Best Blackout Curtains and Shades for RV Sleeping

By Jake Morris — RV Gear Expert & Contributing Editor· June 11, 2026· 10 min read

Written by Jake Morris Senior RV Gear Writer at ShopRVGear

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Jake has spent 8 years full-timing in a Class A motorhome and has personally tested hundreds of RV products across North America. He is the lead gear reviewer at Shop RV Gear, covering solar setups, backup safety syst…

8 yrs experience·Last updated: Jun 11, 2026

If you’re waking up as soon as the sun hits your RV windows, you don’t need a new mattress — you need better light control.

The best blackout solution for most RVers is a set of custom-fit RV roller blackout shades (like the vinyl or fabric blackout lines from RV‑specific brands such as RVBlinds and similar suppliers), paired with inexpensive thermal blackout curtain panels on your main sleeping windows for extra light and heat blocking.[6][9][10] This combo is affordable, easy to retrofit without major drilling, and dark enough that campground lights and early sun stop ruining your sleep.[6][9]

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Below, we’ll walk through the best blackout curtains and shades for RV sleeping, how they actually perform in a rig (not just in a catalog), and which options are worth skipping.

Best Overall Blackout Setup for RV Sleeping

1. Custom RV Blackout Roller Shades (Best Overall Pick)

If you want a “set it and forget it” upgrade that makes your RV bedroom feel like a real room, custom RV blackout roller shades are the most reliable all‑around choice.[6][9]

These are purpose‑built for RVs: you order to your exact window size, choose a blackout fabric or vinyl, and mount them inside or above the frame.[6] When sized correctly, they block the majority of light, clean up the look of the rig, and add privacy without rattling around underway.[6][9]

Why they’re my top pick: they’re made for RV windows, install cleanly, and once they’re up, you just pull them down at night and forget about them.

What to look for (features you’ll see across brands like RVBlinds and other RV shade specialists):

• True blackout fabric or vinyl (not just “room darkening”).[6][9]
• Inside-mount options to fit shallow RV window frames.[6]
• Spring or clutch roller mechanisms that can handle vibration.[6]
• Optional side channels or tracks on some models for near‑total darkness.[6][9]

Pros

• Excellent light blocking, especially with tight inside mounts or side channels.[6][9]
• Custom sizing for odd RV window dimensions.[6]
• Clean, minimalist look; no dangling cords if you choose cordless / spring systems.[6]
• Easy everyday use – just pull down at night and up in the morning.
• Many fabrics also offer thermal and UV protection, helping keep the rig cooler.[6][9]

Cons

• More expensive than generic home‑store shades (pricing varies by size and material).[6][9]
• You’ll usually need to drill into walls or valances to install the brackets.
• If you choose a fabric shade without side channels, you’ll still get a thin halo of light at the edges.

Best for: RV owners who want a permanent, tidy, mostly dark solution with easy daily use — ideal for full‑timers or anyone planning to keep their rig a few years.[6][9]

Best Blackout Curtain Panels for RV Sleeping

Curtain panels are great if you don’t want to commit to custom shades or you’re trying to tame an already‑dark shade that still leaks light at the edges.

2. Thermal Blackout Curtain Panels (Best Budget Boost)

Standard thermal blackout curtain panels (the type you’d buy for a bedroom at home) can work extremely well in RVs if you mount them correctly and are willing to trim or hem for size.[10][7]

Look for panels that are marketed as 100% blackout with multi-layer or foam‑backed fabric, not just “room darkening.”[10]

Why they’re worth it: they’re relatively cheap, easy to install, and you can swap colors/styles as your rig decor changes.[7][10]

Pros

• Often the most affordable way to dramatically darken an RV bedroom.[7][10]
• Add an extra layer of insulation – helpful in hot sun or cold nights.[10]
• Easy to replace or upgrade later; no custom measurements locked in.
• Flexible mounting: curtain rods, tension rods, or even Velcro for no‑drill installs.[2][10]

Cons

• Standard sizes rarely match RV windows; you may need to cut and hem.[2][10]
• Can feel bulky in small spaces if you choose thick, heavy drapes.[7]
• Grommet‑top panels can slide around on the road unless you secure them.

How to make them RV‑friendly:

• Use short rods or tension rods inside the existing window valance when possible.
• For bunk or odd‑shaped windows, you can Velcro‑mount fabric panels directly to the frame (see DIY section below).[2]
• Trim and re‑hem panels to clear counters, dinette backs, or the bed.[2]

Best for: RVers on a budget, renters, or anyone who wants extra darkness on top of existing blinds or day/night shades.[7][10]

Best Alternatives: Pleated, Cellular & Roller Blackout Shades

If you don’t love the look of plain roller shades or loose curtains, there are other blackout options that work well in RVs.

3. Blackout Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades (Best for Insulation)

Cellular shades (honeycomb design) with a blackout liner give you better insulation than most roller shades while still folding up compactly.[9][6]

Many RV‑oriented window suppliers offer blackout cellular shades sized specifically for RV windows.[9][6]

Pros

• Excellent thermal performance – air pockets in the honeycomb add insulation.[9]
• Softer, residential look than vinyl rollers.[9]
• Available in cordless designs, which are safer and cleaner‑looking in a rig.[6]

Cons

• More expensive than basic roller shades.[9]
• Not as wipe‑clean as vinyl; fabric can stain if condensation runs down windows.
• Still some light leakage at side gaps unless paired with side tracks or curtains.[9]

Best for: Four‑season campers or anyone dealing with big temperature swings and wanting a cozier, residential look.[9]

4. RV Blackout Pleated Shades (Upgrade for Older Day/Night Shades)

Many older RVs came with day/night pleated shades that sag, fray, or refuse to retract.

Swapping them for single‑cell pleated blackout shades made for RVs is a straightforward upgrade: they mount into the same general area and provide better darkness and privacy.[9]

Pros

• Cleaner look and better performance than old, worn day/night shades.[9]
• Familiar operation for anyone used to RV pleated shades.
• Usually easier to retrofit into existing valances/holes than totally new systems.

Cons

• Not as dark as true roller blackout with side channels; light leaks through cord holes and edges.[9]
• Fabric pleats can collect dust and be harder to clean.

Best for: Owners of older rigs who want a straightforward replacement for failing day/night shades without redesigning the whole window treatment.[9]

Best DIY Blackout Solutions for RV Windows

If you’re handy (or just frugal), you can create near‑total blackout without buying RV‑specific products.

5. DIY Velcro‑Mounted Blackout Curtains (Low‑Cost, High Darkness)

One of the most effective hacks is to Velcro blackout fabric directly to the window frame.

Campers who do this typically buy blackout curtain panels or blackout fabric, cut them to fit individual windows, then use adhesive hook‑and‑loop (Velcro) tape around the frame.[2][10]

You press the fabric onto the frame at night and peel it back in the morning.[2]

Pros

• Very dark – the fabric overlaps the frame, blocking side light.[2]
• No drilling needed; adhesive Velcro handles the mounting.[2]
• Works well on odd‑shaped or small bunk windows where nothing off‑the‑shelf fits.[2]

Cons

• Every time you want light, you’re peeling panels off the wall.
• Adhesive Velcro can eventually lose grip in heat or humidity; may need re‑sticking.[2]
• Not as polished‑looking as a proper shade or curtain rod.

Best for: Vans, small trailers, bunkhouse windows, or anyone who wants maximum darkness on a tight budget.[2][10]

6. Reflective Insulation (Reflectix) + Curtains (Best for Heat Control)

Some RVers insert reflective bubble insulation panels (often called Reflectix) cut to window size, then cover them with curtains or fabric.[9]

While not pretty on its own, a Reflectix insert behind a blackout shade or curtain can knock down both light and heat.[9]

Pros

• Excellent heat blocking in full sun and effective at darkening.[9]
• Lightweight panels can be removed and stored when not needed.

Cons

• Can trap moisture against the window in humid or cold climates.
• Needs pairing with a curtain or shade if you care about aesthetics.

Best for: Summer desert camping, boondocking in full sun, or insulating big windshield/forward windows when parked.[9]

What to Skip (or Use Carefully)

Not every “darkening” product is worth your money in an RV.

7. Light-Filtering Only Shades

Generic roller shades labeled “light filtering” or basic day shades will knock down glare but will not give you true darkness.[6][9]

They’re fine for living areas, but if sleep is the priority, skip them for the bedroom.

8. Thin Decorative Curtains

Cute patterned curtains made of thin cotton or polyester look nice in photos but do very little to block light.

Unless you add a blackout liner behind them, they’re more decoration than function.[10]

9. Untreated Mini Blinds

Metal or vinyl mini blinds are common in older rigs but are poor blackout performers: light leaks around slats, they rattle on the road, and they heat up in sun.

If you keep them, plan on pairing them with a blackout curtain or DIY panel over the top.

How to Choose the Best Blackout Curtains or Shades for Your RV

Before you buy anything, stand in your RV and answer these questions.

1. Where Do You Actually Need It Dark?

Most rigs don’t need full blackout everywhere. Focus on:

• Main bed windows (head and side).[9][10]
• Bunkhouse windows if kids need to sleep early or nap.[9]
• Front cap / windshield in Class A/C when parked.[9]

Living area windows can usually get by with “room darkening” plus a curtain.

2. How Permanent Do You Want the Solution?

• Long‑term / full‑time use: invest in custom roller or cellular blackout shades; they look cleaner and function better daily.[6][9]
• Short‑term / rental / seasonal: go with curtain panels and DIY Velcro panels, which you can remove or change easily.[2][10]

3. How Much Drilling Are You Okay With?

• If you’re fine drilling into walls/valances: nearly all roller, pleated, and cellular RV shades are on the table.[6][9]
• If you want to avoid holes: use tension rods, adhesive hooks, or Velcro‑mounted panels.[2][10]

4. Do You Need Extra Temperature Control?

If you camp in very hot or cold conditions, prioritize:

• Blackout cellular shades for insulation.[9]
• Thermal blackout curtains and/or Reflectix inserts for windows that get full sun.[9][10]

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

• Vinyl rollers: easiest to wipe clean – good for kitchens and damp areas.[6]
• Fabric cellular/pleated: softer look but can trap dust.[9]
• Curtains: easy to pull down and wash, but avoid fabrics that wrinkle heavily if you’re rolling or tying them back often.[7]

Installation Tips for RV Blackout Curtains & Shades

A few practical notes from actually installing these in rigs:

Measuring for RV Blackout Shades

• Measure width at three points (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest measurement for inside mounts.
• For outside mounts, add extra width (often 1–2 inches beyond the frame on each side) to cut side‑light.[6][9]
• Double‑check that the shade can clear handles, latches, or trim when raised.

Mounting in Shallow Frames

RV window valances and frames are often shallow. Many RV blackout shade suppliers offer low‑profile brackets designed for these spaces.[6]

If you’re retrofitting residential hardware, make sure the brackets fit without hitting the glass or trim.

Curtain Rod Options

• Use short, cut‑to‑fit rods mounted inside valances to keep things tidy.
• For bunks or over‑cab beds, tension rods can work if they’re snug, but expect to re‑seat them occasionally.
• If wall space is limited, ceiling‑mount brackets above the window can be a better option.

Velcro Panel Tips (DIY)

From RVers who’ve built Velcro blackout panels:[2]

• Use half‑inch or wider Velcro for better grip.[2]
• Put the hook (scratchy) side on the frame and the loop (soft) side on the fabric so it’s not grabbing everything when stored.[2]
• Steam or iron your fabric before cutting so it doesn’t shrink after you’ve sized it.[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

How dark can I realistically make my RV bedroom?

With custom‑fit blackout roller or cellular shades plus side channels or overlapping curtains, many RVers get rooms dark enough that they need a light on to move around, even during the day.[6][9][10] Minor light leaks around hardware and vents are common, but you can get close to a traditional bedroom.

Are RV-specific blackout shades worth it over home-store options?

For unusual window sizes, shallow frames, and daily use on the road, RV‑specific blackout shades are generally worth it because they’re sized for your windows and built to withstand vibration.[6][9] For occasional use or simple bunk windows, home‑store blackout curtains or DIY panels can be a smart, cheaper workaround.[7][10]

Will blackout curtains help keep my RV cooler or warmer?

Yes. Thermal blackout curtains and cellular shades add insulation, helping keep heat out on sunny days and slow heat loss in cold weather.[9][10] They are not a replacement for proper RV insulation or HVAC, but they do make a noticeable difference, especially on large sun‑facing windows.

Can I install blackout shades in my RV without drilling?

You can avoid drilling by using tension rods for curtain panels or adhesive Velcro for fabric blackout panels.[2][10] True roller or cellular shades almost always require at least a few screws for safe mounting in a moving vehicle.

Do blackout shades affect condensation problems?

Any window covering that seals tightly (especially Reflectix or very snug fabric panels) can trap moisture against the glass, which may increase condensation in humid or cold conditions.[9] The usual fix is to ventilate the RV, crack a window when cooking, and occasionally remove the coverings to let the frames dry.

If you’re tired of sunrise wake‑ups or campground floodlights shining in at 2 a.m., start with your main sleeping windows: add proper blackout shades or DIY blackout panels, and layer in thermal curtains where heat is an issue. Once you’ve lived with truly dark RV windows, you won’t go back.

All Picks & Comparison

#		Product	Price	Rating
#1		NICETOWN RV Blackout Curtains for Camper Windows, Window Treatment Thermal Insulated Rod Pocket Small Draperies/Drapes for Bedroom/Kitchen (Cappuccino, Set of 2, 42 inches Wide by 36 inches Long)	$20.44	★★★★★ (46,748)	View on Amazon
#2		RYB HOME Cafe Blackout Curtains 24 inch Length, RV Curtains for Camper Windows, Mini Short Small Insulating Light UV Heat Blocking Privacy Half Window Tiers, Width 29 by Length 24, Grey, 2 Panels	$14.95	★★★★★ (29,858)	View on Amazon
#3		RYB HOME 100% Blackout RV Camper Curtains, Thermal Insulated Total Room Darkening Noise Reducing Curtains for Basement Bathroom RV Cars, 34 inches Wide by 24 inches Long, Natural	$19.95	★★★★★ (7,919)	View on Amazon
#4		RV Door Window Shade Cover, Sun Blackout Fabric for Camper Privacy Entrance (16 x 25 inch)	$17.99	★★★★★ (6,203)	View on Amazon
#5		funomo RV Door Window Shade, New Model Foldable RV Blackout Window Cover, UV Rays Protection Camper Trailer Door Window Cover, Hook and Loop Fastener Waterproof Thickened Oxford Fabric (Black-B)	$16.79	★★★★★ (1,435)	View on Amazon