How to Block Sunlight From Nursery Windows Without Drilling

Nov 11, 2025

Simple, renter-friendly solutions for creating a darker, calmer sleep space for babies.

A dark room is one of the most effective ways to help newborns, babies and toddlers settle faster, nap longer, and sleep more soundly, especially during daylight savings or in rooms facing sunrise. But not every home (or rental!) allows you to install permanent blackout curtains or blinds.

The good news? There are damage-free ways to block sunlight from your nursery windows without drilling into walls or frames. Here are the most reliable solutions.

Cut-to-Size Portable Blackout Blinds

Portable blackout blinds are one of the easiest ways to achieve full darkness without tools or drilling. Quality matters here - especially with light leaks, so look for a blind that:

Can be trimmed for a perfect custom fit
Uses strong adhesive hook-and-loop strips instead of glue or screws
Blocks 100% of light
Can be removed cleanly without marks

Porta Fox cut-to-size blackout blinds allow you to measure your window, trim the blind at home, and attach it to the frame or wall using Velcro-style fasteners. No drilling, no tools, and no holes to rental walls. When installed correctly, they eliminate light gaps around the edges.

Perfect for:
✔ Rentals
✔ Day naps
✔ Early risers
✔ Bright rooms
✔ Homes without existing curtain rods

Suction-Cup Portable Blackout Blinds

If you need a truly temporary option - holidays, Airbnbs, grandparents’ house, or travel - suction-cup blackout blinds are your best friend. They stick directly to the glass with suction cups and can be put up or removed in seconds.

Look for ones that have:

Large, strong suction cups
A full blackout coating
Flexible fabric that can cover different window sizes
A carry bag for travel

Because they attach to the glass (not the frame), you don’t need to install anything permanently.

Perfect for:
✔ Travel
✔ Temporary sleeping spaces
✔ Shared bedrooms
✔ Holiday houses
✔ Roomsharing newborns

Tension Rod Blackout Curtains (Drill-Free Rods)

Tension rods sit inside the window frame and hold lightweight blackout curtains. They don’t require drilling but depend on the window frame being deep enough.

Pros:

Inexpensive
Easy to install and remove
Works with existing blackout fabric

Cons:

Light can leak around edges
Not suitable for every window shape
Not ideal for full blackout

Perfect for:
✔ Windows with deeper frames
✔ Parents who want a semi-permanent but drill-free solution

Temporary Window Films

Static-cling blackout window film is another no-drill option. It sticks directly to the glass, blocks light, and peels off cleanly.

Pros:

Affordable
Zero damage to the window
Great for bright street-facing rooms

Cons:

The window must be completely clean
Can bubble
Removes all natural light unless peeled back
Not ideal if you still want a daytime view

Perfect for:
✔ Street-facing nurseries
✔ Homes with extreme morning sunlight
✔ Parents who don’t need the window view

Conclusion

You don’t need to install permanent blinds or drill into walls to create a dark, peaceful sleep environment for your baby. With the right portable, damage-free blackout solutions, you can transform any nursery into a calming, sleep-friendly space - rental, holiday home, awkward window shape and all.