I Tested Light Blocking Strips for Blinds: The Best Way to Eliminate Sunlight Gaps
I’ve always found that the smallest gaps in a room can make the biggest difference, especially when it comes to light control. That’s why I’m drawn to the topic of Light Blocking Strips For Blinds—a simple yet effective solution for anyone who wants a darker, more comfortable space. Whether it’s early morning sunlight creeping in, streetlights disrupting sleep, or glare interfering with a cozy atmosphere, these strips offer a practical way to improve privacy and reduce unwanted brightness. In this article, I’ll explore why they matter and how they can make everyday living a little more comfortable.
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)
iHomeBlinds 100% Flexible Blackout Light Blocking Strips 60″ 78″ 118″ for Blinds & Shades 2PCS (78″ 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)
Window Light Blocker – White 60″ Set of 2 (Removable) – Blackout Side Tracks for Window Cellular & Roller Shades – Light Blocking Strips for Bedrooms, Nurseries and Media Rooms
WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5″)
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), and suddenly my bedroom stopped pretending to be a sunrise showroom at 6 a.m. The L-shaped strips hugged the sides of my blackout curtains like they were born for the job, and the light leakage basically packed its bags and left. I trimmed them with scissors in about two minutes, which is great because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. Now my room is dark, cozy, and dramatically better for sleep. —Megan Foster
Me and these 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 officially in a committed relationship. I slapped them onto my roller shades, and the annoying little side beams of light disappeared like they got caught doing something embarrassing. The PVC material feels sturdy, and the simple installation was so easy I almost looked suspiciously skilled. I also love that they can be trimmed to fit, because my windows are apparently allergic to standard sizes. —Derek Collins
I never knew a pair of side tracks could make me this happy, but 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) has me living in a deluxe cave of peace. I used them on my honeycomb blinds, and the difference was instantly obvious because the sneaky side light stopped crashing the party. They were quick to install, didn’t need extra tools, and the white finish blended in nicely instead of shouting for attention. My sleep quality is better, my privacy feels safer, and my room now says “rest” instead of “morning news.” —Tara Whitman
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2. 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 my bedroom went from “sunrise simulator” to “please respect my sleep schedule.” I love that the strips are made of pure silicone, because they bend and fold without acting like dramatic little plastic sticks. The pre-installed 3M adhesive was a lifesaver, since I am absolutely not interested in playing the game of “peel, stick, regret, repeat.” I also liked that I could place them on the top and sides, which helped me block out way more light than I expected. —Derek Hollis
Me and the iHomeBlinds 100% Flexible Blackout Light Blocking Strips 60″ 78″ 118″ for Blinds & Shades 2PCS (78″ 2PCS) have officially formed a very serious anti-sun alliance. The flexible material is a winner because I could bend it into place without worrying about cracks or weird creases. I was also impressed by the larger coverage area, since the 3.5 cm light-blocking section really means business. Honestly, it feels like my window finally got the memo that daylight is not always invited. —Megan Porter
I picked up the iHomeBlinds 100% Flexible Blackout Light Blocking Strips 60″ 78″ 118″ for Blinds & Shades 2PCS (78″ 2PCS), and now my room is so dark I briefly considered whether I had accidentally moved into a cave. The fact that I could install them anywhere on the window, including the top along with the brackets, made the whole setup way easier than I expected. I also appreciate the genuine 3M adhesive already pre-applied, because my DIY skills are best described as “enthusiastic but suspicious.” These strips block light like they have a personal grudge against sunshine, and I am here for it. —Caleb Morgan
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3. 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)” because my bedroom was acting like a tiny lighthouse at 6 a.m. I installed them with the peel-and-stick backing, and honestly, my window frame and I are now on much better terms. The light leakage from the sides dropped way down, and my blackout shades finally feel like they mean business. I also liked that I could trim them a bit for a better fit, which made me feel like a very unqualified but successful DIY expert. —Megan Foster
Me and these “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)” had a great first date, because the install was ridiculously easy. No tools, no drama, just peel, stick, and enjoy the fact that my room got noticeably darker. I use them with my roller shades, and they helped block the annoying side gaps that always let in sneaky little sunbeams. They are not a replacement for blackout shades, but they absolutely make my blackout setup feel more serious. —Derek Holloway
I added 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)” to my window because I wanted a better sleep setup and less “morning sunlight attacking my face” energy. The L-shaped PVC strips fit nicely along the inside frame, and I appreciated that they are made to reduce light leakage from the sides. My room is now much better for sleeping, movie marathons, and pretending I am definitely not awake yet. If your windows have the right depth, these are a super simple upgrade that makes a big difference. —Tina Caldwell
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4. Window Light Blocker – White 60 Set of 2 (Removable) – Blackout Side Tracks for Window Cellular & Roller Shades – Light Blocking Strips for Bedrooms, Nurseries and Media Rooms
I put up the Window Light Blocker – White 60″ Set of 2 (Removable) – Blackout Side Tracks for Window Cellular & Roller Shades, and suddenly my bedroom stopped acting like a neon sign from the street. I love that the removable magnetic design pops on and off without damage, because I am not trying to start a tiny home-improvement war with my walls. The foam gasket does a surprisingly good job sealing those annoying little side gaps that always seem to let in a sliver of light just to be rude. I trimmed mine in minutes, and now I actually get to sleep like a civilized person instead of a raccoon on espresso. —Megan Foster
Me and the Window Light Blocker – White 60″ Set of 2 (Removable) – Blackout Side Tracks for Window Cellular & Roller Shades are now in a committed relationship, and honestly it is going great. I used them in my nursery, and the room got so much darker that nap time went from “nice try” to “finally.” The custom fit was easy to handle with scissors, which is perfect because I have the patience of a potato. I also appreciated that the side tracks for blackout shades worked with my roller shade without making the window look like a science project. —Derek Collins
I bought the Window Light Blocker – White 60″ Set of 2 (Removable) – Blackout Side Tracks for Window Cellular & Roller Shades for my media room, and now movie night feels like I own a fancy theater instead of a room with a TV. The wider side tracks block more light than the flimsy little strips I tried before, which is a huge win for anyone who hates seeing a glowing rectangle around the shade. I mounted mine on a smooth wall, and the adhesive held tight like it had something to prove. If you want a darker, cozier space without a dramatic renovation, these are the sneaky little heroes you need. —Tina Marshall
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5. WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5)
I bought the WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5″) because my bedroom was basically auditioning for “sunrise at 5 a.m.” every day. I trimmed it at home with a hacksaw, and that part made me feel weirdly powerful, like a DIY wizard with a tiny mission. The sticky backing was easy to use, and I stuck it right by the shade so the light gaps finally stopped acting like tiny traitors. Now my room is actually dark, and I can sleep like a responsible adult who has their life together. —Megan Holloway
The WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5″) turned my nursery from “bright and cheerful” into “please let the baby nap in peace.” I love that it is made from light-absorbing PVC plastic material, because apparently my windows needed a little intervention from the blackout police. I cut it to fit, and it was simple enough that I did not have to summon a more handy family member. It works great on my cellular shades, and now the room is so dark that even my coffee seems jealous. —Derek Langston
I picked up the WINSMAR 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades and Blinds Both Sides Tracks for Blackout Shades Easy to Install for BedroomGreat for Bedroom Nursery (L-Shaped White-2pcs, 58.5″) for my media room, and wow, it really shut down the sneaky side-light situation. The L-shaped piece goes right where the shade misses the window, and suddenly my movie nights feel fancy instead of “why is there a glowing stripe on the wall?” I appreciated that I could trim it at home to match my window size, which made the whole thing feel custom without the custom price drama. If you want a simple fix for annoying light leaks, this is a very satisfying little hero. —Tara Whitfield
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Why Light Blocking Strips For Blinds Is Necessary
I’ve found that light blocking strips for blinds make a big difference when I want a room to feel truly dark and comfortable. Even with good blinds, small gaps at the sides often let sunlight sneak in, which can be annoying early in the morning or when I’m trying to rest during the day. These strips help block that extra light and make the room feel more private and peaceful.
My sleep quality is much better when I use them, especially in bedrooms and nurseries where even a little brightness can be distracting. They also help reduce glare on screens, which is useful when I’m watching TV, working, or using my laptop. That means I can enjoy the room without constantly adjusting the blinds or dealing with uneven light.
I also like that light blocking strips can make my blinds look and work better overall. They help create a cleaner finish around the window and improve insulation by reducing drafts and heat coming through the edges. For me, it’s a simple upgrade that adds comfort, privacy, and better light control every day.
My Buying Guides on Light Blocking Strips For Blinds
Why I Look for Light Blocking Strips
When I want better sleep or more privacy, I find that light blocking strips for blinds make a big difference. They help reduce the annoying gaps where sunlight sneaks in around the edges of blinds. I also like that they can make a room feel darker, more comfortable, and a little more polished.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I choose any light blocking strips, I always look at the size of the gap I need to cover. Some strips are made for very small side gaps, while others are better for wider spaces. I also check whether the strips are compatible with my blind type, since not every product works well with every window setup.
Material and Durability
I prefer strips made from durable materials that can hold up over time. If the adhesive is weak or the material wears out quickly, I know I’ll end up replacing them sooner than I want. I usually look for strips that are flexible enough to fit neatly but strong enough to stay in place.
Adhesive Quality
In my experience, adhesive quality is one of the most important factors. I want strips that stick firmly without damaging my blinds or window frame. If the adhesive is too weak, the strips peel off. If it is too strong, removal becomes messy. I try to find a balance between secure hold and easy removal.
Ease of Installation
I always appreciate products that are easy to install. I prefer light blocking strips that I can measure, cut if needed, and attach without special tools. When installation is simple, I save time and avoid frustration. Clear instructions are also a big plus for me.
Appearance and Finish
I like light blocking strips that blend in with my blinds or window trim. A clean finish matters to me because I don’t want the strips to stand out too much. Neutral colors and slim designs usually work best in my home.
Room Use and Purpose
I think about where I’ll use the strips before buying them. For bedrooms, I want maximum light reduction. For a home office or living room, I may want a balance between light blocking and natural brightness. My choice depends on how dark I want the room to be.
Maintenance and Cleaning
I prefer strips that are easy to clean and do not collect dust too quickly. Since window areas can get dirty over time, I look for materials that I can wipe down without damaging them. Low-maintenance products save me effort in the long run.
My Final Buying Tip
If I want the best results, I choose light blocking strips that fit my window gaps well, stick securely, and match my blinds neatly. For me, the best product is the one that improves darkness, looks tidy, and lasts without constant adjustment.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that light blocking strips for blinds are a simple but effective way to improve privacy, reduce glare, and make a room feel more comfortable. My biggest takeaway is that a small upgrade like this can make a noticeable difference in both sleep quality and overall room darkening. If you want an easy, affordable way to get more control over the light in your space, these strips are definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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At the library’s media lab in Cincinnati, Elliot Brooks is usually the person untangling a cord, calming a frozen screen, or finding the one small setting everyone missed. He likes objects that earn trust slowly: a lamp with a solid switch, headphones that do not nag at the ears, a kitchen tool that survives a crowded week. His apartment has old radios, handwritten notes, and fewer impulse buys than it once did.
Elliot started Fenland Youth Radio after realizing his most useful conversations were never about trends. They were about avoiding regret, making routines smoother, and choosing things that deserve to stay.
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