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We also considered designafter all, the best window treatments are both functional and stylish.
The Spruce
This blackout shade was simple to set up and effectively darkened the room.
The shade has a modern look and comes in six colors to give you design flexibility.
During our testing, we experienced no issues with the shade getting stuck while opening and closing it.
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After six months of daily use, these shades still work like new.
For the price, we were very happy with the construction of the shade.
The vinyl seemed easy to clean and didnt collect any dust.
PHOTO: The Spruce
The materials felt durable, and we had no concerns about the shade breaking during testing.
This option doesnt feature a cord, making it an appealing choice for someone seeking a minimalist design.
We experienced no issues with the shade getting stuck.
Plus, the shades were easy to assemble without much trouble.
We found raising and lowering the shade was simple, smooth, and quiet.
Still, the shade managed to block out about 85 percent of the sunlight with this setup.
Plus, we observed that it reduced outside noise and prevented some heat from entering the room.
The instructions for this shade were fairly straightforward, and we set it up in just 12 minutes.
This shade operates without a cord or wandsimply pull on the bottom to move it up or down.
Ordering a custom size will add to the final price, though.
Whats more, all the mounting hardware is included for seamless installation.
Ikeas Trippevals Blackout Cellular Blinds impressed us by blocking out almost every bit of light.
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We also thought the shades polyester construction looked attractive and sleek, and it felt high-quality, too.
The shade also comes with a clear snap-on plastic handle thats easy to use one-handed.
If we had any complaints about this shade, theyd revolve around the assembly.
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We found the wordless instruction manual to be quite unhelpful.
This one doesnt come with any of the mounting screws or hardware necessary to hang it.
Additionally, the material feels very durable, though it is a bit stiff.
Six months later, the quality of the shades has remained consistent.
It also comes with a pouch which makes transporting it during travel easier.
They also help with insulation, too.
Size-wise, you could select from eight different sizes, as well as single panels or pairs.
These shades are also renter-friendly, as they have a no-drill design and use a tension mechanism for installation.
Plus, you might choose from 18 stylish colors to suit your space and style.
This blackout shade comes with everything you need for installation for either an inside or outside mount.
Available in 25 sizes, these shades should fit most standard windows.
Just keep in mind that the smaller sizes come with a plastic chain rather than a metal one.
you’re able to control it via smartphone app, remote, or through yoursmart home gear.
Whats more, you’re free to program it to open and close at specific times.
The shades are made from vinyl, which can be wiped down when it needs to be cleaned.
you could choose from 12 colors and customize the size to suit your needs.
On the plus side, we found that it kept the room cooler on sunny days.
We found the material strikes a nice balance between feeling high-quality without being too thick.
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We observed first-hand in testing that any open space surrounding a shade will allow cracks of light through.
For interior designer Simone Elderot, sustainability plays a large role in what she recommends for windowtreatments.
Natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, or bamboo are great choices for shades.
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In Elderots opinion, roller shades and cellular shades are the two best options for achieving a blackout effect.
She notes that cellular shades can block light and insulate a window.
Blinds and shadesdiffer mainly in their builds.
They are usually made of materials like wood, aluminum, or vinyl.
Blinds can also come in a variety of different styles, including high-techsmart blinds.
According to Elderot, certain blackout shades can do a good job of keeping heat out.
However, not all blackout shades and curtains insulate to the same degree.
Roller and Roman shades typically do not offer much insulation.
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PHOTO: The Spruce / Kathryn Cossi
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