Solutions For Blocking Light At Top of Curtains

Unwanted light infiltration is a common struggle for many homeowners. Excess sunlight can disrupt sleep, fade furnishings, and compromise privacy. Finding solutions to block light from the top of curtains is key for a restful bedroom and peaceful home.

Blocking light from curtains can be a frustrating challenge. Glaring sunlight peeking around the edges and tops of window treatments can disrupt sleep, allow unwanted views inside, and diminish your interior design. With some clever fixes, you can solve these issues by fully preventing light infiltration past your curtains.

Measure Windows and Buy Proper Curtains

Getting the right curtain size is the critical first step for effective light blocking. Here are some tips:

• Carefully measure each window's width and height to determine the proper curtain dimensions needed.
• For floor-length curtains, measure window height from top to floor, adding 8-12 inches for puddling.
• Allow curtains to extend 2-3 inches past the window frame on both sides for full side gap coverage.
• Choose thick, room-darkening curtains or add blackout lining to regular drapes.

Investing in curtains specifically tailored to your unique window sizes ensures a custom light barrier. Before shopping, have these window measurements handy:

• Inside window frame width from side to side.
• Inside window frame height from top to bottom.
• Depth of window frame from front to back.
• Height from top of window frame to ceiling.
• Height from window sill to floor.

Curtains that are too narrow or short will leave problematic gaps for light to shine through. With accurate measurements, you can get a perfect curtain fit.

Choosing the Best Blackout Curtain Fabrics

Look for curtains made from these effective blackout materials:

• Vinyl blackout curtains - Thick plastic backing blocks all light.
• Faux silk - Elegant fabric with a rich drape to prevent light gaps.
• Polyester - Affordable, durable blackout curtains.
• Velvet - Luxe light-blocking fabric.
• Canvas - Casual chic style and naturally opaque weave.

Avoid thin, lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or lace. Focus on thick, room-darkening materials engineered to prevent light passing through the weave.

Install Curtain Rods Correctly

Proper curtain rod positioning is imperative for blocking light gaps. Here are some tips:

• Mount rods 3-4 inches above the window molding or frame to allow curtains to fully cover the top of the window.
• Extend rods 2-3 inches beyond the window frame on both sides to hide side light gaps.
• Secure into wall studs using heavy-duty brackets and screws to support the weight of layered curtains.

Sufficiently extending curtain rods beyond window frames guarantees complete light coverage. But take care to choose rods that can handle the weight of your curtain material without sagging.

The Best Curtain Rods for Blackout Curtains

Opt for these sturdy bracketed rods for blackout curtains:

• Tension rods - Stretch to fit snugly into window frames.
• Wood rods - Solid wood supports heavyweight fabrics.
• Steel rods - Iron or aluminum does not bend under heavy drapes.
• Double rods - Allow dual parallel curtain panels.

Rods that are flimsy, too narrow, or mount loosely into walls will sag under thick blackout curtains and create troublesome light gaps.

Use Layered Curtains

Layering different curtain types delivers the best light protection:

• First mount room-darkening blackout curtains as close to the ceiling as possible.
• Add regular curtains layered over the blackouts for decoration and to prevent movement gaps.
• Overlap curtains in the center by 4-6 inches to eliminate a center light gap.

Multilayered curtains utilizing both blackouts and regular drapes provide a foolproof barrier against light from the top down. The layered effect also helps seal gaps between curtain panels. Choose varying textures and patterns for an aesthetically pleasing layered look.

Blackout Curtain Alternatives

If you dislike the appearance of blackout curtains, try these attractive alternatives:

• Insulated curtains - Thick, energy efficient curtains reduce heat/cold transfer.
• Noise-reducing curtains - Muffle outside sounds with sound dampening curtains.
• Thermal curtains - Heat and light blocking for maximum room darkening.
• Room darkening cellular shades - Discreetly block light between window and curtain.

With the right combination of treatments, you can eliminate light gaps while maintaining your desired style.

Seal Light Gaps

Supplement layered curtains with these gap-sealing solutions:

• Apply adhesive-backed light sealing foam strips on side wall and ceiling cracks.
• Weigh down bottom hems using curtain weights or hem tapes to prevent rising gaps.
• Buy curtain magnets, velcro, or tie-backs to keep overlapping edges tightly closed.

Take time to scan for any cracks or openings that allow light to leak through. Sealing these overlooked spaces makes a significant difference in reaching full light blockage.

Creative DIY Gap-Filling Ideas

If you can't find the right pre-made light blocking products, get creative with these DIY solutions:

• Use black Gorilla Tape to seal corners and edges.
• Cut craft foam pieces to size and glue into place.
• Caulk or putty cracks and openings.
• Make rice socks to weigh down curtain bottoms.
• Sew custom side channels and top valances.

With some innovative thinking, you can craft custom light barriers from simple household items.

Darken Window Reveals

Further block light from window reveals using these treatments:

• Add removable, velcro-backed blackout panels sized to fit window side gaps .
• Install tightly-fitted blackout shades within the window frames before hanging curtains.
• Apply blackout film directly onto window glass for affordable light blocking.

Supplementing curtains by concealing glass and closing in window reveals will help achieve complete darkness throughout the day. Take advantage of these often-overlooked light entry points.