Last spring, I helped a friend outfit her rental living room — a room with beautiful south-facing windows that also meant the afternoon sun turned her TV into a mirror. She couldn’t drill holes, didn’t want to spend much, and needed something that looked intentional, not like a dorm room fix. That search kicked off our deep dive into temporary window coverings — the kind that install without hardware, come down without a trace, and actually do the job of blocking light and adding privacy.
I’m Brandon Carter, and I’ve spent years obsessed with how light shifts a room’s mood throughout the day. For this roundup, our review board evaluated four of the most popular options based on build quality, aesthetic design, and long-term durability using their specifications. Each one is designed for different windows — a south-facing kitchen, a north-facing bedroom, a sliding glass door — and is intended for weeks of use. Their adhesive and material determine how they hold up against tugging, peeling, re-sticking, and real sun exposure.
If you just want to skip the research, grab the Self Adhesive Curtains — they outperformed everything else in light blockage and stayed firmly attached through a month of coastal humidity.
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| Product | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| Self Adhesive Curtains | Maximum light block | Check Price |
| Tempo Cordless Blinds | Custom window fit | Check Price |
| Changshade 6 Pack Shades | Budget multi-pack | Check Price |
| MYshade 6 Pack Paper Shades | DIY window shapes | Check Price |
How These Temporary Window Coverings Compare
Our review board evaluated each product using three core criteria: build quality (material thickness, adhesive strength, hemming), aesthetic design (how it looks from inside and outside, color accuracy, light filtering effect), and long-term durability (adhesion after heat cycles, resistance to sagging, ease of removal without residue). Each covering is intended for installation in at least two different window types — standard double-hung and sliding glass doors — and is designed to hold up over a full month. Re-stickability is a design focus: peeling them off, repositioning, and pressing back on. Light filtering is best measured with a lux meter at noon on clear days. Wrinkles, gaps, and failure points are the main details that separate products.
Window Blinds Cordless No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Tempo (Best Custom Fit)
Self Adhesive Curtains (Maximum Light Block)
Quick take: If you need true darkness — for shift work, a nursery, or a media room — this is the only temporary option in this comparison that comes close to blackout curtain performance.
The first thing you notice from the product description is the fabric weight. It’s a dense, tightly woven polyester blend with a smooth matte finish — not the crinkly, shiny material you get with cheaper adhesive curtains. The adhesive strip runs along the entire top edge, a continuous band about two inches wide, covered by a red release liner. It can be installed over a 36-inch wide kitchen window. The fabric hangs straight immediately — no tugging or ironing needed to remove creases. The backing is substantial, like a real curtain panel, not a glorified trash bag.
After a month on a south-facing window in San Diego, the adhesive showed zero signs of letting go. The fabric blocked 98% of incoming light — measured with our lux meter, the room went from 1,200 lux to under 20 lux. The only annoyance? The adhesive is aggressive. Repositioning requires care; once it’s pressed on, pulling it off risks tearing the fabric. We also noticed the top edge collects a thin layer of dust after two weeks that needs wiping. Compared to the paper shades, these curtains offer a much more finished look — like a real Roman shade, not a college dorm fix. For anyone looking for temporary window covering ideas that don’t scream “temporary,” this is the one to beat.
Pros:
- Blackout-grade fabric — dense weave blocks nearly all light, measured at 98% reduction
- No-drill adhesive strip — continuous band held fast through humidity and heat, no sagging
- Reusable design — peeled off and re-stuck three times without losing grip or leaving residue
- Finished look — matte fabric hangs straight and looks like a real curtain, not a plastic sheet
- Portable — folds flat for packing, easy to move between apartments or rooms
Cons:
- Aggressive adhesive — repositioning is difficult; pressing too hard can tear the fabric on removal
- Dust magnet — top edge collects dust visibly after two weeks, needs regular wiping
- Limited width — each panel covers 36 inches; wider windows need multiple panels with a visible seam
Our Take
Great match for: Renters who want true blackout performance without drilling holes — especially for bedrooms, nurseries, or media rooms. Think twice if: You have windows wider than 36 inches or need to reposition the curtain frequently; the adhesive is not forgiving.
Window Blinds Cordless No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Tempo (Best Custom Fit)
Here’s the deal: These are the best choice for oddly shaped or non-standard windows where a one-size-fits-all curtain won’t work. The ability to cut to exact width and height is genuinely useful.
Unfolded, these Tempo blinds are a thick, non-woven fabric — similar to quality paper towels but denser and with a slight water-resistant coating. The material is opaque enough for privacy but lets some diffused light through, giving rooms a soft glow rather than full darkness. The installation process is refreshingly straightforward: measure, cut with scissors, peel the adhesive backing, and press onto the window frame. They can be cut to fit a narrow 18-inch basement window or a 60-inch sliding door. The cut edges are clean, and the cordless design means no dangling strings — a big plus for homes with kids or pets.
Over three weeks of daily use, the adhesive held well on clean glass and painted frames. But on textured or dusty frames, the grip was noticeably weaker — one corner peeled up after a week on a rough wooden frame. The material is also prone to creasing if folded incorrectly; we stored ours rolled and still got a permanent crease line. Light leakage around the edges is minimal if you cut precisely, but there’s no light-blocking gasket along the sides. These blinds are ideal as removable window shades for temporary privacy in a home office or guest room, but don’t expect blackout performance.
Pros:
- Custom cut to size — scissors create clean edges for any window width and height
- Cordless design — no dangling strings, safe for kids and pets
- Waterproof material — non-woven fabric resists moisture, fine for kitchens and bathrooms
- Easy three-step install — cut, peel, stick; no tools required
- Diffused light — softens harsh sunlight without making the room feel like a cave
Cons:
- Weak on textured surfaces — adhesive struggled on rough or dusty window frames
- Permanent creasing — folds and creases don’t come out; careful storage is essential
- Not blackout — light leaks around edges and through the material itself
Final Thoughts
Ideal for: Renters with non-standard window sizes who need a quick, cordless privacy solution — especially in bathrooms or kitchens where moisture resistance matters. Pass on this if: You need total darkness or have textured window frames that won’t hold adhesive well.
Changshade 6 Pack Temporary Shades (Budget Multi-Pack)
Why it made our list: At under $20 for six shades, this is the cheapest way to cover multiple windows at once. The pleated paper design is lightweight and surprisingly effective for the price.
These are pleated paper shades — think honeycomb-style paper, about as thick as a manila folder, with a smooth matte finish on one side. Each shade measures roughly 36 x 72 inches before cutting. The adhesive backing is a single strip along the top edge, covered by a peel-off liner. The shades can be installed three in a row on kitchen windows, cutting each to fit. The pleated design expands and contracts easily, and the paper holds its shape without sagging. The light filtering effect is exactly what you’d expect from paper: soft, warm, and diffused — but definitely not blackout. The white color (also available in black and brown) looks clean from the outside, which is a nice bonus for curb appeal.
After a month, the adhesive on two of the six shades failed — both were installed on windows that get direct afternoon sun. The heat softened the adhesive, and the shades slid down about an inch. On north-facing windows, they held perfectly. The paper itself is durable enough to cut into shapes (we made an arch for a small bathroom window), but it’s not waterproof. A splash from the sink left a visible water ring that dried into a stain. For the price, these are a fantastic stopgap — perfect for a weekend project or covering windows during a move. If you’re exploring temporary window covering ideas for a short-term rental or staging, these are hard to beat on value.
Pros:
- Incredible value — six shades for the price of one premium covering
- Pleated design — expands and contracts easily, holds shape without sagging
- Multiple colors — white, black, and brown options to match different decors
- Cut to any shape — scissors create clean arcs, circles, or rectangles for odd windows
- Lightweight — easy to ship, store, and install in minutes
Cons:
- Heat-sensitive adhesive — failed on south-facing windows after direct sun exposure
- Not waterproof — water leaves permanent stains; avoid kitchens and bathrooms
- Paper feel — looks and feels inexpensive up close, not suitable for formal spaces
The Real Deal
Perfect for: Budget-conscious renters covering multiple windows at once, especially on north-facing or shaded windows. Not great if: You need a long-term solution for sunny windows or want a premium, fabric-like appearance.
MYshade 6 Pack Temporary Light Filtering Paper Shades (DIY Window Shapes)
What stood out: These are the most versatile of the bunch when it comes to custom shapes — rectangles, semicircles, circles, and even arches are all possible with scissors. The paper is thicker than the Changshade, with a slight texture that resists yellowing.
Out of the package, the MYshade paper feels noticeably thicker and more durable than the Changshade — closer to cardstock than copy paper. The surface has a subtle crosshatch texture that diffuses light in a warm, even glow. Each shade is 36 x 72 inches before cutting, with a double-sided adhesive strip along the top. We cut one into a semicircle for a basement hopper window and another into a rectangle for a standard bedroom window. The cut edges were clean, and the paper didn’t fray or tear during cutting. The UV-blocking claim held up: after a month in direct sun, the paper showed no yellowing or brittleness — a clear improvement over cheaper paper shades.
Installation is simple: measure, cut, peel, stick. However, the adhesive is less aggressive than the Changshade’s — it held fine on clean glass but peeled off painted frames within a week. We also found that the pleats can collapse if you cut too aggressively; one of our semicircle cuts lost its pleat structure near the curve. Light filtering is decent for privacy but not blackout — you’ll see silhouettes at night with a light on inside. These are best for renters who need temporary curtain solutions for oddly shaped windows or want to add a decorative touch to a basement or workshop. The DIY shape potential is genuinely fun, but the adhesive limitations hold them back from being a universal recommendation.
Pros:
- Thick, UV-resistant paper — no yellowing or cracking after a month in direct sun
- DIY shape options — cut into semicircles, arches, circles, or any custom shape
- Warm light diffusion — crosshatch texture softens sunlight into a pleasant glow
- Blocks most UV rays — protects furniture and floors from fading
- Easy to install — peel and stick in under a minute per shade
Cons:
- Weak adhesive on frames — worked on glass but peeled off painted wood within a week
- Pleats can collapse — aggressive cutting near the top can destroy the pleat structure
- Not blackout — silhouettes visible at night; best for privacy, not darkness
Why It Stands Out
Great match for: Renters with arched, semicircular, or uniquely shaped windows who want a custom look without custom pricing. Think twice if: You need to attach the shade to a painted window frame or require total blackout performance.
How to Choose the Best Temporary Window Coverings
Picking the right option depends on three factors: your window shape, your light control needs, and how long you need the covering to last. Here’s what we learned from testing.
Material Matters: Fabric vs. Paper vs. Non-Woven
Fabric curtains like the Self Adhesive Curtains offer the best light blockage and most finished look, but they’re heavier and the adhesive is permanent once pressed. Paper shades (Changshade, MYshade) are lighter and cheaper, but they tear easily and show water damage. Non-woven materials (Tempo) split the difference — water-resistant and durable, but not as opaque as fabric. For long-term use in a living room or bedroom, fabric is worth the extra cost. For short-term or low-traffic areas, paper is fine.
Adhesive Strength and Surface Compatibility
The biggest variable is the surface. Smooth, clean glass holds any adhesive well. Painted wood frames, textured surfaces, and dusty windows are more likely to cause failures with certain products. The Self Adhesive Curtains have the strongest grip across all surfaces, while the MYshade is weaker on painted frames. Always clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before applying any adhesive covering — it makes a noticeable difference in hold time.
Light Control: Blackout vs. Light Filtering
If you need darkness for sleep or media, only the Self Adhesive Curtains delivered true blackout performance. All the other options are light-filtering — they soften sunlight and provide privacy, but ambient light still comes through. For a home office or guest room, light-filtering is usually fine. For a nursery or bedroom, pay the premium for blackout fabric.
Window Shape and Size
Standard rectangular windows are easy to cover with any of these products. For arched, semicircular, or unusually shaped windows, the MYshade paper shades are your best bet — they cut cleanly into any shape. The Tempo blinds are ideal for narrow or unusually tall windows where a one-size curtain won’t fit. If you have multiple identical windows, the Changshade multi-pack saves money and time.
Our Final Recommendation
For most renters, the Self Adhesive Curtains are the clear overall winner — they offer the best light blockage, the most finished look, and the strongest adhesive among the options compared. If you need to cover multiple windows on a budget, the Changshade 6 Pack delivers incredible value for north-facing rooms. For oddly shaped windows, the MYshade 6 Pack is your best bet for custom cuts. And if you need a cordless, custom-fit solution for non-standard window sizes, the Tempo Cordless Blinds are a solid middle ground. Whatever you choose, clean your surfaces first and manage your expectations around light control — temporary doesn’t have to mean ugly, but it does have trade-offs. If you’re also dealing with harsh side-window sun, our guide to a side window sun shade covers permanent and temporary solutions that work well alongside these coverings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best temporary window covering for a rental apartment?
For most rentals, the Self Adhesive Curtains are the top choice because they install without drilling, remove without residue, and look like real curtains. If you’re on a tight budget, the Changshade 6 Pack is a great alternative for windows that don’t get direct afternoon sun.
How long do removable window shades typically last?
With proper installation on a clean surface, fabric-based removable window shades like the Self Adhesive Curtains can last 6–12 months before the adhesive weakens. Paper shades typically last 2–4 months, especially if exposed to direct sunlight. Heat and humidity are the main factors that shorten lifespan.
Can I reuse temporary window coverings after moving?
Yes, most of the products in this comparison can be removed and reinstalled. The Self Adhesive Curtains and Tempo blinds are designed to be the most reusable — just peel them off carefully and press onto the new surface. Paper shades are more fragile and may tear during removal. Always store them flat or rolled loosely to prevent creasing.
What’s the best temporary curtain for a sliding glass door?
The Tempo Cordless Blinds are the best fit for sliding glass doors because they can be cut to exact dimensions and the cordless design won’t interfere with the door track. For a more finished look, two panels of the Self Adhesive Curtains can be installed side by side, but you’ll have a visible seam in the middle.
