What Are Magnetic Shades?

Magnetic shades are inherently bracketless & screwless window coverings that can be directly & securely attached to metallic frames of windows and doors using embedded magnets. These are completely cordless and child safe window treatments and can be effortlessly lifted and lowered using concealed magnets.

Magnetic shades are also known as snap shades, as they can be easily attached to frames just like mounting a headrail on snap-in brackets. When you have this type of window treatments, you are only one step away from installing them and putting them to operation.

Magnetic blinds can also be mounted on non-metal windows and doors using adhesive 3M mounts in a 2-step process. First, affix the 3M-backed magnets to the window/door frame & then attach the shades to these frame mounted magnets.

No drill magnetic blinds are a perfect choice for makeshift homes, offices, and apartments, as they can be easily installed, uninstalled, and reinstalled in minutes, without modification in the building’s structure. They also work best as long-term, permanent window treatment.

Scroll on to learn more about benefits, types, and installation steps for magnetic shades.

Key Benefits – Why People Look for Magnetic Shades

• Come with fast-grip embedded magnets – adjustable and easy to attach and use
• Magnet-backed mounting – secure installation without any mounting hardware, tools, or drilling
• Equally suitable for metal windows and doors
• Manufactured using ceramic industrial magnets – a corrosion-resistant, temperature resistant & cost-effective solution
• From 12x3mm to 25x5mm round & cubic magnets to fit different window frame depths
• High magnetic strength – easily hang up to 103” wide x 120” tall blinds
• Heat resistant – great for applications in high temperature zones
• Cordless design – extremely secure and safe for children and pets
• Available in any array of colors & sizes – select perfectly decor-matched magnetic window blinds
• Low maintenance – easily dust the fabric or quickly remove the blind for thorough cleaning

10 Popular Magnetic Blinds Available with Pros and Cons

1. Magnetic Blackout Blinds for Windows – Effortlessly Create Total Darkness

Pros

• Made from thick, durable fabrics
• Block 100% sunlight and UV rays – create a comfortable pitch-black sleeping space during the daytime
• Easy, tool-free installation on magnet (and non-magnetic adhesive) surfaces
• Excellent option for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms
• Available in cellular honeycomb fabrics for excellent thermal insulation

Cons

• More expensive than ordinary non-magnetic window treatments
• May have issues with magnetic hold strength

2. Magnetic Shades for Steel Doors – Sleek, Removable Shades with Strong Magnetic Grip

Pros

• Secure attachment to metal door frames
• No waste, non-damaging installation
• Block out sunlight, streetlight, & glaring lights
• Can be installed on sliding patio doors and bifold doors having steel frames
• Available in roller styles

Cons

• Unable to stick to glass or wooden frames
• Shades may become wonky on high-traffic doors

3. Magnetic Sidelight Blinds – Slim, Adjustable Blinds to Fit Narrow Sidelight Windows

Pros

• Typically made from durable, sheer fabric to filter light and prevent glare
• Come with magnetic rod for easy attachment to steel frames
• Available in lots to sizes to perfectly fit window frames

Cons

• Less than 1” magnets may pose choking hazard for kids
• May be incompatible with odd-shaded, non-steel sidelight windows

4. Cordless Magnetic Roman Shades – Child-Safety and Clutter-free Look

Pros

• Roman window treatments with high-end classic aesthetic
• A suitable choice to add a touch of elegance to any living space
• Energy efficiency – can reduce solar heat gain by up to 77% on west-facing windows and 65% on south-facing windows in the US

Cons

• Heavy fabric – magnetic mechanism may not provide enough support on extra-large windows and doors
• Require a larger upfront cost

5. Magnetic Boat Blinds – Marine-grade, Easy Mount Magnetic Blinds for Comfort on Deck

Pros

• Secure, quiet positioning – avoid rattling or flapping
• Easily regulate onboard natural light
• Provide privacy to boat’s interior
• Operators will get a clearer view of where they’re heading

Cons

• More expensive than chain operated boat blinds
• Magnets may loosen on extremely active boats

6. Snap-on Magnetic Venetian Blinds – Stylish, Adjustable, Hassle-free Window Coverings

Pros

• Fully magnetic shades – no need for drilling holes, screwing or gluing
• No damage to window/door frames or walls
• Enclosed design – minimal maintenance
• Aesthetically pleasing magnetic window coverings

Cons

• Frequent use of venetian blinds may cause dislocation of magnets
• May not provide best noise reduction

7. Magnetic Outdoor Shades – Removable Blinds for Decks, Patios & Porches

Pros

• Drill-free installation and removal
• Instant privacy and UV protection
• The shades can be easily removed and installed on a different outdoor space
• Made from weather-resistant materials

Cons

• Possible gaps at sides may let in light and bugs
• Can be a challenge to install on non-magnetic surfaces

8. Magnetic Blinds for Front Door – Add Convenience, Control & Decorative Touch to Your Entrance

Pros

• Ideal for steel doors, narrow or wide
• Reduce the need for more intrusive installation methods
• Enhance privacy and safety at your front door
• Can block 85% to 90% of the sunrays

Cons

• Difficulty in achieving perfect alignment
• Low-grade magnets may lose grip on wider/taller doors, leading to sagging or falling of fabric

9. DIY Magnetic Roman Shades – A Cost-Effective Option to Create a Custom Look

Pros

• A relatively affordable option to add classic style and functionality to your windows
• Create custom look without extensive sewing skills
• Add color and interest to your bland corner window

Cons

• Risk of ill-fit, if you’re not a seasoned DIYer
• Low water resistance and potential staining

10. Magnetic Aluminum Blinds for Steel Doors – Snap-on Shades to Control Effortlessly Light

Pros

• A lightweight option for covering doors and windows
• No tools cordless mini blinds for small 18”x24” to 72”x72” windows
• Attach to standard steel frames
• Flexibility in managing light and privacy

Cons

• Risk of magnets detaching
• Less insulating than thick fabric blinds

3 Simple Steps to Install Magnetic Shades on Metal Doors and Windows

• Step 1: Get cut-to-size fabric and magnetic rod (top rail). For inside mounts, the rod thickness should correspond to the depth of window/door frame.
• Step 2: Attach magnetic curtain rod to the window or door in perfect alignment with the top of the frame, to create a strong bond with the metal.
• Step 3: All done! Test operation, and readjust alignment, if needed.

Note: 

1. Make sure there’s direct, maximum contact between the embedded magnets and the metal door frame.
2. Accurately measure the width (w) and height (h) of the window, door or other space, preferably in inches and record the values in w x h format. 

How to Install Magnetic Shades on Non-Metal Frames and Surfaces

• Step 1: Clean frames or surfaces around window and allow 5 minutes to dry
• Step 2: Locate and mark the attaching points for magnet mounts
• Step 3: Peel off adhesive tape on the magnet mounts and stick onto the marked position
• Step 4: Gently press the magnets against the wall or frame for 30 seconds to let them snap firmly
• Step 5: Attach the shades to the frame/surfaced-mounted magnets, making sure the opposite poles come into contact with each other
• Step 6: Lower the fabric and make sure it perfectly aligns with the bottom of the frame. Your magnet blind is ready to provide privacy, sun protection, insulation, noise reduction, and other benefits!

Expert Advice

Align the magnet mounts at 180-degree for smooth roll up/down operation. Inaccurate alignment may cause light seepage at one of the bottom corners when the shade is fully lowered.

FAQs

How do magnetic shades work?

• Magnetic shades use embedded magnetics in both the curtain rod and the window frame for easy attachment and detachment.
• Depending on the type of material and the tightness of weave, magnetic shades may work like solar shades to provide privacy, UV-free light, insulation, and other benefits.
• They can be lifted up using magnetic pull
• In some designs, like magnetic Roman shades, the magnets are enclosed within the fabric pleats for super-smooth raising and lowering

Are magnetic blinds good?

• Exceptionally easy to install in a few minutes!
• No tools, no hardware, no drilling required – just snap them in and they’re ready to work
• Typically manufactured using strong magnets that securely hold the blinds in place
• Designed to stay dust-free – easy to clean
• No external cords – reduced risk of accidents due to strangulation
• Ideal for metal door, but can be installed on non-metallic adhesive surfaces

How to make a window not visible but still let in light?

Choose solar roller shades with 10% openness factor and sew a hem to each side to make your window invisible to people on the outside during the daytime, but still letting in natural light. For nighttime privacy, you’ll need to pair it with a blackout liner that can be rolled up and down independently.

Are there blinds that don’t require drilling?

1. Magnetic blinds are totally no-drill, bracketless blinds.
2. Blinds with tension bars or levers are no-drill window treatments.
3. The third option is peel-and-stick adhesive zebra blinds.

Need More Help?

Need design consultation or any other information about magnetic blinds and shades? We invite you to 24/7 live chat. Or contact us at (800) 863-6109, or customerservice@affordableblinds.com for further assistance.