Blackout Light Blocking Strips for Shades and Blinds - Reduce Side

In this review the focus is on practical, budget-friendly side tracks designed to stop light leaking in around shades and blinds. These ZSTARR-style PVC L-shaped light blocking strips are aimed at people who need darker rooms for sleep, shift work or media viewing; the single biggest reason to buy is their ability to reduce side light gaps quickly and without altering the shade itself. Installation is simple and reversible, and the strips can be cut to fit most inside-mount shades, making them a straightforward fix when fabric or blinds do not fully cover the window opening.

Key Features

• L-shaped PVC design: fits along the side of the window to block light that passes between the shade and frame.
• Adhesive backing: peel-and-stick application makes installation fast and keeps the strips in place once mounted.
• Cut-to-fit length: 58 in strips can be trimmed so they match the height of roller shades, cellular shades or roman shades.
• Compatibility: works with a variety of blackout window coverings including honeycomb and roller shades for improved darkness.
• Durable material: plastic construction resists wear and is described by users as durable and easy to cut with a saw.
• Return policy and support: 30 day return option and customer service for missing or damaged parts provides after-sales reassurance.

Who It's For

These light blocking strips are best for people who have inside-mount blackout shades or blinds that still let in side light. They suit parents setting up a nursery, night-shift sleepers who need daytime darkness, and anyone wanting an inexpensive way to improve privacy and movie-watching conditions. Reviewers especially note usefulness when paired with cellular or roller shades that leave a small gap at the edges.

Those who should look elsewhere include people with very wide or unusually shaped window frames that require custom metal or routed side tracks, or anyone unwilling to use adhesive-mounted accessories on their trim. Also not ideal if an outside mount or decorative trim prevents close placement to the shade edge.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effectively reduces side light leakage and creates noticeably darker rooms when placed close to the shade edge.
• Easy to install with peel-and-stick adhesive and simple trimming to size.
• Durable plastic construction that customers report is easy to cut and looks neat after installation.
• Compatible with many common shade types including honeycomb, roller, and roman shades.

Cons

• Adhesive application requires careful positioning; once stuck it may be difficult to reposition without leaving residue.
• Some buyers feel the price is high relative to the simple plastic construction.

Specifications

Material	Plastic (PVC)
Shape	L-shaped side tracks
Length	58 in (per piece), 2 pieces included
Cross section	1.6 in x 0.9 in
Mount type	Peel-and-stick adhesive for inside mount
Compatible shades	Roller, cellular, honeycomb, roman and other blackout shades
Returns	30 day return option

Our Verdict

These PVC light blocking strips are a practical, low-effort solution for anyone whose blackout shades still leak light at the sides. They install quickly, can be trimmed to fit, and reliably reduce gaps that disturb sleep or movie viewing. Given the durability and ease of use, they represent good value for most homeowners and renters who need better darkness without replacing their shades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these work on outside mount shades?
They are recommended for inside mount blinds and shades where the strip can sit close to the fabric; outside mounts may prevent a tight seal.

Can I cut them to a shorter length?
Yes, the 58 in strips are intended to be trimmed to size with a saw or cutter for a custom fit.

Are the strips permanent once installed?
The peel-and-stick adhesive holds well but can leave residue; contact customer service if parts are missing or damaged and they will resend accessories.