Hello all!
I was wondering if anyone has had any success with certain black out shades or curtains. I have tried the roll down vinyl (light comes in the sides), the room darkening horizontal mini blinds (let to much light in) and the specialty "eclipse" curtains (they were a joke...I could read in the room with them closed!)
I have also tried roman shades, to no avail.
I have to have a dark room or my little one gets up at the crack o' dawn! lol
So far we have cardboard in the window...but mid-day it heats up and has a horrible smell. I'd also like a less ummm...low-class solution.
My windows are 38" by 38 1/2". Any ideas that won't break the bank would be great!
Thanks!
I use the room darkening roller shades that are cut to width. You're right that some light peeks through on the sides. My suggestion would be to use them in conjunction with drapes (not sheer) that would cover/block the light on the sides.
Hi S.,
I agree with the previous post. You need to get LINED drapes and you may want to use them with a shade or blinds, too, just to have extra darkening. We have lined drapes in our bedroom and they do a great job darkening the room. They also help keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Hope this helps you!
M.
How about adding an awning on the outside of the window or using wooden shutters on the inside. Order them with about a 3-inch over hang on all sides and then hang room darkening curtains over the shutters with at least a 2-inch over hang on all sides of the shutters. Use a curtain rod that wraps around on both sides to allow the curtains to seal the light on the ends. My husband has worked shifts for years, so I understand what you are looking for. Good luck!
What about window paint in dark colors? It would be fun/decorative and might help the drapes do a better job?
Also, they might be hard to find right now, but 'winter' type drapes in a dark color might do the trick. We had heavy suede drapes in our old master bedroom, cuz the only window faced west, and they did a great job. The downside was the sun faded the color within a few months, so they had to be replaced often.
What about applying tinting film to your windows?
Joanne fabrics sells a several different kinds of darkening lining. Cut it to fit your shades, sew it on, and you have a dark room. I made the shades (from scratch) for my 3 yo and 1 yo and their rooms are DARK. It is also very inexpensive. Just make sure the shades are wider than the window or light will filter in fromt he sides. I also made my shades about 12 inches longer than the window.
A.
We have room darkening window blinds. I've had them on my windows since my 8 year old son was born. They are excellent for not only blocking sun but keeping the rooms cool. The best prices we found at the time was at Home Depot/Lowe's. We installed them ourselves, but it was a no-brainer. Good luck!
Suze
I got room darkening blinds at Target and they are wonderful
and work beautifully. Not expensive and easy to put up.The color is a light grey. Best purchase I ever made!
Sincerely,
S.
Hi S. - When you get your new blinds, get them 2-3 incles larger in width than your window. The extra inches will prevent the light from coming thru on the sides.
