5 Best Blackout Roller Blinds Influencers Recommend
Have you ever imagined waking up to silence, a perfectly darkened room, and that soft, hotel-style calm that makes mornings feel luxurious? I have — and after testing dozens of roller blinds recommended by top YouTube home-style channels, I’m excited to share the five blackout roller blinds that consistently impressed creators and real users alike.
Why I trust YouTube creators’ picks (and why you might, too)
Top YouTubers like “The Home Edit” collaborators, Apartment Therapy reviewers, and independent pros such as Mr. Kate and A Beautiful Mess have extensive hands-on experience with window treatments. They film installs, measure light blockage, and test fabrics over weeks. I follow their recommendations because they combine aesthetic sense with real-world testing—exactly what matters when you want a blind that looks beautiful and actually blocks light.
How I chose these five
I used three practical criteria that YouTubers often use:
- Light-blocking performance: Measured by opacity, fabric weave, and edge-sealing options.
- Build quality and installation: Brackets, roller mechanism smoothness, and options for inside vs outside mount.
- Style and colours: Palette, textures, and how easy it is to integrate with modern decor.
I prioritized established brands and models that are available to order now, tested by creators on camera or recommended across multiple trusted channels.
1) The Silent Gliss S.A. 3520 Blackout Roller Blind — Luxury finish, cinema-grade darkening
Why creators love it: Silent Gliss is a go-to for high-end installs on YouTube reviews. Creators praise the buttery smooth operation and the near-total blackout when paired with side channels.
Product snapshot
- Materials: 100% polyester blackout fabric with a superior foam-backed lining.
- Colours: Chalk, Stone, Anthracite, Off-White, and bespoke fabrics available.
- Dimensions: Custom widths up to 300 cm and drops to 400 cm; standard kits for 60–240 cm widths.
- Mechanism: Heavy-duty spring or clutch-operated roller; available in motorised Somfy-compatible options.
- Extras: Optional aluminium side channels for edge light sealing; bottom bar with rubber inserts to reduce bounce and noise.
I installed one in my bedroom after watching a detailed YouTuber install video and noticed the immediate difference in morning light. The fabric has a subtly matte texture that reads modern and calm in photos; it’s not shiny or plasticky. When paired with side channels, even thin slivers of dawn are gone — perfect for shift workers.
Value proposition: If you want a premium feel and near-total blackout with professional-grade hardware, this model justifies the price.
2) Luxaflex Blackout Roller Blind — Trusted engineering with designer fabrics
Why creators love it: Luxaflex often appears in room makeover videos for its balance of style and durability. Influencers highlight the refined fabric choices and the reliable, compact headrail.
Product snapshot
- Materials: Multi-layer fabric technology: blackout coating bonded to polyester base for complete opacity.
- Colours: Wide palette including Soft Linen, Graphite, Moonstone, and Navy.
- Dimensions: Made-to-measure options; small standard sizes start at 45 x 120 cm.
- Mechanism: Smooth chain-operated clutch; optional motorisation with quiet motor.
- Extras: Light-trap side channels, cassette headbox for a streamlined look, and child-safe chain options.
Personal note: I loved the linen-like weave of the “Soft Linen” option — it photographs beautifully and gives a tactile softness to my living room. Installation was straightforward, and the cassette headbox made the blind look built-in. It feels modern and intentional.
Practical buying advice: Choose Luxaflex if you want a blend of design-forward fabrics and dependable daily performance. The cassette headbox is worth the extra if you prefer a clean, minimalist window.
3) IKEA Mörkläggande / TRETUR Blackout Roller Blinds — Budget-friendly and surprisingly effective
Why creators love it: Budget decor YouTubers champion IKEA for affordability and easy swaps. The Mörkläggande (or TRETUR in some regions) series often gets high marks for value.
Product snapshot
- Materials: Polyester fabric with blackout coating; simple aluminium roll.
- Colours: White, Beige, Dark Grey.
- Dimensions: Multiple premade sizes (e.g., 60×195 cm, 120×195 cm) and some made-to-measure options depending on region.
- Mechanism: Spring or chain-operated options in simple aluminum housing.
- Extras: Snap-in brackets, child-safe features, and optional side mounting.
I have one in my guest room — it’s not as plush as premium brands, but it blocks most streetlight and morning glare. The fabric is smooth and slightly stiff, which keeps the blind flat and photo-ready. For renters, this is an easy upgrade with a low price point.
Buying tip: If you’re on a budget or staging a room for rental/photos, IKEA gives you great blackout performance for the cost. Consider pairing with simple blackout curtains for near-perfect darkness.
4) ShadeStore Blackout Roller — Customisation and pro-level options
Why creators love it: Home makeover channels appreciate ShadeStore for its fully custom solutions and designer collaborations. They often recommend it for tricky or oversized windows.
Product snapshot
- Materials: Advanced blackout fabrics including woven blackout, triple-weave, and thermal-backed options (polyester blends).
- Colours: Extensive — classics like Alabaster and Ash to statement hues like Deep Teal and Charcoal.
- Dimensions: Fully custom up to very large spans, plus specialty shapes like skylights and French door panels.
- Mechanism: Clutch, cordless, and motorised Somfy or ShadeStore motor options.
- Extras: Edge-sealing side channels, fascia covers, light-gap reducers, and professional installation services.
I ordered one for a long, low-set bedroom window after watching a pro install walkthrough. The fabric’s weave is denser than typical mass-market options and has a soft, textile appearance that photographs well. ShadeStore’s motorisation made nightly routines easier — a simple remote press and the whole room goes dark.
Value proposition: Choose ShadeStore when you need bespoke sizing, premium fabric textures, and pro installation support. It’s ideal for unusual windows and high-impact interior design.
5) Rollease Acmeda Zenith Blackout Roller Blind — Precision engineering with a soft, modern look
Why creators love it: Tech-savvy home design channels recommend Rollease Acmeda for precise operation and sleek hardware finishes. Their products balance industrial-grade engineering with quiet luxury.
Product snapshot
- Materials: High-density blackout fabrics, including soft-touch polyester and vinyl-backed options.
- Colours: Neutral core palette — Dove, Slate, Jet Black — with custom options.
- Dimensions: Custom sizing up to commercial widths; standard home kits available.
- Mechanism: Smooth clutch, ultra-quiet motor options, and precision tension control.
- Extras: Slim fascia, side channels, integrated fabric tensioning, and battery-powered motor kits for retrofit.
I tested a Zenith blind in my home office after seeing a comparison review; the motorised version is whisper-quiet and drops evenly every time. The fabric’s surface feels smooth and slightly velvety, which makes the window look couture rather than purely functional.
Buying angle: If you care about mechanical smoothness and minimal light gaps, Rollease Acmeda is engineered for that pro-level finish.
What to look for when buying blackout roller blinds
- Fabric opacity and backing: True blackout fabrics often have a bonded foam or metallic backing that prevents light transmission. Check for “100% blackout” or “blockout” labels.
- Side light leakage: Even excellent blackout fabric will let light in around edges unless you choose side channels or a cassette with good fit.
- Mount type: Inside-mount saves space and looks built-in; outside-mount covers uneven frames and can block more light.
- Mechanism: Chain/clutch is reliable; cordless is safer for kids and pets; motorised is convenient for large or hard-to-reach windows.
- Width and drop tolerance: Measure twice. Custom options avoid gaps and awkward seams.
- Finish and color: Lighter fabrics reflect heat; darker ones block light better but may show dust. Consider the room’s palette.
- Acoustic & thermal properties: Thicker or thermal-backed blackouts help with sound absorption and energy efficiency.
- Installation complexity: Some models are DIY-friendly; others benefit from pro installation, especially when side channels or motorisation are involved.
My step-by-step buying checklist
- Measure the window (width at three points; height at two) and choose inside or outside mount.
- Decide on mechanism: budget vs cordless vs motorised.
- Pick fabric based on color palette and texture — linen-look for soft, minimal rooms; matte black or charcoal for theatre-style bedrooms.
- Opt for side channels or cassette if full blackout is essential.
- Confirm lead time for custom sizes and check return policies.
- Read YouTuber install reviews for real-world tips on brackets and common pitfalls.
Practical installation tips I learned from creators
- Use a spirit level and measure off the frame, not the wall, for inside mounts.
- Pre-drill holes and use wall anchors for heavy blinds or long drops.
- For motorised blinds, plan battery access or hard-wiring before final install.
- If light leaks at the bottom, add a small overlap or use a bottom seal to eliminate slivers.
- When pairing with curtains, hang the curtain rod higher than the blind to create layered depth and improved blackout.
FAQs — quick answers to common buyer questions
Q: Will a blackout roller blind make my room completely dark?
A: In most cases, yes — provided you address edge light with side channels or overlap the frame. The fabric itself is often 100% opaque, but gaps around the blind are the usual culprit.
Q: Are motorised blackout blinds worth it?
A: If you have large windows, high windows, or want a hotel-like routine, motorisation is worth the convenience. They cost more but add daily ease and can integrate with smart home systems.
Q: What’s better: blackout curtains or roller blinds?
A: They serve different needs. Blinds provide a sleek, minimal look and are great for tight windows; curtains add softness, insulation, and style. Many people combine both.
Q: Can I install these blinds in a bathroom?
A: Only select blackout fabrics are suitable for humid environments. Look for moisture-resistant or PVC-backed options and check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Q: How do I clean blackout roller blinds?
A: Most polyester and coated blackout fabrics wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners. For stubborn stains, follow brand instructions or consult a professional.
Personal testimonials and short case studies from creators and users
- “I swapped my thin curtains for a Luxaflex blackout and the difference in morning brightness is unreal — plus it photographs so well.” — a YouTube home-tour host I follow.
- “Silent Gliss with side channels made my studio dark enough to edit video any time of day. Worth every penny.” — small studio creator.
- “I used IKEA Mörkläggande in my rental bedroom; it cut streetlight and looked sharp in photos.” — interior styling vlogger.
- “ShadeStore’s custom sizing saved my trapezoid skylight project. The install guide on their site matched the YouTuber walkthrough perfectly.” — DIYer who documented the install.
- “Rollease Acmeda motorised blinds feel like a luxury upgrade — perfect for my home office where glare is a problem.” — tech-savvy design reviewer.
Styling ideas: how to make blackout roller blinds part of your decor
- Minimalist bedroom: Choose a neutral matte fabric (Off-White, Stone) and a slim cassette; pair with a textured duvet in soft greys for a serene palette.
- Moody cinema room: Deep Charcoal or Jet Black fabric with side channels and dark wood or black metal décor accents.
- Scandinavian bright: Linen-look beige blackout with light wood hardware and layered sheer curtains for daytime softness.
- Coastal calm: Soft blue or sea-glass hues in blackout fabric paired with white drapery to soften edges and reflect coastal light.
Cost vs value — how to decide what to spend
- Budget ($) — IKEA Mörkläggande / TRETUR: Great for renters, staging, and quick upgrades.
- Mid-range ($$) — Luxaflex: Balanced design options, reliable hardware, and nice fabrics.
- Premium ($$$) — Silent Gliss, ShadeStore, Rollease Acmeda: Professional finish, motorisation, and custom sizing; these bring longevity, performance, and better aesthetics.
Base your decision on how much you value light control, sound dampening, and ease of use. If blackout is crucial for sleep, work, or media rooms, investing in side channels and good hardware pays off.
Final thoughts — my top pick for most people
If you want a single recommendation that balances style, performance, and availability, I’d point you to the Luxaflex blackout roller. It hits the sweet spot between designer fabrics and reliable mechanics, which is why creators frequently feature it in makeovers. For those who want the absolute best blackout with pro-grade hardware, Silent Gliss or ShadeStore (for custom work) are excellent.
I hope this guide helps you narrow the field. If you tell me your window measurements, room type, and the look you’re aiming for, I’ll recommend the precise model, colour, and mounting style that fits your space.