Looking for Slumber Shades? You''re not alone. The Slumber Shade, with its built-in Comfort Track side channels, was one of the best ways to black out a bedroom, and customers still ask for it by name. It has been discontinued, but there is a very close replacement: Bali blackout cellular shades paired with Bali side tracks and a bottom sill channel. Below we show both systems side by side, explain how the tracks differ, and help you get your room as dark as possible.
What Was the Slumber Shade?
The Slumber Shade was a blackout cellular shade that ran inside a set of side channels called the Comfort Track. Most cellular shades leave a thin gap on each side where light leaks in around the fabric. The Comfort Track closed those gaps, which made the Slumber Shade a favorite for bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms, and shift workers who sleep during the day.
What made it special was the shape of the track. The Comfort Track used a T-shaped channel. A thin fin on the track reached into the middle of the cellular fabric, so the fabric rode on the track from the inside rather than being wrapped from the outside.
Is the Slumber Shade discontinued?
Yes. The Slumber Shade and its Comfort Track are no longer made, so new shades and replacement parts are no longer available. If you have one that is worn out, or you want to match the look in another room, the Bali system below is the closest option on the market today.
The Replacement: Bali Blackout Cellular Shades With Side Tracks
The closest match to the Slumber Shade is a Bali blackout cellular shade with two add-ons: side tracks and a bottom sill channel. Together they block the light gaps that a standard inside-mount shade leaves around the edges.
- Blackout cellular fabric stops light coming through the shade itself, and the honeycomb cells add insulation.
- Side tracks mount to each side of the window frame. They are U-shaped, wrapping around the front and the back of the fabric edge so light can''t slip past the sides.
- Bottom sill channel is an L-shaped piece that mounts on the window sill. When the shade is lowered, the bottom rail tucks in behind it, closing the gap along the bottom.
T-Channel vs. U-Channel: How the Tracks Differ
Both systems block side light, but they hold the fabric in different ways. The Slumber Shade''s T-channel did a little better job; the Bali U-channel comes very close.
Slumber Shade (T-channel). The fin of the T reached into the center of the fabric''s cells. Light had to travel around the fin and through a narrow, overlapping path to get past the edge, so very little made it through.
Bali (U-channel). The track wraps around the outside of the fabric edge, covering it on the front and back. Because the fabric sits inside the U rather than on a fin, there is a touch more room at the edge, which can let a faint line of light show in very bright conditions.
Are Bali side channels 100% blackout?
No, and we want to be upfront about that. Bali side channels greatly reduce the light gaps, but they are not 100% blackout. Because the U-channel wraps the outside of the fabric instead of running through it, a thin line or soft glow of light can still show along the edges, especially when strong sun hits the window directly. Small amounts of light can also show at the top around the headrail.
For most people, the room still gets dark enough to sleep well. If you need total darkness, such as for a darkroom or severe light sensitivity, talk with us first so we can help you set the right expectations.
Slumber Shade vs. Bali Blackout Cellular: Side by Side
| Feature | Slumber Shade (Comfort Track) | Bali Blackout Cellular + Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Discontinued | Available now |
| Side track shape | T-shaped; fin runs through the middle of the fabric | U-shaped; wraps the front and back of the fabric edge |
| Bottom gap control | Built into the system | L-shaped sill channel; bottom rail tucks in behind it |
| Fabric | Blackout cellular | Blackout cellular |
| Light control at edges | Excellent | Very good, but not 100% blackout; a faint edge glow is possible |
| Insulation | Honeycomb cells | Honeycomb cells |
| Replacement parts | No longer available | Available |
Getting the Darkest Room Possible
- Order all three pieces.Blackout fabric alone still leaves edge gaps. The side tracks and sill channel are what make this a true Slumber Shade replacement.
- Inside mount is required. The tracks attach to the inside of the window frame, so you need enough flat depth on each side and a flat sill for the bottom channel.
- Measure carefully. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom, and the height at the left, center, and right. Window frames are rarely perfectly square, and a snug fit matters more with tracks.
- Check for obstructions. Window cranks, locks, and alarm sensors on the frame can get in the way of the tracks.
- Not sure? Ask us. Send us a photo of your window and we''ll confirm it will work before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Slumber Shades still made?
No. Slumber Shades and the Comfort Track have been discontinued. The closest replacement is a Bali blackout cellular shade with side tracks and a bottom sill channel.
What is the best replacement for a Slumber Shade?
A Bali blackout cellular shade with U-shaped side tracks and an L-shaped sill channel. It uses the same type of blackout honeycomb fabric and closes the side and bottom light gaps.
Will the Bali shade block as much light as my Slumber Shade?
Very nearly. The Slumber Shade''s T-shaped track ran through the middle of the fabric and blocked slightly more edge light. The Bali U-shaped track wraps the edges and comes close, but it is not 100% blackout. Expect a faint line of light at the edges in bright sun.
Can I reuse my old Comfort Track with a new shade?
No. The Comfort Track was built for the Slumber Shade fabric and won''t work with other shades. The Bali shade comes with its own matching tracks.
Do I need the bottom sill channel?
For the darkest room, yes. Without it, light can leak in under the bottom rail.
Are blackout cellular shades with side tracks good for nurseries and bedrooms?
Yes. They are one of the best choices for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms, and the cellular fabric also helps keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Ready to Replace Your Slumber Shade?
Shop Bali blackout cellular shades and add side tracks and a sill channel at checkout. Have a question about your window? Call or chat with our family-owned team and we''ll walk you through it.
