Seeking the best window shades to add comfort, privacy, or insulation? We researched the market before purchasing and testing 7 popular models across key categories to see how they stacked up. Our team of experts came up with a rigorous performance assessment regimen to compare all models equally across the same metrics. Testing included installing each model on multiple window frames, rolling and unrolling shades countless times, and assessing their expected longevity. Read through our review to find out which shades are incredible light blockers, the best for tight budgets, and which ones surprised us with stylish designs and silky smooth operation.
We've tested a variety of home decor items to help find the right solutions for your home. From basics like rug pads to functional furniture pieces like nightstands and fun, ambiance-creating decor like LED strip lights, we can help you sift through the saturated market to find the right products for your individual needs and budget.
Editor's Note: We updated our window shades review on February 14, 2023, to include more information and charts on our testing metrics.
Add maximum style to your room with our favorite shades among our test fleet, the Achim Honeycomb Pleated Cordless. They retract with a smooth, satisfying feel that appears built to withstand long-term operation. Installation is a snap, and this model is adjustable to many different window styles. The honeycomb design with two layers means that there's great privacy from the outside looking in, a nice finished look, and excellent thermal and sound insulation (from the construction next door going on during our testing period). These still allow vibrant light through on a sunny day, but they'll block a bit more than the single-layer models tested.
Although the recoil action feels solid, an exposed top mechanism could lead to debris or dust buildup slowing things down — likely only in situations where you're externally mounting these outside a window frame. Even so, the Achim shades take the top tier for style, aesthetic finish, and maximum privacy. If you want a quality shade that hides all the tricks, we'd suggest you go for these.
The cordless Achim shades turned out to be the favorite among our testers. Its smooth operation and the double layer of material make it easy to use and capable of providing privacy without blacking out the room.
Install time: 5 minutes | Type: Pleated single layer
REASONS TO BUY
Peel and stick install
Quality feel and high-end look without the lofty price
Easy cut to fit
REASONS TO AVOID
Questionable longevity
Single-layer filtering
Want the next step up on the peel-and-stick game plan without spending a lot? Check out the Redi Shade Easy Lift Trim-at-Home Cordless Pleated. Install is a simple process of cutting through a few layers with a sharp knife and handy cutting guide they've included. After you've cut to fit, just peel and stick the strong foam adhesive wherever you'd like your shades to go. The unique design of the retracting mechanism in the bottom housing allows for an ergonomic grab spot to lower or raise them. This product is a great example of getting the job done and looking the part but simply costing a bit less than its competition.
It's a single layer of thin paper, so the light filtering is nice but a little brighter on the white option. The paper material is less durable than other materials and is more susceptible to stains, too. While the install is quick and easy, you could potentially lose a little on longevity. We're not certain that the adhesive would outlast some well-placed screws and brackets. Still, we are huge fans of the balanced and clean feel. This model is an aesthetically and financially pleasing solution to your window shade needs.
Measure, cut, and stick this couldn't-be-easier window shade exactly where you want it. The included cutting guide helps ensure you cut a straight line.
Rollers from Chicology Cordless Roller Shade Snap-N'-Glide offer maximum privacy with that classic simple, modern look. Pull them down, and you're blocking peeping eyes and providing a surface that doesn't clash with other interior design choices. They're easy to hang and feel smooth as butter when unfurled at the end of a long day. The mechanism feels nice to operate and will likely last a long time.
Lining everything up during the installation process was a bit more tedious with the Chicology. We always recommend using an accurate bubble level to ensure externally mounted brackets are plumb. Once on the wall, though, we're confident you'll enjoy the quality and privacy these provide for any room of the house. Whether viewed from the inside or the outside, they look proper, and if needed, they clean easily. If your main goal is privacy, these roller shades are the easy choice.
Our favorite roller option is from Chicology, which offers smooth operation. Interestingly, despite "Cordless" being in the product title, this model has a pull cord. It can slide horizontally so you can position it where you'd like, but this model is not truly cordless.
Wooden blinds offer a golden glow of filtered light
Can install with no tools
Big style
REASONS TO AVOID
Mounting and pulleys aren't hidden
Not intended for outdoor use or humid and wet conditions
Wooden shades give a fantastic glow that's warming and classy. If that's the vibe you're looking for, go with ALEKO Roman Bamboo Roll Up. You can use a drill if you'd like to, but they install with no tools needed. Screw in the hooks, hang the shades, and roll it on down to fancy town. The screws are shaped, so you probably don't need to drill pilot holes, although they're always recommended to save your nice finished walls and window frames. These bamboo roll-up shades add privacy and let in just enough light to balance the mood.
You're stuck without a valance to hide the hooks, but we found the look simple and honest. The wood is untreated and could quite possibly degrade in humid or outdoor conditions, so stick to inside windows and entry doors. The intricate woven thread connecting the slats may not fare well in outdoor conditions either, but the look is hard to match. ALEKO Roman Bamboo Roll Up is the best option to deck out a room with a classic bohemian vibe.
Installing the ALEKO bamboo shades doesn't require any tools, as the included screws are easy to insert by hand into soft woods.
Credit: Evan Johnson
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Why You Should Trust Us
We combed through scores of sub-par choices and critical reviews before choosing the contenders in this review based on quality, price, and popularity. With summers of high winds and even higher temps in Boulder, CO, the window shades test is always conducted under extreme conditions. After sweating in sunny windows, holding tools above our heads for long periods, and a few choice words, the blinds were up. Tons of cycles through daily routine and intentional, repetitive deployment and raising the shades, plus nearly tropical winds flowing through some of the windows, providing increased durability testing. At the time of writing, our lead tester's home is surrounded by residential construction and very, very active neighborhood walkers. After all the holes are patched from different blinds going up, we came to strong conclusions and trust that this review will help you select your new favorite and functional window decor.
Primary tester Evan Johnson has long been a huge geek about home design, both inside and out. Details are always key for him, whether working on home remodeling jobs or high-end finish work in commercial applications. Landscape and exterior work rounds out his experience to allow for maximum curbside appeal consideration. Always on the move, he has stayed in many places around the world and has a taste for nice digs. Creative, quick (sometimes temporary) window shades and privacy are always a key consideration when setting up somewhere new.
Cutting the shades down to size before installing them.
We moved these shades to multiple windows to see how versatile they are, and how much installation time improved once we learned how each one worked.
We looked at these models from all angles. Exposed mechanisms, as shown here on the Achim model, could allow dust and debris to enter and potentially disrupt operation.
Analysis and Test Results
Each model was tested equally across our performance metrics: Installation, Ease of Use, Durability, and Privacy and Light Filtering. Below, we expound upon each metric and highlight the top performers in each key area to help you hone in on the products that best suit the specific needs of your home.
Value
Though we don't factor value into each product's final score, we like to make note of which products perform well for a low price. We were particularly impressed with the Redi Shade Easy Lift Trim-at-Home Cordless Pleated, a simple peel-and-stick, cut-to-fit option that is affordable and looks great. The ALEKO Roman Bamboo Roll Up was another option offering nice style and easy installation at an affordable price.
Installing the Achim model involves first mounting a bracket that the shade snaps into.
Credit: Evan Johnson
Installation
Most shades come with a kit of small screws, brackets, and some sort of (often unintelligible) scrap of paper listing steps to completion. We checked how well these made sense and sorted out any poor examples. Following the instructions, the total install time was measured. We also took into account any helpful photos or infographics included. A moderately difficult install process with a good set of instructions is often easier than a simple install without clear instructions.
The clear choice for the easiest shades to install are the Redi Shade Easy Lift Trim-at-Home Cordless Pleated and Redi Shade Original Pleated Blackout Shades, which have peel-and-stick applications. Most other varieties will require an assortment of tools and pre-drilling holes. At about 20 minutes, the TJ Global Bamboo Roll Up Window Blind shades took the most time to install. We found it helpful to read through the entire instructions included so that you're thinking ahead about how they'll interact with latches and adjustments on the window itself.
The Redi Shade models offer the easiest installation of the bunch. After you measure and cut them to size, just peel off the back of the sticker and attach is exactly where you want it.
Credit: Evan Johnson
Ease of Use
This category includes checking how well the recoil or retract action felt when adjusting the window shades up or down. Most styles are now cordless, but we take into consideration cords and any safety hazards for small children or pets. Cord-free models are infinitely better for situations that require frequent adjustments, and they also look cleaner. Cords fray, tangle, and tend to wrap around anything that comes into their path.
Top marks went to the Achim Honeycomb Pleated Cordless for a smooth and quick response to moving the mechanism and cordless simplicity. All you need to do is pull it down or push it up, obliging to your demands seamlessly.
As far as corded options go, we find the ALEKO bamboo shades to be relatively painless.
Credit: Evan Johnson
We liked the ALEKO Roman Bamboo Roll Up from the corded side of things. It rolls up to stow away in a neat little package and is a cool alternative to the stacking nature of most shades. The Chicology Cordless Roller Shade is the smoothest roller option we tested, also deploying and retracting the shade with minimal effort and very smooth action.
Cordless options gain our favor for their tangle-free simplicity.
Credit: Evan Johnson
Durability
We checked material and design elements against what may cause these to wear out or become dirty. We can project which is likely to last (and which probably isn't) by inspecting how the parts wear throughout the testing period. We flexed all parts to high-stress levels. High winds in open windows tested the ability for these to not only vent but gave way to fragile build quality in some instances.
Shades like the Chicology Cordless Roller Shade Snap-N'-Glide are the simplest and seem best built after cycle testing. We also found the ALEKO Roman Bamboo Roll Up to be well suited to hold up over time for indoor use due to a simple design and solid construction. Shades are inherently fragile, but choosing the right style for your application can make all the difference. More budget-friendly options like the Redi Shade models we tested are made of paper material and may lack durability in the long run. The paper shade material is more prone to staining if it comes into contact with liquids (especially if colored) and cannot stand up to physical abuse as well as other materials can. And despite the simplicity of the peel and stick adhesive foam, we expect the screw-in models to remain attached to our window frames longer. Going with a full wooden option like the ALEKO Bamboo shades means they'll be around for a very long time and can be potentially repaired if needed.
Bamboo models generally don't hold up to humidity well, so these are best kept inside the house and not used in a sun room or any area that is more exposed to the elements. Kept inside, and these should last a long time.
Credit: Evan Johnson
Privacy and Filtering
Standing outside and looking in, we checked all angles at night and in the day. We evaluated the level of privacy achieved while ensuring that a clean appearance and curb appeal were maintained. From the inside, we assessed the translucency of each blind to compare how bright or dark a shade makes the rooms it's installed in. These are some of the most important factors, as they are often the main reasons why people want to purchase shades in the first place.
Maximum privacy provided from solid choices like the Chicology Cordless Roller Shade Snap-N'-Glide or the Redi Shade Original Blackout Pleated Shade is great but best reserved for bedrooms or street-side windows.
There isn't anything red outside this window. However, red coloring did show up when external light was very bright. Still, this model allows the user to cut it to size, so that you can precisely block the entire window. These shades provide great privacy, too.
Credit: Evan Johnson
Fitting the Achim Honeycomb Pleated Cordless allows for the best light filtering through two honeycomb layers while still preserving more privacy than many other models that only have a single layer. We think the Achim model balances these two opposing functions better than any other contender tested. The Chicology Cordless Magnetic Roman Shades provide the least privacy, becoming nearly see-through at night when the interior of the room is well-lit. On the other hand, it lets in a lot of light during the day, which is pleasant.
The affordable Redi Shade Cordless Pleated is only single-layered, which allows more light in but also doesn't offer maximum privacy.
Most shades are available in a wide range of sizes and a small to a large range in colors. If choosing a colored option to match a room's decor and vibe, try asking for a sample, or view the color image on different devices to compare. We also recommend that you decide on an overall look for your house and don't compromise on what you want. Some can mix and match, but overall it comes off as tacky to have a different shade in each window. To folks who can pull this off, though — kudos.
Make sure you assess your abilities and the tools you own before making a choice about which model to purchase.
Credit: Evan Johnson
Conclusion
Finding something that matches your eclectic interior design can be satisfying, and meeting your light filtering and privacy demands are essential to improving the comfort you feel in your home. Window shades are often an inexpensive home improvement product, but getting ones that match and function smoothly will make your investment all the more worthwhile. We've put in the work to distill down the choices, so you can measure your windows twice and order once.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
