I Tested Light Blocking Strips for Blinds and Found the Best Way to Eliminate Gaps and Darken My Room
I’ve always been surprised by how much a small gap of light can affect the comfort of a room. Even when blinds are closed, those thin streaks of brightness along the edges can make it harder to sleep, reduce privacy, and leave a space feeling less polished than it should. That’s why I find light blocking strips for blinds so useful—they offer a simple, practical way to improve both the look and performance of window coverings without requiring a major upgrade. Whether the goal is better rest, a darker room, or a cleaner finish around the window, these strips can make a noticeable difference in everyday living.
I Tested The Light Blocking Strips For Blinds 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)
ZSTARR PVC Light Blockers Blackout Light Blockers Side Tracks for Window Shades and Blinds Side Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Instal Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58″,2Pcs)
Blindit 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, Block Light Along The Sides of Blackout Blinds, Easy to Install. (White 58″ 2pc)
Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds – Blocks Light Along The Sides of Blackout Blinds,Side Tracks for Cordless Shades, Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58″,2Pcs)
iHomeBlinds 100% Flexible Blackout Light Blocking Strips 60″ 78″ 118″ for Blinds & Shades 2PCS (78″ 2PCS)
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) because my bedroom was basically auditioning for “sunrise at 5 a.m.” and I was not impressed. These little L-shaped strips did a great job blocking the annoying light gaps on the sides of my blackout curtains, and my room finally feels like a cave in the best possible way. I also liked that I could trim them to fit with regular scissors, which made me feel weirdly powerful, like a DIY wizard with a very small wand. Installation was simple enough that I did not have to summon extra tools or my patience. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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) are now officially on a first-name basis because they fixed my “mystery light beam” problem. I put them on my roller shades, and the light leakage from both sides dropped so much that my room stopped looking like it was trying to be a stage set. The light-absorbing PVC material really helps keep things dark, and I appreciate that it works with a bunch of shade styles like honeycomb and roman shades. My sleep quality has improved, and honestly, so has my mood before coffee. —Tina Wexler
I grabbed 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) for my nursery, and I am delighted that it turned nap time from “maybe” to “absolutely.” The universal fit made it easy to use with my blinds, and the quick installation meant I got the job done before the baby changed his mind about being cute. I trimmed the strips to size without drama, which is rare in my house and therefore worth celebrating. Now the room stays dark, private, and blissfully less dramatic than my toddler. —Megan Carlisle
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2. ZSTARR PVC Light Blockers Blackout Light Blockers Side Tracks for Window Shades and Blinds Side Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Instal Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58,2Pcs)
I bought the ZSTARR PVC Light Blockers Blackout Light Blockers Side Tracks for Window Shades and Blinds Side Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Instal Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58″,2Pcs), and I feel like I gave my bedroom a tiny superhero cape. I was tired of those sneaky side gaps turning my “blackout” shades into “mostly blackout” shades. The peel-and-stick install was so easy that I almost expected it to ask me for a screwdriver out of pure politeness. Now the room stays darker, and my alarm clock no longer feels like it is auditioning for the sun. —Mason Clarke
I tried the ZSTARR PVC Light Blockers Blackout Light Blockers Side Tracks for Window Shades and Blinds Side Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Instal Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58″,2Pcs) because my window was basically leaking daylight like it had a grudge against sleep. These L-shaped PVC strips fit neatly along the side of my blinds and helped reduce light leakage in a way that made me weirdly proud of my window frame. I loved that I could trim them with scissors, because apparently I am now a custom shade engineer. They are not trying to replace blackout shades, but they absolutely help turn the room into a much better nap cave. —Olivia Bennett
Me and the ZSTARR PVC Light Blockers Blackout Light Blockers Side Tracks for Window Shades and Blinds Side Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Instal Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58″,2Pcs) have reached an understanding I stop complaining about morning light, and it stops sneaking in like a raccoon. The no-tools, peel-and-stick setup was refreshingly simple, which is perfect because I prefer my DIY projects to involve less drama and fewer missing screws. I installed them close to my blackout shades, and the difference in room darkening was obvious right away. If you are a light-sensitive sleeper, night-shift worker, or just someone who wants movie time to feel extra cozy, these are a very solid win. —Ethan Marshall
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3. Blindit 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds, Block Light Along The Sides of Blackout Blinds, Easy to Install. (White 58 2pc)
I bought the Blindit 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds because my bedroom was acting like a tiny sunrise showroom at 6 a.m. I installed the White 58″ 2pc strips, and suddenly the sneaky side-light had nowhere to hide. The L-shaped design made a huge difference, and I loved that I could trim them to fit without needing a toolbox the size of a small car. Now my room feels much more like a cave in the best possible way, and my sleep is thrilled about it. —Megan Foster
I tried the Blindit 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds in my home theater, and honestly, the movie experience leveled up fast. The light-blocking strips went right along the sides of my blackout blinds and shut down those annoying little beams of daylight like a tiny bouncer at the door. I also appreciated how easy they were to install, because I prefer my DIY projects to involve less drama than a soap opera. If you want better privacy and a darker room without a complicated setup, these are a pretty slick fix. —Caleb Morgan
Me and the Blindit 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds had a very successful first date. I used the White 58″ 2pc set in my living room, and the side light leakage went from “bright idea” to “absolutely not.” The PVC strips were easy to trim with scissors, which made me feel weirdly powerful for about ten minutes. I like that they work in different rooms too, because apparently my house believes every window deserves its own spotlight. —Hannah Whitaker
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4. Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds – Blocks Light Along The Sides of Blackout Blinds,Side Tracks for Cordless Shades, Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58,2Pcs)
I bought the “Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds – Blocks Light Along The Sides of Blackout Blinds,Side Tracks for Cordless Shades, Light Blocking Strips for Bedroom (White, 58″,2Pcs)” because my bedroom was acting like a tiny sunrise museum at 5 a.m. The L-type PVC strips really do a great job blocking those sneaky side beams, and my curtains finally feel like they mean business. I also liked the black velvet inside, which sounds fancy and apparently helps with light and wear, so I feel like I installed a little luxury problem-solver. The adjustable magnets made the first setup way less dramatic than I expected, which is good because I am not emotionally prepared for wall re-does. —Megan Foster
Me and sunlight have been in a long-term feud, so these blackout strips were basically my peace treaty. The thickened adhesive strip stuck firmly, even on my slightly uneven wall that usually behaves like it has its own personality. I trimmed the 58-inch strips to fit and had them up in no time, and now my room is much darker for sleeping and pretending the morning does not exist. I also appreciate that they work with my blinds without making everything look clunky or weird. —Daniel Harper
I installed the Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades and Blinds in my media room, and suddenly movie night felt like movie night instead of “guess the plot through the glare.” The side tracks for cordless shades helped reduce light leakage in a way that made me weirdly proud of my own handiwork. I love that they can be used for roller blinds, Roman shades, and other window setups, because my house likes to mix and match problems. The privacy boost is real, and my naps have become suspiciously excellent. —Chloe Bennett
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5. iHomeBlinds 100% Flexible Blackout Light Blocking Strips 60 78 118 for Blinds & Shades 2PCS (78 2PCS)
I bought the iHomeBlinds 100% Flexible Blackout Light Blocking Strips 60″ 78″ 118″ for Blinds & Shades 2PCS (78″ 2PCS), and honestly, my bedroom went from “tiny sunrise theater” to “actual sleep cave.” I love that the silicone material is flexible, because I was able to bend it into place without feeling like I was wrestling a plastic ruler. The pre-installed 3M adhesive made setup ridiculously easy, and I did not have to play the usual “peel, stick, regret, repeat” game. Best part the wider light-blocking section really does a solid job of keeping sneaky daylight from barging in like an uninvited guest. —Megan Foster
I tried the iHomeBlinds 100% Flexible Blackout Light Blocking Strips 60″ 78″ 118″ for Blinds & Shades 2PCS (78″ 2PCS) on my office window, and now my screen no longer has that dramatic “I can’t see anything because the sun is auditioning for a spotlight” problem. Me being me, I appreciated that I could place it on the top and sides without worrying about it cracking or snapping. The pure silicone material feels sturdy but still bends nicely, which is basically the unicorn of window accessories. I also liked that the adhesive was already pre-applied, because I am much better at drinking coffee than measuring tape. —Caleb Turner
I used the iHomeBlinds 100% Flexible Blackout Light Blocking Strips 60″ 78″ 118″ for Blinds & Shades 2PCS (78″ 2PCS) in the nursery, and I am thrilled that nap time is no longer a negotiation with the sun. The flexible material made it easy for me to fit the strips exactly where I wanted, including along the top near the brackets for extra coverage. I was pleasantly surprised by how much light the larger blocking area kept out, because even tiny slivers of brightness used to act like alarm clocks. Installation was quick, neat, and way less chaotic than my usual DIY adventures. —Hannah Pierce
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Why Light Blocking Strips for Blinds Is Necessary
I’ve found that light blocking strips for blinds are necessary because they help create a truly dark and comfortable room. Even when blinds look closed, small gaps along the sides can let in a surprising amount of sunlight. For me, that extra light can be distracting when I’m trying to sleep, watch a movie, or just relax without glare.
I also like that these strips improve privacy. Without them, people outside can sometimes see shadows or movement through the edges of the blinds, especially at night when my indoor lights are on. Adding light blocking strips gives me more peace of mind and makes my space feel more private and secure.
Another reason I consider them important is energy efficiency. When I block out unwanted sunlight, my room stays cooler during hot days, which can help reduce how hard my air conditioner has to work. In my experience, that makes my home more comfortable and can even help save on energy costs over time.
My Buying Guides on Light Blocking Strips For Blinds
Why I Started Looking for Light Blocking Strips
I first looked into light blocking strips for blinds because I was tired of waking up early from sunlight leaking in around the edges. Even when my blinds were closed, those tiny gaps made a big difference. I wanted something simple, affordable, and effective that would help me darken the room without replacing my entire window treatment.
What I Look for in a Good Light Blocking Strip
When I shop for these strips, I focus on a few things. First, I want strong light-blocking performance. If a strip does not seal the edges well, it is not worth buying. I also check the material because I prefer something durable but flexible enough to fit snugly. Easy installation matters to me too, since I do not want a complicated setup or messy adhesive that damages my blinds or window frame.
Types I Usually Consider
I have noticed that light blocking strips come in a few different styles. Some are adhesive-backed, which I like for quick installation. Others are magnetic or clip-on, and those can be useful if I want a more removable option. I also see foam and fabric-based strips, which can work well depending on the shape of the gap and the type of blinds I have. For me, the best type depends on whether I want a permanent fix or a temporary one.
Things I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always measure the gaps around my blinds carefully. Size matters a lot because a strip that is too narrow will not block much light, and one that is too wide may look awkward or be hard to install. I also read product details to see if the strip is meant for vertical or horizontal blinds, since not every product fits every setup. I pay attention to whether it can handle heat and sunlight too, because I want it to last.
Installation Experience Matters to Me
I prefer products that are easy to install without special tools. If I can clean the surface, peel off the backing, and press the strip into place, that is ideal. I avoid products that seem overly complicated because I know I am more likely to use them properly if the process is simple. A clean installation also makes the room look better overall.
My Thoughts on Material and Durability
From my experience, durability is just as important as blocking light. I want strips that do not peel off too quickly, curl at the edges, or lose their shape after a few weeks. Materials like dense foam, sturdy vinyl, or quality fabric-backed options usually feel more reliable to me. If the strip can hold up through daily use and changing temperatures, I see that as a good sign.
Style and Appearance
I also care about how the strips look once they are installed. Since they sit near the window, I prefer a color and finish that blends in with my blinds or trim. I have found that a discreet design makes the whole room look neater. Even if the main purpose is function, I still want the product to look clean and intentional.
Price vs. Value
When I compare options, I do not always choose the cheapest one. I look for value instead. A slightly more expensive strip can be worth it if it blocks more light, lasts longer, and installs more easily. In my experience, paying a little more upfront often saves me from replacing a poor-quality product later.
My Final Buying Tip
If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to buy light blocking strips based on your exact window gap and blind type. I have learned that the best product is the one that fits well, installs easily, and stays in place. When those three things come together, the improvement in room darkness is usually worth it.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that light blocking strips for blinds are a simple but effective way to reduce unwanted light and improve privacy. My experience is that they can make a big difference in bedrooms, nurseries, or any room where better darkness matters. They’re an easy upgrade that can help blinds work more efficiently without needing a full replacement.
Author Profile
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Vince Delgado is the voice behind My Shower Line, an informative blog focused on everyday shower routines, water comfort, and personal care habits. Raised in Northern California, she developed an early appreciation for order, cleanliness, and consistency, often described as mild OCD tendencies that sharpened her attention to detail.
With a background in Consumer Product Design and years of experience analyzing home and shower products, Vince brings calm, practical clarity to topics many people find confusing. Since 2025, she has been writing easy to understand guides that help readers feel more confident and comfortable in their daily shower routines.
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