The 11 Best Shades for Privacy at Night: A 2023 Buyer's Guide

Basking in the warm glow of natural light can make any space feel inviting and energizing. However, when the sun sets, it's crucial to have privacy at night to feel secure in your own home. This is where window treatments come in, providing a balance of functionality and style.

Whether you're after blinds, shades or curtains, the right window coverings can help you achieve the perfect ambiance and ensure your privacy. The following carefully curated selection of privacy blinds for windows and sliding doors not only regulate temperature but also offer the perfect amount of seclusion, giving you a tranquil sanctuary to unwind in.

So, let's elevate your space with window coverings that are both practical and chic!

Our 10 Favorite Shades for Privacy at Night

It can be super tricky to find the perfect window treatment that matches your style and offers privacy at night. To make it easier, here are 10 of our top picks:

1. Blackout Shades

The majority of fabrics used for shades and curtains come in varying degrees of thickness, and most allow some light to pass through. Blackout blinds are different; they're designed to block light completely, making them an ideal choice for bedrooms or media rooms.

You'll often see these used in hotels and theaters, but they're also great for providing privacy at night in bedrooms and living rooms.

Pros and Cons

Blackout shades have a number of strong advantages that make them a popular choice. The most obvious is their ability to block light completely, providing total privacy and darkness when you need it – but they also help with temperature regulation and soundproofing.

The downside is that blackout blinds can be more expensive than other fabric window coverings, although they're a great long-term investment if you need total darkness in your space. They also suck all the light out of a room so you need to be intentional with your lighting and decor choices.

Pricing

Blackout blinds are quite expensive, costing up to $10 per square foot. However, you can find reasonably priced options on the market if you shop around. We've got a wide range here at Factory Direct Blinds.

2. Cellular Shades/Top Down Bottom Up Shades

Another great option for privacy at night is cellular shades. As the name suggests, these shades feature a cellular design that traps air within the fabric, making them incredibly thermally efficient. Plus, they're available in both light-filtering and blackout options.

The best part? Cellular shades come with a top down bottom up feature which allows you to lower the cover from either the top or bottom of your window frame – giving you more control over how much natural light comes into your room and providing extra privacy at night.

Pros and Cons

Cellular shades offer all kinds of benefits; they're energy-efficient, available in a range of colors and styles, and come with the top down bottom up feature which is excellent for privacy at night. The downside is that they can be quite expensive, since they're a specialized product.

Pricing

Cellular shades can cost up to $500 to treat your entire window, but of course, this will fluctuate depending on the size of your window and the quality of fabric you choose.

3. Roman Shades

Roman shades are a classic window treatment option that combine both style and functionality. They're essentially a curtain or drape that opens upward when you pull on a cord; they tend to suit more classic and romantic decor styles, but you can find modern prints and colors too.

Pros and Cons

If you're looking for privacy, roman shades are an excellent choice. They cover the entire window and come in light-filtering and blackout options, providing you with optimum privacy at night. Of course, not all interiors and windows are going to be suited to roman shades; they're a bit more traditional and may not suit a modern, sleek interior.

Pricing

Similarly to cellular shades, roman shades tend to cost around $500 – but it's hard to pinpoint an average price when it depends heavily on the size of your window, fabric choice, and design. We recommend shopping around to get the best deal (and consider starting with our own custom Roman shades collection!).

4. Roller Shades

The issue with slatted blinds for windows, such as Venetian blinds, is that they don't always provide complete privacy at night. This is why roller shades are such a great choice; they cover the entire window and come in light-filtering and blackout options – providing you with all the privacy you need while still allowing natural light to enter your home.

A roller shade works by rolling up onto a tube at the top of your window; you can then choose to lower it as much or as little as you like, depending on the amount of light and privacy you want.

Pros and Cons

Roller shades are incredibly practical. They're affordable, provide excellent light control, and offer complete privacy when lowered all the way down. Unfortunately, if you plan on using these for decorative purposes too, there's less choice in terms of colors and patterns – but this isn't an issue if you just need them for practicality!

Pricing

The great thing about roller shades is that they're so affordable; you can usually get a decent quality one for around $100.

5. Bamboo Shades

Regular wooden shades are great and all, but sometimes, you just want the specific aesthetic of bamboo. This is where bamboo blinds come in; they're a great way to add texture, warmth and natural beauty to your home while providing excellent privacy at night.

Pros and Cons

Bamboo shades are perfect for those who want to achieve an exotic interior style – but they also provide you with all the practical benefits of light control and complete privacy when lowered all the way down. The only downside? They can be quite expensive, as well as difficult to install (unless you purchase them pre-made).

Pricing

Because bamboo shades are so hardy and durable, it makes sense that they're a bit pricier than some of the other options we've discussed. You can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500, depending on the size of your window and quality of product.

6. Sheer Shades

Unlike many other shades, sheer shades offer an interesting mix of both privacy and light control. They are made from a combination of fabric vanes and sheer fabric; when lowered, they allow natural light to enter your home while providing you with complete privacy at night.

Pros and Cons

Sheer shades are ideal for those who want to benefit from plenty of natural light during the day but still have their privacy at night. They also come in a variety of colors, styles and textures, so you can find something that suits your interior style perfectly. Keep in mind that sheer shades aren't great if you're looking to completely block out light, as they only offer partial privacy.

Pricing

Sheer shades are usually quite affordable; you can expect to pay around $150 for a quality pair of sheer shades (depending on the size and style).

7. Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood shades, sometimes referred to as matchstick blinds, are a popular choice for those looking for privacy at night. They're made from natural materials such as bamboo, jute and reed. When lowered, they provide complete privacy while still allowing some light to enter your home. It's best to layer them with sheer fabric for an even more effective blackout.

Pros and Cons

If you want to achieve a natural, rustic vibe in your home, woven wood shades are ideal. They're the best choice for those who want privacy without total darkness – and they are incredibly stylish. The only issue is that some woven wood blinds are particularly sheer with gaps between the slats, so you may need to layer them with curtains or drapes for total privacy.

Pricing

The cost of woven wood shades will depend on the size of your window and the quality of product, but you can usually get a decent pair for around $150 – $200. Check out our own selection of woven wood shades for some great deals.

8. Panel Track Shades

A panel track shade is made from fabric panels which hang down over your window. You can easily slide them along the track and layer them to customize your light and privacy levels. If complete privacy control is what you're looking for, panel track shades are your best bet.

Pros and Cons

Panel track shades are designed for those who want to have precise control over their light and privacy levels at night. Not only can you customize the positioning of the panels, but you can choose how much natural light you want to let in based on the layering of the fabric. They can be difficult to install, that's all – so it's best to get a professional to do the job for you.

Pricing

Fortunately, panel track shades aren't that expensive. You'll be able to find a decent pair for around $100 – $150, depending on the size and quality of product, as well as whether you add an installation service or do it yourself.

9. Pleated Shades

To combine privacy with an attractive aesthetic, try the pleated shades on for size. These shades are made from fabric or paper and have small accordion pleats which fold up as you open them. They allow you to maintain your view during the day while still blocking out light and providing plenty of privacy at night.

Pros and Cons

Pleated shades suit those who want to add some style to their window coverings without sacrificing on privacy. They can be layered with liners for extra blackout, but bear in mind that they don't provide as much light control as other shades.

Pricing

You can expect to pay around $150-$200 for a decent pair of pleated shades. They usually come with the hardware included, so it's just a matter of finding the right size and color to suit your window.

10. Solar Shades

As well as nighttime privacy, homeowners are often concerned with the amount of light coming in during the day. Solar shades are a great solution to this problem because they provide excellent protection from UV rays while still allowing you to look out and enjoy views of the outdoors.

Solar shades are designed with a special blackout coating that blocks out UV rays and glare. This means that you can keep your home cool in the summer and protect your family from harmful sun rays – and when night falls, the shade is dark enough to provide plenty of privacy.

Pros and Cons

Solar shades are a great option if you want daytime light control as well as nighttime privacy. They look sleek and modern, but bear in mind that they can be expensive and the blackout coating means that you won't get a clear view out during the day.

Pricing

You should expect to pay anywhere from $200-$400 for good quality solar shades. The cost is worth it for the excellent light blocking capabilities, however – so invest in some solar shades if you're looking for ultimate protection during both day and night.

11. Aluminum Blinds

Aluminum blinds are a classic window treatment that never goes out of style. These shades are made from thin metal slats which can be adjusted to let light in or keep it out completely; they're Venetian-style and look great when open or closed.

Pros and Cons

Aluminum blinds are an affordable way to get a classic, timeless look for your windows. They're durable and easy to clean, but they don't have a blackout effect. The other issue is that people often leave the slats tilted open by accident, since Venetians can give a false sense of privacy when lowered.

Pricing

Aluminum blinds are available for as little as $50, depending on the size and quality. If you're after a classic look that won't break the bank – and don't mind some light leakage – aluminum blinds could be a good choice.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Privacy Shades

When shopping for window shades, it's helpful to go in with a game plan. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

Material and Texture

Privacy is heavily affected by the material and texture of the shade. For example, sheer shades will be more transparent than heavier fabrics; blackout shades will block out the most light; specialized shades, like solar and honeycomb shades, offer unique privacy benefits.

Light Control

Think about the amount of light you want to let in during the day and how much privacy you need at night. If you don't mind some natural light coming in, opt for a lighter shade or a Venetian style; if total darkness is a priority, go for heavier blackout shades.

Energy Efficiency

You'd be surprised at how drastically a set of blinds can affect your energy bills. Look for shades with thermal liners or blackout coatings to provide added insulation and reduce heat transfer through the window. Honeycomb or cellular shades are best for this purpose, since the cells trap air and act as an extra layer of insulation.

Price and Value

When it comes to shades, you usually get what you pay for. Quality materials and workmanship don't come cheap, so be prepared to invest in your window coverings if you want something that's going to last. That said, there are plenty of affordable options out there – just make sure they have the features and durability you need before making a purchase.

Now that you know what to look for when choosing privacy shades for your windows, take some time to compare different products and find the right option for your home. With these tips in mind, finding the perfect shade should be a breeze!

Sleep Soundly With Factory Direct Blinds

If you're looking for the perfect privacy shades to block out light and keep your home secure at night, look no further than Factory Direct Blinds! We offer a wide selection of quality window coverings in all shapes, sizes, colors and materials. Whether you need blackout shades or something more decorative, our team has what you need to sleep soundly through the night.

FAQs

Are there shades that you can see out but no one can see in?

Yes, there are shades that offer the perfect balance of privacy and outside view. These shades are commonly known as "daytime privacy shades." They work by allowing natural light to enter your home while obscuring the view from the outside. So, you can enjoy the outside view without compromising your privacy.

Can you see through shades at night?

It depends on the type of shades you have. Some shades are designed to block outside view and provide complete privacy, while others offer a bit of visibility even at night. For maximum privacy at night, consider shades made with blackout material or install an additional layer of window covering such as drapes or curtains.

What blinds let in light but give privacy?

Sheer blinds are a popular option for those who want to let in natural light while maintaining privacy. These blinds are made from translucent fabrics that diffuse light and provide a subtle view of the outdoors while obscuring the view from the outside.

Which blinds offer the most privacy?

If privacy is your top priority, then blackout blinds are your best bet. They are made from a thick material that completely blocks out light and outside view. Plus, they also help with noise reduction and thermal insulation, making them a practical and comfortable choice for any room in your home.