Making your own blackout curtains doesn’t require you to be an expert do-it-yourselfer. Creating them is a lot easier than you would expect.
Blackout curtains are the best option if you’re remodeling your bedroom, building a nursery, or need something to keep your room dark during daylight hours. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, and we’ll even show you how to construct one without sewing.
You are reading: How To Make Blackout Curtains? Awesome Ideas To Try!
What are the Benefits of Using a Light Blocking Curtain
In general, people make use of them for two distinct reasons.
- As a means of keeping a room gloomy and forebodingly cave-like, they can filter out up to 99 percent of direct sunlight. When the sun is out, this is perfect for babies who need to nap during the day and night shift employees who need to sleep at night. They not only make it easier to fall asleep, but they can also make it more enjoyable to watch television by reducing the glare from the sun on the screen.
- Using blackout curtains year-round can help consumers save up to 25% on their energy expenditures. In the summer, they prevent heat from entering the room, while in the winter, they protect the heat from escaping.
Materials You Need
Fabric
The overall length you need will depend on the size of your windows, so plan on six yards at the very least. Be sure to allow an extra 10 inches for hems. Contrary to popular belief, the material used does not have to be black. It’s up to you.
Blackout Lining
In terms of keeping light out of the room, the cloth lining is perhaps the most significant. Thick, white cotton is the most common fabric choice.
Grosgrain Ribbon
The tabs are made of grosgrain ribbon, which is a more durable and robust material than satin. This is especially important with heavy blackout curtains.
Thread
To stitch the pieces together, use white thread.
Pins
Until you’re ready to sew the parts together, pin the material in place.
Scissors
To cut fabric, you’ll need a good pair of fabric-specific scissors with good blade sharpness. To ensure accuracy and long-term use, choose knives with stainless steel blades.
Meter Stick
There aren’t enough rulers or measuring tapes to get the job done. A meter or yardstick is a flat, lightweight, and accurate tool for measuring distances.
Marker
Keep a fabric marker handy in case you need to make any markings. A pencil is also acceptable.
Iron
Before sewing, pressing the edges and corners will ensure that the finished product has a clean, crisp appearance. Before you begin stitching, be sure to iron away any wrinkles from the fabric.
Instructions on How to Make It
- Determine the amount of fabric you’ll need for your project. In order to ensure that your curtains don’t end up stretched to the limit, measure your window’s width and height, and then add about eight or ten inches for the top and bottom hems.
- Lay the fabric out flat on the floor, and then calculate how much more you’ll need, keeping in mind the hems.
- In order to ensure that you are cutting exactly where you want, mark the fabric with the yardstick and make straight lines with it. Begin chopping as soon as possible.
- Your blackout lining should be treated in the same way. There is only one difference: you don’t have to account for extra fabric for the hemlines.
- Once you’ve cut all of your fabric, it’s time to straighten it up.
- Fold your hemlines in half and iron them to keep the folds in place.
- Your material should be laid out level, with the right side down, so it’s easy to find what you need.
- The right side of the blackout lining should face up.
- Put pins in all the corners and edges once you’ve folded the hems over the blackout lining.
- Once the lining is attached to the curtain, stitch all of the edges together.
20 Ideas to Make Blackout Curtains Look Good
Layer Blackout Curtains with Sheer Curtains
For greater control over light and airflow, numerous treatments can be applied to a single pane. For a more refined appearance, start with blackouts or shades and then move on to curtains. At least four to six inches above the windows, they will appear to be high ceilings.
Order of the Layers
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Choose either the bottom or top layer of sheer curtains for your curtain rod system, depending on what you want to achieve with the space.
Only when the blackout layer is opened will the sheer curtain be visible if it is the bottom layer. For windows covered by your blackout curtains, they’ll serve as the primary visual focus. It can be used for aesthetics or lighting control, depending on the application.
Any existing blackout curtains will be hidden under the sheer curtain if it is the top layer. When paired with coordinating window treatments, it transforms your house. The fact that they’re the top layer means that they’re always in plain sight.
Choose Room Darkening Curtains Rather Than Blackout Curtains
Curtains can be used to block off light or to filter it, depending on their purpose. Light filters through for some, while others remain completely dark. In general, we choose curtains that aren’t too rigid and are composed of softer materials like velvet while shopping for them. Remember that the room-darkening curtains don’t completely block out the light from the outside, but they do reduce the amount of light that enters the room. These curtains are also typically less expensive than blackout curtains.
Choose Heavy Fabric
Look for textiles that have a weight to them. When it comes to drapery, thicker fabrics tend to hang better and appear more attractive.
Double Curtain Rod
You can hang numerous layers of curtains on a double curtain rod since it has two curtain rods attached to it. Hang a sheer fabric curtain on one rod, and a blackout curtain on the other, to create a double layer of privacy and darkness.
For the most part, blackout curtains are too thick for their own good. Flowing drapes of silky cloth adorn the floor, creating exquisite ruffles. They instantly improve the aesthetic of a room.
Grommet Tops
Grommets have become a standard element on nearly every window treatment on the market today. When you use grommets, you don’t have to use a pole or hooks to hang your curtains. If your windows have heavy curtain panels, this is extremely helpful.
Curtain Ring Clips
Curtain rings can be used to secure your drapes to the rod. To prevent the curtain from drooping, look for curtain clips with a wide base. If you’re going to be moving your curtains a lot, curtain ties might be a better option than curtain rings.
Ruffled Curtains
It’s impossible to go wrong with these curtains in any bedroom. Softens up an otherwise austere environment with their ruffles. Most appealing is the wide array of hues and designs to choose from. Simple to clean and longer-lasting than regular curtains, ruffled ones are a smart investment.
If you’re looking for something a little more elaborate, look for curtains with ruffles or pleats. Because they’re both stylish and comfortable, these curtains are an excellent choice. There are so many ways to personalize your home with these alternatives.
Rustic Curtain Rod
Curtains with blackout lining hung from a rustic curtain rod look fantastic in any home. It lends a rustic feel to contemporary design. A country-style look is the way to go if you want it.
Decorative Curtain Rod
You may add visual appeal to your window treatments by selecting a stylish curtain rod that stands out. It doesn’t matter how plain your blackout curtains are—the appropriate curtain rod will liven them up.
DIY Curtain Rods
Curtain rods for blackout curtains can be easily made at home. This is a great way to save money and get creative. You only need wood, paint, and curtain hooks to make this. Dowels and brackets in stained wood are readily available at any home improvement store for under twenty dollars.
Add Pom Poms
Your blackout curtains should have Pom Poms sewn in. Your curtains will be the talk of the room when you add this finishing touch. There are many different sizes and colors of pom pom balls to choose from.
Upgrade the Curtain Pull
The color of the curtain pull should be consistent with the rest of the room’s decor. Almost any space can benefit from a simple, white curtain draw. It’s also possible to choose for a bright red curtain pull if that’s more your style.
Switch the Direction of Your Curtains
Adding depth to a room is as simple as moving the curtains in different directions. Using sheer panels or solid linen curtains is preferable to using patterns since they are easy to match.
Curtain Heading Styles
The heading style of your blackout curtains can be changed to give them a new look:
- Headings for curtains with pencil pleats.
- Curtain headings with eyelet holes.
- Curtains with an inverted pleat heading.
- Curtains with a Dutch pleat heading.
- A pleated curtain hem in New York City.
- Curtain heading with French pleats.
Adding valances to your blackout curtains is another way to give your room visual interest.
Use Bold Patterns
Blackout curtains go great with bold patterns. Add movement to your designs by using patterns like stripes, florals and dots.
Use Color to Your Advantage — Blackout curtains are available in a wide range of hues. You might choose a bright color that contrasts well with the rest of your décor. Consider combining patterned and solid-colored textiles in your outfits.
Add depth to your curtains by adding texture. Textured materials like velvet and silk can be used.
Create a Contrast
In order to add visual interest to your blackout curtains, consider using two different fabrics. You can use lighter-weight material on the outside and heavier material within.
Consider Using Multiple Colors
For blackout curtains, you can choose from a variety of colors. If you’re unsure about how to match colors, enlist the help of a professional.
Declutter the Area Around the Window
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Keeping junk out of the way when installing blackout curtains is essential. Take everything out of the area where the curtains hang and put it in a storage bin. Keep dust bunnies at bay by clearing shelves, tables, and countertops of clutter.
Hang Them Vertically — When we say “vertical,” we mean “upright.” Straight up is the best way to hang blackout curtains. They will not billow out and create an unsightly mess on the floor.
Hang Them Low – The illusion of height is created by hanging them low. Blackout drapes that are hung low give the illusion that they are taller.
To avoid wrinkles, keep your blackout curtains clean. Using a moist towel and a mild soap, clean the curtains on a regular basis.
FAQs
How to attach a blackout lining to curtains without sewing?
You don’t even need to stitch a liner in place. Small clips that come with the liner allow you to attach it to your curtains after purchase. That’s the first step. Before cutting the liner, measure your cloth. Hemming tape can be used instead of sewing. Opt for a type that can be ironed together to make a connection.
What type of fabric is the best to use?
Look for blackout fabric, which is thicker and more durable. Choose “3-pass” if you’re unsure what to expect. As a result, it has a total of three layers and a small amount of foam in it. It also has the added virtue of being a noise dampener. A “2-pass” suffices if you’re not concerned about noise leaking into your bedroom.
Can you just add a lining to existing curtains?
It’s a great option, and it doesn’t require you to buy a new set.
Can you do it with paint?
Yes, to my surprise! It’s also a terrific way to get a new look, as well. Before painting, iron the material thoroughly. You’ll be sorry if you skip this step. Make stripes or patterns with painter’s tape. Otherwise, you can just start painting right away. When it comes to picking your paint, mix fabric paint with regular paint to produce a unique color combination. You won’t have to worry about the material becoming too rigid when it dries if you use this method.
Are blackout curtains a good idea?
Yes! Reduce light pollution, conserve energy and cut down on glare with these new LED lights. In addition, they’re simple to put in.
Do I need to replace my existing blinds?
Is it necessary to replace your current blinds if you wish to use blackout curtains?
How much space do blackout curtains take up?
Most blackout curtains are 2 feet wide by 4 feet long. However, smaller sizes are available.
What type of curtain rod should I use?
When installing blackout curtains, a regular curtain rod is the ideal option. The length of most rods can be adjusted to meet your specific requirements.
Can I use blackout curtains in the bathroom?
Because they exclude light and heat, blackout curtains are great for restrooms.
Which way should blackout curtains face?
To avoid fading, blackout curtains should be hung with the dark side towards the sun.
Conclusion
See? Isn’t it easier than you anticipated? Making blackout curtains yourself can save you money and give you more control over their size and appearance if you’ve got some free time on the weekend or want to make your own version.
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Category: Guide
