How Do I Make My Curtains Darker? 5 Methods to Keep More Sunlight Out on Summer Mornings

If the early morning sun is stealing the best of your beauty sleep, there are ways to work with your existing curtains to make them darker and block out more light.

Layering is a great way to make curtains blackout and best of all, it's cost effective! Melissa Smith, CEO and founder of OtterSpace Blackout Curtains tells us: 'It can be cost effective to make your own curtains blackout if you already have materials on hand. DIY techniques like using blackout liners, tension rods, or existing fabrics can be an easy and inexpensive way to block unwanted light'.

If you want to make your bedroom darker for better sleep or you're learning how to layer sheer and blackout curtains to elevate your bedroom — here's how you can make curtains blackout, according to the experts.

Layering tricks to make curtains darker

If you're like me and you're not exactly handy with tools and you want to learn how to hang curtains without drilling or to make curtains blackout, then we've got you covered.

'Layering blackout curtains can be a practical way to both reduce light and enhance the appearance of your room,' says Melissa Smith, CEO and founder of OtterSpace Blackout Curtains. These methods are not only perfect for those who want simple DIY option for blackout curtains, they offer many additional benefits'.

The expert says the added benefits include, light blocking, increased insulation, visual interest, and light control. Sounds pretty great right? Here are a few ways you can make curtains blackout.

1. Use a Double Curtain Rod System

As a bedroom curtain idea, the double curtain rod may just be your saving grace. It's a great way of layering without having to use any tool — which for me, is a dream come true.

Curtain and drapery expert Melissa says if you want to make your curtains blackout, you can 'install a double curtain rod and use one of the rods for your sheer or decorative curtains'. As for the second rod, Melissa says you can add your blackout curtain onto those.

2. Add a Blackout Fabric Liner to your Existing Curtains

Another method Melissa suggests is to add a blackout fabric liner onto your existing curtains. Can this be done without sewing? Yes, indeed it can!

First, Melissa says you'll need to purchase the fabric you want — this Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain Liner from Walmart for just $17.89 should do the trick. 'If the fabric or liner is larger than your curtains, cut the fabric to the size of your curtains,' Melissa adds. You can then 'attach the blackout liner to your curtain using clip rings or iron-on adhesive'.

Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith, Ph.D., is the CEO and founder of OtterSpace Blackout Curtains. With a doctorate in neuroscience, Melissa used her understanding of sleep science to launch innovative sleep solutions that will provide you with your best sleep ever. OtterSpace’s flagship product offers a solution to completely eliminate light leaks to create the optimal sleep environment. Melissa’s expertise makes her a leading voice in the sleep health industry.

3. Use a Tension Rod to Hang a Blackout Panel

If other methods do not seem to be working for you, Melissa says using a tension rod to hang blackout panels will do the trick for the summer. She says for this method all you'll need to do is 'add a tension rod inside your window frame behind your curtains' and then proceed to 'hang a blackout panel on the tension rod to block additional light'.

Curtains are an essential part of any space, but you'll want to avoid common curtain mistakes if you want the accessory to look cohesive in your home. Make sure your curtains are the correct length — not too long and not too short. When placing your blackout panel behind your curtain, make sure it is the same length. This will give you maximum light coverage.

4. Overlap Several Curtain Panels

Finding the best fabric for curtains is an important part of layering and overlapping, but without hanging them the right way, you'll be subject to those annoying cracks of light between panels. You can 'hang several curtain panels on the same rod,' but Melissa says you need to 'ensure that the panels overlap by an inch or two for optimal light blocking coverage'.

I particularly love this form of layering and drapery as you can create quite a chic and effortless look with your curtains in your modern home.

5. Hang Dark Fabric or Blankets

Last, but not least, Melissa says hanging dark fabric or a blanket behind your curtains can be an effective way to make curtains blackout.

'Hang the fabric using curtain clips, pins, or iron-on adhesive so they stay securely attached to your curtains and block out light,' she adds.

FAQS

What Can You Use as a Blackout Curtain?

Brindha Dhanabalan, CEO of All Cotton and Linen says there are several materials you can use as blackout curtains, that includes: 'Three-pass blackout lining, thermal curtains, and blackout fabric'. For alternatives, Brindha suggests 'heavy fabrics like denim or velvet, or blackout window film'.

The Benefits Of Layering

Melissa Smith from OtterSpace Blackout Curtains says the benefits of layering curtains to make them blackout includes:

Improved Light Blocking: Melissa tells us adding multiple layers of fabric can reduce the amount of light coming into your room. 'This environment is especially useful for home theaters, nurseries, and bedrooms where total darkness is necessary'.

Increased Insulation: 'Using several curtain layers can keep a room warm in the winter and cooler in the summer by blocking light and adding insulation,' she says. 'This added insulation can provide energy savings and a cozy room ideal for sleeping'.

Add Visual Interest: Layering curtains with sheer and decorative drapes can add depth, style and visual interest to your room.

Light Control: The expert says layering is a great way to control light levels in your room. She suggests opening the blackout layer during the day and leaving the decorative curtains closed for both natural light and privacy. 'Closing both layers at night will provide optimal darkness for rest'.

Simple and Affordable: Last but not least, Melissa says layering is ideal if you're on a budget. 'Using simple tools like curtain clip rings and tension rods can make it easy to layer curtains without the need for sewing,' she notes.