How To Make Blackout Curtains? Helpful Information Update 12/2024

You don’t need to be a master of DIY to construct your own blackout curtains. You’d be surprised at how simple it is to make them!

You can use blackout curtains to keep your room dark during the daytime while remodeling your bedroom or building a nursery. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, and we’ll even show you how to construct one without sewing.

What are the Benefits of Using a Light Blocking Curtain

People utilize them for two primary reasons:

  1. They can keep a room gloomy and cave-like 24 hours a day by blocking up to 99 percent of the sun’s rays. 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. Additionally, they can make it easier to sleep by reducing the glare from the sun on the television screen.
  2. Using blackout curtains year-round can save a consumer up to a quarter of their energy expenditure. 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. The hems will also necessitate an additional 10 inches of fabric. Contrary to popular belief, the fabric need not be black. It’s up to you.
No-Sew Blackout Curtains | Martha Stewart

Blackout Lining

Probably the most critical component is the room’s cloth lining, which is responsible for blocking out light. Cotton is the most common material.

Grosgrain Ribbon

The tabs are made of grosgrain ribbon, which is more solid and durable than satin. Blackout curtains, which tend to be heavier, necessitate this.

Thread

The components should be sewn together with white thread.

Pins

You can pin the fabric together until you’re ready to sew it all together with a sewing needle and thread.

Scissors

To cut fabric, you’ll need a good pair of fabric-specific scissors with good cutting performance. Keep the blades stainless steel to ensure precision and long-term use.

Meter Stick

There aren’t enough rulers or measuring tapes that are long enough, and they may not be stable enough. The flat, light weight of a meter or yardstick aids in the accuracy of measurements.

Marker

If you need to make a mark on the fabric, bring a marker with you. A pencil can also be used.

Iron

Before sewing, pressing the edges and corners will ensure that the finished product has a clean, crisp appearance. You’ll also need to remove any wrinkles from the fabric before you begin sewing.

Instructions on How to Make It

  1. You need to know how much fabric you’ll need. Add eight to ten inches to the width and height of your window, from the curtain rod to the floor, so that the hems and the curtains can hang comfortably without being stretched to the breaking point.
  2. Lay the fabric out flat on the floor, and then calculate how much more you’ll need, keeping in mind the hems.
  3. Using a yardstick, draw straight lines on the fabric to indicate where to cut. Begin chopping as soon as possible.
  4. For the blackout lining, follow the same steps as above. There is only one difference: you don’t have to account for extra fabric for the hemlines.
  5. Once you’ve cut all of your fabric, it’s time to straighten it up.
  6. When you’re finished, iron the neat fold over the hemlines of your garments.
  7. The right side of the material should be facing down as you lay it down flat on the floor. The right side of the blackout lining should face up.
  8. Pin the hems in place all the way around the corners and edges of the blackout lining.
  9. To finish attaching the lining to the curtain, stitch all of the exposed edges together.

20 Ideas to Make Blackout Curtains Look Good

Layer Blackout Curtains with Sheer Curtains

Using more than one type of glass on a single pane gives you better control over lighting and ventilation. To get the best effect, start with blackouts or shades, then add curtains. Do this by putting them at least four to six inches above your windows.

Order of the Layers

It’s your decision whether or not to use sheer curtains as the basis of your curtain rod system or as the final layer.

Only when the blackout layer is opened will the sheer curtain be visible if it is the bottom layer. When you close your blackout curtains, they’ll take center stage on whatever windows they cover. In terms of both aesthetics and lighting management, it’s an excellent choice.

Adding a sheer curtain on top of your existing blackout curtains will ensure that they are completely obscured. When paired with coordinating window treatments, it transforms your house. Because they’re the top layer, they’re always visible.

Choose Room Darkening Curtains Rather Than Blackout Curtains

Curtains can either block or filter light, depending on how thick they are. Some are completely dark, while others only block off a small amount of light. Velvet and other softer materials tend to be preferred when it comes to curtains, as do ones that are not too stiff. Keep in mind that the room-darkening drapes do not completely block out light from the outside; just a portion of it is blocked. In addition, they are less expensive than full-length blackout drapes when compared side by side.

Choose Heavy Fabric

Fabrics with a weighty feel are preferable to lightweight ones. When it comes to drapery, thicker fabrics tend to hang better and appear more attractive.

8 best blackout curtains in 2022, according to experts

Double Curtain Rod

Using a double curtain rod, you can hang numerous layers of curtains at the same time. Curtains that block out light can be hung on either a sheer or a blackout rod.

Most blackout curtains are way too heavy to be effective. Flowing drapes of silky cloth adorn the floor, creating exquisite ruffles. They transform a room in a matter of seconds.

Grommet Tops

Grommets have become an essential part of any window treatment in recent years. Grommets eliminate the need for a curtain rod or hooks altogether. Windows with heavy drapery panels will find this particularly beneficial.

Curtain Ring Clips

Curtain rings can be used to secure your drapes to the rod. Look for curtain clips that have a wide base to prevent sagging. If you plan to move your curtains regularly, you may want to consider using curtain ties instead of curtain rings.

Ruffled Curtains

It’s hard to go wrong with these curtains in any bedroom. Their ruffles soften an otherwise austere environment. Most appealing is the wide array of hues and designs to choose from. Traditional curtains can be difficult to maintain, however ruffled ones are simple to care for and last longer.

If you want your curtains to stand out, look for ones with ruffles or pleats. Style and comfort go hand-in-hand with these curtains. You’ll be able to put your own stamp on the look of your house with these additions.

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. This is the best option if you want to give your room a country feel.

Decorative Curtain Rod

Adding visual interest to your window treatments is as simple as 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. A unique method to save money at the same time. 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. Adding a small touch like this to your curtains will give them an extra dose of visual interest. They come in a variety of shapes and hues.

Upgrade the Curtain Pull

Window treatments should be coordinated with the color scheme in your home. It’s easy to match a white curtain pull to any color scheme. If you really want to make a statement, though, go for a bright red curtain pull.

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

Your blackout curtains can be given a new look simply by changing their headings.

  • Curtain headings with pencil pleats.
  • Curtain headings with eyelet holes.
  • Curtains with an inverted pleat heading.
  • Curtains with a Dutch pleat header.
  • Curtain heading in the style of a New York pleat.
  • Curtains with French pleats on the hem.

You can also add valances to your blackout curtains to provide visual interest.

Use Bold Patterns

Blackout curtains look their best when they are decorated in bright designs. Consider using paisley, stripes, and polka dots in your designs.

Make a Statement – Blackout curtains come in a variety of hues. You might choose a bright color that contrasts well with the rest of your décor. Try combining patterned and solid-colored textiles to create a unique look.

Add Texture — Texture gives your curtains a sense of depth. Textured materials like velvet and silk can be used.

Create a Contrast

The contrast created by your blackout curtains’ use of two different types of cloth is eye-catching. Outside, lighter-weight materials might be used with heavier-weight materials inside.

Consider Using Multiple Colors

Make your blackout curtains out of more than one hue. If you’re not sure how to match colors, call a professional.

Declutter the Area Around the Window

Keep junk out of the way when installing blackout curtains. Clean up the area where the drapes are hanging and remove any clutter. Make sure there aren’t any hiding places for dust bunnies on your shelves, tables, or worktops.

Hang Them Vertically – When someone says, “Hang them vertically,” they mean, “vertically”. Straight up is the best way to hang blackout curtains. As a result, there is no debris on the floor from the drapes billowing outwards.

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 creases, clean your blackout curtains periodically. A moist towel and mild soap are all that is needed to maintain the cleanliness of the drapes.

FAQs

How to attach a blackout lining to curtains without sewing?

You don’t need to stitch anything to attach a lining. Small clips that come with the liner allow you to attach it to your curtains after purchase. Doing so is a good place to start. then cut it to match your fabric’s measurements Next, hemming tape might be used in place of sewing. Opt for a type that can be ironed together to produce a strong binding.

What type of fabric is the best to use?

The heavier blackout fabric is what you’re looking for. If it says “3-pass” on the package, that means it contains three layers and some foam. It also has the added virtue of being a noise dampener. 2-pass is sufficient if noise intrusion is not a worry for you.

Can you just add a lining to existing curtains?

In fact, it’s a great way to personalize them without having to invest in a new set of them.

Can you do it with paint?

Yes, that’s right. As a bonus, this is a terrific way to get a fresh new look. Before painting, iron the material thoroughly. You’ll be sorry if you skip this step. To create stripes or a pattern, you can use painter’s tape. Start painting if you’d rather.Consider using a mixture of traditional and textile-paint when selecting your paint. Avoid making the material overly rigid when it dries by doing so.

Are blackout curtains a good idea?

Yes! Reduce light pollution, conserve energy and cut down on glare with these new LED lights. They’re also simple to set up.

BGment Thermal Insulated 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom with Black Liner, Double Layer Full Room Darkening Noise Reducing Rod Pocket Curtain ( 52 x 63 Inch, Navy Blue, 2 Panels ) : Home & Kitchen

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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