When light leaks from the sides of blinds or shades, even the best blackout fabrics can underperform. Side runners and light-blocking strips are designed to seal those gaps, improving room darkening and privacy. This guide reviews five popular PVC or aluminum side tracks that install alongside standard blackout shades, helping you achieve deeper darkness for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms. Each option is evaluated for fit, ease of installation, and overall effectiveness in blocking side light.
Summary of chosen products
| Product | Brand | Type | Length | What It Does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZSTARR PVC Light Blockers | ZSTARR | Side Tracks | 58 in | Reduces side light leakage; peel-and-stick installation |
| WINSMAR Light Blocking Strip | WINSMAR | Side Tracks | 58.5 in | Adjustable length; cut-to-fit; PVC material |
| Bliwans Light Blocking Strips | Bliwans | Side Tracks | 58 in | Blocks side light; cut-to-fit; durable PVC |
| 100% Blackout U-Channel Strip | WINSMAR | U-shaped Side Tracks | 58.5 in | U-channel design for two-sided coverage; screw install |
| Keego Light Blockers | Keego | Side Blockers | 58.5 in | Blocks side light; cut-to-fit; PVC material |
ZSTARR PVC Light Blockers: Side Tracks for Window Shades
ZSTARR light blocking strips are designed to seal the side gaps common with blackout shades. The L-shaped PVC blocks install along the inner side of window frames and are intended to reduce light leakage without replacing existing shades. They help improve room darkening by addressing side gaps that standard blinds cannot fully cover. The installation is peel-and-stick, with the option to trim for a precise fit. The product is sold as a pair, each measuring 58 x 1.6 x 0.9 inches, and is best used when installed as close to the blackout shade as possible for maximum effectiveness.
WINSMAR Light Blocking Strip for Window Shades
WINSMAR’s 58.5-inch white L-shaped light blockers are designed to fit standard window widths and can be trimmed at home to match specific sizes. Made of PVC with a light-absorbing finish, these strips go in front of or behind the shade to block the portion of the window that remains exposed. They are intended to reduce side light leaks without replacing the shade itself, providing an economical way to improve darkness in bedrooms or nurseries. The kit typically includes two pieces, enabling coverage on both sides of a shade or window.
Bliwans Light Blocking Strips for Window Shades
Bliwans offers white blackout side tracks designed to curtail light leaks from the sides of curtains and blinds. The PVC construction is described as sturdy and durable, with a 58-inch length that can be trimmed to fit. The strips work with a variety of window treatments, including cellular shades, honeycomb blinds, and roller shades. The installation relies on simple trimming and a snug fit against the window frame to enhance privacy and sleep quality by preventing light seepage from the sides.
100% Blackout U-Channel Aluminum Strips by WINSMAR
This WINSMAR option features a U-channel aluminum side track designed to provide two-sided coverage on the sides of roller or blackout shades. The 58.5-inch kit is meant for inside mounting and can be trimmed to fit. Installers can fasten the track to the window frame with screws, ensuring a firm seal against side light leaks. The design aims to maximize darkness in rooms where daytime naps or late-night movie watching require minimal ambient light. The product emphasizes reusability and a snug fit near the shade for best results.
Keego 100% Blackout Light Blockers
Keego’s black PVC light blockers extend along the sides of blackout blinds to stop light ingress from gaps. The strips are designed to be cut to fit your window size and installed either in front of or behind the shade. The 58.5-inch length and two-piece configuration make them suitable for standard windows in bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms. Keego emphasizes reducing side light leaks without altering the primary shading system, contributing to improved privacy and sleep comfort.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Side Blocker Purchases
- Light-blocking efficiency: Look for L-shaped or U-channel designs that seal side gaps and are compatible with your shade type (roller, cellular, blackout). A tighter fit generally means deeper darkness.
- Material and durability: PVC is common for residential use and is easy to trim. Aluminum options offer rigid support and reduced flex but may require screws for installation.
- Install method: Peel-and-stick solutions are quick and DIY-friendly but may not hold as securely in humid spaces. Screw-mounted tracks provide stronger adhesion and longevity in high-traffic rooms.
- Finish and color: Match or contrast with your window trim or blinds. Most products come in white or black; consider how visible the track will be when the shade is raised.
- Compatibility: Verify length options and whether the track is designed for inside or outside mounting. Some products are specifically for sides of cellular, roller, or honeycomb shades.
- Trimability: If your window is nonstandard, choose products that can be trimmed easily with common tools. Always measure twice before cutting to avoid gaps.
- Removal and reusability: Some lines emphasize removable adhesives with minimal wall damage, useful for renters or seasonal adjustments.
Choosing the right side runner or light blocker depends on your window configuration, shade type, and desired level of darkness. The five products highlighted here offer a mix of peel-and-stick and screw-mounted options, ensuring a range of installation preferences and budgets can achieve improved room darkening.