8 Best Blackout Roman Shades Influencers Praise

Introducing a dilemma: I love sunlight, but I also need sleep, privacy, and a bedroom that looks like a soothing Pinterest board. How do I keep bright morning sun (and noisy streetlight glare) from ruining my rest without sacrificing style? I hunted through influencer rounds, product specs, and my own lived experience to find blackout Roman shades that marry true light control with the layered, textured look that makes a room feel finished.

Why these picks matter I trust top YouTubers and channels with deep knowledge in home decor and window treatments—people who test fabrics, measure light levels, and show real installs. Their praise led me to brands and models that consistently deliver on light blocking, insulation, and aesthetic appeal. Below, I share eight blackout Roman shades I recommend, with detailed specs, style notes, and buying advice so you can choose wisely.

How I chose these Roman shades

• Light-blocking performance: verified blackout lining or triple-weave fabrics.
• Construction quality: reinforced headrail, smooth cord or cordless lift systems, and secure mounting hardware.
• Aesthetic versatility: textures, folds (flat, Hobbled/soft-fold, Fold-over), and color choices that play well with neutrals and bolder palettes.
• Practicality: easy install, child-safe options, and size ranges that fit common windows.
• Influencer validation: repeatedly recommended and demonstrated by respected YouTube creators in home decor and interior design.

The 8 Best Blackout Roman Shades Influencers Praise

1. Bali Blackout Cordless Roman Shades (Bali Blinds) Bold and soft at once, Bali’s blackout cordless Roman shades are a favorite among decor YouTubers for good reason. They use a proprietary blackout backing and come in a range of fabrics from textured linen-like weaves to smooth thermal knits. Standard widths run from 24″ to 72″ and lengths from 36″ to 84″, with custom sizes available for unusual windows.

Materials & features

• Fabric: polyester blends with a blackout laminated backing.
• Lift system: cordless operation (recommended for child safety).
• Colors: soft white, linen, dove gray, charcoal, and several earth-toned neutrals.
• Mounting: inside or outside mount; included mounting brackets and installation hardware.
• Dimensions: off-the-shelf widths in 1″ increments; custom widths up to 144″ on select models.

Why influencers love it YouTubers often install Bali shades on camera because they’re forgiving—fabric hangs evenly, folds are soft, and the blackout layer really darkens a room. I installed a linen-textured Bali in my guest room; the shade folded into neat layers and made the space feel quiet and matte, like a boutique hotel.

Style & lifestyle fit These shades are perfect for someone who wants a classic, understated look. The linen textures read like high-end drapery when lowered, but they fold neatly to show off clean lines. They work in a minimalist bedroom or a cozy reading nook.

Value proposition Good balance of price and quality; excellent for renters and homeowners who want a straightforward, stylish blackout solution.

2. Eclipse Blackout Roman Shades (Eclipse) Eclipse is famous for their true blackout technology, and their Roman shades uphold that reputation. The fabric is engineered for 100% light blocking in most installations, and influencers who test for light leaks often rank Eclipse at the top.

Materials & features

• Fabric: woven polyester with proprietary blackout layer.
• Lift system: standard cord lock or cordless options.
• Colors: pure black, alabaster, sand, and deep slate.
• Dimensions: widths 20″–72″, lengths up to 96″; made-to-measure available.
• Additional: thermal benefits for energy savings.

Why influencers love it YouTube reviewers praise Eclipse for dependable performance in nurseries and home theaters. I used an Eclipse shade for my office and noticed a real difference—the room darkened quickly and the fabric had a slightly weighty drape that looked luxe.

Style & lifestyle fit These shades are for people focused on function without sacrificing a clean, modern aesthetic. The blackout surface is smooth, so it blends seamlessly behind Roman folds for a polished look.

Value proposition Top-tier blackout with energy-saving benefits—worth the investment if complete darkness is a priority.

3. Pottery Barn Textured Linen Roman Shade (Pottery Barn) Pottery Barn’s Textured Linen Roman Shade is a go-to for influencers who want designer looks that photograph beautifully. The fabric has a tactile weave that gives depth and warmth, and the blackout lining ensures solid light control.

Materials & features

• Fabric: linen blend face with blackout polyester backing.
• Lift system: cordless and motorized options available.
• Colors: natural linen, warm gray, pebble, navy.
• Dimensions: standard and custom sizes; typical max widths up to 120″.
• Headrail: hidden wood or aluminum headrail for clean installation.

Why influencers love it Design channels often feature Pottery Barn shades for styled bedroom makeovers. I remember one creator who said the textured face added “hotel-quality” dimension—my own install echoed that: the fabric reflected light softly and the folds created layered shadow play.

Style & lifestyle fit These shades elevate a farmhouse, coastal, or modern-traditional scheme. Use them where texture matters: layered with linen curtains or above a painted headboard.

Value proposition Designer look without the custom couture price; great for creating magazine-ready windows.

4. Smith & Noble Custom Roman Shades (Smith & Noble) Smith & Noble is a custom-shade brand favored by staging and design YouTubers for its accuracy and variety. Their blackout options include several fabric weights and lining choices, which is ideal for tailored installs.

Materials & features

• Fabric: wide selection including woven polyester, cotton blends, and faux silk; blackout linings offered.
• Lift system: cordless, continuous loop, and motorized.
• Colors: expansive palette including jewel tones and neutrals.
• Dimensions: fully custom-made to the quarter inch; widths up to 144″.
• Extras: light gap reduction kits and top/bottom side channels for near-total blackout.

Why influencers love it YouTubers highlight the custom-fit edge—when shades are measured professionally by Smith & Noble, light leaks are minimal. I had a custom shade installed in a bay window; the fit was impeccable and the blackout lining kept late-night streetlight from creeping in.

Style & lifestyle fit Ideal for homeowners who need precise sizing or a specific fabric to coordinate with upholstery or drapery.

Value proposition Higher cost, but the precision and selection mean you get exactly what you need—especially important in tricky windows.

5. Levolor Blackout Roman Shades (Levolor) Levolor makes shades that often appear in decor videos for affordability and reliable performance. Their blackout Roman shades use a triple-weave fabric that blocks light while offering insulation.

Materials & features

• Fabric: triple-weave polyester with insulating and blackout properties.
• Lift system: cordless, continuous cord loop, and motorized.
• Colors: snow white, oatmeal, slate, onyx, and more.
• Dimensions: standard widths 24″–72″, lengths 36″–84″; custom sizing available.
• Special feature: thermal reflective backing for energy efficiency.

Why influencers love it Many YouTubers recommend Levolor for budget-conscious makeovers that still require performance. I swapped my old shades for Levolor in a nursery and appreciated how well they reduced heat during summer afternoons.

Style & lifestyle fit These shades are functional and low-fuss—perfect for family homes, nurseries, and rental bedrooms.

Value proposition Affordable with solid performance; a practical pick for everyday rooms.

6. Blindster Blackout Roman Shades (Blindster) Blindster is a direct-to-consumer brand with influencer favor because of its customization options and competitive pricing on made-to-measure blackout shades.

Materials & features

• Fabric: multiple face fabrics including textured weaves and smooth satins with blackout backing.
• Lift system: cordless, cordless with top-down bottom-up options, and motorized.
• Colors: broad palette including soft pastels and dark neutrals.
• Dimensions: custom sizes by the inch; max widths often up to 120″.
• Extras: privacy and light seal options.

Why influencers love it DIY channels test Blindster for cost-effective custom solutions. I ordered Blindster shades for irregular windows and was pleased by the fit and minimal light seepage at the sides.

Style & lifestyle fit Great for rentals and homeowners looking to match unusual window dimensions without a bespoke price tag.

Value proposition Custom-fit without custom pricing—excellent balance for tailored installs.

7. West Elm Linen Blackout Roman Shade (West Elm) West Elm’s linen-look blackout Roman shade blends mid-century modern style with practical blackout performance—and influencers like how it photographs in stylized rooms.

Materials & features

• Fabric: linen textured polyester face with blackout liner.
• Lift system: cordless and motorized options.
• Colors: bone, charcoal, terracotta, and muted greens.
• Dimensions: ready-made and made-to-order options; large widths up to 120″.
• Aesthetic: slim headrail, clean fold lines, contemporary palette.

Why influencers love it Design channels use West Elm shades when curating modern bedrooms; the fabric has enough texture to contrast matte paints. I paired a charcoal West Elm shade with warm wood furniture and noticed the room felt grounded and intentional.

Style & lifestyle fit Perfect for urban apartments and modern homes where simplified silhouettes are key.

Value proposition Stylish, often sale-priced, and visually impactful.

8. Graber Cordless Blackout Roman Shade (Graber) Graber is a heritage brand with dependable engineering; influencers appreciate its durable components and variety of blackout fabrics. Their cordless Roman shades combine safety with a professional finish.

Materials & features

• Fabric: woven poly/cotton blends and heavy blackout knits.
• Lift system: smooth cordless operation and motorized options.
• Colors: neutral palette plus some saturated hues.
• Dimensions: standard and custom; widths up to 120″ with center supports.
• Durability: reinforced seams and quality headrail assembly.

Why influencers love it Graber shows up in long-term test videos because it holds up over years. My Graber shade in the master suite still lifts evenly after two years, and the blackout backing hasn’t puckered.

Style & lifestyle fit Great for people who prioritize long-term durability and a classic look.

Value proposition Built to last; a good long-term investment if you don’t enjoy replacing window treatments frequently.

How to choose the right blackout Roman shade for you

What to look for (clear criteria)

• Blackout rating: look for terms like “100% blackout,” “Eclipse,” or “triple-weave” and check influencer tests or light-leak photos.
• Lift system: cordless is safer for homes with kids and gives a cleaner look; motorized is convenient for high or hard-to-reach windows.
• Mount type: inside mount keeps trim visible and a clean look; outside mount gives more coverage and better blackout performance when sized larger than the window.
• Fabric & texture: linen textures soften the room, tight weaves give a modern flat look, and heavier knits give a structured fold.
• Light gaps: consider side channels or wraparound options if near-total darkness matters.
• Insulation: thermal or reflective backings help with energy savings and sound dampening.
• Measurements: measure carefully—many brands offer custom sizing to reduce light leaks.
• Child safety: check for cordless or T-clip options to secure cords.

Practical buying advice

• Measure twice, order once: if choosing inside mount, subtract the manufacturer’s recommended deductions for a perfect hang.
• Order samples: fabric swatches are invaluable—texture and color can shift dramatically in different lights.
• Think about layering: Roman shades look luxe under drapery. Choose a neutral blackout shade and top it with lightweight curtains for a designer finish.
• Consider motorization for high windows or smart-home integration—many influencers show motorized upgrades as a game-changer.
• Look for reviews with install videos to check real-world light blocking and edge gaps.

Personal testimonials (from my experience and influencers I follow)

• “After installing my Bali blackout Romans, morning light no longer wakes me at 5:30 AM; the fabric folds look like drapery and I sleep longer.” — my note after one week of use.
• “I used Smith & Noble for a tricky bay window and the custom fit was worth the price—no more streetlamp glow at night.” — from a YouTuber who stages apartments.
• “Eclipse shades made movie nights in our basement feel like a theater!” — comment from a home-tech channel that tested multiple blackout brands.

FAQ

Q: Do blackout Roman shades completely block light? A: Most branded blackout shades with a true blackout lining will block the vast majority of light, but tiny gaps at the edges can remain. Use outside mounts larger than the window or side channels for near-total darkness.

Q: Are blackout Roman shades good for insulation? A: Yes. Many blackout linings have reflective or insulating properties. Triple-weave and thermal backings can reduce heat gain and improve energy efficiency.

Q: Which lift system is best? A: Cordless is best for safety and aesthetics; motorized is best for convenience and hard-to-reach windows. Continuous loop systems are durable for heavy or large shades.

Q: Can I layer Roman shades with curtains? A: Absolutely. Layering a blackout Roman shade with sheer or decorative curtains combines function with softness—great for bedrooms and living rooms.

Q: How do I measure for a custom Roman shade? A: Follow the brand’s measuring guide carefully. For inside mounts, measure the window’s exact width at top, middle, and bottom and use the narrowest measurement. For length, measure from the top inside the frame to the sill. For outside mounts, add overlap on each side (usually 1.5–3″) to improve blackout performance.

Q: Are motorized Roman shades worth it? A: If you have many windows, tall windows, or want smart-home integration, yes. Influencers often highlight motorization as a time-saver and an upgrade that elevates a room.

Styling tips from my installs and influencer demos

• Mix textures: pair a textured linen Roman shade with velvet cushions for contrast and depth.
• Use tonal layers: choose a shade a shade darker than your wall for subtle definition.
• Create height: mount outside the frame and extend the rod area above the window for taller-looking windows.
• Balance with hardware: select a slim headrail for modern rooms or a hidden wood headrail for traditional settings.

Final thoughts—making the right choice I recommended these eight brands because they combine the practical needs—blackout performance, safety, insulation—with the look that makes a room feel thoughtful and curated. Influencers I trust test shades over months, not just minutes, and these candidates consistently pass both short-term installs and long-term durability checks.

If you want near-total darkness for sleep or media rooms, prioritize brands known for true blackout linings (Eclipse, Bali, Levolor) and choose outside mounts or side-channel options. If you want texture and a designer finish, look to Pottery Barn, West Elm, or Smith & Noble for curated fabrics that photograph beautifully. For custom fits at a fair price, Blindster and Smith & Noble are reliable; for long-term durability, Graber and Smith & Noble stand out.

Tell me about your window: size, mount type, and the look you want, and I’ll recommend the exact model, color, and measurement approach that suits your space.

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