Welcome to our comprehensive guide on DIY solutions for holding blackout curtains together! If you’ve ever struggled with light creeping into your room despite having blackout curtains, this article is for you. We promise you'll walk away with practical tips and tricks to ensure your space stays perfectly dark, improving your sleep and enhancing your privacy.
Blackout curtains are an essential investment for anyone seeking the ultimate dark room experience. However, even the best blackout curtains can sometimes let light sneak through gaps. Here are some effective, DIY solutions to make sure your blackout curtains do their job perfectly.
1. Use Velcro Strips: Velcro strips are a simple and effective way to hold your blackout curtains together and eliminate gaps. Attach one side of the Velcro to the edge of the curtain and the other side to the wall or window frame. This creates a tight seal that blocks out light effectively.
2. Magnetic Tape: Another fantastic solution is magnetic tape. Apply magnetic tape along the edges of the curtains where they meet. The magnets will snap together and keep your curtains securely closed, providing a seamless blackout effect.
3. Binder Clips: For a quick and easy fix, binder clips can work wonders. Clip the edges of the curtains together, ensuring there are no light gaps. This is a cost-effective solution that also adds a chic, industrial look to your room.
4. Install a Curtain Liner: If your current blackout curtains aren’t up to the task, consider adding a blackout curtain liner. These can be attached to the existing curtains and provide an extra layer of darkness.
5. Use Suction Cups: Suction cups can be used to attach the curtains to the window frame, preventing any light from seeping through. For an even more secure solution, check out the Extra Sleepout Suction Cups.
6. Safety Pins: If you're in a pinch, safety pins can help hold your blackout curtains together. Pin the edges strategically to eliminate any light gaps. Just be careful to avoid damaging the fabric.
7. DIY Blackout Panels: Create custom blackout panels with heavy-duty fabric and adhesive. Cut the fabric to fit your window dimensions, then use adhesive strips to attach them to the window or wall. For a refined touch, consider our Sleepout Adhesive Strips.
8. Shower Curtain Rods: You can repurpose shower curtain rods to create a tighter seal around your window. Place them inside the window frame for a snug fit that prevents light from seeping through the sides of the blackout curtain.
9. Command Hooks: Command hooks are a renter-friendly solution for holding blackout curtains together. Attach the hooks to the wall or window frame and then loop the curtain fabric around them to keep everything in place.
10. Weighted Hem: Heavy curtains already have a degree of blackout efficiency. However, adding weights to the hem of your curtains can prevent them from moving and letting light through. Sew or tape small weights into the bottom hem of each curtain panel.
11. Draft Stoppers: Consider using draft stoppers or door snakes at the bottom of the curtain. These will prevent light from sneaking in under the curtain and also help with insulation.
12. Double Rods: Installing double curtain rods can be an excellent solution. Use the back rod for the blackout curtain and the front rod for a decorative layer. This improves both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring minimal light penetration.
13. Use Blackout Shades: Pairing blackout curtains with blackout shades can double the light-blocking effectiveness. Shades can be mounted inside the window frame, with the curtains adding an extra layer on the outside.
14. Fabric Adhesive Tape: Applying fabric adhesive tape to the edges where your curtains meet can effectively seal any gaps. This method is non-invasive and doesn't require any hardware.
15. Heavy-Duty Velcro Straps: For a more industrial look, consider using heavy-duty Velcro straps to cinch the curtains together tightly.
16. Install Blackout Curtain Tracks: Curtain tracks allow the curtains to stay closer to the wall or window frame. This minimizes any gaps that could let light through and gives a more polished look.
17. DIY Pelmet Box: Creating a DIY pelmet box can add an extra barrier to prevent light from coming in. It involves building a frame above the window and covering it with fabric to help hold the curtain closer to the wall.
18. Overlap Curtains: If your window is large, consider using overlapping curtains to increase coverage. Hang two or more curtain panels so that they overlap slightly, ensuring no light can pass through the gaps.
19. Use Flexible Curtain Rods: Flexible curtain rods conform to the shape of your window, fitting snugly into the frame and reducing gaps. These are especially useful for bay windows.
20. Pinch Pleat Curtains: Pinch pleat curtains, with their tightly gathered fabric, can significantly improve light-blocking capabilities compared to flat drapes. Ensure they are floor-length for maximum efficiency.
The key takeaways from this article are that there are numerous DIY solutions for enhancing your blackout curtains, ensuring they remain secure and effective. From simple fixes like binder clips and Velcro to more involved solutions like custom panels and pelmet boxes, there are options to fit every skill level and budget. Armed with these tips, you can enjoy a perfectly dark room that promotes better sleep and increased privacy.
