Numerous studies have shown that sleeping with the light on can negatively affect our sleep. So it’s only natural that you want to learn how to black out windows in the bedroom. After all, the benefits of quality sleep are countless! And, besides, blacking out windows ensures privacy and improves a window’s energy efficiency, so it’s definitely a win-win!
Key Takeaways
- Effective window blackout methods include blackout curtains, Magic’s blackout blinds, and window film.
- DIY solutions like aluminum foil and cardboard cut-outs are budget-friendly options for blocking light without permanent installations. You can also use temporary suction-cup blackout curtains.
- For a better sleep, use an eye mask or earplugs and avoid using your smartphone or laptop for an hour before going to sleep.
Benefits of Blacking Out Windows in Bedroom
The most important benefit of blacking out the window in the bedroom is better sleep. Sleeping with the lights on or light coming through windows can negatively impact our sleep by disrupting our sleep-wake cycle. These disruptions can influence our bodily functions.
For example, a study shows that sleeping with even a small amount of light can negatively affect our cardiovascular system and increase blood insulin levels. Other research papers have suggested that sleeping with the lights on can increase the risk of obesity. How are the two linked? Well, the thing is that quality sleep is crucial for tissue damage repair, muscle growth, weight control, and improved mood. In addition, disruptions of the circadian rhythm can lead to altered eating patterns and, therefore, weight gain. Needless to say, better sleep can significantly boost our energy levels and improve productivity.
Beyond the health benefits of blacking out windows in the bedroom, it also helps us maintain our privacy and improve the energy efficiency of our houses. It helps us feel more comfortable, lower our energy bills, and even protect our furnishings from fading. Additionally, installing high-quality blackout window blinds or other similar window treatments can increase property value.
So, how can we black out windows in the bedroom? Let’s see!
Effective Methods to Black Out Bedroom Windows
Since you’ll use your blackout window treatments daily – closing them in the evening and opening them in the morning, for example – it’s best to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of all options. Given that it can be a costly investment – depending on what window coverings you’ll choose – we have to make sure it’s worth it.
We’ve chosen the most effective ways to blackout bedroom windows and outlined their pros and cons to help you decide. They are excellent for blocking light both at night and during the day if you’re a shift worker and you sleep when the sun is up.
Using Blackout Blinds
Blackout blinds are an excellent option for ensuring that no light enters your bedroom. They fit snugly within the window frame to cover the entire window and block light from all angles. These blinds are designed to block artificial light and UV rays and are undoubtedly easier to handle than heavy curtains.
For example, you can choose Magic’s fully retractable blackout blinds. They are installed within our window frame, meaning you won’t even know the blinds are there when they’re closed. When you need privacy and light control, you simply open the blinds by pulling them from within the frame. Our blinds do not only block light completely and offer privacy – they also improve a window’s energy efficiency by 40% and protect your room from UV damage. Our blinds are covered by our 40-year warranty.
Installing Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains are excellent for achieving a completely dark room. They are typically made from blackout fabric, a polyester-cotton combination. It’s usually recommended to install the curtain rod 4-5 inches above the window for optimal coverage, preventing any light from sneaking in from the top.
Since they’re made from several layers of fabric, blackout curtains can also help keep the room cool during summer and warm in winter as they block drafts from entering it.
The downside. Blackout curtains can limit ventilation. For example, if you want to leave the window open while you sleep, but it’s covered by the curtains, you’ll feel little to no air coming through the window. In addition, blackout curtains have to be cleaned regularly, which can be quite difficult and time-consuming.
Applying Window Film
If you prefer not to hang curtains or blinds, go for window film. You can either choose window film that blocks out light completely or tint window film that still allows some natural light in.
If you want blackout window film made from polyvinyl chloride, for example, you can install it yourself – usually, all you have to do is spray the window with water and apply the film. On the other hand, if you want to tint your windows, this is more difficult, so it’s best to contact a professional.
The downside. Window film is not adjustable. Once you apply it, it stays there, day and night.
Installing Shutters
You can install roller shutters, which ensure complete privacy and light control. They are installed on the outside and opened and closed from the inside of your house.
If you want interior shutters, you can go for plantation shutters, which are aesthetically pleasing and can be customized based on the design of your bedroom.
The downside. Not all shutters can block out light completely during the day, so it’s best to confirm with the manufacturer if they are effective in this regard. Plantation shutters do not provide complete darkness. Furthermore, shutters are usually more expensive.
DIY and Temporary Solutions for Darkening Windows
If you do not want to invest in expensive window treatments, we’ve found some effective, budget-friendly DIY solutions for darkening windows. However, they can affect your room decor because they’re not too aesthetically pleasing.
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is an inexpensive, malleable material for blacking out windows. You just have to cover the window panes with foil, securing the edges with painter’s tape to ensure no light seeps through.
Besides darkening the room and ensuring privacy, aluminum foil keeps your bedroom cool, as it can reduce heat gain.
The downside. Aluminum foil can sometimes damage your windows. It can lead to overheated glass and a broken seal. Applying aluminum foil on your windows may also void their warranty.
Cardboard Cut-Outs
Cardboard cut-outs – another effective DIY method for darkening windows. Just cut the cardboard to fit the size of your window and secure it with thick painter’s tape. This method is easy to implement and can be customized for different window sizes and shapes.
The downside. Obviously, this method is not aesthetically pleasing and is not a long-term solution.
Suction Cup Blackout Curtains
Suction cup blackout curtains are favored for their portability and easy installation. You can attach them directly to the window using suction cups – an excellent no-drill option for keeping a room pitch black when needed. They are ideal for shared apartments and night-shift workers who need a dark room during the day. These curtains are portable, so you can pack one for an upcoming trip.
You can even make your own suction cup blackout curtain if you enjoy DIY projects!
High-quality suction cup blackout curtains offer additional benefits such as insulation and sound dampening.
The downside. This method isn’t very effective during the day on windows under direct sunlight. The suction cups don’t resist so well on heated glass, so the curtains can fall off, disturbing your sleep or waking you up.
Additional Tips for Better Sleep
Here are some other tips for improving your sleep:
- Keep your room cool. People sleep better when the room temperature is between 63 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you have window coverings that do not offer complete darkness, there’s no need to replace them. Just use eye masks. The only downside is that you may need time to get used to sleeping with an eye mask. Moreover, you’ll have to ensure the chosen eye mask is made from high-quality materials.
- Reduce outside noise as much as possible. For example, you can use a white noise machine or earplugs.
- Avoid using your phone or laptop for an hour before bed because it can lead to poor sleep. Instead, try some relaxation exercises, listen to music, or read a book.
- If you have blackout curtains or blinds, close them one hour before sleep and make sure the artificial light isn’t too bright. This will help your body regulate its sleeping pattern.
Improve Your Sleep with Magic’s Retractable Blackout Blinds!
Without a doubt, sleeping in a dark room can contribute positively to our well-being and health, so it’s definitely worth it to go the extra mile and install high-quality window treatments.
If you want to discover more innovative features of our Slide ‘N’ Hide retractable blinds, shades, and screens, hurry up to book a free consultation with Magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I blackout my bedroom window?
To blackout your bedroom window, you can install blackout curtains or blinds, apply window tint, install exterior shutters, or buy suction cup curtains. You can also use aluminum foil and cardboard cut-outs.
How do I ensure my blackout curtains block all light?
To ensure your blackout curtains block all light, install the curtain rod 4 to 5 inches above the window and ensure the curtains overlap and close completely.
Can I use aluminum foil to blackout my windows?
Using aluminum foil is an effective and budget-friendly way to blackout windows. Just secure it properly with tape to ensure no light seeps through. However, it’s worth considering that applying aluminum foil can void your windows’ warranty and sometimes damage the windows.
How to block out light from windows without curtains?
You can block out light from windows without curtains by applying window film or using suction cup curtains. You can also install blackout shades or exterior shutters.