For the price these are a great value. I was easily able to install them on my own. They really block out the light. These are in our kids room at a beach house and with the sun coming up at 5 something my kids were waking up too early even with the plantation blinds closed. These shades make it so dark in their room it's like a cave!  They love it and I love that they're sleeping an hour later!  My only complaint is that to get them to roll all the way back up I have to push them a bit, but they do eventually go back to a fully open position. For the price I'm willing to help them back up. :)