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Achieve Total Blackout with Side Track Shades
If you're looking for total blackout shades, standard shades often fall short due to light gaps along the sides. Our Privacy Side Block system is designed to eliminate those gaps—creating one of the best blackout blinds with side tracks available today.
By sealing the edges of your shade, this upgrade helps block incoming light, delivering a darker, more comfortable space for sleep, media rooms, or complete privacy.
What Are Shades with Side Tracks?
Honeycomb cell shades with privacy side block channel & bottom channel.
shades with side tracks use slim vertical channels installed along both sides of your window. These channels hold the fabric in place and prevent light from leaking in around the edges.
The result is a major improvement over traditional blackout shades—bringing you closer to true total blackout performance.
A side block for blinds is a low-profile channel or light blocking strips that runs vertically on one or both sides of your window to block light. The L or U profile “catches” stray light that normally leaks around the fabric or slats, dramatically reducing glow at night and the slivers of light sneaking in during the day.
Unlike bulky add-ons, our side rail tracks install tight to the wall or casing and align with your shade’s edge for a clean, designer look.
Why Add Side Tracks?
Near Total Darkness
Our blackout shades with side tracks significantly reduce side light gaps, helping you achieve a true dark-room experience.
Enhanced Privacy
Ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and street-facing windows—this system helps prevent visibility from the sides.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Blocking light also reduces heat transfer, keeping your space cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Sleek, Low-Profile Design
The side channels are designed to blend seamlessly with your window frame for a clean, modern look.
Simple upgrade:
Quick install with adhesive or screws (model dependent) and basic tools.
Best Uses for Total Blackout Side Track Shades
- Bedrooms – Sleep better without early morning light
- Home theaters – Eliminate glare for a true cinema experience
- Nurseries – Maintain consistent nap conditions
- Apartments & urban homes – Increase privacy and light control
Are These the Best Blackout Shades with Side Channels?
If your goal is maximum light blocking, this upgrade transforms standard blackout shades into some of the best blackout shades with side tracks available.
While no window treatment can guarantee 100% blackout in every installation, this system gets as close as possible by
addressing the most common issue—light gaps at the edges. Side track blackout shades are designed for light gap elimination.
Compatible Window Treatments
Side blocks are designed for inside-mount blinds or shades and will work with most products. We have an assortment of products you can add light blockers to when ordering. However, we do have a stand alone privacy light blocker that can be added to just about any existing window covering. Below are some common window coverings light blockers work well with:
- Roller & Solar Shades (light-filtering or blackout)
- Honeycomb/Cellular Shades (single, double, day-night)
- Roman Shades (flat, relaxed folds)
- Zebra/Sheer Shades (check cassette and fabric clearance)
They can be used with horizontal window blinds (wood/faux/aluminum), but confirm slat clearance during tilt so the slats don’t contact the light blocking strips channel. Not designed for shutters. Best when paired with blackout shades for the best light blocking performance.
L vs. U Profile Side Tracks: Which Should I Choose?
L-Shaped Side Track
Low profile with a tidy lip that hides the gap while minimizing projection. Great for tight trim clearances and most roller or cellular shades.
U-Shaped Side Track
Deeper channel capture for stubborn side glow or slightly out-of-square openings. Ideal when you want the strongest edge control possible to block light.
Install Basics (At a Glance)
Measure: With the shade lowered, mark where the shade edge travels. Hold the side block plumb along that line.
Mount: Use included adhesive tape for quick placement, then secure with screws through pre-drilled holes (as applicable). Repeat on the other side if desired.
Fine-tune: Lower/raise your shade and verify there’s no rubbing. Nudge the channel if needed so the fabric/glide path remains smooth.
Where Side Blocks Shine
Bedrooms & Nurseries: Pair with blackout shades to help minimize early-morning glow and unwanted light.
Street-Facing Rooms: Improve privacy at night when interior lights are on.
Media Rooms & Offices: Cut edge glare on TVs and monitors for better visibility.
Pro Tips for Maximum Light Control
Combine with blackout fabrics or a room-darkening liner on Romans for best results.
Consider an outside mount if you’re chasing near-blackout; add bottom and side overlap side blocks and pair with drapery panels for a layered solution for complete darkeness.
Layering is a great way to achieve more light control. Adding a drapery side panels also block light gaps between the window frame the blinds or shades.
Honeycomb choice matters: Double-cell or blackout cellular fabrics reduce glow through the material while side blocks handle the edges.
Explore insulating options here: Honeycomb/Cell Shades.
Options & Specs
Profiles: L or U channel
Lengths: Trim-to-fit sticks or made-to-order lengths
Materials: Durable PVC or aluminum.
Mounting: High-bond adhesive, screws, or both (per model)
Upgrade to Total Blackout Today
Take your window coverings to the next level with blinds with side tracks designed for superior light control and privacy.
Whether you're upgrading a bedroom or creating the perfect media room, the Privacy Side Block system delivers the
total blackout solution you've been looking for.
Privacy Side Block - FAQs
Will a side block make my room completely dark?
Privacy side blocks for shades greatly reduce edge glow, especially when paired with blackout fabrics. For the darkest setup, combine side blocks with an outside-mount shade that adds top and side overlap, or layer drapery panels to cover remaining gaps.
What’s the difference between L and U profiles?
L profiles are slimmer and ideal for tight clearances; U profiles create a deeper channel to capture more stray light. Choose L for minimal projection and U when you want maximum edge control.
Can I use side blocks with cellular or roller shades?
Yes. They work especially well with roller/solar, honeycomb (cellular), Roman, and zebra/sheer shades. For horizontal blinds, verify slat tilt clearance so the slats don’t touch the channel.
How are side blocks installed: tape or screws?
Most installs start with high-bond adhesive for positioning, then add screws through pre-drilled holes for long-term holding power. Follow the instructions for your specific profile and wall surface.
Do side blocks work with inside or outside mount shades?
They’re designed primarily for inside-mount shades to close the side gap to the wall or casing. You can also pair them with outside-mount shades when you want an even tighter edge seal.
Will fabric rub against the channel when I raise the shade?
When positioned correctly, the fabric should travel freely. During install, test-lower the shade and nudge the side block so the fabric edge clears the channel without contact.
Can I add light blocking strips to existing blinds?
Yes, you can add our privacy light blocker channels or strips to both existing and new blinds.
* Production lead times are only an estimate and does not apply to any colors that are out of stock. Production begins the following business day after ordering. Please allow additional time for shipping.
