Light leaks from above or either side of curtains can be a major nuisance, especially when you happen to be light sensitive or just don’t like compromised light blockage. What’s even more of a bummer is the fact that this very problem can be experienced with even the fullest or most high coverage window curtains. Still, it can be dealt with, and we shall assist you pull this off well!
Today Fixit Design will be guiding you on how to achieve complete, flawless and long-lasting light blockage from any given type of window curtains. By learning the following cool and serviceable hacks, you won’t have to deal with the slightest disruption, either through piercing sunlight or unwanted noises from the neighborhood. Not to mention the improved privacy!
Best Methods To Improve the Light Blocking Functionality Of All Curtains
There are a number of ways in which you can create an ideal dark, and disruption-free sanctuary for yourself. We have mentioned the most practical and inexpensive ones ahead. Also, they require little to no effort.
Let’s have a look.
1- Make Use Of Dedicated Accessories
The first hack on our list is to make use of cornices or pelmets. Just in case you need a reminder, they are decorative fabric panels (structures when talking about cornices) that are meant to be installed atop a curtain, essentially above the rod. And they do exactly what you thought of; blocking light rays and basically improving the coverage against every unwanted element. You can get fabric-based ones or go for high-end styles made of metal or wood.
Both cornices and pelmets come in endless designs and will add that classic “vintage/Victorian” feel to your rooms; best bet for luxury on a budget. They also offer glare reduction even when the curtains are opened, so that the room gets a nice balance of brightness and privacy. For the finest selection, visit the curtains shop in Dubai, where timeless elegance meets affordability.
2- Do A Little Strategic Layering
Investing in a set of thick and sturdy blinds or external shades can go a long way in not just the best light management but also in improving comfort levels. When combined with your existing curtains, they will offer excellent room darkening, and you can even achieve perfect blackout effects. Moreover, having layered or double window coverings helps in keeping interiors peaceful, plus free of temperature intensity or discomfort, while also enhancing security.
Furthermore, when you have blinds on your windows, you can even keep the curtains open for as long as you want and enjoy enough airiness and/or sunlight. Blackout blinds, honeycomb shades, and Roman blinds are a few great recommendations to go for.
3- Invest In The Unsung Heroes
Blackout curtains are dedicated window coverings for light-blocking purposes, as you can guess by the name. They don’t just prove to help minimize brightness and heat indoors, but also make homes much more energy-efficient than before. Besides, the measurements of these curtains are also better than regular ones, most of the time, in order to minimize incoming light and noises as well. You can make them flexible with either motorization or holding accessories.
Besides, if you don’t want to purchase blackout drapes, getting blackout curtain linings will do the job just fine. They go next to existing curtains for enhanced light blockage and can be removed too, whenever needed, perfect for transitions depending on the time of the day.
4- Consider Some Wrapping Of Curtains
Oftentimes, you don’t really need to invest in new products or equipment, instead, a strategic rearranging of what you already got can work wonders. Here, we are talking about a quite basic yet really smart wrapping of curtains around the rod or the pole. Of course, this idea will only be practical if you’ve got extra fabric, but it can be done to most floor-to-length or pooling curtains as a shorter curtain can be acceptable over light leaks and most light leaks happen from the top.
All you need to do is wrap the top edge of your curtain panel(s) around the pole or rod. This will block any light leaks as the top of the curtain rod will have a tight seal. French return curtain rods are designed for this purpose, so you can have them for greater ease and effectiveness.
5- Fix The Curtain Hardware Again
The mounting of curtain rods can be a game-changer when it comes to improving coverage and combatting any form of discomfort. You can consider installing your curtain rod or pole at more height (several inches atop the window frame) for effortless light control. Doing so will put an end to any possible light leakage. For added coverage, you can also extend the curtain rod from both sides so that there is no space for the light to enter from those points.
This approach will also give an elongated look to your windows and make your room look more spacious and attractive. Plus, for better securing of the curtain panel, you can install screw bolts under curtain rods by aligning them with the last curtain pleat’s hook and the it into the eyelet.
In Essence
Improper or insufficient light blockage, though seriously discomforting and annoying, is completely resolvable. We have addressed this common concern for you and have presented ways that actually work and make a difference. With these methods and ideas, you can improve the working of any and every style of window curtains and create just the right places for your resting or work objectives. Besides, doing so has majorly beneficial impacts on the atmosphere of the room; you get significant heat reduction and don’t need to keep your HVAC running all the time. And all this leads to reduced energy bills in the long run, yet another perk.
