Not sure how to blackout windows? Here are some ideas that will do the trick.
A dark room is an excellent space for a good, restful sleep. However, that can be difficult to come by for several reasons. Perhaps you work during the night and sleep during the day, or there’s a source of bright light like a lamp or billboard near the window.
The way around these disturbances usually starts with blackouting windows. It’s a lot easier to do than you imagine. And there are a lot of ways to blackout windows. You could do it quite well with items easily available around the house.
Here are some ways to consider.
How To Make A Room Dark With Blacked Out Windows
1. Get Blackout Curtains
This is the most obvious of solutions and one you’d have heard all the time. And for good reason.
Blackout curtains are remarkable at blocking outside light. As a bonus, they’ll also muffle the sounds from outside. So that’s a win-win.
These curtains are like normal curtains except they tend to be heavier and of solid colors. Blackout curtains are expected to cover the entire length and width of a window and go beyond it so light doesn’t escape from the sides.
As such, these are usually full-length curtains. Make sure you have a strong curtain rail that can handle the weight of these curtains. It shouldn’t be much of a problem. Though heavier than normal curtains, these aren’t that heavy.
Deconovo Blackout Curtains
These blackout curtains promise to reduce incoming sunlight by 85-98% and fare even better with streetlights and similar disturbances. They are available in many colors, so you get to pick your choice of what works best.
However, keep in mind that darker colors work better at blocking light as compared to brighter colors. Each drape measures 52×84 inches. Remember to be generous with your space requirements, rather than buying the exact size.
This ensures that you’ll have sufficient room (and curtains) to cover the sides of windows or any other points, like spaces between curtains.
NICETOWN Blackout Window Curtains (With Liner)
Another option to manage curtains is the use of liner attached to curtains. A liner isn’t necessarily a dark fabric. It can be a thick fabric that attaches to the curtain.
Often, these have the advantage of performing better than plain blackout curtains when preventing light. Liner opens up the possibility of using curtains in several colors without compromising on the blackout performance.
NICETOWN Blackout Window Curtains have a sewn-in black liner for increased efficiency. Each panel measures 52×84 inches, which is generous enough for use.
Thanks to their construction, curtains with liner also offer some insulation benefits. That’s pretty useful and can lower your power bills. NICETOWN Blackout Window Curtains do offer some insulation as well.
However, if you’re looking for some serious insulation, consider other options that make use of a thermal liner.
2. Get An Awning
Here’s the time-tested way of dealing with the sun coming in through your window. Cover it with an awning!
As a bonus, awnings look rather cool and are pretty good for general use as well.
The downside?
Awnings don’t blackout a window. They add shade.
It might still be useful if you’re trying to avoid the morning or evening sun from brightening up the room. For everything else, awnings barely work to block the sun from windows, but they don’t block the light.
3. Block The Sun From Windows By Covering Them With Aluminum Foil, Cardboard, And More
If the goal is to block the sun, you can use easily available items at home including aluminum foil and cardboard.
For best results, do careful measurements and try to get a tasteful and nice finish to the whole project.
Though inexpensive, this isn’t the most elegant or good looking option. However, both of these options come handy in a pinch and will adequately block light from entering your room.
4. Use Window Films
Window films are a cost-effective way of blacking out windows. It’s akin to using aluminum foil. However, they can give you a better finish when compared to sticking foils on a window.
The interesting thing about their use is that you get options that suit your taste and requirements. You could go for blackout film or a one-way film.
Those who’re willing to let some sunlight through, but still enjoy privacy can get window decals or films in several interesting patterns. The stained glass decal look is cool, but there are practically limitless options available in this setup.
HIDBEA Silk Blackout Window Privacy Film
Opaque and excellent at its job, HIDBEA Silk Blackout Window Privacy Film goes easy on your window and blocks light. Made from vinyl, the film goes onto glass quite easily.
Interestingly, this one doesn’t use glue to stick to the glass. Instead, it uses static cling to hold onto the glass. This requires some soapy water and little more time and effort than using conventional glue films. However, there is a plus side to this approach.
You can remove and reuse this film several times. Peel it off the window when it’s not needed and cling it back when you want to block light from the room. Note, the film struggles to cling to double pane glass.
HIDBEA One Way Window Film
Want to block the light but want a more colorful approach? One way window film could do the trick. As the name implies, this film blocks the light from one side, but allows observation and view from the other.
That way, if you put it on your window, it will block anyone from looking inside by reflecting light. On the other hand, the film will allow a good view if you want to look outside.
It’s an interesting and popular approach. However, it doesn’t quite work well if you want a total blackout.
Blackout EZ – Total Sunlight Blocking Window Cover
Blackout EZ – Total Sunlight Blocking Window Cover is another quick and cost-effective way to block sunlight. Made from vinyl, the cover is easy on the windows. It doesn’t use glue or static cling to stick to the glass. Rather, it attaches to the window frame.
This gives it a good coverage area and allows for a better approach to blacking out a window.
5. Get Some Action With Blackout Shades
Generally speaking, shades aren’t the best solution to blackout windows. By their very nature and construction, they’re prone to leaving some space on the sides, which reduces the blackout potential.
There are some options available that minimize this problem. However, remember that if you have blackout windows in mind, it’s better to use solid shades rather than blinds. Blinds are spaced and are very likely to allow some light through.
Redi Shade 1617201 Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade
Pleated paper gets some blackout action going with the Redi Shade 1617201 Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade.
These inside mount shades use clips in place of cords. This gives them a cleaner, better look. Although they’ll need some DIY action, the shades are easy to install and manage.
Eliminate Room Light When You Block The Sun From Windows
Don’t underestimate interior lighting when you want a blacked out room for sleeping. Though it’s good to give attention to windows, even small light sources inside the room can feel noticeable and disturbing.
Got a digital alarm clock? Turn it off or cover it.
Have a TV or other electronic equipment that has an indicator light? Time to switch it off. For devices like a TV, I don’t just mean the brightness of the screen. Many TVs have indicator lights to show power supply or other functions. That light is usually tiny, but it may feel bright in a sufficiently dark room.
Stay Away From Your Phone
It is generally a smart idea to stay away from your smartphone, tablet, laptop, and other gadgets before sleeping. These devices emit blue light, which can disturb your sleep and cause other health problems as well.
Get An Eye Mask
This is the simplest and quickest way to deal with light in the bedroom. And it’s manageable – you could carry an eye mask with you wherever you go!
It is best to use the eye mask in conjunction with another window blackout setup. This makes the overall setup more efficient and easier to manage. Even so, you can get a decent blackout feel with only an eye mask.
If you prefer an eye mask to go pitch black, get one with padding around the eyes and nose. These ensure that light doesn’t find its way inside through the edges near the nose or around the eyes.
Getting A Good Sleep In A Dark Room
A dark room is very conducive to good and restful sleep. Using the techniques listed above should give you good ideas on how to blackout windows so there is less light and disturbance whilst you try to get a good sleep.
Some of the ideas listed here are very simple and quick, requiring little investment for your time and money. We’ve also listed some more elaborate and elegant ways to block the sun and other light comfortably, so you can enjoy your sleep.