Blackout Bedroom: Achieving Complete Darkness For Better Sleep

A dark room is essential for a good night's sleep. Light from the sun or electronic devices can disrupt sleep and prevent you from falling asleep. To create a pitch-black bedroom, you can use a combination of window treatments, light-blocking solutions, and changes to your decor and furniture layout.

For windows, you can use blackout curtains, shades, or blinds, either on their own or in combination. Blackout curtains are typically made with tightly woven polyester and are thick enough to block out most light. You can also use blackout cellular shades, which are made with thick fabric and fit snugly within your window frame to prevent light from coming in around the edges. If you don't want to use curtains or shades, you can try blackout window film, which is a thick adhesive film that you apply directly to your windows. Alternatively, you can use DIY materials such as cardboard, tinfoil, or trash bags to cover your windows.

To block out artificial light, you can use light-blocking LED strips or black electrical tape to cover the lights from electronic devices. You should also turn off or unplug any devices you don't need during the night. Additionally, you can use a door draft stopper or a rolled-up towel to block light from coming in through the gap under your door.

To make your room even darker, you can paint your walls a darker colour to absorb more light or rearrange your furniture so that your bed is away from any windows or light sources.

Blackout curtains or blinds

Blackout curtains

Blackout curtains are a popular option for blocking out light. They are usually made with synthetic fabrics, which are good at blocking light, but they can also be made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen. They are effective at blocking out light, especially when paired with another window treatment such as blinds or an additional blackout layer. When installing blackout curtains, ensure that the curtain rod is installed 4-5 inches above the window frame and that the curtains are wide enough to cover the entire window, extending beyond the frame.

Blackout blinds

Blackout blinds are another option for blocking out light from your bedroom. They are typically made from polyester and come in a variety of styles, such as cellular, roller, or roman shades. Cellular shades have a single or double layer of hollow cells that block light and improve insulation and soundproofing. Roller shades are easy to clean and can be made from various materials, such as vinyl or acrylic-coated fabric. Roman shades are made from woven wood and usually require a liner to block out light effectively.

Combining curtains and blinds

For the most effective light-blocking solution, you can combine blackout curtains and blinds. This way, you benefit from the light-blocking properties of both and can also enjoy the insulation and soundproofing benefits of certain types of blinds.

Other options

If you are unable to install curtains or blinds, there are other temporary solutions you can try. These include:

• Awnings: Canvas sheets hung outside your window to prevent natural light from reaching your room.
• Aluminium foil: Cheap and easy to use, aluminium foil can be stuck to your window with painter's tape.
• Privacy film: Plastic film that you can cut and attach to your window to reduce natural lighting.
• Blackout film: Opaque window film that you can attach to your window to block out light and provide privacy.
• Cardboard: Sheets of cardboard or corrugated board can be placed over your window with painter's tape.

Blackout window film

Step 1: Clean the Window Surface

Start by thoroughly cleaning the window to remove any dirt or debris. Use a mild detergent or glass cleaner, and a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the window. Ensure that you also clean the window frame and sills. It is important to have a clean surface for the film to adhere properly.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Film

Accurate measurements are crucial for a proper fit. Measure the height and width of your window using a measuring tape, and add an extra inch to both measurements to allow for some overlap. Use these measurements to cut the film to the appropriate size. You can use a sharp utility knife or a pair of scissors for this step.

Step 3: Apply the Film

Peel off the protective backing from the film, being careful not to touch the adhesive surface with your fingers. Spray the adhesive side with a soapy water solution. Carefully position the film on the window, starting from the top corner, and gradually work your way down. Use a squeegee or a credit card to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles as you go.

Step 4: Remove Air Bubbles

Even with careful application, some air bubbles may form between the film and the window. Use the squeegee or credit card to push these air bubbles towards the nearest edge of the film. Apply gentle pressure and sweep across the film to release the trapped air. If the bubbles persist, carefully puncture them with a small pin or needle.

Benefits of Blackout Window Film:

Other Methods for Blackout Windows:

In addition to window film, there are other methods you can use to achieve complete blackout in your bedroom:

• Blackout curtains: These are designed to block out light and come in various styles. They are an effective and popular choice, but may require more time and investment.
• Aluminum foil: A budget-friendly option is to cover your window with aluminum foil, using painter's tape to avoid damaging the glass.
• Privacy film: This reduces natural lighting to an acceptable level while providing some privacy.
• Blackout shades: Roller shades, Roman shades, and vertical blinds are versatile options that block out light and provide privacy.

Remember, a good night's sleep is essential for your health and well-being. By following these steps and choosing the method that suits your needs, you can create a dark and peaceful environment in your bedroom.

DIY window blackout solutions

Blackout curtains or drapes

Blackout curtains are a traditional and affordable way to block out light. They are slightly heavier than regular curtains and come with an extra liner to block out light. When installing, ensure the curtain rod is sturdy enough to support the weight and install it 4-5 inches above the window frame. The total width of the curtain should be 1.5-2 times the size of the window frame and extend beyond the bottom of the window frame.

Blackout blinds

Blackout blinds are a good alternative to curtains and offer a neater look. The tight weave design blocks artificial light and UV rays.

Window film

Window film is a thin, tinted covering that can be easily applied to the window pane to reduce light and glare. It is a more aesthetically pleasing option than aluminium foil and provides privacy and protection from UV rays and extreme temperatures.

Aluminium foil

Covering your window with aluminium foil is a cheap and easy way to block out light. Simply cut the foil to the size of your window panes and secure with painter's tape.

Cardboard

Cardboard is a cost-effective and simple way to block out light. Cut sheets of cardboard to the size of your window panes and secure with painter's tape.

Fabric

For a quick fix, you can attach a dark fabric or blanket over your windows using command hooks or similar non-damaging attachments.

Awnings

Awnings are a good option if you want to reduce the amount of light entering your room without blocking it out completely. They are sheets of canvas hung outside your exterior window to prevent natural light from reaching the window.

Block artificial light

Artificial light can be a hindrance to a good night's sleep, so it's important to find ways to block it out. Here are some methods to achieve that:

• Blackout blinds and curtains: These are made from materials that are designed to keep out light. They can be costly, especially if they are made-to-measure. Combining blackout blinds with blackout curtains can further enhance their effectiveness.
• Blackout liners: If you want to keep your existing curtains, you can buy blackout liners to add to them. These liners minimise the amount of outside light coming in and can be a more cost-effective solution.
• Window tinting: Tinting your windows can be a longer-term solution to block out light. However, it can be messy and expensive, especially if you need to hire professionals. Removing the tint in the future may also be challenging.
• Aluminium foil: A cheap and simple solution is to cover your windows with aluminium foil. It blocks out light completely and can also help reduce your heating bills. However, it may not give your bedroom the desired designer look.
• Blackout travel blinds: These portable and lightweight blinds are made from opaque blackout fabric and come with strong suction cups or self-adhesive attachments. They are ideal for travellers, shift workers, and light sleepers who want a quick and easy solution.
• Eye masks: Sleeping with an eye mask can be an effective and inexpensive way to block out light. It doesn't affect others in the room and can help accelerate melatonin production by preventing you from looking around the room. However, they may not be comfortable for restless sleepers or during hot weather.
• Cardboard: Using cardboard to cover your windows is another inexpensive option. It shields you from UV rays and keeps the room warmer, but it may not be ideal during summer as it provides insulation.

Additional steps to improve sleep

In addition to the various methods of blocking out light from your windows, there are other steps you can take to improve your sleep quality.

Firstly, it is important to block out light from electronic devices. Light-blocking LED strips or black electrical tape can be used to cover the lights on devices such as cable boxes and air conditioning units. Alternatively, you can remove these devices from your bedroom or turn them away from your bed. It is also recommended that you do not charge your phone or other electronic devices in your bedroom, and that you avoid using them for at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep.

Secondly, you can block out light from under your door. A two-sided door draft stopper can be used to prevent light from the hallway from entering your room. A rolled-up towel can also be used for this purpose.

Thirdly, consider using a sleep mask. This is a good option if you are unable to block out all light from your windows, or if you are travelling or in temporary housing. Choose a thick, dark-coloured mask that fits comfortably and snugly over your eyes.

Finally, you can improve your sleep by reducing your exposure to blue light, which suppresses the production of melatonin. Swap out fluorescent light bulbs with blue-light-free alternatives that emit amber or dark yellow light. If you enjoy reading before bed, use a blue-light-free lightbulb in your bedside lamp.

Frequently asked questions