Block Light From The Top And Sides Of Curtains
Curtains not only improve the comfort and aesthetics of the interior but also enhance privacy and light control to your desired level. What if your decorative window treatments fail to block the light completely? To get the most out of the curtains, making them light-proof is necessary.
We are writing this blog to make you understand the best way to stop the light from the curtain panel. Before we go in-depth, you must know the reasons for light leakage from the top and sides of drapes. Additionally, we will also discuss the benefits of making the curtains light-proof. So without any further delay, let’s get started.
What Are The Benefits Of Making Curtains Light-Proof?
After solving the problem of light leaks from your curtains, you will get several benefits. Let’s have a look at them in detail.
1. Better Sleep Quality
If you’re a day sleeper or a night shift worker, then blocking out light from the curtain top and sides will ensure a sound sleep.
2. Enhanced Productivity
A famous saying, “A great mind is in a great body,” shows the importance of health. When you get quality sleep, your mood will be refreshed. You feel healthy, and you’ll be able to concentrate on your work schedule. Thus, you’ll prove to be more productive in the office and in your daily routine.
3. Energy Boost
A minimum of 6-8 hours of undisturbed sleep per day is the requirement of the human body. So, when you enjoy the benefit of quality sleep, you’ll feel more energetic all day long. Moreover, you will be able to perform your routine duties properly. After being aware of all the benefits, let’s check out the reasons for light leakage from the curtains.
Reasons for Light Leakage From The Curtain Top & Sides
When your curtains fail to block the light, either from the top or sides of the panel, you must know the basic cause. Here, we discuss several factors that contribute to the light leakage.
1. Improper Curtain Installation
The first and foremost thing is the flaws or defects in the curtain installation process. Yes, your blackout curtain panel is leaking light because they are installed improperly. They might have gaps from the tops or sides of the drapes. If the curtain size is not accurate (too short), the light enters from the sides. In addition, too long brackets, short curtain panels, and rods that are too close or too far from the walls are also reasons why your curtains fail to block light. However, professional curtain fixing and installation are important for perfect fitting of the curtain panels to achieve optimal light control.
2. Wrong Curtain Measurements
There is some chance that the curtain panel’s width may not be ideal for the window frame. To elaborate, you’ve chosen the curtain width to be exactly accommodating the window frame, and that’s the reason behind light leakage. Therefore, the width of the curtain panel should ideally be 1-2 inches more than the window frame on both sides.
Methods To Deal With Light Leakage From The Curtains' Top
We’ve explained below a number of ideas for solving the light leakage problem from the top of the drape. You can opt for the solution that ideally suits your situation.
1. Install A Pelmet Box
A pelmet or valence can be made up of a wooden frame or fabric shaped in a border-like design and sitting above the curtain top. This pelmet, usually named a box pelmet, will prevent the leakage of light from the top of the curtain panel. More often, you’ll find a pelmet box installed over the curtain panel to conceal curtain tracks or rods.
- Using the tape measure, find the center of the pelmet box. Then mark it with a pencil to position the pelmet correctly over the curtain headrail.
- Measure and mark the wall points for bracket installations and drill holes at the marked points.
- Position the brackets and put the screws in place. Check the level of the brackets using a level balance.
- Install or mount the pelmet onto the brackets, and you’re all done with the installation.
Pelmets are dual beneficial for drape panels. They mask the unpleasant curtain tracks and also block the leaking light rays from illuminating the interior.
Expert Guide: How To Fix Broken Blinds That Won’t Open
2. Applying Valance & Cornices
This is another effective method for addressing the light leakage from the top of the curtain. A valance is just like a window treatment (made of fabric), covering the upper part of the window frame. Similarly, a cornice board is also a decorative capping made of wood that covers the top part of the curtain panel.
Both these elements, when applied to the window curtains, hinder the direct passage of light into the interior and become extremely beneficial against light leakage.
There are various types of valances and cornices available easily in the market. These include one-step, straight, soft curves, arched, cascade, inverted box, soft-dip, shaped-flat, etc. Using valances and cornices not only blocks the light leakage from the curtain panel but also improves the aesthetic significance of the window plantation shutters. However, a careful and precise choice is a must to enjoy the charming visuals on the window frames.
3. Layering With Blinds Or Shades
Another great idea is to pair the curtains with either blinds or shades. They block the light entry into the interior completely, resulting in pitch-black darkness in the interior. There are various types of blinds and shades available on the market, so you can pick the one that suits your interior.
However, the most beneficial types are cellular shades and roman shades, which are the most effective at blocking light rays. Similarly, blackout blinds and thermally insulated versions are most suitable because they’re made from thick materials.
For the ideal choice of blinds and shades, you need to consider complementary factors. These include colors, stylish appearances, quality material, fabric maintenance, and pricing. All these aspects, when considered, will let you have a perfect selection.
4. Wrap Around The Curtain Rods
If you prefer to keep the windows open for most parts of the day, then this problem may occur. Your wall coverings may slip and sway to the middle of the windows. In this case, even minor shifts of the curtain panel allow light leakage and disturb your sleep.
To deal with this problem, you can wrap the ends of the curtain panel around the curtain rods. The panel should be wide enough to allow this wrapping around the rods on both ends. The idea is to prevent the curtains from slipping and swaying to the center of the window frame.
5. Tin Foil Sheets & Privacy Films For Glass Window Panels
If your home windows are framed with large-sized glass panels or individual glass slats, you can apply this method. The thin sheets of tin foil are used to prevent light leakage. Tin foil sheets are opaque layers made out of aluminum and therefore, won’t allow light to pass through. And the same goes for privacy films applied over glass panel windows.
However, you need to keep in mind that these non-transparent material layers applied to the window panels will cause hindrance to the outside view. Thus, if you love to enjoy the refreshing natural sights outside the room, then drop this idea and opt for another solution from the list.
Methods To Deal With Light Leakage From The Curtain Sides
If your window curtain panel is leaking light from the sides, then you can opt for any of the following solutions to address the issue.
1. Attach Curtains With Velcro Strips
Velcro strips are sticky back strips that are used to attach frequently used items and prevent them from slipping. These strips are available in square and circular shapes, and therefore, you can make a suitable choice. Choose the right Velcro so that it can stick better or bear the weight of your curtains. For the curtain panel, you can attach the curtains to the sides using Velcro strip attachments. You can combine both sew-on and adhesive Velcro for added strength.
2. Make Use Of Magnetic Tapes
Just like Velcro strip attachments, you can use magnetic tape to fix the leaking issue from the curtain sides. These tapes connect the edges of the curtain panel to the rods, thus keeping the curtains attached to the sides. Doing so will prevent the movement of the curtains and light leakage from the sides.
3. DIY A Light Blocker Using Foam or Cardboard
The easiest method of all possible solutions is to go with a DIY option. In this regard, you’ll cut the cardboard or foam into suitable pieces and attach them to the side of the curtain that’s not visible to the viewers.
Besides maintaining the aesthetic appeal, you’ll also get the benefit of light blockage from the sides of the curtains. Although beneficial, this DIY curtain light blocker is not suitable for curtain panels that get used intensively.
Tips To Maximize the Light Blockage Efficiency Of The Curtains
If the ultimate goal is a light blockage, you need to have a selection for the curtain panel depending on the following considerations.
- For the fabric material, always go for top-quality, thick fabric materials. Their tight weave construction minimizes the passage of light rays.
- Don’t forget that repeated measurements will get you the curtain panel of an ideal length and width. And, there should be no chances of mistakes in this regard.
- Quality curtain installations won’t let you complain about light leakage, and therefore, leave this task to the professionals.
- Choose the right curtains based on your space requirements and needs.
- Choosing expensive curtains and later on using cheap methods to cover light leakage is not a good practice. This will drastically impact the value and desirability of your window curtains. Therefore, you need to maintain decency according to the choice of curtains.
Final thoughts
It has been clear to you that there are various reasons for light leakage from window curtains. However, you can always opt for a suitable solution to fix the problem. In this article, we’ve proposed various ideas as optimal solutions to let you block light leakage from the top and sides of the curtains. Alongside this, the reasons for this problematic phenomenon and the advantages afterward are also described.
Fixing Expert stands as the leading interior fit-out company in Dubai, renowned for delivering top-tier interior solutions. Our dedicated team is readily available to address any interior decor challenges you may encounter.
