ShiftShade for Big Windows - Improve Sleep with The Easy to Install, Non-Permanent Total Blackout Light Blocking Shade for Windows. This Version fits Windows from 39" to 48" Wide and up to 72" Tall.

I cut the kit in half to cover 2 tall narrow recessed windows, and found out that when you cut the rods in half they become very hard to bend. They're surprisingly stiff, and without the leverage from the normal long length it took both hands and a serious grunt of effort to bend one enough to insert into the window, even though the rods were only about 1" longer than the opening width. I managed to get it done by myself, but it would have been much easier with a helper to hold the material in place while I inserted the rods. Wear gloves while cutting the rods, or you can get invisible little fiberglass splinter hairs in your hands. And forget removing and reinserting this casually, at least for me it's semi-permanent until I no longer need it at all. But when I do remove it, it's nice that it won't damage any paint or leave any trace.On a different window with a metal frame where I wasn't worried about damaging paint, I used a different style blackout kit that mounts with Velcro all around the edges,  Blackout EZ Window Cover - Small (36" x 48") White/White . That was much easier to install and can be easily taken out and put back whenever needed. Some here have recommended using double-sided foam mounting tape with this kit instead of the rods, but if you're willing to stick something down for mounting, I'd strongly recommend the EZ Cover instead, it was really excellent. You could always stick the Velcro to the window glass instead of the wall or painted frame, too.The blackout cloth is totally lightproof, but ignore any silly claims about sound barriers, it's basically just standard roller shade material, some kind of cloth-reinforced vinyl, and not very thick. The dead air space created will add a little thermal insulation and stop drafts, though. The white color will reflect heat back out in the summer, and it looks pretty much like a pulled down roller shade from the outside, not weird like blackout window film would.All in all, it's an above average solution that works pretty well, better than blackout blinds or curtains that always leak around the edges, and much easier and cleaner to install and remove than window film, but not as convenient as the Blackout EZ Window Cover. Its one big advantage is that you can remove it without leaving any trace behind.

My boyfriend works at night, so we needed something that would block out the light during the day. We tried blackout curtains, but they just weren't blocking out enough light. First, I would like to say this product does, indeed, block out any semblence of sunlight (sound still comes through a bit, but not as much). So the product does work. I also like that the rods come with caps so you don't mess up the window sill and that you can use this product in conjunction with your regular window treatment (and window blinds). However, the installation was rather trying. You must have a hacksaw (specified in the instructions that come with the covering) and it's recommended to have safety glasses. If you don't have a hacksaw, be prepared to purchase one or borrow one... you really do need it! This was also a two-person installation (for me). Other people may not have a problem with it, but we did. The covering must be pulled tight and then the rods are inserted (after you cut them). We have a window that slides up over the top window, so the rods had to be inserted a little differently than the direcitons allow. Total install time (for two people) was about an hour. Like I said, the product works, but the time and level of effort required for the install was something I wasn't anticipating. If you have the time, energy, (possibly) second person to help you, then I'd recommend this product.

Perfect for my needs. I have dark faux wood blinds that keep out enough light--I've always worn an eye mask to really keep out daylight. But in my new place the window is south facing, upstairs, and I'm afraid the room will get too hot from the blinds absorbing heat. Not to mention, I've heard that dark blinds can warp from the sun. So I got this to reflect light, keep sun off the blinds but not be visible since the blinds are really pretty. I'll probably only use the shiftshade in summer but I put it up recently to see how it works. Very lucky that my windows happen to be 46 3/4 inches across so I didn't need to cut the poles! Otherwise, not sure I would have wanted to spend the money. I cut about 10 inches off the bottom cause my window isn't super tall. Stuck just two poles across for now, checked it from outside and it looks nice, just plain white. Not sure if light comes in but figure I can adjust it if so. Though as I said, mine's mainly for heat. For now in the winter it's coming down--took only 3 minutes to put up. Suppose it could muffle sound a little, which would be helpful but not as important. I sleep a reverse sleep cycle due to a serious medical condition and meds so usually have little trouble sleeping during the day.

Fabric blocks out the light 100%. Support rods hold product in place. The problem is light gaps at the edges. I found myself just going around the edges with packing tape to remedy this issue, which brings me to my last point. This product leaves a sloppy appearance and is only one step away from just throwing a heavy blanket over your window.

As a shift work veteran of 20+ years, I've tried so many products over the years. Standard blackout curtains don't offer a flush fit, same with blinds. There is always light creeping from somewhere. Not so with the ShiftShade. It works perfectly and still looks nice from the outside.I do use the rods that come with but never bothered with cutting them to size. I just bend them where I need them. Tension rods can also be used or even command tape. I did need to replace the material after a couple of years due to the window receiving direct sunlight during the hottest time of day and eventually it started to break down (melting plastic smell). Still, I got over 2.5 years out of it, which is a lot longer than any other curtains I've used.It keeps the light and heat (or cold) out and the room at a comfortable sleeping temperature. Helps to muffle outside noise and in combination with a Dohm white noise machine, makes getting sleep during the day so much easier.