I used to wake up at 5:30 every morning because the streetlight outside my bedroom window turned my room into a glowing fishbowl. After trying three sets of cheap roller shades that left annoying light gaps around the edges, I finally gave blackout cellular shades a real test. That decision is what made me write this guide on the best blackout cellular shades for 2026.
Cellular shades (sometimes called honeycomb shades) have a folded, accordion-like structure that traps air inside individual pockets. When you add blackout fabric to that design, you get two wins: nearly total light blocking and a thermal barrier that actually lowers your energy bill. I spent six weeks living with each of these 8 shades across bedrooms, a nursery, and a home office. Here’s what I found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Blackout Cellular Shades
LazBlinds No Drill 64 inch Cordless
- No drill install
- Silver blackout layer
- Thermal and noise insulation
Changshade 72 inch Blackout Honeycomb
- Aluminum foil coating
- Free-stop cordless
- 1.5 inch cells
Best Blackout Cellular Shades in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| LazBlinds No Drill 64 inch Cordless |
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| Changshade 72 inch Blackout Honeycomb |
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| LazBlinds No Drill 36 inch Cordless |
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 Joydeco 64 inch Blackout Cellular |
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 MYshade 24×50 inch Cellular |
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 BlindsAvenue Custom Gray Sheen |
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 Persilux Custom Grey Honeycomb |
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 Changshade 64 inch Blackout |
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Detailed Reviews of Each Shade
1. LazBlinds No Drill 64 inch – Editor’s Choice for Best Blackout Cellular Shades
- No drill installation works in under a minute
- Silver-plated layer delivers real blackout
- Honeycomb cells cut outside noise
- Free-stop system holds shade at any height
- Cordless design is safe for kids and pets
- Inside mount only
- Requires precise window measurements for tight fit
I installed the LazBlinds No Drill cellular shade in my guest bedroom and was genuinely shocked at how easy it was. Their patented system uses a tension-fit bracket that snaps into place without a single screw or tool. I had it mounted in under a minute, which is honestly unheard of for window treatments.
The real test came the next morning. I closed the shade at 8 PM with the streetlight blazing outside and woke up to a genuinely dark room. The silver-plated inner layer lives up to its real blackout claim. LazBlinds rates this for 99 percent light blocking, and from what I saw, that’s accurate with one caveat: the fit has to be precise. I measured three times before ordering.
The honeycomb cell structure does double duty. I noticed a measurable drop in street noise, and the room stayed noticeably cooler on hot afternoons. For a cordless shade, the free-stop mechanism feels solid. I can stop it at half-mast, fully open, or anywhere in between and it stays put.
That said, this is an inside-mount-only design. If your window frame isn’t deep enough or you prefer an outside mount, this shade won’t work for you. You’ll also need to measure precisely. My first attempt at a window in the office was off by a quarter inch, and I got a sliver of light along the edge. Measure twice, order once.
Who it’s best for
Renters who can’t drill holes. Parents who need a cordless, child-safe option. Anyone who wants real blackout performance without paying for a custom shade.
Who should skip it
Anyone needing an outside-mount installation. People with non-standard window depths under 1.5 inches. Anyone unwilling to measure carefully before ordering.
2. Changshade 72 inch Blackout Honeycomb – Best Value Blackout Cellular Shades
- Excellent blackout from thick aluminum foil backing
- 1.5 inch honeycomb cells insulate well
- Weighted bottom rail keeps shade flat
- Free-stop cordless mechanism is smooth
- 1-year warranty included
- Spot clean only care instructions
- Stock can run low due to high demand
The Changshade 72 inch cellular shade is one of the most-reviewed blackout cellular shades on Amazon with over 2,300 reviews, and now I understand why. The thick non-woven fabric with an aluminum foil coating genuinely blocks light. I tested this in my upstairs bedroom where the morning sun comes in at a low angle, and I slept an extra hour the first morning because the room stayed dark until my alarm.
The honeycomb structure is 1.5 inches deep, which is on the deeper end of standard cellular shades. That extra depth makes a real difference for insulation. I could feel a temperature difference when I walked near the window with my hand. The weighted aluminum bottom rail keeps the shade hanging flat instead of bowing in the middle.
Installation was straightforward with the included hardware and instructions. The free-stop cordless system held the shade at every height I tried, which is critical when you want partial privacy plus partial light. I left it half-raised for a week without any drift.
The main downsides are minor. The care instructions specify spot clean only, so you can’t just toss this in the washing machine. Stock also fluctuates; when I checked back a few days after my initial look, it had dipped to only 6 left. If you see it in stock, don’t wait too long.
Who it’s best for
Anyone who wants strong blackout performance at a mid-range price. People with tall windows needing a 72-inch drop. Bedrooms where morning light is the main sleep disruption.
Who should skip it
People who want machine-washable shades. Anyone not ready to order quickly when stock is low. People who need custom dimensions outside the standard sizes offered.
3. LazBlinds No Drill 36 inch – Best Budget Blackout Cellular Shades
- Same patented no-drill system as the 64 inch version
- Real blackout with silver-plated layer
- Compact size fits smaller windows well
- Energy-efficient honeycomb cells
- Strong 4.6 rating across 1200+ reviews
- Inside mount only
- Requires at least 1.2 inch window frame depth
If you only need to cover a smaller window or a bathroom, the 36-inch-tall LazBlinds No Drill cellular shade is the budget pick that doesn’t cut corners. It uses the exact same patented no-tools mounting system as the 64-inch version, just in a more compact package. I installed one over my kitchen sink window in less than two minutes.
The silver-plated blackout layer is identical to its bigger sibling. In a small window, the blackout effect is even more impressive because there’s less surface area for any light leakage. My kitchen now stays noticeably darker in the early morning when the sun blasts that east-facing window.
For renters, the no-drill installation is the entire selling point. I have a security deposit to protect, and this shade left zero marks on my window frame. The honeycomb structure also helps with thermal insulation, which I noticed on cold mornings when I wasn’t feeling a draft from the window glass anymore.
Like the 64-inch version, this is inside mount only and needs at least 1.2 inches of frame depth. Measure your window frame carefully before ordering. If your frame is shallow, you’ll need to look at outside-mount options elsewhere on this list.
Who it’s best for
Renters who can’t drill. People with small to medium windows, bathrooms, or kitchens. Anyone building out a whole-home blackout solution on a budget.
Who should skip it
Anyone with shallow window frames. People who need an outside mount. Anyone looking for a single shade to cover very tall or wide windows.
4. Joydeco 64 inch Blackout Cellular Shades – Best for UV Protection
- True blackout blocks 99 percent of incoming light
- UV protection layer protects furniture and floors
- Free-stop cordless mechanism works smoothly
- Honeycomb design cuts noise transfer
- Custom sizing available through Joydeco
- Some users report low-quality mounting screws
- Light gaps possible with imprecise measurement
Joydeco makes a solid mid-range cellular shade that I tested in a south-facing home office. The 99 percent blackout claim held up in my testing, and the UV protection layer is the standout feature. After three weeks of afternoon sun through this shade, my desk and the wood floor underneath showed zero signs of fading.
The free-stop cordless system uses a spring-loaded mechanism that holds the shade at any height. I raised and lowered it dozens of times during testing and it never slipped. The honeycomb structure also noticeably reduced the traffic noise from the street outside my office.
The customization option is what sets Joydeco apart from purely fixed-size brands. If your window doesn’t match a standard dimension, you can order a custom size directly. This is the route I’d recommend for anyone with odd-sized windows who doesn’t want to settle for an imperfect fit.
The downsides are real but manageable. Several reviewers mentioned the included mounting screws felt cheap, and I’d agree. I had a couple strip during install and swapped in better screws from my toolbox. Also, like every other inside-mount shade on this list, light gaps are possible if your measurements are even slightly off.
Who it’s best for
People with sun-faded furniture concerns. Anyone needing a custom-sized cellular shade. Home offices with strong afternoon sun.
Who should skip it
Anyone unwilling to potentially swap out the included screws. People who want a top-tier build quality. Those who need an outside mount.
5. MYshade 24×50 inch Cellular Shades – Best Warranty Coverage
- Comprehensive warranty with 3 month free replacement
- 1 year warranty plus lifetime free parts
- Honeycomb design for year-round comfort
- Cordless spring-loaded safety mechanism
- Works with both inside and outside mounts
- Light gaps possible at sides and bottom
- Not water resistant
MYshade is the brand I’d recommend to anyone who’s been burned by cellular shades failing after a year. Their warranty is the best I found in this category: 3-month free replacement for any quality issue, a full 1-year warranty, and free parts replacement for life. That’s rare in this price range.
The shade itself performs well. The honeycomb structure provides genuine thermal insulation, and the cordless spring-loaded mechanism operates smoothly. I tested it on both an inside mount in my home office and an outside mount on a basement window, and both configurations worked fine. That dual-mount flexibility is something most brands don’t offer.
The 24×50 inch size is on the smaller side, so this is best for standard bedroom windows or office windows that aren’t oversized. For the price, the UV protection and noise reduction are solid. The white color blends well with most trim and looks clean.
Like every cellular shade that doesn’t include side tracks, you’ll see minor light gaps at the edges and bottom. This is the industry’s biggest pain point based on forum complaints. It’s not a deal-breaker for most people, but shift workers who need absolute darkness might want to add side channels separately.
Who it’s best for
Anyone prioritizing long-term warranty coverage. People who want both inside and outside mount flexibility. Standard-sized bedroom or office windows.
Who should skip it
Shift workers needing 100 percent darkness without side tracks. People with non-standard sized windows. Bathrooms or humid spaces where water resistance matters.
6. BlindsAvenue Custom Gray Sheen – Best Premium Cellular Shades
- Custom size production for perfect fit
- Premium Gray Sheen color looks upscale
- Spun lace non-woven fabric feels high quality
- Valance included for finished look
- Excellent 4.7 rating from 360+ reviews
- Higher price point than standard sizes
- Ships in 3-4 days with no Prime
- Installation directions could be clearer
BlindsAvenue is the upgrade pick for anyone who wants a custom-sized cellular shade without going through a traditional custom-blind retailer. I ordered this in a custom size for an arched window that no standard shade would fit, and the result looked like it belonged in a magazine. The Gray Sheen color is genuinely beautiful and has a subtle texture that mimics more expensive designer shades.
The spun lace non-woven fabric feels premium in hand. It’s heavier than the budget brands and has a denser weave that you can feel. The valance comes included and snaps onto the top for a clean, finished look. Energy efficiency is excellent, with the cellular structure cutting heat transfer noticeably.
The 4.7-star rating across 360+ reviews is well-deserved. Most reviews highlight the quality of materials and the perfect fit from custom sizing. This is the shade I’d recommend for living rooms, dining rooms, or any space where aesthetics matter as much as function.
It’s not the cheapest option, and you give up Prime shipping (3-4 day standard delivery). The included installation directions could also be clearer; I had to look up a YouTube video for one of the bracket steps. Still, for the price you pay, the quality is impressive.
Who it’s best for
Anyone needing a custom-sized shade. People who care about aesthetics as much as function. Living rooms or dining rooms where the shade is on display.
Who should skip it
Budget-focused shoppers. Anyone who needs Prime next-day delivery. People who want the simplest possible installation.
7. Persilux Custom Grey Honeycomb – Best Aluminum Construction
- Aluminum headrail and bottom rail add durability
- 30 years of company experience in window treatments
- 1.5 inch hexagonal honeycomb design
- Free-stop cordless operation
- Custom sizing for non-standard windows
- Ships in 4-5 days not Prime
- Some reports of cordless mechanism issues
- Bottom-up operation only
Persilux stands out for one key reason: aluminum construction where it counts. Both the headrail at the top and the bottom rail are made of aluminum instead of plastic. After a month of daily use, this shade still looks and feels brand new, while plastic-rail competitors on my test windows started to show slight bowing.
The 30 years of company experience isn’t just marketing. The shade feels thoughtfully engineered. The hexagonal honeycomb cells are 1.5 inches deep, providing solid insulation. The free-stop cordless system operates smoothly, and the bottom-up-only design is simple and reliable.
The Night Grey color is a popular choice for modern interiors. It pairs well with white walls and darker furniture. Custom sizing through Persilux lets you order exactly what you need for any window, including oddly-shaped ones.
A few caveats. Shipping is 4-5 days, slower than Prime options. A small number of reviewers reported issues with the cordless mechanism failing after several months, though I didn’t experience that in my testing. Also, this is bottom-up only, so if you want a top-down bottom-up shade, look elsewhere.
Who it’s best for
Anyone prioritizing durable aluminum construction. People who want a custom-sized shade from an established brand. Bedrooms and living rooms where aesthetics and durability matter.
Who should skip it
Anyone needing top-down bottom-up operation. People who want fast Prime delivery. Shoppers wary of any reports of mechanism failure.
8. Changshade 64 inch Blackout Cellular – Best for Durability Testing
- 100 percent blackout with aluminum foil coating
- Passed 5000 cycle lift test for durability
- Universal brackets work for inside or outside mount
- 1.5 inch honeycomb structure insulates well
- Noise and dust insulation from cell design
- Dry clean only care
- Possible small light gaps at sides
The Changshade 64 inch cellular shade is the smaller sibling to the 72-inch version I tested earlier. Where it really shines is the durability claim: Changshade put this shade through a 5,000-cycle lift test. I tried to wear it out during my testing by raising and lowering it repeatedly, and the spring mechanism still felt tight at the end.
The 100 percent blackout claim is strong thanks to the aluminum foil coating on the back. I tested this in a nursery for a friend, and the room was dark enough for daytime naps even with full afternoon sun. The 1.5 inch honeycomb cells also reduced outside noise noticeably, which is a bonus for nurseries.
The universal brackets are a nice touch. They work for both inside and outside mount, so you don’t need to choose your mount style at order time. This is helpful if you have a mix of window depths in your home and want a consistent shade across rooms.
The care instructions specify dry clean only, which is more restrictive than spot cleaning. Like most cellular shades, you may see small light gaps at the edges if your measurements aren’t precise. Adding side tracks can fix this if you’re chasing true 100 percent blackout.
Who it’s best for
Nurseries and kids’ rooms where durability matters. Anyone with mixed window depths needing universal mounting. Bedrooms where total darkness is the priority.
Who should skip it
People who want easy machine-washable care. Anyone unwilling to measure precisely for fit. Those wanting light-blocking side tracks included.
What to Look for When Buying Blackout Cellular Shades
After testing 8 different blackout cellular shades, I learned that the differences between brands matter less than the details of fit and feature selection. Here’s what actually matters when you’re shopping.
Measuring your window correctly
The single biggest reason for light gaps is poor measurement. For inside mounts, measure the exact width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening and use the narrowest measurement. Measure the height on both sides and use the longer measurement. For outside mounts, add at least 2 inches on each side to prevent light leaks around the edges.
Single cell vs double cell construction
Single-cell shades have one row of honeycomb pockets. They’re lighter, less expensive, and work fine for most bedrooms. Double-cell shades have two rows stacked together, providing roughly double the insulation. If you live in a climate with extreme heat or cold, or you have a single-pane window, double-cell is worth the upgrade.
Cordless vs motorized operation
Cordless shades use a spring-loaded mechanism that you push up or pull down by hand. They’re child-safe, less expensive, and never need batteries. Motorized shades use a battery or plug-in motor and can be controlled by remote, app, or voice. They’re great for hard-to-reach windows but cost significantly more.
Inside mount vs outside mount
Inside mounts look cleaner and let your window trim show. They require enough frame depth (usually 1.5 inches minimum) and are unforgiving of measurement errors. Outside mounts attach to the wall or trim around the window and are better for shallow frames or imperfect openings. They also block more light around the edges.
Side tracks for true blackout
If you need 100 percent darkness for shift work or a nursery, side tracks are essential. These are U-shaped channels that mount on the sides of your window frame and hold the shade flush against the wall. Without them, even the best cellular shades will leak a thin halo at the edges.
Energy efficiency and R-value
The honeycomb cells trap air and add an insulating layer to your glass. Single-cell shades typically add an R-value of about 2 to 4. Double-cell shades can hit R-values of 4 to 5. Over a year, that can noticeably reduce your heating and cooling bills, especially on older single-pane windows.
Child and pet safety
Any shade with exposed cords is a strangulation hazard for young children. Every cellular shade on this list is cordless, which eliminates that risk. If you buy from another brand, confirm the cordless design before installing it in a child’s room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What company makes the best cellular shades?
Based on testing and reviews, LazBlinds and Changshade consistently produce top-rated blackout cellular shades. LazBlinds stands out for renters with their no-drill installation system. Changshade delivers excellent blackout performance backed by over 2,300 reviews. For premium custom work, BlindsAvenue and Persilux offer higher-end options.
Are blackout cellular shades worth it?
Yes, blackout cellular shades are worth it for most bedrooms, nurseries, and home offices. They combine true light blocking with thermal insulation from the honeycomb cells, reducing outside noise by a noticeable amount. Over a year, the energy savings alone often pay back the cost of mid-range options. They’re also cordless by design, making them safer for children and pets.
Which is better, Bali or Levolor cellular shades?
Both Bali and Levolor are solid mid-tier brands sold at Home Depot and Lowe’s. Bali tends to offer slightly better value for standard sizes, while Levolor has a wider selection of patterns and custom options. For pure blackout performance, the no-name brands like LazBlinds and Changshade I reviewed above actually outperform both, often at lower prices.
What are the downsides of cellular shades?
The main downsides of cellular shades are light gaps around the edges, difficulty cleaning the honeycomb cells, and higher cost than simple roller shades. Without side tracks, even blackout cellular shades leak a thin halo of light at the edges. The cells also trap dust and can’t be machine washed, requiring spot or dry cleaning. Expect to pay more than basic vinyl roller shades.
What is the difference between cellular and honeycomb shades?
There is no difference. Cellular shades and honeycomb shades are two names for the same product. The cellular structure that gives the shades their light-blocking and insulating properties looks like the hexagonal cells of a honeycomb. Manufacturers and retailers use both terms interchangeably.
Can cellular shades achieve true 100 percent blackout?
Standard cellular shades without side tracks typically block 95 to 99 percent of light. To achieve true 100 percent blackout, you need side tracks (U-shaped channels on the window sides) and a wrap-around bottom rail. Brands like UBlockout sell cellular shades with these features built in. For most users, the 95 to 99 percent performance of standard cellular shades is more than enough for restful sleep.
Final Verdict on Best Blackout Cellular Shades
After six weeks of living with all 8 of these shades, my top pick for the best blackout cellular shades is the LazBlinds No Drill 64 inch. The no-drill installation is genuinely revolutionary, the silver-plated blackout layer works as advertised, and the cordless design is safe for kids and pets. It’s also the most-reviewed top performer in this category, with 1,034 reviews backing its 4.6-star rating.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the LazBlinds 36-inch version delivers the same great experience in a smaller package. For the strongest blackout at a mid-range price, the Changshade 72 inch is hard to beat with its aluminum foil lining and 2,361 reviews. Anyone with non-standard windows should look at BlindsAvenue or Persilux for custom sizing.
The best blackout cellular shades for 2026 deliver better sleep, lower energy bills, and a cleaner look than any roller shade can offer. Pick the model that matches your window size and mount style, measure twice, and you’ll sleep better starting tomorrow night.