Best blinds & shades according to redditors

Theres these blinds that have a reflective side so your room won't even heat up as much as it would with black courtains.

EDIT: I wasn't on reddit for a bit so I didn't even know my comment gained so much attention, sorry. Heres a link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798LHHHK

Basically just search for thermal blinds, you will most likely find something. Unlike black courtains, these blinds won't absorb as much sunlight so they won't heat up as much. They can also make a room much darker and because of their mounting position you can still mount normal courtains to make it look less clean/sterile.

For your wife [Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36" x 72", 6-Pack] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SDROMG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_bbO7q7KNekFUY)

Super inexpensive, blocks light. I have them in almost every window of my apartment.

How about a top-down cordless honeycomb shade? Instead of lifting from the bottom up to let in light, you go from the top down. Baby wouldn't be able to reach.

Example: https://www.amazon.com/Cellular-Honeycomb-Privacy-Filtering-Cordless/dp/B07MQJP1PK/

Bellows is the word you're looking for.

Alibaba - fabric bellows

AKON Skirting and Bellows

For a cheaper and hackier option, check out pleated temporary shades.

There are affordable paper shades that would hangle at the correct angle. You might have to pin at the ideal pivot pt, but they'd work.

Something like these. These assume you aren't interested in full blackout.

I think someone has just taken a matchstick blind (or two) and tented them over their bed. https://www.amazon.com/PASSENGER-PIGEON-Bamboo-Filtering-Valance/dp/B07H974C33/ref=pd_sbs_201_2/136-6069294-6223924

or https://matchstickblinds.com/products/bamboo-matchstick-blinds?variant=880500736024

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PMMTB1Q/ref=psdc_3736211_t3_B07H974C33

These are fairly easy to cut to size (width-wise) with some pruning shears. I have them on my porch. Don't cut the length, though. They'll unravel.

This may or may not be more appealing than replacing the cute blinds, but I bought this portable blackout blind for my son and we've used it under his curtains for the past year or so.

We just pull some of the suction cups off and let it hang loose on one side when we want to let the light in, but again, full-on blinds may be more desirable depending on window shape / size, etc.

There is such thing as blackout curtains

An actual set of blinds would help. or blackout shades https://www.amazon.com/Achim-Home-Furnishings-Darkening-Temporary/dp/B01EO367UA/ref=sr_1_5?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1524082666&sr=1-5&keywords=blackout+shades

We have something like this in our bedroom - WOW.

http://www.amazon.com/Eclipse-Fresno-84-Inch-Blackout-Curtain/dp/B005VQGK02/ref=sr_1_1?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1420740489&sr=1-1&keywords=blackout+curtains

Going with something more natural will probably do the trick. Something in the style of this

I think the color contrast between two neutrals would work well.

I can't see what the edges look like. But I had some massive windows and there are a few options. 1. Shower tension rod, 2 amazon sells sticker shades, pretty cheap
Achim Home Furnishings 1-2-3 Vinyl Room Darkening Temporary Pleated Window Shade, 36" by 75", black, 36 X 75" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EO367UA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ACYszb4891P3M
Ive seen rods that attach to walls and are cables between, or you may be able to so something creative with sticky hooks. Do you have a wider photo?

I lived in an old school that was converted to condos, we weren't allowed to damage anything and the windows were 8 feet tall by 5 feet wide. The shower tension rods worked perfectly.

Amazon sells these stick-up paper blinds.

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Filtering-Pleated-Shade-6-Pack/dp/B000SDX54M/ref=pd_bxgy_60_2/143-4194395-4700916?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000SDX54M&pd_rd_r=a6a49717-8236-11e9-89d0-b7902472ba38&pd_rd_w=SonSF&pd_rd_wg=rCq1h&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=6MJEGHWDXGKZPC0BKWFE&psc=1&refRID=6MJEGHWDXGKZPC0BKWFE

I've used them in two houses now, Just attach them to the windows and optionally put a curtain of your choice in-front of them.

Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36” x 72”, 6-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SDROMG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Z7VDCbX5P9ZS8

You might try it this way, and then, if glare still is a bother get some block out shades or curtains that can be pulled as needed?

http://imgur.com/Qep3BgP

http://www.amazon.com/Redi-Shade-1817205-Pleated-72-Inch/dp/B000SDTEAG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hg_1

http://www.stevesblindsandwallpaper.com/blinds/collectiondetail.aspx?mfrid=6&prodid=80&styleid=98&collectionid=3648&colorid=20919&utm_source=CSE&utm_medium=Amazon_Paid_Feed&utm_campaign=Blinds&utm_content=Steve%27s%20Exclusive%20Collection%20Roller%20&%20Solar%20Shades&utm_term=Vinyl%20Value

This is a classic case of shift work sleep disorder. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shift_work_sleep_disorder)

Do what you can to control lighting and temperature in your bedroom.

1. Get cheap blackout curtains or something to reduce room light. What I bought to help: http://amzn.com/B000SDTEAG Also, I have used this sleep mask: http://amzn.com/B0015NZ6FK. I bought a cheaper one once, but it wasn't big enough and hurt my ears.
   
   
2. Keep your bedroom cool if possible.
   
   
3. Avoid computer, TV & cell phone screens (my personal reoccurring issue)
   
   
4. Don't abuse melatonin & when you use it, make sure you're in a dark room with the steps from above.
   
   
5. If you run out of those options, Tylenol PM (Diphenhydramine HCl) is safe in the short term.
   
   
6. Stop caffeine intake by your lunch time (which I would guess is around 6PM).
   
   (I've worked night shift for nearly 8 years. It's taken me a long time to figure it all out. I feel your pain.)

What about the blinds that you can adjust from both the top and the bottom? I’m also on a ground floor and some people in my building have these. I included a link as an example: https://www.amazon.com/Arlo-Blinds-Filtering-Cordless-Cellular/dp/B07MZC6BSF

I got two packs of these temporary stick on paper shades to use until I can make up my mind / save up money. They look good in person, especially for $2-3 a piece, and my only complaint is they're annoying to lift up and down regularly. But they're not an eyesore so I'm not rushing to get rid of them.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000SDX54M?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-org00-win10-other-smile-us000-pcomp-feature-scomp-wm-5&ref=aa_scomp&th=1

I'm stalking blinds.com and selectblinds.com for their replacements. These sites always always have sales. I have my carts full with wood roller blinds waiting for a 40% sale. Wood roller blinds can add some really nice texture to a room.

I bought these: The Gro Company Gro-Anywhere Blind https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IB7D1YQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mlAKBbVZP4HGA

They work pretty well, have suction cups and Velcro to keep maximum light out. He slept two hours later and I showered so I feel pretty good about the purchase. Although the garbage bag suggestion is a great one!

If you want to get some blackout curtains that aren't actually curtains (for the strangulation risk), I highly recommend these paper ones

They're pleated and made of paper. You can cut them to length (or width) and they come with clips so you can fold them up and secure them!

https://www.amazon.com/The-Gro-Company-Gro-Anywhere-Blind/dp/B00IB7D1YQ

If it were me, I get whatever curtains I liked the look of and then put one of these up in the window behind it.

i have paper blackout curtains in my bedroom instead of an eye mask. you can also find them at hardware stores, for example home depot if you are in the usa. you cut them to you window size and tape em up. they have clips to keep them weighted when you put them doen at night. works like a charm - total darkness!

My setup includes one of these on each of my two bedroom windows.

In addition, I have blackout curtains over the shades to fully block all light around the edges.

I turn on my air purifier for some background noise and I am good to go.

My room is as dark as a cave even in the middle of the day. Much better than a sleep mask which can be cumbersome.

Yeah they also have some that have clips, I’m sure if you shop around you can even find some with some cool designs if you wanted.

kinda like this

Since others are addressing the insulation, I'll tackle the blackout curtains. You know how when you stay in a hotel/motel, those really heavy & thick curtains that have the vinyl backing on them? Those are blackout curtains. In hotels (and home theaters), they're used to block out all incoming light (blacking out the room). They're also thick enough to provide some manner of insulation, preventing drafts & airflow to the rest of the room. Just a real quick search, and I found these and these. It'll certainly look better than the plastic shrink film, at least.

I have huge bay windows in my new apartment. They're awesome during the day, but less so at night when I'm trying to sleep.
I need something to completely black them out, but that is also easily to raise. As this is a rental, I'd like to avoid having to drill holes.
I tried this thing, it does a great job blocking out the light at night, but is a huge pain in the morning. I found this, which has a string, but is not made to completely black out all night.

Does anyone know a workable solution for this problem?

http://www.amazon.com/Redi-Shade-1817205-Pleated--72-Inch/dp/B000SDTEAG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1381176413

That is $35 for a 6 pack. They are actually quite good at blocking the light. They make them in several different weights too, so you can block more or less light.

Paper blinds.
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Blackout-Pleated-Shade-6-Pack/dp/B000SDROMG/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=window+blinds+paper&qid=1572105289&sr=8-4

That's what I used at my temp apartment. Black ones will fit the apt style & rather inexpensive. Easy to cut them to adjust the width. The only downside, given how high up your windows are, will be a pain in the boot to adjust them. So I'd just leave them at about 70-75% closed.

I had a similar window issue so i got this insanely inexpensive light filtering shade that you cut to size. Far exceeded my expectations. I ended up buying 2 more. If you go for it, be sure to get the ones labeled fabric. One of the sizes only comes in paper and imo isn't as good. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041HYB7Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ivHZDbTYME5JV

Nice! Oh, and here are some temporary blackout shades:

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Blackout-Pleated-Shade-6-Pack/dp/B000SDROMG

I used Redi Shades in a whole house before while waiting to figure out a more permanent window treatment solution and ended up leaving them for more than a year, as they were clean-looking, durable, and easy to adjust if needed.

For that length make sure the motors are the AC type which plug into a wall outlet. I've tried the kind with lithium batteries inside that charge with little solar cells: didn't work.

Get the shades from anywhere. Ensure it's a 1.5" thick tube. Then install these:

https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Curtains-Motorized-Compatible-Broadlink/dp/B07HNR79NQ/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?m=A3DCS1DEGQGSSZ&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pd_rd_i=B07HNR79NQ&pd_rd_r=3078213a-2821-40ea-82b3-0a1b5631c691&pd_rd_w=OxZRK&pd_rd_wg=ti5UP&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=BNC7PNQVTM0WDPRNW644&qid=1564157679&s=merchant-items

​

Remember to buy the remote control and Broadlink IR separately. When it comes to programing first install the IHC app, set an account (free), enable that skill in alexa, then link them. To add the blinds in the ihc app I had to select them as a "lamp," then manually teach the broadlink the controls. Just change the name from lamp to blinds and you're good.

Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 48" x 72", (Pack of 6) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SDTEAG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_65DwDbF7ZE5R2

I have these in my bedroom and they're amazing.

You should put these on your wishlist :)

I work nights and bought these. They are amazeballs. Also use them where the kids sleep. My toddler has not pulled them down yet. You have to manually fold them up and clip them, which with toddlers is a plus since there's no cool "whizz!!" action. http://www.amazon.com/Quick-Blackout-Pleated-Paper-Shade/dp/B000SDTEAG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1464542782&sr=8-2&keywords=blackout+shades

You can purchase blackout shades in a similar style to the existing ones. There are also small L tracks that you can put on the walls that will cut out any bleeding around the edges of the blind. If you like the look of the shades better I would look into this. You'll have to dig around to find the right height and width.

Blind example: https://www.amazon.com/ALLBRIGHT-Blackout-Bedroom-Classic-Completely/dp/B07MYV8GK2/ref=asc_df_B07MYV8GK2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309802236203&hvpos=1o9&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11941850505906742833&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012216&hvtargid=pla-670434935012&psc=1

L Tracks: https://www.amazon.com/Finally-effective-solution-annoying-blackout/dp/B01M0AJNLP

​

PS - as a new father of a 7 month old, anything to help the baby (and you) sleep is well worth it! You'll thank yourself when you get back from the hospital!

I have these. Similar.

They come in two sizes -- Original Blackout Pleated Paper shade. 36" for $20 and 48" wide for $36. I bought the $20 version and was able to had to trim off a couple of inches; they're designed to be cut per the directions.


The top most end has an adhesive strip although in supposed one could use tacks if they preferred. The adhesive stip works fine.

Do you have Instagram? Check out "takingcarababies". She offers different types of classes that you can pay for, but I have gotten SO much good, free advice just from following her posts.

I also second what people are saying about the blackout curtains and sound machines. I got these for blackout curtains--they are cheap and efficient. You want something that actually blocks all light, which most curtains don't do.

Original Blackout Pleated Paper... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SDROMG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Seriously though, taking Cara babies. Its a game changer!!

https://www.amazon.com/Vertical-Replacement-Royal-Window-Coverings/dp/B0118EE4L2

2 pack for $10.

https://www.amazon.com/SBARTAR-Honeycomb-Cellular-Cordless-Filtering/dp/B07F8TQ39X/

What about stick-on shades?

Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36" x 72", 6-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SDROMG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_psmUDbQW008AG

Price History

• SBARTAR Honeycomb Cellular Shades Cordless Light Filtering for Windows Inside   ^PureLink
  CamelCamelCamel - [Info] │ Keepa - [Info]
  
  _
  Always check the prices. The savings can be Knight and day.
  ^(Info) ^| ^(Developer) ^| ^(Inquiries) ^| ^(Support Me!) ^| **[^(Report Bug)](/message/compose?to=The_White_Light&subject=Bug+Report&message=%2Fr%2Famazondealsus%2Fcomments%2Fczimwc%2Fcordless_light_filtering_honeycomb_shadesfor%2Fez3c1y5%2F%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0APlease+explain+here+what+you+expected+to+happen%2Fwhat+went+wrong.)**

Lowes sells paper ones for fairly cheap, or you can get Gro anywhere Blind: http://www.amazon.com/The-Gro-Company-Gro-Anywhere-Blind/dp/B00IB7D1YQ

The latter is handy so you can use it if going to visit grandparents, traveling, etc. If you have only one window it's worth it--if more it might be better going for the paper ones.

You need a sweet action figure!

I need curtains!

The Gro Company Gro-Anywhere Blind https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IB7D1YQ?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I installed blackout curtains. You can buy them on Amazon :)

for complete blackout you might need levels to cut light and to block as much as possible at the edges

1. Pleated Paper Shade to fit inside the frame
   https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000SDROMG
   
   maybe reuse the Walmart curtains using Overlapping curtain track
   URL as examples
   
   https://www.amazon.co.uk/Swish-Superluxe-Corded-Curtain-Track/dp/B006FJ0UFK/
   
   https://www.amazon.co.uk/SWISH-Overlap-Superluxe-Curtain-Track/dp/B004W2BU1A
   
   https://sleepcavern.com/how-to-block-light-leaking-from-the-top-and-sides-of-your-curtains/
   
   https://www.blinds.com/blog/how-to-block-light-from-the-sides-of-blinds

Getting this. Went cheap so we'll see. https://www.amazon.ca/Original-Blackout-Pleated-Shade-6-Pack/dp/B000SDROMG/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=blackout&qid=1565741622&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://amzn.com/B000SDTEAG

+

https://amzn.com/B003KLROVY

Congrats!!! You're a big girl now

If you work shifts, these blackout curtains will help!

Do you need curtains for aesthetics or to block the light? If the first, I would just leave the blinds. If the second, you can buy tracks for the blinds on amazon. We used them in my son's room, they work great. https://www.amazon.com/Finally-effective-solution-annoying-blackout/dp/B01M0AJNLP

We use these (https://www.amazon.com/Original-Blackout-Pleated-Shade-6-Pack/dp/B000SDROMG) in our bedroom with some existing curtains we had. They are amaaaaazing. It keeps our up-with-the-sun jack russell in bed a couple hours extra on the weekends.

6 shades for $20? 100% worth it.

If you're struggling to get 8 hours a night, you can focus on deepening the sleep you do get instead of sleeping longer.

• Black out your room at night. This is the biggest one for me. I have cheap blackout shades and I use electrical tape to cover internet routers, smoke alarms - anything that flashes. Get your room dark enough that you can't see your hand in front of your face. Even a little light will fuck with your melatonin production and compromise your sleep quality.
  
  
  
• If you use electronics at night, download f.lux. It's a free program that removes blue light from your monitor after the sun sets. Your phone should have night mode under settings; turn that on as well. Light in the blue spectrum is the biggest melatonin disruptor.
  
  
  
• Take 400 mg of magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate before bed. It eases stress and causes a dramatic increase in sleep quality. Plus, a good percentage of the population is deficient in magnesium, so you could probably use a little extra anyway. If you go for magnesium citrate, start at 200 mg and move up to 400 mg over the course of a couple days. Too much at once will make you shit your pants. Glycinate doesn't have that issue, but isn't quite as bioavailable.
  
  
  
• Take 300 mcg of melatonin right before bed. Melatonin is a hormone your body uses to encourage deep sleep, and taking it in pill form will knock you right out. It's prescription in the UK, over-the-counter in the US. Most doses are far too high (2-10 mg), and can impair your natural melatonin production if you take them regularly without a break. Stick with 300mcg (linked above); it's the minimum effective dose and won't mess with your hormones long-term.
  
  
• I also drink kava tea on nights when I really can't sleep. It's more for stress relief/anxiety than for sleep, but if you find you have trouble winding down at night it can be a big help. Don't drink alcohol alongside kava; the active compounds, kavalactones, bind to the same brain receptors that alcohol does, meaning the effects of the two stack.
  
  
• Don't take sleeping pills if you can avoid them. I'm not a doctor, and I'm not saying you should ignore your doctor, but sleeping pills don't actually put you into stage 3 and stage 4 sleep (the deep, restorative sleep your brain needs). They can also cause a lot of neurological side effects.
  
  Source: neuroscientist who focused on psychopharmacology and sleep when I was getting my degree.

I have these curtains in red and blue, and they are a life saver - I used to work overnights, they were all that kept me sane. :) Congratulations! 1 bedroom apartment living is the best kind of living!!

you're a big girl now!

PVC Vertical Blind Replacement Slat (White) 2 Pk 82 1/2 X 3 1/2 by Royal Window Coverings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0118EE4L2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_at8EDbYXF8PDC

These are a lifesaver when we travel. They go on and come off really easily and make the room perfectly dark for sleep. Boo on the smoking though. Not cool.

That’s top on my list. I was thinking something like these. Cheap, quick but something different.

Paper Blinds