Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 48" W x 72" L, 6 Pack

These do what they’re supposed to do, block out light. There’s really not much more to say than that. Regarding some of the negative reviews specifically relating to the material; Yes, they’re made out of paper. I’m not sure why some people are surprised by this when they first open the box; it clearly says it in the product title, “ Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated PAPER”. Yes, the adhesive to attach them is not that great. This is easily solved by using something stronger like a command adhesive strip to secure it. I used a 2 inch one, cut it into three pieces and attached one in the center and one at each end and the shades are firmly secured. Yes, because the shade is pleated and it’s made out of paper, even when you stretch it out the full length of the window it bounces back about 1/3 to 1/2 up because it’s not weighted. This issue is also resolved with a command strip - specifically the Velcro ones. I attached one side to the bottom of the shade and one side to the windowsill and when I bring the shade down I secure it to the windowsill. Are they as visually appealing as cloth ones? No, they’re not, because they’re made out of paper. You’re getting six of them for less than $30 dollars, the price for one cloth blackout shade. It should be expected that they’re probably not going to be as nice as the cloth ones. At an average cost of $5 each these are fantastic purchase to solve the problem of too much light. I will add, if you have curtains the visual quality aspect isn’t really going to be an issue because you really can’t see them even thru shear curtains. However, if you don’t have curtains and you don’t plan on putting any up and you want something nicer than a paper shade you may just have to bite the bullet and spend the money on a better quality shade that costs more than $5. If you’re just looking for something that blocks out light, doesn’t require drilling and screws to put up and is cost effective, then these shades are perfect.

I'm a night worker, living in an apartment. For the last year and a half I have just put up with the daylight streaming into the bedroom through the apartments cheap white venetian blinds. I decided I'd had enough, and looked at what was available at Lowes. Starting at $36 per window, and not even in dark colors, the options didn't appear all that practical.These Redi-Shades are a paper like material with accordian folds. I first trimmed them about 3" wider than the window opening on each end. I couldn't install them inside because we have thermo film sealing off the entire frame (cheap apartment windows are single pane glass with aluminum framing). I used 3 of the enclosed clips to clamp the collapsed shade to the bottom of a carpenters level, leaving the adhesive edge flush againts the back of the level. Peeled off the backing and positioned the shade, pressed the adhesive side against the wall when it was where I wanted, carefully released the clips (the shade will expand, just be gentle). I made a second pass along the adhesive with my palm to ensure a good stick, then backed it up with 3 thumb tacks pressed through the shade into the drywall. The final touch was using white Elmo's glue to stick a cheap wooden yardstick on the very bottom flap to help it stay stretched out (three of the clips temporarily while the glue sets).It's now dark as Mamoth Cave in the bedroom! The room feels a bit warmer too, as there is another layer over those cold window frames. The shades look just fine, I decided to just leave them down all the time unless I need to do some work in there like hang speakers, etc. The added weight on the bottom keep them nicely stretched out. It's even darker at night, as the shades block out all of the apartments outdoor lighting. I have four shades still in the box (bedroom just had two windows) and will save them for when we finally get back into a real house.By the way, take the shades out of the box, one at a time, as you install them (you should put on clips as you pull one out too). It's really hard to put them back in, without messing them up. One more thing, clean the surface of the wall before you try to stick them in place. Dust, grime or a crappy paint job will not allow the adhesive to stick. If you try a bit of packing tape first, and the paint comes off when you peel it off, the paint job was poorly primed and you shade will do the same thing.