Whether you sleep at night or during the day, there’s no doubt that a lack of light can help you drift off. So it’s no wonder many people want to know how to block out light in the bedroom.
How to Block Out Light in the Bedroom
If you’re one of those people, then this post is for you. We’ll take a closer look at how to block out light from windows, as well as other unwanted sources. All with the aim of helping you to get more and better quality sleep!
The fact is, we need to block out light if we want to sleep soundly. This is because the absence of light stimulates the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. A lack of light can therefore ensure you fall asleep faster - and also reduces your chance of waking up during the small hours.
Read our post about deep sleep tips
From how to black out windows with blinds or curtains to how to block out window light without buying either, here’s all you need to know about how to block out light from your bedroom window. Whether there’s a street lamp right outside, or it’s the sun shining in at 4 am that wakes you up.
6 of the best ways to block out light at night
1.Blackout blinds
The most obvious answer to how to block out sunlight from windows is to buy some blackout blinds. These differ from regular blinds in that they are made from materials that are designed to keep out light.
In fact this denser type of fabric can also help to minimise noise pollution too, or even help to keep a room warmer in winter. The downside is that buying blackout blinds can be costly. Especially if you go for those that are made-to-measure.
Pros:
- Blocks out light, noise and cold
Cons:
- More expensive than regular blinds
- Less choice of colours and designs
2. Blackout curtains
If you want to know how to block out all light from a window, you could use blackout curtains as well as blackout blinds. Or you could buy blackout curtains instead of blackout blinds, simply because that’s what you prefer, or believe to be the most effective.
Using both has a lot going for it, as you can block out more noise and draughts as well as light. The downside, of course, is the cost implication. Buying both blinds and curtains is a pricey way to dress your windows.
Pros:
- Can blocks out draughts, noise and light
Cons:
- More costly than standard curtains
- Fewer designs and colours to choose from
3. Blackout liners
If you’d prefer to keep your current curtains - whether that’s because of cost or your interior decor - there is another option. You can buy blackout liners to add to what you already have, and these are designed to minimise the amount of outside light getting in.
These can be easy to install, though some people find it fiddly. The trickiest part may be finding liners that fit perfectly and easily to what you already have. That said, this can be a more cost effective method for those considering how to block out sunlight.
Pros:
- You can keep your existing curtains
- Can block out noise, light and cold
Cons:
- Finding a set to fit your curtains
- May be fiddly to fit
4. Tinted windows
Instead of addressing what your window is dressed with, you could consider tinting your windows as a longer-term solution. If you’re wondering how to block out light from a skylight, this can be one of the more effective methods. It’s also often used for conservatory roofs, but more to reduce glare and heat than daylight.
The downsides, though, are the messiness of this method. As well as the cost. Unless you can do a tidy job yourself, you’ll need to call in the professionals. And what happens if you want to remove it in future? Trying to remove tinted film from glass to make it look like it was never there can be nigh-on impossible.
Find out prices for home window tinting here
Pros:
- Keep your existing curtains or blinds
- A permanent solution (unless you get new windows)
Cons:
- Very difficult to fit neatly
- Professional fitting is pricey
- Removing it in future may be too much of a challenge
5. Aluminium foil
Who would have thought that something in your kitchen drawer could provide the answer to how to block out light. Without curtains really coming into the equation. Aluminium foil is a simple and very cheap hack to use, and many reckon it can cut your heating bills into the bargain.
The downside, though, is pretty obvious. Your bedroom is hardly going to have that designer look you may have been striving for. It’s a DIY method and it shows. If you don’t mind that, then this is the number way to block out light for just a few pounds.
Pros:
- Use alongside your current curtains or blinds
- Very affordable indeed
Cons:
- It’s not going to win you any awards for bedroom decor
6. An eye mask
What if we said you could find the solution easily? Without even worrying about how to block out light from the top of your curtains or around the blinds? Or fixing anything at all to your drapes or window?
The number one answer to the question of how to block out light from blinds and curtains that filters in from outside is to move to the countryside. Only kidding!
All you really need to do is to get hold of a decent silk eye mask. Silk ones are the most comfortable and luxurious. Yet they cost a fraction of the price you’d pay for made-to-measure blackout blinds or curtains.
For the maximum effect, go for a silk eye mask in a dark shade like black or navy. Though a good one will have several layers, and will thus be pretty effective in any case.
Once you’ve tried a silk eye mask, there’s no going back. You can take it with you wherever you go, and no adjustments whatsoever to your bedroom are required. Silk eye masks made ideal presents too - particularly when you know someone who needs to sleep during the day. Such as a new mum, a firefighter or a junior doctor.
Pros:
- No changes to curtains or blinds required
- No messy film or foil to apply to windows
- Take it with you wherever you go
Cons:
- Costs more than a roll of foil
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