Light Blocking Strips for Blackout Shades & Blinds
Block light gaps along the sides of your existing blackout shades and blinds without replacing them. Sleepy Time Tracks Light Blocking Strips install easily and help create a dramatically darker room.
Light Blocking Strips for Blackout Shades & Blinds
Not sure which style to choose?
Removable requires about 5/16″ clearance and can be removed for window access. Permanent requires only about 3/16″ clearance and is designed for a slimmer gaps, long-term installation.
NEW 30″ Size for Smaller Windows
Have a shorter window—or need extra length? Our 30″ white L-Tracks are ideal for smaller windows with less cutting and waste, or can be butted against a longer track for extra-tall windows. Limited quantities available.
✓ FREE Shipping in the Lower 48 States
USPS shipping is free. UPS Ground is available for an additional fee.
Ships next business day from Illinois.
✓ One set covers one window
Each set includes 2 L-Tracks — one for each side of your shade.
✓ 30-Day Return Policy
Try them with confidence. Customer is responsible for return shipping.
✓ International Shipping Available
Lower shipping rates available to Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Not Sure Which L-Tracks You Need?
Removable L-Tracks
Best if you need access for cleaning, tilt-in windows, screens, or window hardware.
Our removable system uses two magnetic adhesive strips. One strip attaches to your window frame or wall, while the matching magnetic strip comes attached to the L-Track. The L-Tracks simply snaps on and off magnetically whenever you need access—the wall-mounted strip stays in place.
✓ Pops on and off in seconds
✓ Easy access for cleaning or tilt-in windows ✓ Inside mount requires about 5/16″ clearance per side (about the width of a pencil)
Permanent L-Tracks — Most Popular
Best for a long-term installation or when space is tighter. The slimmer profile attaches directly to your window frame or wall with our premium adhesive.
✓ Slimmer profile for tighter spaces
✓ Secure, long-term installation
✓ Can later be removed with little to no damage to properly prepared surfaces ✓ Inside mount requires about 3/16″ clearance per side (about the thickness of 3 pennies)
Both versions provide excellent light-blocking performance — choose the style that best fits your window and how often you need access to it.
See L-Tracks in Action
See how Sleepy Time Tracks help block the light leaking around the sides of your existing shades.
No need to replace your existing shades — L-Tracks help block the light gaps around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sleepy Time Tracks Light Blocking Strips?
Sleepy Time Tracks are L-shaped light-blocking strips designed to reduce unwanted light leaking around the sides of your existing shades. They’re especially effective with cellular (honeycomb) and flat Roman shades and can help block up to 97% of side light.
Each L-Track measures 1.5″ × 1.25″ and is available in 60″, 72″, and 90″ lengths. They can easily be trimmed with scissors or snips for a custom fit.
L-Tracks are available in white with a black light-blocking interior or solid black and can be painted with latex paint to coordinate with your window trim or walls.
What is the difference between L-Tracks and Side Channels?
Sleepy Time Tracks are L-shaped side
L-Tracks are a highly effective solution for blocking unwanted light around the sides of your shades. Their design mounts alongside your existing shade to create a tighter light-blocking seal and is especially effective with cellular (honeycomb) and flat Roman shades.
Side Channels provide an enhanced light-blocking solution for roller and cellular shades. Their adjustable-width design allows the channel to accommodate different shade and mounting configurations. The shade travels inside the channel, providing greater coverage and helping control light gaps caused by fabric movement, curl, or larger spaces between the shade and window frame.
If you have a roller or cellular shade and want maximum side-light control, consider upgrading to our Side Channels.
Which window treatments are these strips compatible with?
They work with most types of shades and blinds, including:
- Cellular shades
- Roller shades (for roller shades, our Side Channels are the first choice for maximum blackout, but Light Blocking Strips can also be used as a simpler option)
- Flat Roman shades
How do I install them?
Installation is simple and DIY-friendly:
- Clean the mounting surface so it is free of dust and debris.
- Trim the L-Tracks to size using scissors or tin snips.
- Position the L-Tracks as close to the shade as possible — slightly touching the shade is preferred for the best light-blocking performance.
- Attach your L-Tracks using the mounting method you selected.
Removable Magnetic: One magnetic adhesive strip attaches to your wall or window frame, while the matching magnetic strip comes pre-attached to the L-Track. The two strips connect magnetically, allowing the L-Track to be easily removed and reattached whenever you need window access.
Permanent Adhesive: The L-Track attaches directly to the mounting surface with strong adhesive for a secure, long-term installation.
Textured or uneven surfaces: Adhesive may not bond properly to surfaces such as stucco. Small screws can be used for a more secure installation.
Need more help? View our step-by-step L-Track Installation Guide.
How many L-Tracks are included in an order?
Each set includes two L-Tracks — one for the left side and one for the right side of one window.
What is the return policy?
We offer a 30-day, money-back guarantee from the date of delivery. You can return Sleepy Time Tracks—even if trimmed—for a full refund. (Buyer covers return shipping.)
What additional benefits do these L-Tracks provide?
Beyond reducing unwanted light, L-Tracks can also:
- Increase privacy by helping close visible gaps along the sides of your shades
- Create a more comfortable sleeping environment by reducing distracting light
- Improve the finished appearance of blackout shades by giving the sides a cleaner, more complete look
Can Sleepy Time Tracks be painted?
Yes. The strips come in white with a black backing or solid black, but they can also be painted with latex (water-based) paint to coordinate with your window trim, walls, or décor.