Best Light Blocking Strips for Blinds: Keep Your Room Dark and Private
For bedrooms, nurseries, home theaters, and offices, side light leaks can undermine blackout performance. This article reviews five top light blocking strips designed to seal the edges of blinds and shades, reduce glare, and improve sleep quality. Each product is evaluated on fit, installation, materials, and practical use, helping you choose the right solution for your window setup.
| Product | Brand | Length | Material | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Light Blocking Strips Blackout L-Shaped PVC Dual-Side Tracks | DRSART | 58.5″ | PVC | Easy to trim, 100% light blocking |
| Bliwans Light Blocking Strips | Bliwans | 58″ | PVC | Blocks gaps on multiple shade types |
| Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips | Miideayin | 58″ | PVC | Black velvet inner finish for durability |
| Keego 100% Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips | Keego | 58.5″ | PVC | Magnet-positioning and adjustable fit |
| Light Blocking Strips – White 72″ | Sleepy Time Tracks | 72″ | PVC with foam gasket | Gasket seal for airtight sides |
Choosing the right strips depends on window type (cellular, roller, or Venetian), the presence of existing side tracks, wall texture, and how critical total darkness is for your space. The following sections summarize each option, focusing on installation ease, fit, and how well they seal side gaps.
DRSART Light Blocking Strips
DRSART offers 58.5″ long, 1.6″ wide L-shaped, dual-side PVC strips designed to seal the sides of blackout window coverings. The product emphasizes cutting to fit at home with a hacksaw and claims to block 100% of light when installed along the sides of blackout shades, offices, bedrooms, or nurseries. The PVC material provides a straightforward trim for custom window widths and depths, helping reduce side light leaks that creep around standard blinds.
Bliwans Light Blocking Strips
Bliwans provides 58″ long PVC side tracks designed to block light on a range of blinds and shades, including cellular, roller, and roman shades. The strips are marketed as effective for bedrooms, home theaters, and nurseries by reducing light leakage from the sides. The length and thickness make them easy to trim for a snug fit, reinforcing privacy while maintaining a neat appearance with existing window treatments.
Miideayin Blackout PVC Light Blocking Strips
Miideayin’s light blocking strips feature a black velvet interior finish to absorb stray light and minimize wear on edges. The kit includes thickened adhesive for strong wall adhesion and magnet-assisted positioning to simplify initial placement. The strips, sized at 58″ long with 1.57″ width and 0.79″ depth, are designed to seal on both sides of blackout blinds. They emphasize adjustability and easy removal with minimal wall damage, suitable for varied wall textures.
Keego 100% Blackout Strips
Keego’s blocks are classic L-shaped PVC strips intended to seal along the sides of blackout blinds. They come in a standard 58.5″ length with a 1.2″ width and 0.9″ depth. The design aims to prevent light leakage on both sides of blackout shades, making them suitable for bedrooms, nurseries, and office spaces where precise darkness is desired. Instructions highlight home cutting with basic tools for a custom fit, and the product stresses blocking 100% of light along edges.
Sleepy Time Tracks Light Blocking Strips
Sleepy Time Tracks offers 72″ long strips with a built-in foam gasket for gap sealing, delivering a tighter fit to stop side leaks around cellular and roller shades. The product is designed for straighter trimming to fit 60″, 72″, or 90″ lengths and emphasizes damage-free removal with a strong, yet wall-friendly adhesive. The gasket assists in achieving near-total darkness by filling irregularities at the wall–strip interface, making it a practical option for bedrooms and media rooms.
Blindify Light Blockers 4 Pack
Blindify’s side tracks are designed to reduce light leakage with a four-pack of 58″ strips. The PVC material offers durability and anti-slip properties, while a 3M adhesive helps secure strips with minimal wall damage. These blocks are intended for users seeking a straightforward trim-to-fit solution that maintains a clean look when used alongside existing curtains or blinds. The combination of durable material and reliable adhesion aims to provide consistent side-blocking performance.
Blindify Blackout Side Tracks (4 Pack)
Blindify’s fourth option presents 58″ strips for easy trimming and an emphasis on reducing side leakage. The PVC construction is described as durable, with 3M adhesive to hold strips firmly in place. The product is positioned as a reliable choice for those who want a balanced blend of straightforward installation, durability, and effective light sealing for bedrooms, nurseries, or media rooms.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing light blocking strips include compatibility with window coverings, installation method, and durability. If you have cellular or roller shades, seek strips specifically described as compatible with those systems. Consider the adhesion method—some options use a strong adhesive, others rely on magnets or gaskets for a tighter seal. Length and width matter: ensure the strips cover the full height of the side gap without obstructing operation. Durability matters in high-traffic rooms or walls with uneven surfaces. A gasket or velvet interior helps reduce wear and can improve long-term performance.
Another perspective is ease of removal and wall safety. If you expect possible redecoration or rental use, choose strips designed for damage-free removal. Some products emphasize adjustable magnets or repositionable backing to avoid multiple reapplications. Finally, weight the trade-offs between a snug fit and potential visual impact: white outer surfaces blend with light-colored frames, while black inner finishes may better absorb stray light but could contrast with certain décors.