Custom Blackout Lining Your Window Curtains

Achieving complete privacy is difficult when bright sunlight or ambient lighting from streetlamps, neighboring houses, or internal rooms prevent total room darkening. Installing blackout curtain liners is an affordable solution to regain control over any space blackouts require for restful sleep or concentrated productivity without distractions from light .

Blackout lining consists of tightly woven, multi-layered fabrics, often coated with UV protection, that fully block external or internal light sources for undisturbed functionality of bedrooms, home offices, theaters, or nurseries. Compared to regular linings or curtains alone, a specialized blackout lining improves insulation, absorbs sound, and upgrades room darkening ability while being easy to install within existing curtains.

Benefits of Adding Blackout Lining to Curtains

Integrating a blackout liner serves vital practical purposes beyond just improving aesthetics or decor. Key benefits include:

• Blocks Outside Light: Multi-layer opacity prevents any ambient, sunlight or artificial light glowing through.
• Insulates For Heat/Cold: Thermal insulating properties regulate temperatures for energy savings.
• Reduces Noise: Special acoustic fabrics absorb external sounds or echoes.
• Provides Privacy: Eliminates visibility through transparent curtain fabrics.

With full incoming light elimination and insulation, rooms feel more remote and tranquil. Some feature heavier fabrics with acoustic attributes absorbing street noise or echoes within a room for less stimulation.

Types of Blackout Curtain Linings

Several options suit any style, budget or ease of installation. Types consist of:

Built-In Liners

Integrated within curtain panels as a backing, built-in blackout liners are convenient. Hems allow even positioning across a window without drooping. Dual-functioning as decoration and light exclusion, built-in liners avoid installing separate pieces.

Separate/Removable Liners

Sold distinctly from curtains, separate blackout liners offer flexibility for use in multiple rooms with curtains. Affix to curtain headings for quick DIY upgrades. Ideal for large expanses of glass or spot light leaks missed by curtains alone.

Blackout Film/Window Tint

Blackout window films professionally adhere directly onto glass panes. This traps incoming light by mimicking effects of tinted car windows. Films suit rental units when altering permanent fixtures is prohibited.

Interlining Fabric

For customization or special light proofing needs, interlining fabric sold by the yard suits. Take measurements to size curtains perfectly. Being thicker than other options, excellent opacity is achieved even in brighter spaces.

Choosing a Blackout Curtain Liner

With an array of types and models available, select liners matching unique light control challenges. Key traits for comparison include:

• Opacity/Light Blocking Ability : Opt for heavier, layered fabric densities blocking all incoming rays.
• Noise Reduction Capability : Check acoustic ratings if external sounds easily transmit indoors.
• Insulation Properties : Certain liners better regulate warmer/cooler airflow from windows.
• Color/Pattern Coordination with Curtains : Match or complement decorative curtain styles.

Measure window lengths and widths precisely. This ensures purchasing sufficient liner amounts for full coverage. Blackout percentages indicate just how effectively products block irritating light . For home theaters, recording studios or delicate sleepers, the highest percentages nearing 100% are ideal.

Added Features

Special attributes like thermal insulation assist in cooling during hot summers or retaining warmth in cold winters . Insulated blackout lining then functions similar to double glazing. Noise reduction keeps unwanted sounds out while helping furnishings or wall decor absorb internal echoes or ambient noise for a more relaxing atmosphere.

Some feature antimicrobial properties, an added safeguard for dust mite allergies or respiratory problems. Washable fabrics maintain quality after machine drying too. Child/pet friendly designs utilize non-toxic dyes with extra strong seam stitching.

Installation Tips for DIY Blackout Linings

One beauty of separate liners is the simplicity of DIY upgrades attainable within minutes. However, accuracy while measuring and mounting is vital to prevent eventual sagging issues or letting stray light sneak past edges.

Taking Precise Measurements

Avoid skimping on inches here, even if that requires purchasing more materials. Leave extra width and length to fully extend past window frames for dependable opacity. Carefully gauge the revealing qualities of sheers too if layering liners behind them.

Allowing for Curtain Shrinkage

Pre-washed curtains tend to contract slightly from their original size. Built-in shrinkage allowances within separate liners prevent pulling or tearing side hems loose. Heat from regular ironing or a hot dryer risks melting specialized coatings though.

Attaching Liners to Curtains Evenly

Align tops carefully while pinning or sewing to evenly distribute weight and density. Temporary adjustable pins or Velcro strips work initially before more permanent attachments. Avoid uneven positioning on sides leaving gaps for stray light to leak through.

For wide expanses, utilizing multiple panels maintains consistency across large windows. Measure midpoint to center divisions before cutting panels to appropriate widths.

Blackout Liner Location Best Practices

Strategic positioning optimizes effectiveness, especially in troublesome spaces receiving light from various angles. Ideal areas include:

Extending Behind and Around Windows/Doors

Covering every inch of framing avoids backlight glow admittance while sealing off cracks or aging seals. This greatly minimizes early morning sunrise brightness or streetlamp light pollution if bedrooms directly face walkways.

Optimizing Upper & Bottom Positions

Adjust rod lengths for floor-to-ceiling coverage without awkward bunching or pulling. Bottoms may lift onto obscured floors or window sills if more privacy is necessary during daytime hours. Top sections should expand a few extra inches past the header.

Accounting for Wall/Ceiling Irregularities

Corner gaps, baseboard moldings, uneven textures and ceiling angles allow light peeking through the slightest openings. Extend blackout lining outward generously to counteract irregular shapes and architecture variances.

Troubleshooting Common Blackout Lining Issues

Despite proper installation, problematic gaps or positioning flaws sneak past causing pesky light glow issues. Troubleshoot unusual admits by:

• Checking for Gaps : Allowing Light In
• Readjusting Sagging : Causing Light/Noise Leaks
• Steam/Iron Wrinkles : Affecting Appearance
• Replacing Adhesive : Not Holding Properly

Tabs, pins and durable glues reinforce connections to window or door surrounds without leaving a sticky residue behind. Protective fine mesh screens add another barrier against destructive UV rays too. Contact adhesive spray creates durable bonds across longer expanses.