Best Pleated Shades of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 27, 2026

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Pleated shades are an excellent choice for those looking to add style and sophistication to their home decor. These window coverings offer a sleek, modern look that blends seamlessly with any design scheme. Pleated shades come in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, making it easy to find the perfect match for any room. They are also highly functional, providing privacy, light control, and insulation. Pleated shades are easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want a hassle-free solution to their window covering needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Redi Shade Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Cover #TOP 1
Redi Shade Blackout Pleated Paper Shade
ftb score rating icon 9.9
MYshade Temporary Blackout Paper Shades Cover #TOP 2
MYshade Temporary Blackout Paper Shades
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Redi Shade Cordless Pleated Fabric Shade Cover #TOP 3
Redi Shade Cordless Pleated Fabric Shade
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Pleated Shades

#TOP 1

Redi Shade Blackout Pleated Paper Shade

1617201
Black
36"W x 72"H
Redi Shade Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Cover
Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36" W x 72" L, 6 Pack

The Redi Shade Blackout Pleated Paper Shade is a convenient and affordable window covering solution. With its easy trim-at-home installation, you can quickly achieve the perfect fit for your window frame without the need for tools. This shade blocks 99% of light, providing complete privacy and control over light and UV rays. The cordless design not only gives a clean look but also ensures child safety. Made of durable paper, this shade is resistant to yellowing and cracking from sun exposure. Whether used as a stand-alone solution or layered behind existing window treatments, the Redi Shade Blackout Shade is a reliable choice for bedrooms, children's rooms, and movie rooms.

What We Like
Total blackout effect
Easy installation
Affordable price
Customizable size
Lightweight material
What We Don't Like
Adhesive may need reinforcement
Somewhat flimsy construction
#TOP 2

MYshade Temporary Blackout Paper Shades

cf0329fc-ab69-4330-ab50-f57e19f6f21c
White
36"W*72"H - 6 PC
MYshade Temporary Blackout Paper Shades Cover
MYshade 6 Pack Temporary Light Filtering Paper Shades for Windows,Paper Pleated Blinds with Adhesive,No Tools No Drilling Free Cut Size Temporary Room Darkening Shades(White, 36" W x 72" H)

Introducing MYshade Blackout Paper Shades, the perfect solution for temporary window treatment. Made of high-quality and durable paper, these shades block most UV rays and harmful dust, creating a comfortable environment for your home. With easy installation, simply cut the pleated paper shades to fit your window size and install in seconds without any tools or drilling. The unique support structure ensures consistent pleat spacing, giving you a perfect, tailored look. Choose from two colors, white for light filtering or black for blackout. Release your creativity by shaping the shades to fit your window design. Ideal for kitchens and homes in need of temporary shades.

What We Like
Easy installation
Customizable size
Good light blocking
Temporary or permanent use
Great value
What We Don't Like
Adhesive residue
May not last long-term
#TOP 3

Redi Shade Cordless Pleated Fabric Shade

3511168
White
36"W x 64"H
Redi Shade Cordless Pleated Fabric Shade Cover
Redi Shade No Tools Easy Lift Trim-at-Home Cordless Pleated Light Filtering Fabric Shade White, 36" W x 64" L, (Fits windows 19"- 36")

The Redi Shade Cordless Pleated Fabric Shade is a hassle-free window covering solution that enables easy installation and trimming without any tools. It features a cordless lift mechanism, making it safe for children and pets. The soft spun lace fabric gently filters light to provide privacy and UV protection. The rounded bottom rail and finished end caps give it a clean and crisp appearance. The shade can be trimmed to fit your windows with a straight-edged kitchen knife using the included patented trimming scale and guide.

What We Like
Easy installation
No drilling required
Customizable size
Attractive appearance
Affordable option
What We Don't Like
Material feels lightweight
Occasional uneven hanging
#TOP 4

Changshade 6-Pack Light Filtering Pleated Paper Shades

12c78ead-5595-483a-a9fa-6d5eca7f0026
White
36"W x 72"H- 6PC
Changshade 6-Pack Light Filtering Pleated Paper Shades Cover
Changshade 6 Pack Temporary Shades, Pleated Paper Blinds for Indoor Windows Cut to Size Adhesive Paper Shades No Tools No Drilling for Office, Bedroom, Living Room,36" W x 72" H,White

Changshade 6-Pack Light Filtering Pleated Paper Shades provide instant privacy, light filtering, and UV blocking, and are easy to install with peel and stick design. The cord-free design ensures a tangle-free look and creates a safer environment for kids and pets. These shades are versatile and can be cut to any size and can be adjusted to the desired level with attached clips. A must-have economical choice for outfitting every window and for travel purposes.

What We Like
Easy installation
Effective blackout
Strong adhesive
Simple to trim
Affordable temporary solution
What We Don't Like
Tough adhesive removal
Not for frequent adjustment
#TOP 5

Changshade 6-Pack Cordless Pleated Paper Shades

Pleated paper 36" * 72"
White
36" x 72"-6PC
Changshade 6-Pack Cordless Pleated Paper Shades Cover
Changshade 6-Pack Pleated Paper Temporary Shades Cordless Light Filtering Cut to Size Temporary Paper Blinds for Indoor Windows of Office, Bedroom, Bathroom, Living Room, 36" W x 72" H, White

The Changshade Pleated Paper Shades offer a flexible solution for your window covering needs. You can easily trim the shades to fit any window size up to 36 by 72 inches, making them perfect for custom window shapes. Installation is a breeze since the shades come with 3M adhesive tape, allowing you to stick them on without any tools or damage to your window frames. These shades are versatile enough to fit various window shapes like rectangles or circles, giving you creative freedom. They also provide privacy and help block sunlight, protecting your room from UV rays while maintaining a fresh look without yellowing or cracking.

What We Like
Easy installation
Custom fit, cut-to-size
Affordable temporary solution
Effective light filtering
Child-safe cordless design
What We Don't Like
Adhesive removal mildly difficult
Paper durability not long-term
#TOP 6

Maritown Cordless No Drill Pleated Paper Blinds

Maritown
Maritown
White - 1 Pack
24"W x 59"H
Maritown Cordless No Drill Pleated Paper Blinds Cover
Window Blinds Cordless No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Self Adhesive Temporary Blinds Pleated Paper Blinds for Windows Doors Shades for Home Nursery Bedroom Kitchen Bathroom

The Maritown Cordless Paper Blinds offer a simple and damage-free way to cover your windows. You can easily install them by cutting to the right size, peeling the backing, and sticking them in place without any drilling or tools, which means no holes or marks on your walls. Made from thick, high-quality non-woven fabric, these blinds are waterproof, dustproof, and breathable, keeping your space clean and comfortable. With two clips included, you can adjust the height of the blinds to control the amount of light entering your room. The cordless design also makes them safe for homes with children and pets.

What We Like
Easy installation
Light filtering and privacy
Durable fabric material
Budget-friendly price
Attractive appearance
What We Don't Like
Limited sizing options
Adhesive not repositionable
#TOP 7

Redi Shade No Tools Original Arch Pleated Fabric Shade

3607070
White
72"W x 36"H
Redi Shade No Tools Original Arch Pleated Fabric Shade Cover
Redi Shade No Tools Original Arch Light Blocking Pleated Fabric Shade White, 72" W x 36" H

The Redi Shade Arch Pleated is designed for easy, tool-free installation, making it perfect for anyone who wants a hassle-free window upgrade. You can trim the shade at home to get a perfect fit for your half-round arch windows, saving you time and effort. The peel-and-stick design means you won’t need drills, screws, or brackets, so you can install it quickly and without damage to your walls. Plus, it helps block heat, sunlight, and harmful UV rays, providing both privacy and better light control in your room. This shade is made from a durable fabric that also reflects heat, helping you keep your space comfortable.

What We Like
Easy installation
Excellent light filtering
Customizable fit
Good value
Attractive appearance
What We Don't Like
Limited long-term durability
Not washable
#TOP 8

FADOTY 100% Blackout Window Cover Film

Blackout-118L-BL
Black
57"W x 118"H
FADOTY 100% Blackout Window Cover Film Cover
FADOTY Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Portable 100% Black Out Window Cover Film, Cuttable Blackout Shades Fabric Sheet, No Drill Window Blinds, Sun Heat Light Blocker for Travel Media Dorm, 57'' W

The FADOTY Blackout Curtains provide a complete blackout solution, perfect if you need to sleep during the day or want to keep your room dark and cool. You can easily install these curtains by measuring, cutting, and sticking them on your window—no tools or drilling required. They come in a large size that you can cut to fit any window shape, making them versatile for bedrooms, offices, or even your RV. Plus, the heat-reflective layers help reduce indoor heat by blocking sunlight, which can keep your space cooler and lower your energy bills during hot weather.

What We Like
Easy installation
Customizable sizing
Effective light blocking
Temperature regulation
Strong Velcro adhesion
What We Don't Like
Minor edge light leakage
Velcro may require adjustment
#TOP 9

Changshade 6-Pack Adhesive Pleated Paper Blinds

White
36"W x 72"H
Changshade 6-Pack Adhesive Pleated Paper Blinds Cover
Changshade 6-Pack Temporary Pleated Paper Blinds for Window, Cut to Size Adhesive Paper Shades, Portable Room Darkening Stick on Pleated Blinds, No Drilling and Easy to Install, 36" W x 72" H, White

The Changshade Adhesive Paper Blinds offer an easy way to keep your home comfortable and private. Made from durable paper, these blinds block harsh sunlight and reduce up to 99% of UV rays, helping protect your furniture and floors from fading. Installation is simple and quick—you just peel and stick the blinds to your window frame, no tools or drilling needed, making them perfect for renters or travelers. You can also trim the blinds with scissors to fit any window size perfectly, ensuring full coverage without gaps. Plus, the cordless design keeps your family safe, especially children and pets, while allowing you to adjust the height easily using the included clips.

What We Like
Easy installation
Customizable fit
Budget-friendly
Effective privacy
Light blocking
What We Don't Like
Accordion shape may sag
Limited long-term durability
#TOP 10

Redi Shade Original Light Filtering Pleated Shade

1355199
White
48"W x 72"H
Redi Shade Original Light Filtering Pleated Shade Cover
Redi Shade No Tools Original Light Filtering Pleated Fabric Shade White, 48" W x 72" L, 2 Pack

The Redi Shade Light Filtering is designed to softly filter sunlight, helping you maintain privacy while reducing glare and protecting your room from harmful UV rays. Its cordless design means you won’t have to worry about tangled cords or safety hazards, making it a great choice for homes with children. You can easily adjust the shade using the included clips to control how much light enters your space. Plus, it installs without any tools, offering a quick and hassle-free setup that fits perfectly whether you’re in a house, apartment, dorm, or even an RV.

What We Like
Easy installation
Affordable price
Pet friendly
Customizable size
Provides privacy with light
What We Don't Like
Basic-looking clips
Material may feel thin
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are pleated shades the same as honeycomb shades?

No, pleated shades and honeycomb shades are different. Honeycomb shades have a unique honeycomb construction that offers more energy efficiency, while pleated shades do not have this insulating design.

2. Are pleated shades in style?

Yes, pleated shades are stylish and versatile window treatments. They come in a variety of colors, designs, and patterns, making them a great choice for any room and matching various decor styles.

3. What is the R value of a pleated shade?

The R-value of a pleated shade is approximately 2.20. In comparison, a single cellular shade typically has an R-value ranging from 3.50 to 4.30, offering higher insulation.

4. What are the cons of honeycomb shades?

One disadvantage of honeycomb shades is that dust and dirt can accumulate in the cells, requiring thorough cleaning. However, this can be managed with regular maintenance.

5. Do pleated blinds get dusty?

Yes, like all blinds, pleated blinds can attract dust and dirt over time. Regular cleaning is recommended to keep them looking their best.

6. Are pleated blinds any good?

Yes, pleated blinds are beneficial. They can improve energy efficiency by trapping air in honeycomb pockets, keeping rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

7. How long do pleated blinds last?

The average lifespan of pleated blinds is around seven to eight years, but some homeowners may choose to replace them sooner.

8. What window shades have the highest R-value?

Insulated cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, typically have the highest R-values among window coverings. These shades contain one or more air layers in a honeycomb cross-section, providing excellent insulation.

9. What shades are best for insulation?

Cellular (honeycomb) shades are considered the best for insulation. Their innovative design traps air at the window, helping to keep rooms warm in winter and cool in summer.

Editor's Notes

During our pleated shade research, we found 24 pleated shade products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 300,039 customer reviews through our big data system to write the pleated shades list. We found that most customers choose pleated shades with an average price of $30.61.

The pleated shades are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of pleated shades, including Redi Shade, MYshade, Changshade, Maritown, FADOTY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Pleated Shades Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Redi Shade MYshade Redi Shade Changshade Changshade Maritown Redi Shade FADOTY Changshade Redi Shade
Material Paper Paper Polyester Paper Paper Fabric Polyester Fabric Paper Polyester
Color Black White White White White White - 1 Pack White Black White White
Opacity Blackout Semi-Sheer Inches Light Filtering Semi-Sheer Sheer Inches Semi-Sheer Light Blocking Blackout Inches Semi-Sheer Light Filtering
Recommended Uses For Product Indoor Indoor Window Covering Indoor, Outdoor Indoor, Outdoor Indoor - Indoor Indoor Indoor
Room Type Home Office, Nursery Kitchen Bedroom, Home Office, Living Room, Nursery Bathroom, Bedroom, Home Office, Kids Room, Living Room Bathroom, Bedroom, Home Office, Kitchen, Living Room Bathroom, Dining Room, Home Office, Kitchen - Bedroom, Dining Room, Home Office, Kitchen, Nursery Home Office Bedroom, Den, Living Room, Office
Operation Mode Cordless Lift Manual Cordless Lift Manual Manual Manual - Manual Manual Manual
Shape Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular - Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular
Pattern Solid Solid Solid Solid Solid Solid - Solid Solid Solid
Item Weight 1.75 Pounds 1.36 Kilograms 1.26 pounds 2.2 Pounds 2.57 Pounds 4.93 Ounces - 1.21 Pounds 1.38 Kilograms 15.16 Ounces
Product Care Instructions Spot Clean Only Spot Clean Only Spot Clean Only Spot Clean Only Spot Clean Only Spot Clean Only - Spot Clean Only Spot Clean Only Spot Clean Only
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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