Light-blocking Window Treatments (Blinds, Shades, Curtains) for Better Sleep

Having a dark bedroom can greatly improve one's sleep. Most unwanted light (such as early morning sunlight, moonlight, street lamp light, etc.) enters a bedroom through the windows.

While sleep masks / eye masks are an inexpensive, quick and easy way to avoid light (from hitting your eyes) when you sleep, they are not for everyone. The other main alternative is to use light-blocking blinds, shades or curtains.

Below you'll find out how well popular window treatments block light and darken a room. You'll also find other relevant information about each window treatment, such as cost, how well they insulate, etc.

*Window Treatment Type*	Darkens	Price	Insulates	Kid proof	Easy to clean
Roller shades (room-darkening variety)	Excellent	Low	Good	Good	Excellent
Honeycomb shades (multiple cells or blackout lining)	Excellent	Moderate	Excellent	Good	Good
Plantation shutters	Excellent	High	Excellent	Good	Good
Hotel-type drapes	Excellent	Moderate	Good	Fair	Fair
Wood blinds	Good	Moderate	Good	Good	Good
Fauxwood blinds	Good	Low	Good	Excellent	Excellent
Mini-blinds / aluminum blinds	Good	Low	Poor	Fair	Fair
Pleated shades (with blackout liner)	Good	Moderate	Good	Good	Fair
Woven wood shades (with blackout liner)	Good	Moderate	Fair	Good	Fair
Vertical blinds	Fair	Low	Fair	Good	Good
Woven wood shades (without blackout liner)	Fair	Moderate	Fair	Good	Fair
Roman shades / blinds	Fair	High	Good	Good	Good
Pleated shades (without blackout liner)	Fair	Moderate	Good	Good	Fair

Window Treatment Type

Roller shades (room-darkening variety)

Roller shades are among the best light-blocking shades thanks to the simplicity of their design. As an added bonus, they are among the least expensive type of shade, are easy to clean and provide good insulation. However, they can be considered old fashioned compared to other types of blinds, especially in terms of appearance. They can, of course, be used with other window treatments to spruce up appearances if you prefer.

Honeycomb / cellular shades (with multiple cells or blackout lining)

Honeycomb shades (also known as cellular shades) have excellent light-blocking ability. The shades can block light slightly or completely depending on the number and size of the "cells" that the blinds are composed of. (Cells can be seen when the blinds are viewed from the side.) The larger the cell (maximum size is 1.5 inches) and more number of cells (maximum number is three) the blind has, the more light blocking and energy controlling the blind is. In other words, double or triple cell shades are excellent for light blocking. Black-out cellular shades, however, are the best light blockers. They are made with fabrics that incorporate a lining that provides 100% blockage of visible light (and UV light).

Plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are interior window shutters, and they have excellent light-blocking / room-darkening ability. They come in two types: wood and fauxwood / vinyl. Fauxwood / vinyl shutters can be 40% less expensive than the wooden variety yet are more resistant to moisture and damage. Both types perform excellently at insulating and blocking outside noise from entering through the window.

Hotel-type drapes or curtains

Hotel-type curtains / drapes typically have a heavyweight 100% cotton face fabric combined with heavyweight duck cloth and an insulated foam back lining. These curtains have excellent light-blocking ability. They are similarly priced to many other window covering options. They are also good insulators. The downside of these curtains is that they can look a bit old fashion to some and are quite heavy. They also collect dust and dirt and will have to be cleaned fairly regularly.

Wood blinds

Wood blinds have good light-blocking ability (assuming they are not painted in a bright color). They are, not surprisingly, more expensive than faux wood blinds. They provide a warm and comfortable feel to a room and can also match a room's moldings or wooden floor. Compared to the faux wood blinds, they typically weigh less and are easier to operate.

Fauxwood blinds

Fauxwood blinds, especially those that are dark in color, are good light blockers. They look like real wood blinds, but are made from synthetic material. They are less expensive and easier to care for than real wood blinds. Fauxwood blinds are available in either solid vinyl or a vinyl / wood combination for added strength. They are generally aesthetically pleasing with their two-inch wide horizontal slats and wood appearance.

Mini-blinds / aluminum blinds

Aluminum blinds are solid light blockers, especially if they are dark in color. Their main advantage is that they are inexpensive. They can look cheap and unattractive compared to most other types of blinds and do not provide much insulation.

Pleated shades (with blackout liner)

Pleated shades with blackout liners have good light-blocking / room darkening ability. They also provide good insulation and durability.

Woven wood shades (with blackout liner)

Woven wood window shades (also called matchstick blinds or bamboo shades) have good light-blocking ability. They are also average performers in regard to insulation and ease of maintenance. They provide a unique texture and appearance.

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