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Roller shades are a versatile window treatment that provide privacy, light control, and a sleek, modern look for any room. Because they’re available in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and opacities, they’re a popular choice for window coverings.
When shopping for roller shades, quality matters. Poorly made shades may fade quickly, become difficult to raise and lower, or fail to block light effectively. The right product, on the other hand, can enhance energy efficiency, protect furnishings from sun damage, and add years of convenience and style to your home.
Since roller shades come in countless options, from blackout materials to light-filtering fabrics and motorized systems, it can be overwhelming to choose the right set. We’ve researched the most popular products and narrowed our list based on material, opacity, style, operation, and more.
Overall, we liked the Chicology Cordless Snap-N-Glide Roller Shades the best for their easy installation and variety of styles, but we found even more great options that are worth a look. This guide highlights plenty of quality products for a variety of windows and will walk you through the key factors to consider when shopping, so you can find the best roller shades for your home.
- BEST OVERALL: Chicology Cordless Snap-N-Glide Roller Shades
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Kalysie Cordless Blackout Roller Shades
- BEST CUSTOMIZATION: Bali Roller Shades
- EASIEST TO INSTALL: Allbright Easy to Install Thermal Insulated Shades
- BEST INNOVATION: Yoolax Motorized Smart Roller Shades
- BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Radiance Cordless Light-Filtering Bamboo Reed Shade
- BEST FOR SLIDING DOORS: Graywind Motorized Blackout Roller Shades
Our Top Picks
The top picks below were selected based on key considerations outlined below in our “What to Consider” section, as well as other factors, such as eco-friendliness and innovation.
Best Overall
Chicology Cordless Snap-N-Glide Roller Shades
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What We Like
- Polyester and stainless steel construction is easy to maintain
- Comes in multiple colors and styles
- Suitable for all kinds of windows
- Easy pull-down operation
What We Don’t Like
- Only 1 side of the shade is colored
Product Specs
- Material: Stainless steel and polyester fabric
- Opacity options: Blackout, full-privacy fabric
- Dimensions: 72 inches high; customizable width, between 21 and 72 inches
If privacy is what you want, privacy is what you’ll get with these Chicology home roller shades that can be mounted inside or outside a window casing. These cordless shades help ensure that children and pets will be safe from strangling cords. The polyester fabric is an excellent choice for those concerned about allergies from dust.
These shades are easy to clean using a slightly damp towel or a vacuum with an upholstery attachment if they should get dirty. Chicology offers 28 color choices and 53 size options to match any space. The latter of these three options includes blackout as well as solar technology. Add these roller shades for privacy in RVs, kitchens, and on doors with glass.
Get the Chicology roller shades at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Chicology.
Best Bang For The Buck
Kalysie Cordless Blackout Roller Shades
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What We Like
- Includes installation kit
- Cordless design for safety
- Protects interior from UV damage
What We Don’t Like
- Limited color and height options
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Opacity options: Blackout
- Dimensions: 75 inches high; customizable width between 23 and 75 inches
The Kalysie Cordless Blackout Roller Shades deliver high-end performance at a budget-friendly price. Made of polyester with a thermal-insulated backing, it effectively blocks sunlight and UV rays, providing enhanced privacy and energy savings. The cordless spring system makes operation smooth, quiet, and safe for households with children or pets. These shades can be mounted inside or outside the window frame, while the included hardware and video instructions simplify installation.
Despite its low cost, the shade doesn’t skimp on quality. It’s OEKO-TEX STAND 100 certified, meaning the materials meet strict safety and environmental standards. For those who want a reliable, stylish roller shade that won’t stretch the budget, this model strikes the perfect balance between performance and price.
Get the Kalysie roller shades at Amazon.
Best Customization
Bali Roller Shades
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What We LIke
- Cordless lift is standard for increased safety
- Great selection of upgrade options
- Constructed of PVC and fiberglass for durability
- Plenty of stylish design options
What We Don’t LIke
- Some users report connectivity issues with smart option
Product Specs
- Material: PVC and fiberglass
- Opacity options: Sheer, light-filtering, room-darkening, and blackout
- Dimensions: Customizable; widths 13 to 128 inches; heights 13 to 144 inches
It’s no surprise that a well-known name in window coverings offers a wide range of customization options to suit styles, window types, and budgets. Offering a full spectrum of light control, Bali roller shades are available in every opacity from sheer to blackout, and all opacities block UV rays. (Availability is dependent on retailer.) Fabric options include dozens of versatile neutrals and rich hues, as well as classic, tonal patterns. Finally, a cordless lift comes standard with these roller shades, but Bali offers four additional operating options, including a smart option, which uses Bali Gateway+ app.
Crafted from a durable blend of PVC and fiberglass, these shades are easy to clean and built to last, even in high-traffic or humid areas. They blend form, function, and customization into a stylish window treatment that elevates any room.
Get the Bali roller shades Blinds.com, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.
Easiest To Install
Allbright Easy to Install Thermal Insulated Shades
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What We Like
- Blacks out 100 percent of light and some heat
- Can be mounted on the inside or outside of a window casing
- Includes chain holder for added safety
What We Don’t Like
- Some users note that the hardware may break easily
- Some users say the fabric unravels
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester, silver backing, and aluminum
- Opacity options: Blackout
- Dimensions: 72 inches long; customizable width, between 20 and 58 inches
If you like the energy efficiency of cellular shades but prefer a roller shade, then look to this Allbright blackout roller shade. Available in beige, gray, and light gray, this shade suits bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom use. It blocks out 100 percent of light plus some heat, and provides great privacy. It can also help keep out noise.
The chic design includes polyester with a silver backing to help balance indoor temperatures in the summer and winter. One of the great advantages of this product is ease of installation for both inside and outside mount styles. Some of the parts are fragile, so handle installation carefully to avoid damage, and add the included safety device that holds the roller shade’s chain for child- and pet-friendly window coverings.
Get the Allbright roller shades at Amazon.
Best Innovation
Yoolax Motorized Smart Roller Shade
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What We Like
- Multichannel remote and smart functionality
- Available in 14 neutral and colorful hues
- Provides insulation, noise cancellation, and UV protection
- Includes all mounting brackets and hardware
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey compared to similar motorized smart blinds
Product Specs
- Material: PVC/vinyl/fabric
- Opacity options: Blackout
- Dimensions: Customizable sizes, with height ranging between 20 and 100 inches and width ranging between 22 and 97 inches
Those with a smart home may want to add a smart shade like this motorized one from Yoolax. The PVC/vinyl/fabric shade is excellent for the office, the bathroom, or the kitchen. It comes in neutral colors like gray, white, and coffee in fabric or vinyl, with a blue and purple option for pops of color. The shade blocks out sunlight and sound. It also provides some insulation.
The shade operates using a motor that can run for 3 to 6 months after an initial charge of 6 hours on the CR2450 battery. The motor can be somewhat noisy when in use, but open and close these smart shades easily with Alexa and Google Home devices. The shade also comes with a remote to operate them instead. The Yoolax shade is customizable in size, how it rolls, and the power preference of the user.
Get the Yoolax roller shades at Amazon or Yoolax.
Best Eco-Friendly
Radiance Cordless Light-Filtering Bamboo Reed Shade
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What We Like
- Made from eco-friendly, natural bamboo
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Can be installed with an inside or outside mount
What We Don’t Like
- Must be rolled up and fastened by hand
Product Specs
- Material: Bamboo
- Opacity options: Partial coverage
- Dimensions: 72 inches long; width options are 48, 60, or 72 inches
For those who want to minimize sunlight and maintain their privacy while using environmentally friendly materials, look to the Radiance cordless light-filtering blind. Made of bamboo and available in a cocoa color, this shade is eco-friendly and safer than most for children and pets since it is cordless.
Roll up the shade by hand to any length and secure it with included fasteners to keep it in place. This shade lets in more light (and possible peering eyes) than other roller shades, but it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can add shade or a privacy screen to a patio. It is easy to install using an inside or an outside mount.
Get the Radiance roller shades at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Overstock.
Best For Sliding Doors
Graywind Motorized Blackout Roller Shades
See It
What We Like
- Smart-home compatibility
- Waterproof back layer
- Cordless operation for added safety
- Includes a remote control
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey compared to similar blackout shades available on the market
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Opacity options: Blackout
- Dimensions: Customizable sizes that vary by style
Those with large sliding doors that tend to let sunlight in will want to consider the Graywind motorized roller shades. These large shades are made with a 100 percent blackout texture with a waterproof back layer to protect against rain, wind, and moisture. These blinds are also cordless, making them safe for children and pets. Plus, they are Restriction of Hazardous Substances certified, making them extremely environmentally friendly.
As an added plus, these blinds have motorized operation controlled via remote control, Alexa, Echo, and Google Assistant, and they only require charging every 3 to 6 months. Finally, these shades come in 14 neutral colors to match a home’s current space. However, be advised that these blinds require a 2.46G Wi-Fi hub for smart-home capabilities.
Get the Graywind blackout shades at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Roller Shades
We researched the most sought-after roller window shades in their respective categories and found that the materials used in manufacturing them, opacity, design, dimensions, ease of installation, and other special features are what make the best ones stand out.
Based on extensive product research, our list includes window shades made from materials like polyester,silver, aluminum, metal, PVC, and fabric for lasting durability. We also took heat insulation, noise resistance, ultraviolet (UV) protection, and style into consideration, among other factors.
Our list also includes a selection of roller window shades that can be installed inside or outside a window frame, that have a cordless design for added safety,and have motorized operation for hands-free use. Some have smart-home capabilities like voice-activated assistance,too. Most of the window treatments range in size from custom shades to specific measurements and have been rated easy to install by users.
What to Consider When Choosing Roller Shades
When choosing the best roller shades, think about more than how gorgeous they are or how they improve a room’s ambiance. There are many other factors to consider, such as the type of material, the opacity, and how to mount the shade. This makes an immense difference when it comes to privacy. Here are some key things to consider when shopping for roller shades.
Material
When it comes to improving the privacy from your window treatments, the material you choose can make a big difference. Modern roller shades come in more materials than the retro vinyl ones that were popular in the past. Materials include polyester, wood, cotton, bamboo, linen, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and PVC fiberglass.
When choosing the best material for shades in your home, make sure the fabric isn’t too sheer, since silhouettes will still be visible through sheer shades. Also, if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, it’s a good idea to choose a material that won’t agitate them.
Opacity
Density of roller shades is another important consideration. The opacity of a roller shade controls light-filtering effectiveness in a particular room. Improving room darkening is excellent for nurseries to avoid disturbing babies as sunlight moves throughout the room during naptime. Room-darkening shades can also be great for those who have a home theater room.
To ensure that roller shades provide maximum opacity, look to see if their description says they are blackout shades. These shades offer maximum privacy and will help with noise reduction and temperature control.
Sizing and Installation
Once you have chosen the perfect window covering, it helps to know whether you want an inside mount or an outside mount for the shade. An inside mount hangs the shades inside of the window casing. This type of mount lets in a small amount of light. It might even compromise privacy by allowing someone to see through the space between the window casing and the shade.
When measuring your windows for inside mount shades, measure horizontally from the top, middle, and bottom, followed by vertical measurements from left, middle, and right. The final measurement needed for installation is the depth of the window. Make sure the frame provides 2½ inches of depth for the headrail and mounting brackets. Ensure that all measurements are precise within the nearest ⅛ of an inch.
With an outside mount, the shades attach over the window on the outside of the window casing or frame. Since there are no gaps, this type of installation is best for privacy and for preventing light from shining into the home. For those with shallow window casings, it might prove to be the only option.
For an outside mount, measure vertically and horizontally, and check to be sure the room has at least 2 inches of space between the window frame and ceiling. Also, add at least 2 inches of overlap on each side of the window opening for the best coverage.
Style and Color
Along with opacity and material, style and color can improve privacy. Darker colors will block out light, and this, coupled with the blackout feature, can darken rooms as much as possible. It will also make it hard for someone to see inside your home, especially if you install them with an outside mount.
Of course, you can also choose lighter shades for a room, but keep in mind that lighter shades might not provide the privacy needed unless they contain the blackout feature. Or shoppers can customize the look; some manufacturers allow customers to place a choice of images on the roller shades.
Features and Upgrades
Roller shades typically come with strings. However, some products offer other options, like a chain pulley style, which allows for a continuous pull forward or backward that opens and closes the shades. Keep in mind that both a chain mechanism and a string mechanism might present safety hazards for pets and children. See the safety section below for more details.
A spring mechanism allows users to pull the shades up and down with little effort, using a handgrip located at the bottom of the shade. These types of shades will lock into place as they are moved up and down. This cordless option is a good choice if you have pets and children in the home.
Shoppers can opt to get motorized roller shades which allow them to operate the shades with a single press of a button. For those who want to add flair to the look, consider adding a decorative valance that hides the rolling mechanism and gives the blinds a soft, chic look.
Cleaning
One great thing about roller shades compared to blinds and other window treatments is that they are easier to clean. Use a damp cloth to wipe the dust away from vinyl shades. If the shade is soiled, use a mild detergent and a microfiber cloth to remove the dirt.
A vacuum or a feather duster can remove dirt from fabric roller shades. Avoid submerging them in water, however. This might ruin the rolling mechanism inside the shade and damage the fabric. It’s also a good idea to avoid using water to spot clean them.
Safety
When choosing the best roller shades, keep safety in mind, particularly for users who have small children or pets in the home. Children and pets can get tangled up in the cords or chains on roller shades that open and close using this mechanism, leading to strangulation or other injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately eight children per year under the age of 12 die from strangulation by window covering cords.
FAQs
Roller shades come in a greater variety of colors, materials, and styles than they did many years ago. Some have excellent safety features, while others might effectively keep out heat, noise, and light. The top roller shades included in this guide offer help for making solid decisions about the best shades to buy. A few answers to commonly asked questions may also help you make a decision.
Q. Do roller shades roll over or under?
The choice of installing shades to roll over or under is up to you. However, keep in mind that installing shades to roll under is a better solution if privacy is a priority.
Q. Should shades be lighter or darker than walls?
It depends on your decor. Some people might choose a color that contrasts with their wall or even try to match the shades to the wall. But when it comes to blackout capability, darker styles will always make a space darker while light-colored shades will reflect more light into a room.
Q. Should all shades in a house match?
It is up to you. However, if privacy is your goal, make sure that all your shades have the same opacity. And, for the sake of curb appeal, aim to get roller shades that are white on the side that faces the street.
Q. Are roller shades light filtering?
Roller shades filter light, but light filtering depends on the type of roller shades. For maximum light filtering of nearly 100 percent, consider roller shades noted as blackout shades in their product descriptions.
Q. Are roller shades energy efficient?
Roller shades with higher opacity can block out sunlight, which can improve energy efficiency in the summertime. However, if the fabric is not heavy, it won’t offer much energy efficiency in winter.
