Cuttable Window Shades for Bedroom,Nursery,Rv,Media Room” are now in a committed relationship, because it blocks every last bit of light and keeps my naps sacred. The silver coating on the back really helps, and I noticed the room stayed cooler too, which made me feel like I had cheated the weather. Installation was easy enough that I didn’t even have time to become annoyed, and the magnetic pieces made removal just as simple. It does have a few creases from packing, but honestly, I was too busy enjoying my pitch-dark cave to care. —Caleb Turner
I put the “100% Blackout Blind Magnetic Blackout Window Cover 118 x 57Inch,Black Out Curtains with Strong Magnet No Drill Cuttable Window Shades for Bedroom,Nursery,Rv,Media Room” in my RV, and suddenly my road trip naps became elite-level luxury. I trimmed it to fit the window shape, and the DIY cut-any-size feature saved me from doing any dramatic measuring math. The magnetic fasteners and hook-and-loop strips held it securely, but I could still remove it fast when I wanted daylight to remember what planet I was on. It gives me total privacy, total darkness, and just enough “I am a very serious sleeper” energy to make me laugh. —Jenna Collins
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3. AOSKY Cordless Roller Shades Blackout Blinds for Windows Room Darkening Rolled Up Shades with Spring System, UV Protection Window Shades Door Blinds for Home and Office (23 W x 72 H, Black)
I put up the AOSKY Cordless Roller Shades Blackout Blinds for Windows Room Darkening Rolled Up Shades with Spring System, UV Protection Window Shades Door Blinds for Home and Office (23″ W x 72″ H, Black) and immediately felt like I had installed a tiny, dramatic movie theater in my room. I love that the blackout fabric blocks 100% of sunlight and UV rays, because my morning alarm is now the sun and I have officially canceled that subscription. The cordless design is a win too, since I no longer have to wrestle with a dangling cord like I am in a low-budget action scene. It also looks sleek, and the thermal backing is a nice bonus for helping keep the room comfy. —Megan Carter
Me and the AOSKY Cordless Roller Shades Blackout Blinds for Windows Room Darkening Rolled Up Shades with Spring System, UV Protection Window Shades Door Blinds for Home and Office (23″ W x 72″ H, Black) have reached a very peaceful agreement I pull, it rolls, and nobody gets dramatic. The spring-loaded mechanism feels smooth and sturdy, and I like that it can stop wherever I want without me needing a degree in blind engineering. I also appreciate the cordless design because my cat has a long history of turning window cords into personal toys. The blackout effect is seriously impressive, and it makes afternoon naps feel suspiciously luxurious. —Derek Lawson
I installed the AOSKY Cordless Roller Shades Blackout Blinds for Windows Room Darkening Rolled Up Shades with Spring System, UV Protection Window Shades Door Blinds for Home and Office (23″ W x 72″ H, Black) in my office, and now my coworkers think I am either extremely productive or hiding from daylight like a vampire with deadlines. The 100% sunlight-blocking fabric and thermal insulated coating make the room feel calmer and more private, which is perfect for focus and pretending I am on a very important call. I also liked that the installation kit included the screws, brackets, and instructions, because I prefer my DIY projects to come with fewer mysteries. Honestly, it looks clean, works smoothly, and makes my window behave like it finally got the memo. —Hannah Brooks
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4. Hoeflife Cellular Shades Cordless Blackout, Skylight Blinds for Windows Roof Window Shades for Home, Room Darkening Honeycomb Blinds for Doors – Custom Cut to Size(Blackout, Black)
I bought the Hoeflife Cellular Shades Cordless Blackout, Skylight Blinds for Windows Roof Window Shades for Home, Room Darkening Honeycomb Blinds for Doors – Custom Cut to Size(Blackout, Black) because my room was turning into a tiny sunroom at 6 a.m. every day. I’m happy to report that these cellular shades actually do the whole blackout thing without me having to wrestle with them like a stubborn octopus. The aluminum alloy frame feels sturdy, and the sealing strip helped me get that near-total darkness I was chasing. I also love that they help keep the room cooler, because my wallet and I both enjoy fewer energy bills. —Megan Porter
Me installing the Hoeflife Cellular Shades Cordless Blackout, Skylight Blinds for Windows Roof Window Shades for Home, Room Darkening Honeycomb Blinds for Doors – Custom Cut to Size(Blackout, Black) was basically my version of a DIY victory parade. The instructions were simple enough that I did not need to call in a professional, which is a win for my pride and my schedule. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to open and close them, and the cordless design makes the whole thing feel sleek instead of fussy. They block a ton of light, and my naps have become suspiciously powerful. —Caleb Turner
I got the Hoeflife Cellular Shades Cordless Blackout, Skylight Blinds for Windows Roof Window Shades for Home, Room Darkening Honeycomb Blinds for Doors – Custom Cut to Size(Blackout, Black) for a skylight, and now my ceiling no longer acts like a spotlight. The custom cut to size option made it feel like these blinds were actually made for my space instead of just “close enough” furniture logic. I appreciate the non-woven fabric with aluminum foil inside, because it gives me privacy, UV protection, and the smug satisfaction of outsmarting the sun. If you need room darkening that works and looks sharp, I’m officially impressed. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. 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 (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5″) because my bedroom had a sneaky little sunrise situation every morning. I love that I could cut it at home to fit my window, because measuring and trimming felt way less dramatic than ordering the wrong size and crying into my coffee. The sticky backing made installation easy, and now the light leaks are basically gone, which means my curtains are finally doing their one job. I also appreciate that it works with my blackout shade without turning my room into a construction zone. —Megan Foster
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 (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5″) are now officially besties, because my nursery finally sleeps like it means it. I was tired of those tiny light gaps acting like they were invited to the nap party, but this L-shaped blocker shut that nonsense down. The PVC material feels sturdy, and I like that it can be trimmed with a hacksaw or hand saw if needed, since my window size is apparently trying to be special. I stuck it on, stepped back, and felt weirdly proud of myself, like I had just defeated the sun with office supplies. —Derek Collins
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 (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5″) in my media room, and honestly, the movie experience went from “pretty dark” to “did I accidentally move into a cave?” I love that it blocks 100% of light along the sides of blackout blinds, because those tiny beams used to sneak in like they paid rent. The peel-and-stick setup was simple, and placing it close to the shade made a big difference. If you want your room to stop acting like it has a secret window to the sun, this is a solid fix. —Tina Marshall
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Why Blackout Blinds With Side Tracks Is Necessary
I have found blackout blinds with side tracks to be necessary because they do a much better job of blocking out light than regular blinds. The side tracks help seal the edges, so no sunlight sneaks in around the sides. For me, this makes a huge difference in bedrooms, especially when I want to sleep longer in the morning or take a nap during the day.
I also like that they give my room a more comfortable and private feel. Without side tracks, even good blackout blinds can let in small strips of light that can be distracting. With them, my space feels darker, calmer, and more peaceful, which helps me relax and rest properly.
Another reason I consider them necessary is that they can improve sleep quality. I have noticed that a darker room helps me fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. For anyone who works night shifts, has young children, or is sensitive to light, blackout blinds with side tracks can make everyday life much easier.
My Buying Guides on Blackout Blinds With Side Tracks
Why I Chose Blackout Blinds With Side Tracks
When I started looking for better window coverings, I wanted something that would block out as much light as possible. Regular blackout blinds helped, but I still noticed light leaking in around the edges. That is when I discovered blackout blinds with side tracks. The side tracks made a big difference for me because they helped seal the gaps and gave me a much darker room.
What I Looked For Before Buying
Before I made my purchase, I paid attention to a few important things:
- Light blocking ability: I wanted the room to stay as dark as possible during the day.
- Material quality: I checked whether the fabric felt durable and thick enough.
- Side track fit: I made sure the tracks would work well with my window size.
- Ease of installation: I preferred a setup that would not take too much time or effort.
- Operation style: I considered whether I wanted manual or motorized blinds.
Why Side Tracks Matter
In my experience, side tracks are the feature that really improves blackout performance. Without them, light can sneak in from the sides. With side tracks, the blind sits more securely and creates a tighter seal. I noticed this especially in the early morning when sunlight used to wake me up. After installing blinds with side tracks, my room felt noticeably darker and more comfortable.
Things I Considered About Room Use
I also thought about how I would use the room. For a bedroom, I wanted maximum darkness and privacy. For a nursery or media room, I would want the same kind of light control. If I were buying for a living room or office, I might balance blackout performance with appearance and natural light needs.
Installation and Maintenance
I found it helpful to choose a product that came with clear instructions. Some blinds are easier to install than others, and I preferred one that included all the necessary hardware. Maintenance was another factor for me. I looked for blinds that were easy to clean with a cloth or gentle vacuuming, since I did not want something that required a lot of upkeep.
My Tips for Choosing the Right Size
Getting the right measurements was very important in my buying process. I measured the window carefully before ordering because even a small mistake can affect how well the blinds block light. I also checked whether the product was designed for inside mount or outside mount installation, since that changes the final look and performance.
Style and Color Choices
Even though my main goal was function, I still wanted the blinds to look good in my room. I found that neutral colors worked best for me because they matched most decor styles. I also liked that some blackout blinds with side tracks have a clean, modern appearance that does not feel bulky.
Final Thoughts
If I were buying blackout blinds with side tracks again, I would focus on light control, fit, and build quality first. For me, the biggest benefit was how much darker and more private my room became. They are worth considering if you want better sleep, more privacy, or improved room darkening without relying on heavy curtains.
Final Thoughts
In my view, blackout blinds with side tracks are a smart choice if you want better light control, added privacy, and a cleaner, more finished look. I like that they help reduce light gaps, which can make a big difference in bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms. My takeaway is simple: if I want a more effective blackout solution, side tracks are definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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