Do you often feel overwhelmed by the amount of sunlight entering your bedroom? Do bright mornings disrupt your sleep schedule and leave you feeling groggy all day? There are solutions to this problem; one is to block light from the top of the curtains.
With a few simple adjustments, you can easily prevent outside light from flooding in while retaining privacy and style. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to block light from the top of window curtains without losing out on natural lighting or sacrificing aesthetics.
Fortunately, blocking light from the top of curtains is a surprisingly simple process that very few are taking advantage of! With just a few household items, you can transform any illuminating environment into one that’s dimly lit, cozy and perfect for winding down.
In this blog post, we will discuss why light-blocking curtains are beneficial as well as how to make them yourself with things you probably already have in your home. Read on to learn more about how to block light from top of curtains!
Why May You Want to Block Light From Top of Curtains?
1 . To Help You Sleep Better
If you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep, blocking out the sun at the top of your curtains can be immensely helpful. Exposure to light during sleep is associated with poorer quality of rest and higher levels of alertness when waking up. By blocking the light from entering through the gap in the curtains, you can help ensure that your sleep is more restful and you’re able to wake up feeling refreshed.
2 . To Regulate Temperature in Your Home
Light coming through your curtains can cause your home to become overheated and uncomfortable. By limiting the amount of sunlight entering your home, you’ll be able to keep temperatures at a comfortable level during the warmer months.
3 . To Reduce Glare
The glare of the sun can be very distracting and bothersome, especially when you’re trying to watch television or work on a computer. By blocking light from the top of your curtains, you can reduce glare and ensure that you’re able to relax in peace and quiet.
4 . To Increase Your Privacy
If you live in a busy area, it can be difficult to maintain the privacy of your home. By blocking out light at the top of your curtains, you’ll be able to keep your home more secure from prying eyes.
15 Ideas on How to Block Light From Top of Curtains
1 . Install a Valance
Installing a valance or cornice across the top of your curtains adds an extra layer of insulation to keep out light and provide privacy. Most often, these are made from fabric that hangs above the curtain rod, giving the room added texture and style.
2 . Hang Sheer Draperies Over Curtains
If you want to keep the light out but still allow a bit of natural illumination through, consider hanging sheer curtains over your existing window treatments. Sheers are lightweight and airy, and come in many different colors and textures so you can find something that fits in with the design scheme of your room.
3 . Add a Shade or Blind
A simple way to block out light is to add a shade or blind to the top of your curtains. Many varieties come with blackout lining, which completely blocks out any external illumination from entering the home. There are also automated options available that you can control via remote or app.
4 . Install Blackout Liners
Blackout liners offer additional insulation on the backside of your curtains. This helps prevent light from entering through any thin gaps between the fabric and window pane, resulting in a much darker environment. They are also effective at blocking out any external noise as well.
5 . Hang Darker Curtains
Dark colors absorb more light than lighter shades, so consider hanging darker curtains over your windows. This is particularly effective when you can’t install any additional hardware, such as valance or blinds. Blackout fabric works best for this purpose as it has been designed to block out all external light sources.
6 . Create a Home Office Nook
If your primary concern is keeping the light out of a home office space, create a nook or alcove to house your desk and computer. You can install additional curtains around the area that will ensure complete darkness while you’re working.
7 . Consider Adjustable Curtains
If you find yourself needing to adjust the amount of light coming into a room at different times of the day, consider installing adjustable curtains. These are curtains that are hung on a track system, allowing you to open and close them as needed to control the amount of external light entering.
8 . Install Roman Shades
Roman shades offer both privacy and insulation from external light sources. They are also great for controlling the amount of sunlight let in during different times of the day, as you can easily roll them up or down as needed.
9 . Use Lighter Colors Indoors
When you’re trying to keep the light out of a room, lighter colors reflect more of the sunlight than darker shades. By using lighter hues for your curtains and window coverings, you can reduce the amount of light that enters the home.
10 . Install Plantation Shutters
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to blocking out light, consider installing plantation shutters over your windows. These are designed with adjustable slats that allow you to control the amount of natural illumination coming in as needed. Plus, they offer extra insulation from outside temperatures and sounds.
11 . Hang Curtains From the Ceiling
Hanging your curtains from the ceiling instead of the traditional window-level installation can add an extra layer of insulation from external light sources. Plus, it gives a more dramatic look to your room as the fabric cascades down from above.
12 . Install Thick Window Panes
Thicker window panes are better at reducing the amount of natural light entering your home. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider upgrading to windows with thicker glass or double-paned options.
13 . Hang Mirrors Outside Window Frames
Hanging mirrors on the exterior wall outside your windows can help to reflect sunlight away from your home, reducing the amount of natural illumination coming in. Plus, they can also add an extra layer of insulation by reflecting heat back outside during hot summer months.
14 . Cover Windows With Tint Film
The window tint film is designed to block out UV rays and reduce glare while still allowing natural light to enter your home. This helps to reduce the amount of external illumination coming into your home, while also offering additional privacy and insulation from outside temperatures.
15 . Caulk Around Windows
Caulking around windows is another great way to block out light and improve energy efficiency in your home. This helps prevent any gaps or cracks that allow external light sources in, as well as reducing air infiltration from external temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should I Take When Blocking Light From Top of Curtains?
When attempting to block light from the top of curtains, it is important to take a few precautions. Before beginning, make sure to consider what type of curtain material you have and whether any adhesive materials are safe to use without damaging the fabric.
To reduce the likelihood of damaging your curtains, avoid using any kind of tape, pins or staples to attach the blocking materials. It is also important to measure twice and cut once when cutting the material into smaller pieces – this will help ensure a clean fit that will not tear over time. Finally, make sure that you are able to easily access the curtains in order to adjust them as needed in the future.
What Materials Can I Use to Block Light From the Top of Curtains?
There are several materials that can be used to block light from the top of curtains. One popular option is blackout lining, which is a special type of fabric designed specifically for blocking out light. Another option is foam core board, which can be cut into strips and fit over the top of the curtain.
Another option is aluminum foil or Mylar, which can be cut to fit and taped in place on the backside of the curtains (just make sure not to damage any fabric!). Finally, you can also use heavy-duty plastic sheeting for a more budget-friendly option.
What Is The Best Way to Block Light From the Top of Curtains?
The best way to block light from the top of curtains is to use blackout lining. This material is specifically designed for this purpose and will provide maximum coverage without affecting the look or feel of your curtains. It is also relatively easy to install, as it simply needs to be cut into strips and attached at the top of the curtains with thin pins or clips.
However, if blackout lining is not an option for you, foam core board, aluminum foil/Mylar, or heavy-duty plastic sheeting can also provide effective light blocking solutions.
Can I Block Light From Just One Side of My Curtains?
Yes! If you only need to block light from one side of your curtains, you can use the same materials mentioned above. Just measure the area you need to cover and cut the material into strips accordingly.
Then attach it to the backside of your curtains using pins or clips. This will ensure that the light is only blocked from one side while not affecting the look and feel of the fabric on the other side.
How Do I Attach Blocking Materials to the Top of My Curtains?
When attaching blocking materials to the top of your curtains, it is important to take precautions not to damage the fabric in any way. The best way to do this is by using thin pins or clips instead of tape, staples, or glue.
This will ensure that the material stays in place without damaging the fabric or causing any tears over time. Additionally, when cutting the material into smaller pieces for attachment, make sure to measure twice and cut once – this will help ensure a clean fit that won’t tear.
Conclusion
Blocking light from the top of your curtains can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. By simply adjusting the length of your curtains or using trims, blinds, and sheers, you can create a perfect balance of darkness and light in any room. If controlling light is important to you, remember that buying blackout curtains or curtains with thicker material is always an option.
Now you know how to block light from top of curtains! There are so many ways to control light and boost privacy, all it takes is a little research and creativity on your part. And when you manage to achieve that perfectly lit bedroom or living room atmosphere? It will definitely be worth the effort!
