Temporary room darkening shades are a practical choice for rentals, short-term setups, and windows that need a quick covering without permanent hardware. For blackout-style paper shades, Redi Shade highlights a specific light-blocking claim, while MYshade and Changshade offer six-pack options that can be trimmed to fit. Maritown includes both light-filtering and blackout color options. Amazon Basics is a portable curtain alternative for buyers who prefer a fabric covering with suction cups.
| Product | Best For | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Redi Shade Original | Bedrooms and privacy | Claims to block 99% of light |
| MYshade 6 Pack | Custom-shaped windows | Paper can be cut into different shapes |
| Changshade 6-Pack | Rentals and temporary setups | Peel-and-stick installation |
| Maritown Stick-On Shades | Mixed light-control needs | Color options for filtering or blackout |
| Amazon Basics Portable Curtain | Portable fabric coverage | Suction-cup mounting |
Redi Shade Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade
Best for: Buyers who want strong stated light control for a bedroom, children’s room, or movie room. Redi Shade says the paper shade blocks 99% of light and provides privacy and UV protection.
The shade measures 36 inches wide by 72 inches long and comes in a six-pack. It can be trimmed at home for an inside or outside window-frame fit. Installation requires no drill, screws, or brackets, and included clips let users raise and lower the cordless shade.
Choose this if the 99% light-blocking claim and cordless design are priorities. Limitation: the listed width is 36 inches, so measure the window and plan to trim before installation.
MYshade 6 Pack Temporary Blackout Paper Shades
Best for: Buyers covering several windows or creating a custom shape. This six-pack includes black pleated paper shades measuring 36 inches wide by 72 inches high, and the material can be trimmed with scissors after measuring the window frame.
MYshade describes the paper as durable and says it will not yellow or crack from sun exposure. The product also states that it blocks most UV rays and harmful dust. It installs without a drill, screws, or brackets. The brand notes that users can cut the shade into shapes such as a circle, semicircle, sector, or rectangle.
Choose this if standard rectangular shades do not suit the window shape. Limitation: it is a paper shade that needs to be measured and cut to fit; the listing does not specify a percentage of light blocked.
Changshade 6-Pack Adhesive Paper Blinds
Best for: Renters, moving situations, and short-term window coverage. These black paper blinds measure 36 by 72 inches and use peel-and-stick adhesive strips rather than screws or brackets. The listing says to measure and clean the frame before positioning and pressing the shade in place.
The paper can be trimmed at home with standard scissors, which may help with narrow, wide, or non-standard windows. Changshade also says the blinds provide daytime privacy and UV protection, and help protect furniture, floors, and artwork from fading.
Choose this if adhesive mounting and at-home trimming suit your temporary setup. Limitation: the listing instructs users to clean the window frame before applying the adhesive; check the surface and fit before mounting.
Maritown Cut-to-Size Stick-On Shades
Best for: Buyers who want to choose between light filtering and blackout colors. Maritown lists white, blue, and brown as light-filtering options, while black and gray are described as blackout and UV-resistant. The shades are made from non-woven fabric described as breathable, waterproof, and dustproof.
Installation involves cutting the shade, peeling the backing, and sticking it in place with the included 2.5-centimeter-wide double-sided tape. The product is designed to be cut to different sizes and shapes for windows or doors, and the listing says it can be removed without leaving stains.
Choose this if adjustable sizing and color-based light control matter. Limitation: the stated light control depends on color, so select black or gray for the listed blackout option rather than the light-filtering colors.
Amazon Basics Portable Room Darkening Curtain
Best for: Buyers who prefer a portable fabric curtain instead of a pleated paper shade. This one-pack curtain measures 50 inches wide by 78 inches long and is made from 100% polyester. Its listed design uses suction cups, and the product description says the blackout curtain acts as an insulating barrier.
Choose this if you need a fabric option in the listed size and want suction-cup mounting. Limitation: it is one curtain at 50 by 78 inches, so confirm that its dimensions suit the window. The supplied feature information does not specify a light-blocking percentage.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Temporary Room Darkening Shades
Do you need blackout coverage or filtered light?
Check the product’s stated light-control details rather than assuming every dark shade blocks the same amount of light. Redi Shade gives a 99% light-blocking claim. Maritown identifies black and gray as blackout colors and other listed colors as light filtering. The other paper-shade listings describe blackout or UV protection but do not provide a specific light-blocking percentage.
How should you measure and mount the shade?
Measure the window before choosing a product, especially when the listed width is 36 inches. Several paper shades are designed to be trimmed at home, but trimming requires careful measurement. Adhesive models call for a clean mounting surface. The Amazon Basics curtain uses suction cups, while the paper options use adhesive or clips depending on the product.
Which style suits a rental or short-term setup?
For a setup that avoids drilling, consider paper shades that install without screws or brackets. Changshade specifically describes its shades for rentals, moving, and short-term use. Maritown says its stick-on shades are removable. Confirm the mounting approach and removal instructions before applying any product to a surface.
Are cordless controls important?
Redi Shade is explicitly described as cordless and includes clips for raising and lowering. The other product descriptions do not provide the same control detail, so compare the listed operating method if adjustability matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can temporary paper shades be cut to fit a window?
Yes. MYshade, Redi Shade, Changshade, and Maritown describe shades that can be cut or trimmed to fit. Measure first and follow each product’s installation directions.
Which option states a light-blocking percentage?
Redi Shade says its Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade blocks 99% of light. The other supplied descriptions do not give a specific percentage.
Do these shades require drilling?
The four paper-shade listings describe installation without drilling. Amazon Basics uses suction cups according to its product name.
Which product is a fabric alternative to paper shades?
The Amazon Basics Portable Room Darkening Curtain is made from 100% polyester and measures 50 inches wide by 78 inches long.
Should I clean the window frame before installation?
Changshade specifically instructs buyers to clean the window frame before placing its peel-and-stick shade. For other products, follow the preparation instructions supplied with the shade.