6 Best Nursery Window Treatments - 2025 Guide

Why Nursery Window Treatments Matter

Designing a nursery is about creating a safe, functional environment where your child can thrive. 

Window treatments impact:

• Sleep: Darkness promotes melatonin production, which supports better sleep for babies.

• Safety: Cords, loops, and tension rods can pose serious risks.

• Comfort: Good insulation and noise control help keep the room calm and temperature-stable.

• Style: Your baby’s space should look and feel like a peaceful, welcoming retreat.

The Best Nursery Window Treatments

1. Blackout Shades

Best for: Sleep optimization and light-sensitive babies

Blackout shades are a nursery staple, and for good reason.

Made from thick, opaque fabrics, they block out nearly all incoming light, turning any room into a dark cocoon ideal for naptime or overnight sleep. That darkness signals to your baby’s brain that it’s time to rest, which can help lengthen naps and reduce early wake-ups from sunlight or streetlights.

Beyond light blocking, blackout shades offer insulation and sound dampening. In Florida’s heat, they help maintain a stable temperature, reducing the workload on your air conditioning. 

Some blackout options also reduce outside noise, contributing to a more peaceful sleep environment.

Features

• Blocks up to 99% of light

• Available in roller, Roman, and cellular styles

• Can be cordless or motorized

• Comes in countless colors and patterns

• Available with insulating and sound-reducing layers

Pros

• Supports healthy sleep routines

• Insulates against heat and noise

• Protects furniture from UV damage

• Wide variety of designs and finishes

• Safe when cordless or motorized

Cons

• Can feel heavy visually in airy spaces

• Requires precise measuring and often professional install

• Higher cost compared to standard shades

Tip: Go for an outside mount to eliminate light gaps and maximize the blackout effect.

2. Cordless Blinds and Shades

Best for: Safety-conscious households on a budget

Cordless window coverings use a spring mechanism or bottom-up lift system to remove the need for cords entirely, making them one of the safest options for nurseries. 

This eliminates the risk of entanglement or strangulation and helps meet safety standards like Best for Kids™ certification.

Cordless designs are available in a wide range of styles, including blackout roller shades, Roman shades, and cellular options. 

They’re also often more affordable than motorized treatments while still offering a modern, clean appearance and solid functionality.

Features

• Cordless push-pull or spring-lift operation

• Available in blackout, light-filtering, or room-darkening fabrics

• Child safety certified (e.g., Best for Kids)

• Can be upgraded to motorized later

Pros

• No cords = eliminates strangulation risk

• Budget-friendly option

• Intuitive operation – easy for parents, hard for toddlers

• Available in stylish materials and patterns

Cons

• Mechanisms may wear down over time

• May not provide as precise adjustment as corded systems

• Requires secure mounting to prevent children from pulling them down

Tip: Combine with curtains or valances for extra softness and style.

3. Motorized Window Treatments

Best for: Smart home lovers and nap-time ninjas

Motorized window treatments are the ultimate in nursery convenience and safety. 

Completely cordless, they eliminate the top hazard associated with traditional blinds and shades. You can operate them with a remote, app, or even your voice – no need to tiptoe across the room when your baby is just about to fall asleep.

What’s more, motorized shades can be scheduled to open and close automatically, aligning with your baby’s nap schedule or bedtime routine. 

That consistency supports better sleep patterns and can make transitions easier over time.

Features

• Cordless, battery or hardwired motor

• Remote, smartphone, or voice control

• Blackout or light-filtering fabrics available

• Programmable schedules for automation

• Works with smart home systems (Alexa, Google Home)

Pros

• Ultimate safety – no cords at all

• Hands-free control (ideal when carrying a baby)

• Can be programmed for naps and wakeups

• Energy-efficient automation

• Sleek, modern aesthetic

Cons

• Most expensive option

• May require professional installation

• Dependent on power source (batteries or wiring)

• Technology can occasionally glitch

Tip: Use automation to close shades during peak heat and prevent UV damage to nursery furnishings.

4. Honeycomb (Cellular) Shades

Best for: Energy efficiency and noise reduction

Honeycomb shades – named for their cellular construction – trap air within their folds, providing natural insulation that keeps nurseries cooler in summer and warmer in winter. 

This not only improves comfort but can reduce energy costs, too.

Many honeycomb shades are available in cordless or motorized versions, with both blackout and light-filtering options. 

Their layered structure also dampens outside noise, making them ideal for city apartments or busy neighborhoods where peace and quiet aren’t always guaranteed.

Features

• Cellular construction with air-trapping layers

• Single, double, or triple cell design

• Cordless, motorized, and top-down/bottom-up options

• Available in blackout or light-filtering styles

• Hypoallergenic, nonwoven fabrics available

Pros

• Superior insulation and temperature regulation

• Excellent sound absorption

• Cordless and motorized = safe for children

• Clean, modern design in many color options

Cons

• Fabric may collect dust and needs gentle cleaning

• Higher cost than standard blinds

• Light gaps possible without outside mount

Tip: Choose double or triple cell shades for maximum insulation in Florida’s heat.

5. Roman Shades

Best for: A cozy, elegant look without sacrificing function

Roman shades offer the soft appeal of drapery with the clean lines and functionality of shades. 

When raised, they fold into gentle pleats; when lowered, they provide full coverage in your choice of fabric – many of which can be blackout-lined for sleep support.

These shades are endlessly customizable, making them a favorite for parents looking to match a specific nursery theme. 

Cordless and motorized options ensure safety, while the fabric layers provide light filtering, noise dampening, and even insulation benefits.

Features

• Folded fabric design in soft pleats

• Available in various fold styles (flat, hobbled, relaxed)

• Blackout or light-filtering lining

• Cordless and motorized configurations available

• Wide range of designer fabrics

Pros

• High-end, tailored aesthetic

• Effective light and noise control

• Cordless/motorized = nursery safe

• Space-saving and versatile in mounting

Cons

• Fabric needs regular maintenance

• Custom styles can be costly

• Not fully blackout without perfect fit

Tip: Opt for washable, natural fabrics (like cotton or linen) with blackout lining to balance beauty and practicality.

6. Plantation Shutters

Best for: Durability and long-term value

Plantation shutters are a classic, low-maintenance solution that adds architectural polish to any nursery. 

Their wide louvres can be adjusted to control light, while the solid structure offers excellent insulation and sound blocking.

Because they have no cords or fabric, plantation shutters are incredibly easy to clean and naturally safe for children. 

Though they require a bigger upfront investment, they’re a long-term fixture that adds value to your home.

Features

• Adjustable slats for light control

• Made of wood or composite materials

• Permanent, fixed frame inside window

• Child-safe, no cords or fabric parts

• Available in various finishes and colors

Pros

• Extremely durable and easy to clean

• Naturally cordless and child-safe

• Great insulation and noise blocking

• Boosts home resale value

Cons

• Higher initial cost

• Less soft or cozy than fabric treatments

• May allow light through slats unless fully shut

Tip: Pair with soft side panels or valances to warm up the look without compromising safety.

Comparison: Best Nursery Window Treatments

Safety First: What to Avoid in a Nursery

Some window treatments may look pretty but come with hidden dangers. 

Here’s what to steer clear of:

• Corded blinds or Roman shades with exposed or hidden cords: Strangulation hazard.

• Looped chains and bead cords: Easy for toddlers to grab.

• Floor-length curtains: Tempting to tug and potentially dangerous.

• Tension rods: Not secure enough—especially when curious little hands are involved.

• Decorative embellishments: Buttons, beads, or tassels can become choking hazards.

Instead, opt for cordless, motorized, or shutter options, and always install them securely.