Do you need to darken your room? Maybe you work at night and sleep during the day, or maybe you just want to take afternoon naps… If curtains or blinds let in light, there are methods you can try to darken the room while you rest.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Cover the Windows
Step 1. Cover the windows with "privacy film"
There are several brands that sell it: in essence, it is a removable and custom-made film to be adhered to the glass. While the film alone will not block the light completely, it will reduce the brightness that filters through the window.
Step 2. Secure aluminum foil to windows with masking tape
Aluminum helps reflect sunlight entering through windows; in addition to blocking the light, it can reduce your bills. Use masking tape to secure the sheets to avoid damaging the windows.
If the house is rented, remember that some building administrators prohibit windows covered with aluminum foil. If you're not sure it's allowed, ask first
Step 3. Buy curtains coated with a blackout material
These curtains are usually made from thicker fabrics and have a blackout coating. Plus, they can lower your bills because they help insulate your home.
- You can also look for thermal curtains, which are also heavy, coated and suitable for the same purpose.
- If you like the curtains you already have and don't want to change them, you can buy a blackout cover and hang it behind them using clips or a second rod. You can find this product at IKEA and other stores that sell household items.
Step 4. Sew blackout curtains
If you have good dexterity, you can try sewing curtains, which will be much cheaper than buying this product. Many fabric stores sell cloths with blackout and thermal properties that attach to the fabric you will use to create the front of the curtain. You can also line the curtains you already have.
Step 5. Buy blackout blinds or roller blinds
This system often blocks more light than curtains alone. They are widely available in furniture stores, at the mall and online.
You can also make blackout roller blinds. Maybe the result will not be as professional as with the ones you bought, but they are generally cheaper
Step 6. If you covered the window with privacy film or aluminum, close the blinds and curtains
They will help you block the light that enters anyway from windows covered with foil or aluminum foil.
Part 2 of 2: Eliminate Other Light Sources
Step 1. Turn off all other lights in your home
Light sources from other rooms can pass through the cracks in your bedroom door.
Step 2. Unplug any electronic devices you are not using from the power outlet
Many appliances emit lights when plugged in, charged, or turned on. They can diffuse an unexpected amount of light into the room, so unplug them when not in use to turn off their lights.
- Plus, unplugging unused electronic devices can save you on your electricity bill, up to 10% annually!
- You can use a power strip to easily turn off all electronic devices in the same area with a single switch. You simply have to connect all appliances to the power strip and turn it off when you feel like resting.
Step 3. Lock the bottom of the door
Rolling up a blanket or towel and placing it along the bottom edge of the door can prevent light from passing through the gap. You can also buy or create a "draft snake", which is a tube filled with wool or scraps that covers the crack under the door.
Step 4. Buy a sleep mask
It's the easiest way to instantly darken any room. Many masks also feature aromatherapy properties (for example, some are lavender flavored) to help you relax and fall asleep. Using this item in combination with blackout materials will guarantee you a well deserved rest.
Advice
- If the bed has a headboard, you can try placing it in front of the window. This will block out the light.
- When you can, sleep with your back to the window.
