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Blackout vs Honeycomb vs Roman Shades: Which Saves Energy (2026)
Choosing between blackout, honeycomb and Roman shades comes down to three things: how much light you want to block, how much thermal insulation you need, and how easy the shades are to install and maintain. This guide compares energy savings, installation and light control for common shade types and then reviews three Sulugood no-drill Roman shade options (one light-filtering, two 70% blackout) selected for their installation style, fabric construction and customer-reported fit and value. Read on to learn which shade will cut heating/cooling losses, how they compare on DIY installation, and which Sulugood model suits each room.
Quick Answer
For most rooms the Sulugood No Drill Roman Shades (White, 56" x 36", ASIN B0DJGJPLT1) are the best balance of insulation, light diffusion and easy no-drill installation. If you need darker rooms on a tight budget choose the 70% Blackout Gray (B0DJGJ58MJ); upgrade to the Beige 70% Blackout (B0DJGN58KB) for the premium finish.
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Quick Comparison
Select 2-3 products to compare side-by-side
| Compare | Product | CozyMeter Score | Price Tier | Key Feature | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Roman Shades — White
|
Mid-Range | Light-filtering with thermal insulating layer | Rooms needing soft daylight and insulation | Check Price | ||
70% Blackout — Gray
|
Budget | 70% blackout for glare control | Bedrooms or media rooms on a budget | Check Price | ||
70% Blackout — Beige
|
Premium | Premium finish with 70% blackout | Larger windows and upgraded decor | Check Price |
1. No Drill Roman Shades for Windows No Tools Roman Shades, UV Protection, Thermal Insulation Roman Blinds, Easy to Install, Light Filtering-White 56" W x 36" H
A no-drill, cordless Roman shade that balances daylighting and thermal performance. Customers praise the polyester fabric, fit and upscale look; it installs fast and keeps rooms bright while reducing glare and heat gain.
Key Specs
- No-drill cordless installation
- Polyester fabric with thermal insulation
- Light-filtering (non-blackout)
- Cordless pull-and-stop operation
Pros
- Better natural light diffusion than the 70% blackout options
- No-drill installation is quicker and room-friendly compared to fixed blinds
- Often described as looking expensive and fitting well
Cons
- Less effective at producing full darkness than 70% blackout variants
- Some users report minor sliding/fit and durability concerns over time
Best For: Rooms needing soft daylight and insulation
Check Latest Price on Amazon2. No Drill Roman Shades for Windows No Tools Roman Shades, UV Protection, Privacy, Thermal Insulation Roman Blinds, Easy to Install, 70%Blackout-Gray 52" W x 48" H
A budget-friendly no-drill Roman shade with 70% blackout performance that blocks most glare while retaining some ambient light. It shares the same cordless ease of install and is valued for its look and fit, though build thickness and long-term sturdiness are debated.
Key Specs
- No-drill cordless installation
- 70% blackout fabric
- Thermal insulation and UV protection
- Polyester construction
Pros
- Blocks substantially more light than the light-filtering variant
- Good value for money compared with higher-priced blackout options
- Same easy no-drill, cordless setup as other Sulugood models
Cons
- Not a full blackout — some light still filters through
- Customers occasionally note issues with thickness and long-term sturdiness
Best For: Bedrooms or media rooms on a budget
Check Latest Price on Amazon3. No Drill Roman Shades for Windows No Tools Roman Shades, UV Protection, Privacy, Thermal Insulation Roman Blinds, Easy to Install, 70%Blackout-Beige 53" W x 56" H
A premium-sized 70% blackout Roman shade with the same no-drill, cordless convenience and enhanced styling. It appeals to buyers seeking a better finish and larger size options, while delivering strong privacy and reduced solar heat gain.
Key Specs
- No-drill cordless installation
- 70% blackout fabric with thermal properties
- Larger size options for big windows
- Polyester fabric with UV protection
Pros
- Higher-end finish and larger size choices than the budget option
- Better privacy and similar thermal performance to the gray blackout
- Maintains the easy, drill-free installation approach
Cons
- Premium price tier compared with the budget 70% blackout model
- Some buyers report concerns about material thickness and long-term durability
Best For: Larger windows and upgraded decor
Check Latest Price on AmazonWhich One Should You Choose?
If you want the best overall mix of looks, insulation and easy no-drill installation, choose the Sulugood No Drill Roman Shades (White, ASIN B0DJGJPLT1) — it balances daylight, glare control and thermal help while looking upscale. If budget is tight and you need darker rooms, pick the Sulugood 70% Blackout Gray (ASIN B0DJGJ58MJ) for strong value and simpler blackout performance. If you need a larger or more finished option for prominent windows and don't mind paying more, go with the Sulugood 70% Blackout Beige (ASIN B0DJGN58KB) for the premium look and size options.
Best for Specific Scenarios
- Living room with daytime TV glare: Sulugood 70% Blackout Gray (B0DJGJ58MJ) because it reduces glare while keeping some ambient light.
- Bedroom for balanced light and aesthetics: Sulugood White (B0DJGJPLT1) because it diffuses daylight, insulates and looks polished.
- Large front windows or upgraded decor: Sulugood Beige (B0DJGN58KB) because of larger sizes and a premium finish that fits visible rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these no-drill Roman shades actually save energy?
Yes — thermal-lined Roman shades reduce heat transfer through windows, cutting cooling in summer and heat loss in winter compared with bare glass. For maximum energy savings choose cellular (honeycomb) shades or full blackout-lined options, but thermal Roman shades still provide noticeable benefit.
Are these cordless shades easy to install in rentals?
Yes. The Sulugood no-drill, cordless system is designed for mount options that avoid drilling into the wall or window frame, making them renter-friendly. Accurate measurement is essential for a snug fit and best performance.
Which is darker: 70% blackout or full blackout?
70% blackout reduces most direct light and glare but lets some ambient light filter through; full blackout linings and tightly sealed side channels deliver near-total darkness. Choose 70% for balance, full blackout for sleeping rooms or home theaters.
How We Selected These Products
Our recommendations are based on data-driven analysis: we evaluated 279586+ products across 40813+ brands using a composite scoring system that weighs rating (40%), review volume (30%), price value (20%), and demand signals (10%). Every product is ranked by data, not opinions.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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CozyMeter Score is our editorial ranking based on a composite analysis of product quality, value, and verified customer sentiment. Click through to Amazon for current pricing, availability, and live customer reviews.