Best Temporary Blackout Solutions
Bright streetlights, early summer sunrises or a shift-work sleep schedule can make a rented room impossible to darken — especially if you cannot drill for a proper blackout blind. Temporary blackout solutions fix this: stick-on blinds and portable travel blinds block the light, fit without tools, and peel or lift off cleanly when you move.
They are a favourite for renters, nurseries and anyone who sleeps during the day, and they cost very little. The trick is choosing between a semi-permanent stick-on blind and a fully portable one you can take anywhere.
QUICK ANSWER
For a dark room without drilling, a stick-on blackout blind (adhesive or hook-and-loop, trimmable to fit) or a portable travel blackout blind (suction cups) blocks light and comes off cleanly when you move. Great for shift workers, babies’ rooms and bright streetlights in rented flats.
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Who this guide is for
Renters, shift workers, parents and light-sensitive sleepers who need to darken a room without drilling.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Best for |
|---|---|
| HuiCloud Stick-On Blackout Blind | Darkening a bedroom window semi-permanently |
| Portable Travel Blackout Blind (Suction) | A blackout you can take anywhere |
| BRO Temporary Blackout Blind (300 x 150 cm) | Larger or wider windows |
Our picks in detail
BEST STICK-ON — HuiCloud Stick-On Blackout Blind
Best for: Darkening a bedroom window semi-permanently
A 100% blackout panel that fixes around the window with adhesive or hook-and-loop and can be trimmed to fit, blocking light without any drilling.
Pros: Full blackout, trimmable to fit, no drilling.
Cons: A little light can leak at the edges.
BEST PORTABLE / TRAVEL — Portable Travel Blackout Blind (Suction)
Best for: A blackout you can take anywhere
Fixes to the glass with suction cups and folds away, so it works at home and travels with you — ideal for a nursery or holidays.
Pros: Fully portable, reusable, quick to fit.
Cons: Best on smooth glass; smaller coverage.
BEST FOR BIG WINDOWS — BRO Temporary Blackout Blind (300 x 150 cm)
Best for: Larger or wider windows
A generously sized temporary blackout blind to cover bigger windows or patio doors, trimmable to your frame.
Pros: Large coverage, trimmable, no drilling.
Cons: Bulkier to store.
Prices and availability on Amazon are accurate as of the date of publication and are subject to change.
How to choose
- Stick-on vs portable: stick-on gives fuller coverage; suction travel blinds are reusable and portable.
- Trim to fit: many can be cut to your exact window size.
- Mind the edges: a little light can leak at the sides — overlap the frame.
- Removable: designed to come off cleanly for renters.
- Layer up: use with existing curtains for near-total darkness.
- Travel: a suction blind is handy for nurseries and holidays.
Common questions
How can I black out a window without drilling?
Use a stick-on blackout blind that fixes with adhesive or hook-and-loop, or a portable suction blind on the glass. Both block light without tools and remove cleanly, which suits renters.
Do temporary blackout blinds actually work?
They block the large majority of light, which is enough for most people to sleep. A little can leak at the edges, so overlap the window frame or pair them with curtains for near-total darkness.
Will they damage the window or wall?
They are designed to be removable — suction blinds leave nothing behind, and stick-on types peel off cleanly when applied and removed correctly. Test a small area on delicate paintwork first.
Are they good for babies and shift workers?
Yes — temporary blackout blinds are popular for nurseries and daytime sleepers precisely because they darken a room quickly, travel well and need no drilling.
Our recommendation
For a bedroom you want reliably dark, a stick-on blackout blind gives the fullest coverage. Need something reusable or for travel? A portable suction blind is ideal; for big windows, size up to the large temporary blind.
