Best temporary shades

Say hello to daytime naps and sleeping in. Temporary shades can make your room darker without needing any tools to install them.

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Renting a space often means you can’t put up any permanent window shades or fixtures. By using a temporary shade, you can block out light, add privacy, and reduce the amount of heat battling your air conditioner in the hotter months. These shades are also a great option for your permanent home if you want a window cover that is lightweight and hassle-free. We’ve selected the best temporary shades to make your space more comfortable.

Staff pick

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Redi Shade Easy Lift Cordless Shade

Looks like the real deal

Want the appearance of permanent blinds without needing to drill or hang any fixtures? This Redi Shade adheres to the top of your window, and you can move it up or down without a cord or clips to hold the shade in place. Choose from 30-inches by 64-inches up to 64-inches by 64-inches, and make sure your window framing has room for the mounting rail.

Shaded entry

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Flamingo P French Door Curtain

Add privacy to French doors with lots of windows

Known for their large windows that flood any room with light, French doors can also be a major source of unwanted heat during a blazing summer day. This microfiber shade style attaches with a velcro strip at the top of the window. When you want to put the shade up, it has bands to gather the material towards the top. Available in eight colors, each 26-inch by 28-inch panel is sold separately.  

Reinforced but lightweight

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Achim Home Furnishings Cordless Window Shade

PVC inserts prevent sagging over time

Some shades made of fabric or paper can start to sag over time, making your windows look sloppy. This 75-inch-long shade (available in two widths) is made from vinyl and has a bottom rail made of PVC, so sagging is not a concern. Each shade can be installed in minutes with a peel and stick adhesive. Two clips are included for gathering the shade to reveal the window.  

Travel companion

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AmazonBasics Portable Blackout Shade

Take the darkness with you

Pull this shade from its travel pouch and attach it to any window with the help of a few suction cups. You can choose from plain black or one of the patterns, some of which are designed with kids in mind. Measuring in at 78-inches by 51.2-inches, this shade provides the complete blackout experience. This is the most temporary option in our collection. 

Easy cover

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Our favorite temporary shade is the Redi Shade Easy Lift Cordless Shade. The lack of clips or a long, dangling cord to move the blinds up and down is a boon for people with pets or small children. Redi Shade also made sure to cover the ends of the rails, giving it a finished look. You’ll fool most people into thinking you have a traditional blind installed in the window frame.

For on-the-go privacy and darkness needs, the AmazonBasics Portable Blackout Shade is a great choice. The suction cups let you attach it to any glass, again and again, unlike one-use adhesive panel options. It folds down into a carry pouch so it can travel safely in your crowded bag or suitcase. 

Stop letting the light disturb your sleep or indoor temperature, and choose the temporary shade that’s right for you.

Freelance Writer

Nicole Cozma is a freelance writer for Future. She's known for being inquisitive and finding the tiny details that may otherwise go unnoticed. When she's not writing about products, she can be found playing Blizzard game titles, doing copy editing work, cooking, or expanding her photography skills.