Making your own set of blackout blinds is quite simple and straightforward, however, you will need basic sewing skills. If it's your first time, it's a good idea to start with plain fabrics just to make your work easier.
Cover Your Window With Aluminum Foil
Yes, this is probably the least expensive and easiest way to blackout your windows. Simply cut foil squares to the sizes of your window panes before securing them in place with painter's tape.
Install Blackout Drapes Over Your Blinds
If you really want to maximize the light and sound blockage, it's also a great idea to layer your blinds or shades with blackout drapes. These keep the room extra dark so even if you're extremely sensitive to light, you won't be disrupted by any of it.
One particular functional point to note if you're buying blackout roller blinds and want to maximise the efficacy of their blackout effect is that placing them outside of the recess rather than inside of it is generally the most effective way to prevent light leakage around the edges of the blind.
Pros of blackout curtains
Falling asleep is easier in a dark room. Darkness promotes relaxation and stimulates the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for the body's sleep-wake pattern. Eyes become well rested in a dark room and get enough protection to be ready to go when it's time to wake up.
Emergency management agencies specifically recommend using aluminum foil-covered cardboard that goes between windows and drapes.
'Blocking your windows with tin foil will help to keep your rooms cooler in the heat as it reflects the heat back outside,' explains Adam Pawson, Head of Digital, Safestyle.
CONS: -Can be difficult to clean: Because they are installed on the window, blackout blinds can be more difficult to clean. -May not provide as much insulation: Blackout blinds may not provide as much insulation as blackout curtains.
Roller blinds are almost always made of one of three different materials; these are polyester, PVC, and vinyl respectively. Less commonly, roller blinds might be made from a polycotton blend; usually 80% polyester and 20% cotton.
Blackout blinds are made using triple weave technology, special yarns are woven tightly into a multi-layered backing. It is this backing that enables the roller blind to block out the light, provide insulation, and increase privacy.
No, people outside would not be able to see anything of inside, not even movement close to the window, nor the shapes and outlines of things. They would, however, be able to see a diffuse glow of light if you have a reasonably bright light not too far from the window.
Dark coloured blinds, especially black blinds, can have the opposite effect. They'll do their job in terms of privacy and light control, but the dark colour will attract the sun and could potentially add to overheating.
Blackout blinds then do provide privacy at night, and won't let either light in or out, nor the sight of things best kept private.
Blackout curtains are designed to block out light completely, while blackout blinds can also control the amount of light that enters a room. Both options offer benefits and drawbacks, depending on your personal preferences and needs.
The best blackout blinds are honeycomb cellular pleated perfect fit blinds in blackout fabric. These fit onto/into the window itself and totally negate the issue of any potential light leakage. The second-best blackout blinds are Roman blinds.
With blockout blinds, you cannot see out and no one can see in, the fabric is not see-through. Compared to sheer blinds where both you can see out and people can see in. Blockout blinds, also known as blackout blinds, are perfect for media rooms, bedrooms, living rooms or rooms with a television.
Consider self-adhesive hooks
Self-adhesive hooks could provide a place to position a rod so you can hang curtains without drilling. 'These small hooks can be stuck on and peeled off easily and are incredibly versatile,' says John Doran, head fitter of soft furnishings at Andrew Henry Interiors and Thread & Dandy.
Opt for blackout curtains: Invest in quality blackout curtains that are specifically designed to block sunlight effectively. Use curtain rods with return: Curtain rods with a return, also known as wrap-around rods, can help cover any gaps at the sides of the window, preventing light from seeping through.