I've spent the last month testing black out blinds for windows in my own 985-sqft ranch. Not from a spec sheet—I bought each one, installed it, and ran a light meter on a sunny Oregon afternoon. If you're looking for black out blinds for windows that actually deliver darkness for a reasonable cost, here's what I found.
Why I Bother Testing Blinds
My wife Megan works night shifts. Our bedroom faces east. Without serious light blockage, she's awake at 5:30 AM. I've installed cheap blinds that let in light around the edges and expensive ones that faded after two years. So I grabbed five options: IKEA Tupplur ($18), Redi Shade Original ($12), AmazonBasics Light Blocking ($22), Bali Cellular ($45), and Levolor Premium ($60). All cut to the same 34" x 48" window.
The Test Setup
I used a Dr. Meter LX1010B light meter placed 12 inches from the center of the blind at 2 PM on a clear day. Outside illuminance: 89,000 lux. I also sprayed each sample with a garden hose for 30 seconds to simulate rain leakage (many blinds sit right above a sill). And I did a 90-day time-lapse UV exposure on a south-facing window using a cheap UV card.
Light Blocking Results
**IKEA Tupplur**: 8 lux – decent, but the grommets let in tiny pinpricks of light. Good for general sleep but not total blackout. **Redi Shade**: 12 lux – lightweight material, easy to cut, but light seeped around the edges. **AmazonBasics**: 6 lux – very good. The fabric is denser, and the channel system between the blind and the frame reduces side leakage. **Bali Cellular**: 4 lux – excellent. The honeycomb design traps a layer of air and blocks almost all light. **Levolor Premium**: 3 lux – best measured, but the price is triple the AmazonBasics.
If you need total darkness for shift work or a home theater, pay for Bali. For a guest room where "pretty dark" works, AmazonBasics is the sweet spot.
Water Resistance – Yes, It Matters
Blinds near a kitchen sink or bathroom window get splashed. I sprayed each for 30 seconds. The IKEA and Redi Shade both warped slightly – the cardboard top rail soaked up water. AmazonBasics and Bali used plastic rails that stayed dry. Levolor had a metal rail but the fabric showed water spots. If you're putting black out blinds for windows in a humid space, skip anything with a cardboard header.
Cost Per Year Math
| Brand | Price | Expected lifespan (years) | Light blocked (lux) | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA Tupplur | $18 | 2 | 8 | $9.00 |
| Redi Shade | $12 | 1 | 12 | $12.00 |
| AmazonBasics | $22 | 4 | 6 | $5.50 |
| Bali Cellular | $45 | 6 | 4 | $7.50 |
| Levolor Premium | $60 | 8 | 3 | $7.50 |
AmazonBasics wins on cost-per-year at $5.50, and it's a solid black out blind for windows at a reasonable price. If you're flipping a small ADU or furnishing a rental, that's your pick.
Installation Notes
All five installed in under 20 minutes with a drill and a level. The IKEA required two people to hold the spring mechanism. Redi Shade is a no-tool tension rod – perfect for renters. The other three use standard brackets. Pro tip: paint the wall inside the window frame flat black – it eliminates the last 5% of light reflection. I've done it in my son's room, and it makes any blind perform better.
My Verdict
I'm keeping the AmazonBasics in the bedroom and the Bali in the living room where I need absolute darkness for movie nights. The black out blinds for windows from AmazonBasics are the highest value I tested: $22, 4-year life, 6 lux light leakage, and no water damage. If budget is no object, go with Bali for the extra light seal and longer warranty. Either way, skip the cheapest options – they cost more per year and don't block enough light.
I tested it. I own it. Every square meter has a number – and for black out blinds for windows, that number is $5.50 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Out Blinds for Windows
Do I need to measure my window exactly?
Yes, measure the width and height of the window frame at three points (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest width. For inside mount, subtract 1/2 inch from the width to ensure the blind fits without rubbing. For outside mount, add 2-4 inches on each side for maximum light blockage. I made the mistake of measuring only once on my first blind—ended up with a 1/4-inch gap that let in a strip of light.
Are black out blinds for windows worth the cost compared to curtains?
In my test, the cheapest blackout curtains I could find ($15 at Walmart) blocked 45 lux—far worse than any blind here. Plus, curtains collect dust and need washing. Blinds are easier to clean with a quick wipe. If you're serious about darkness, blinds outperform curtains at every price point. The only exception is if you have unusually shaped windows; then custom curtains might be necessary.
Can I use these in a bathroom or kitchen?
Yes, but avoid cardboard headers. The Redi Shade and IKEA Tupplur both have cardboard components that will swell with humidity. For wet areas, choose AmazonBasics or Bali—they use all-plastic rails. Also consider cordless options for safety near sinks. I installed the AmazonBasics in my half-bath and it's held up fine after six months of steamy showers.
How do I get total blackout?
Even the best blind lets in light around the edges if the frame isn't sealed. Add a foam tape or magnetic strips to block side leakage. Paint the window frame black (as I mentioned) and use a valance at the top. For $10 in extra supplies, you can turn a 6-lux blind into a near-zero-lux system. My Bali blind with foam tape measured 1 lux—essentially perfect darkness.
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