Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You need a window treatment that darkens your bedroom effectively, not one that just softens the sunlight. Roman shades can range from room-darkening to blackout depending on the fabric and backing, which matters whether you work night shifts, put a baby down for naps, or just want a deeper sleep on weekend mornings.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind FitlyFast. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
These six picks cover everything from custom-made tailored cuts to affordable ready-made panels, so you can confidently choose the right blackout roman shades for your specific window size and light-blocking goal.
Quick Picks
- DEJAVU Cordless Linen Roman Shades for Windows, Washable Lined Fabric Roman Window Shades, Custom Blackout Light Filtering Roman Blinds for Doors, Kitchen Windows, Bedroom, Linen Oatmeal — Best Overall
- Exclusive Home Curtains Acadia 100% Blackout Polyester Roman Shade, 34″x64″, Silver — Best Value
- White Roman Shades for Windows, Timeless Blackout Cordless Roman Windows Shades for Any Room Style, Doors, Kitchen Windows, Easy to Install — Custom Fit Pick
- Arlo Blinds Thermal Room Darkening Fabric Roman Shades, Color: Graphite, Size: 34″ W X 60″ H, Cordless Lift Window Blinds — Premium Build
- Roman Shades, Greyish Blue Stripe Blackout Cordless Fabric Custom Roman Shades for Windows, Doors, Farmhouse — Designer Style
- Cordless Roman Shades, Blackout Roman Shades, White Embroidered Blue Border Window Shades for Windows, Doors, Kitchen Windows — Decorative Border
How To Choose The Best Blackout Roman Shades
Buying blackout Roman shades is not just about picking a color. You have to match the shade to your window depth, decide between a custom size and a standard size, and pick a liner that delivers the darkness level you actually need. Here are the three decisions that matter most.
Liner Type Determines How Dark It Gets
Not all Roman shades are equally dark. An unlined shade blocks around 40% of light, while a white liner may block around 50% to 60% depending on the product. If you want near-total darkness, you need a beige liner, which blocks about 90% of light. Check the product’s liner description before buying — the term “blackout” alone does not guarantee a dark room.
Cordless Lift Is Safer and Cleaner-Looking
Roman shades with dangling cords are a strangulation hazard for kids and pets. Cordless options use a simple hand-push or pull-handle system to raise and lower the fabric. That also gives you a cleaner, uncluttered look when the shade is down. Some models carry a “Best for Kids!” certification that meets ANSI safety standards.
Measure for Inside vs. Outside Mount
An inside mount sits inside your window frame and requires at least 2 inches of depth. You have to order the exact width minus about 1/4 inch so it fits without scraping. An outside mount covers the entire window opening plus a few extra inches on each side, hiding any light gaps. Measure your window’s width at the top, middle, and bottom — the narrowest measurement decides your shade width.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Width x Length | Light Block Level | Mount Type | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEJAVU Cordless Linen Roman Shade | Premium custom fit | 98″L x 118″W | Beige liner blocks 90% | Outside mount | $59.99Amazon |
| Arlo Blinds Thermal Room Darkening | Budget room darkening | 34″W x 60″H | Room darkening | Inside or outside mount | $46.99Amazon |
| Exclusive Home Acadia 100% Blackout | Total blackout at a value | 34″W x 64″H | 100% blackout | Inside mount | $50.86Amazon |
| White Roman Shades by Artdix | Custom sizing on a budget | 78″W x 118″L | Beige liner blocks 90% | Inside mount | $59.59Amazon |
| Stripe Roman Shades by Artdix | Decorative farmhouse style | 78″W x 118″L | Beige liner blocks 90% | Outside mount | $59.99Amazon |
| AureSun Embroidered Border Roman Shade | Designer look with custom fit | 78″W x 118″L | Beige liner blocks 90% | Outside mount | $68.99Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. DEJAVU Cordless Linen Roman Shades for Windows, Washable Lined Fabric Roman Window Shades, Custom Blackout Light Filtering Roman Blinds for Doors, Kitchen Windows, Bedroom, Linen Oatmeal
$59.99as of Jul 5, 12:04 AMThe custom-cut linen shade that brings true blackout to oversized windows.
If you have a wide window — this shade spans 118″L x 98″W — you need a panel that blocks light across the whole span without sagging. The DEJAVU offers a beige back liner that blocks around 90% of light, which means that intense afternoon sun does not turn your room into a greenhouse. It uses a cordless lift with a pull handle on the bottom bar, so you simply glide it into any position, and the lack of dangling cords makes it safer around children and pets.
Buyers report that this shade fits perfectly after the company sent a test sample to confirm the measurements. Another reviewer mentioned the light blocking is excellent and keeps the room dark, and that the shade feels very stable when raising or lowering. The same buyer notes that the cordless design glides smoothly, unlike some cheaper shades that stick or tilt.
Unlike the Arlo Blinds (which come in a fixed 34″W x 60″H size), the DEJAVU is fully custom — you provide your exact width and height, and the company even texts you to clarify details before production. That extra service means you do not have to settle for a standard size that leaves gaps. The velcro attachment also makes it easy to remove the fabric for machine washing.
What Owners Love
- Custom sizing available; the company sends a test sample to confirm fit before final production
- Beige liner blocks roughly 90% of light for near-total darkness
- Velcro head-rail makes the fabric easy to remove and machine wash
- Responsive customer service helps resolve bracket placement issues via video or instructions
What to Consider
- Outside mount only — no inside-mount option if you want a flush fit inside the frame
- Lead time is longer because each shade is made to your exact measurements
Who Should Buy: Anyone with non-standard window widths who wants near-complete darkness and is willing to wait for a custom-made shade.
One Real Limitation: Because it is outside-mount only, some edge light may sneak in around the frame if your window trim is uneven.
2. Exclusive Home Curtains Acadia 100% Blackout Polyester Roman Shade, 34″x64″, Silver
$50.86as of Jul 5, 12:04 AMThe affordable shade that actually delivers total blackout, backed by a foam layer.
At just 3.88 pounds and sized 34″W x 64″L, this is a lightweight standard-size shade that uses a foam blackout backing to achieve 100% blackout opacity. That means no light bleeds through the fabric itself — what you get is a true dark room even in the middle of the day. The cordless design includes a handle on the back for pulling up and down, and the shade attaches to the rail with a hook-and-loop strip, so you can detach it for cleaning without tools.
One reviewer noted the 27″ blinds were slightly too long for an inside mount, so they used a wall mount instead and were happy with the result. Another reviewer using it in a nursery said it blocks out the sun and is easy to open and close with one hand while holding a baby. The same parent noted the shade operates very smoothly. A few owners mention the installation hardware feels a bit flimsy, but the shade itself is solid.
Unlike the Arlo Blinds, which are room-darkening but not fully blackout, this model’s foam backing ensures no light passes through the fabric. However, the Exclusive Home does not offer custom sizing — you have to work with the standard 34″W x 64″L size, which may not fit every window perfectly.
Why It Works
- Foam back delivers 100% blackout — not just room-darkening
- Hook-and-loop top makes removal for cleaning simple
- Cordless operation is smooth and easy to use one-handed
- Linen-look fabric gives an upscale appearance at a budget price
Potential Drawbacks
- Standard size only — may not fit odd-width windows perfectly
- Some buyers found the bracket click-in piece tricky to install
Ideal For: Someone with a standard 34-inch wide window who wants guaranteed full blackout without paying for custom sizing.
skip it if: Your window is significantly wider than 34 inches or you need an inside mount with zero light gaps.
3. White Roman Shades for Windows, Timeless Blackout Cordless Roman Windows Shades for Any Room Style, Doors, Kitchen Windows, Easy to Install
$59.59as of Jul 5, 12:04 AMThe budget-conscious custom shade that gives you three liner choices for light control.
Available in sizes that reach 118″L x 78″W, this Artdix shade is completely custom — you provide the exact width and height to 1/16th of an inch, and the company builds it to that spec. The real flexibility comes from the liner options: an unlined version blocks 40% of light (good for a sitting room), a white liner blocks 50%, and a beige liner blocks 90% (ideal for a bedroom). That means you are not locked into one darkness level; you pick the one that matches your room’s use.
Owners mention that installation took less than 5 minutes. One buyer mentioned the natural linen fabric had a nice texture that looked better than expected, and they ordered two more immediately. Another owner mentioned the company follows up by text, email, and phone to confirm the order details, so mistakes are caught before production.
Compared to the Exclusive Home Acadia, which is fixed at 34″W x 64″L, this shade can be made to fit doors, French doors, or kitchen windows of any size. The catch is that it is inside-mount only unless you order it for outside mount separately. You need at least 2 inches of window depth for the inside mount to work.
What Stands Out
- Three liner options let you choose between 40%, 50%, or 90% light block
- Custom sizing down to 1/16th of an inch for a precise fit
- Machine washable via velcro head-rail attachment
- Customers note installation is genuinely fast — under 5 minutes
What to Know
- Inside mount requires at least 2 inches of window depth
- Beige liner needed for near-blackout — white liner only blocks 50%
Best for: DIY homeowners who want a custom fit and the flexibility to choose how much light they block.
Consider another option if: Your priority is total blackout from a thick foam backing rather than a fabric liner.
4. Arlo Blinds Thermal Room Darkening Fabric Roman Shades, Color: Graphite, Size: 34″ W X 60″ H, Cordless Lift Window Blinds
$46.99as of Jul 5, 12:04 AMThe room-darkening shade that also fights heat gain, certified safe for kids.
Arlo Blinds builds this shade with a thick polyester blend fabric that provides thermal insulation alongside room-darkening performance. At 34″W x 60″L, it is a fixed-size panel — not custom — but the big story is its “Best for Kids!” certification, meaning its cordless lift meets the ANSI window covering safety standard. That makes it a strong choice for a child’s bedroom or any room where a toddler might grab a dangling cord.
A buyer in Arizona mentioned the shade is effective at blocking heat from intense sun, though there is some edge light leakage. Another reviewer who works graveyard shifts said the blackout is exceptional for daytime sleep, and the material feels durable. The shade supports both inside and outside mount, and the hardware is included. Some owners note that wrinkles from shipping relax after a few days of hanging, and a quick steam on low heat helps.
The DEJAVU shade above offers a higher 90% light block with a beige liner, but the Arlo Blinds cost less and still deliver room-darkening performance with the added benefit of thermal insulation.
Key Strengths
- Thermally insulating fabric helps keep rooms cooler in summer
- Certified “Best for Kids!” with cordless lift meeting ANSI safety standards
- Supports both inside and outside mount with included hardware
- Buyers praise the durability and value at this price point
Things to Note
- Room darkening, not full blackout — some light seeps around edges
- Fixed at 34″W x 60″L; no custom sizing for odd-width windows
Reach for This If: You need a safe, cordless shade that also keeps the room cooler and you have a standard window size.
Look Elsewhere If: You demand total blackout with no edge light leakage — a custom shade with a beige liner will serve you better.
5. Roman Shades, Greyish Blue Stripe Blackout Cordless Fabric Custom Roman Shades for Windows, Doors, Farmhouse
$59.99as of Jul 5, 12:04 AMThe farmhouse stripe that delivers blackout with a professionally tailored look.
This Artdix shade uses the same custom-sizing system as its white counterpart, but with a greyish blue stripe pattern that adds a decorative touch. The size goes up to 118″L x 78″W, and you choose between unlined (40% light block), white liner (60%), or beige liner (90%). The beige liner is the one to pick if you want the shade to function as a true blackout for a bedroom or media room.
Reviewers point out the customer service is excellent — one owner reported the company sent a sample first to confirm the size, then walked them through the correct mount choice when they initially ordered the wrong one. Another owner said the quality is superior to what they expected, calling it “superior to Pottery Barn” in quality. The shade is easy to install with just mounting hardware and can be removed for washing via the Velcro head-rail.
Unlike the Exclusive Home Acadia’s foam-backed total blackout, this shade’s light block depends entirely on the liner you pick. For a patterned shade that also works as a full blackout, you need to specify the beige liner at order time. The stripe pattern also means the shade brings a breezy, casual look to farmhouse-style decor that a plain white shade cannot match.
Why It Shines
- Decorative stripe pattern adds farmhouse charm while still providing blackout
- Custom sizing available; company sends samples to confirm measurements
- Beige liner option blocks 90% of light for near-total darkness
- Shoppers say quality that rivals high-end retail brands
Potential Issues
- Outside mount only — may not fit flush inside a shallow window frame
- 90% light block requires beige liner (unlined or white liner will not achieve blackout)
Who This Fits: Anyone decorating a farmhouse or cottage-style room who wants custom-fit blackout shades with a unique pattern.
Consider Something Else If: You need a plain, neutral shade and do not want a visible pattern on the fabric.
6. Cordless Roman Shades, Blackout Roman Shades, White Embroidered Blue Border Window Shades for Windows, Doors, Kitchen Windows
$68.99as of Jul 5, 12:04 AMThe elegant embroidered shade that pairs a polished look with near-total darkness.
AureSun’s shade stands out visually with a white fabric body and a blue embroidered border that adds a refined edge to the window. Available in sizes up to 118″L x 78″W, it is a fully custom shade where you provide the exact width and height. For inside mount, the company removes 1/4 inch from the width automatically so the shade slides into the frame without rubbing. For outside mount, they make no deduction, and you should order at least 3 inches wider and 5 inches taller than your window opening to cover light gaps.
Buyers mention the shade is very well made — one installed it on a 59″x95″ window and said the fit was perfect, with a linen feel and a white backing. The same reviewer noted the seller confirmed the order within 24 hours and the shade arrived in about 2 weeks. Another owner who ordered multiple shades reported that the seller proactively contacted them about a missing fabric backing on a reorder to ensure consistency. The cordless design raises and lowers easily, and the shade comes with extra parts in case of loss.
Like the DEJAVU shade, this one uses a beige liner for 90% light block when you select that option. But unlike the DEJAVU’s oatmeal linen look, the AureSun shade gives you a designer accent without needing to buy separate curtains. The embroidered border limits placement a bit — it is best suited for rooms where you want the shade itself to be a focal point rather than blend into the background.
What Makes It Special
- White fabric with embroidered blue border creates a designer look without custom curtains
- Custom sizing with 1/4 inch deduction for inside mount ensures flush fit
- Seller is proactive about quality control, confirming orders and catching inconsistencies
- 90% light block with beige liner for near-blackout performance
What to Think About
- Decorative border limits the shade to rooms where the pattern complements your decor
- Custom order takes about 2 weeks to arrive, so plan ahead
Perfect For: Someone who wants the window covering itself to be a statement piece while still delivering dark-room performance.
Not Ideal If: You need a completely neutral, pattern-free shade that disappears into the window frame.
Understanding the Specs
Liner Type
This is the layer of fabric sewn onto the back of the shade. An unlined shade lets roughly 40% of light through, which is fine for a living room where you want some daylight. A white liner may block about 50% to 60% depending on the product. The beige liner is the one that blocks around 90% of light, making it the choice for bedrooms, nurseries, or any room where you need darkness during the day. Some shades use a foam backing instead of a liner, which can provide 100% blackout regardless of color.
Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount
An inside mount places the shade inside your window frame, below the trim. You need at least 2 inches of window depth for the brackets to fit, and you order the shade about 1/4 inch narrower than the exact window width so it slides in without scraping. An outside mount covers the entire window opening plus a few overlapping inches on each side. It hides any light gaps around the edges of the shade but requires you to measure the width of the trim, not the window glass.
Cordless Lift Mechanism
Instead of a dangling cord that you pull to raise or lower the shade, a cordless system uses internal springs or a simple hand push to move the fabric. You either push the bottom bar up to raise the shade or pull a small handle on the back to lower it. Cordless operation eliminates the strangulation hazard that traditional corded blinds pose to children and pets, which is why many models carry a “Best for Kids!” safety certification.
Custom vs. Standard Sizing
A custom shade is built to the exact width and height you provide, down to 1/16th of an inch. That means it fits your window precisely with minimal light gaps, even if your window is an odd size. A standard-size shade comes in set dimensions like 34″W x 60″L. If your window is that exact size or close to it, a standard shade works fine. If your window is wider or narrower, a custom shade prevents the light leakage that comes from a poor fit.
FAQ
What is the difference between room darkening and blackout Roman shades?
Can I wash blackout Roman shades?
How do I measure my window for a custom Roman shade?
Are cordless Roman shades safer than corded ones?
Will a Roman shade block all light from the edges?
What liner option should I pick for a bedroom?
Can I use blackout Roman shades on French doors?
How do I remove wrinkles from a new Roman shade?
What is the difference between a polyester Roman shade and a linen Roman shade?
How much deeper does my window need to be for an inside mount?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the blackout roman shades winner is the DEJAVU Cordless Linen Roman Shade because it combines custom sizing, near-total blackout with its beige liner, and a soft linen look that fits any room. If you want a guaranteed 100% blackout without paying for a custom build, grab the Exclusive Home Acadia. And for a decorative statement that still delivers darkness, the AureSun Embroidered Border Shade is your pick.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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