The Top Blackout Curtain Alternatives That Won't Break The Bank

From cell phones to street lights, too much ambient brightness can negatively impact your sleep. Excess artificial light interrupts our circadian rhythm due to the eye's incredible ability to sense light and carry information about the time of day to the brain. Poor sleep can cause health problems like weight gain due to lowered metabolism and cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure. If an old-fashioned eye mask isn't enough to help you get all the shut-eye you need, there are a few blackout curtain alternatives that won't break the bank.

Whether you want to avoid the dust that often accumulates with heavy window treatments, hate the way they look, aren't allowed to install them in a rental, or simply can't afford them right now, don't lose any sleep over it. There are many creative window covering hacks, including inexpensive and easy-to-install window film, shutters, and room dividers. 

Before making a decision on which blackout curtain alternative is right for you, carefully measure your windows and the space around them. Then, consider any safety requirements. "Young children can quickly and silently become strangled on pull cords," U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Alex Hoehn-Saric reminds parents. "Cordless window blinds, shades, draperies, and other window coverings are the safest option." Finally, determine any budget or installation limitations. 

If you want a dark room for improved sleep or just to block the neighbor's view, there are many window film options that can add privacy to your home. Easy to install and remove, it works by clinging to glass like a suction cup. To get the best results, start by using a heavy-duty cleaner and lint-free cloth to wash your windows. Since cold temperatures can interfere with adhesion, install the film in moderate weather. Lightly wet the surface before applying the film, then use a squeegee to remove air bubbles.

Over 50,000 customers have given rabbitgoo's blackout window film a five-star review. Available in a wide range of widths starting at under $1 per square foot, this product can block up to 100% of daylight, protecting your family and furniture from UVA and UVB rays. The colorful window cling also offers insulation that may help reduce heating and cooling costs. 

Reviewers love the sparkly prismatic colors that shine onto walls during the day and appreciate the true blackout quality of the film at night. Some users struggled during the installation process, mentioning that removing air bubbles and fixing curled corners was frustrating. But that comes with the territory.

Opting for room darkening curtains instead of blackout products may be a good solution if you want to make your room darker at night but prefer some light during the day. Because they act more like a filter — blocking at least 95% of light — they allow some brightness to peek through fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk. Similar to a sunrise alarm clock or app, room darkening curtains can make your morning wakeup routine feel more gentle as daylight comes. Slowly brightening your room instead of relying on a jarring alarm clock can potentially improve your mood and make you feel less groggy throughout the day.

The jinchan window curtain panels have thousands of positive reviews from customers who appreciate their attractive appearance and value. Available in several colors including slate, burgundy, and taupe, the machine-washable panels are made from semi-sheer faux silk and lined with microfiber cloth to provide privacy. Antique bronze grommets make these room darkening curtains easy to hang while providing an elegant aesthetic, which many users say look much more expensive than their $36 price tag.

Farmhouse shutters are another curtain-free way to block light and add privacy, and they can also increase the value of your home. Not just because they create a timeless look that outlives the latest trends, but because they help with heating and cooling costs by offering control of brightness and airflow. Though custom plantation shutters can be extremely costly, there are ways to get the look without spending a fortune.

If you can't find ready-made shutters that fit your windows at an affordable price, look for gently used or vintage options on Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or other online platforms. For the best shade, choose ones with working louvers. Although most DIY shutter hacks are intended for your home's exterior, with careful measurements and inexpensive hardware like Renovators Supply's pin hinges, you can upcycle old models or use cheap 2-by-4 wood boards to make your own.

Curtains aren't always right for every room, budget, or timeline. LazBlinds' blackout window shades are made of a polyester fabric that is easily trimmed to the perfect size, making them a good treatment option for awkward window shapes or sizes. Installation is quick and easy. Instead of using screws or brackets, the product comes with an industrial-strength hook-and-loop adhesive strip that can stick to almost any surface without leaving residue when removed. If you need window coverings for a rental property, these shades are a great choice — over 1,500 customers have given these them a five-star review.

At under $14, they are definitely affordable. But if that price still blows your budget, you can DIY a similar solution using a simple piece of cardboard cut to shape from a large box. Paint it black or even a colorful design and use tape to secure it in place to add a unique piece of artwork to your space.

Don't overlook items you may already have on hand if you need a blackout curtain alternative that doesn't cost a small fortune. Room dividers like the HOMCOM four-panel wood wicker folding privacy screen can block a lot of light when positioned in front of a sliding glass door or transom windows. A lightweight shower curtain can also be easily thumbtacked into place, blocking light without the need for complicated curtain rod installation. You can even use a large silk sari or other beautiful cloth that can easily double as a curtain.

To envelop your space in total darkness, use simple fasteners to attach a piece of lightweight corrugated metal that's been cut to fit your window frame. To get both privacy and a pleasant look for just a few dollars, you can use Mod Podge all-in-one craft solution to decoupage newspaper, scrapbook paper, or magazine cutouts to your windows. The water-soluble solution is easy to take off when you're ready to remove or change up your designs. And although they won't blackout light entirely, you can use a combination of hanging planters and tall potted plants to create a thick, jungle-esque screen. Just make sure you choose houseplants that thrive in light if you go this route.