As important as sunlight is to the world in general, that doesn’t necessarily mean you want to be around it all the time. Light coming in through a window can make it very difficult for anyone to get the sleep they need. But if you work nights, have a baby who naps during the day, or you’re just a light sleeper (no pun intended), blocking sunlight in bedrooms is sure to be a big priority.
If you’re trying to improve your bedroom to get better sleep, choosing the right window treatments is one of the most important things you can do. These types of window treatments have proven to be highly effective in keeping light out so you can sleep easier.
Blackout Curtains
Curtains can let in as much or as little light as you’d like. While some curtains can be very sheer and let in lots of light, other styles are excellent at keeping sunlight out. Blackout curtains are made of thicker materials and have a lining sewn into them to help block out as much sunlight as possible. As an added bonus, blackout curtains are a very energy efficient type of window treatment since they help prevent cold air from coming in during the winter and block heat from the sun during the summer.
For maximum light blockage, make sure the curtains extend slightly past the edges of the windows and use wraparound curtain rods to hang them. Wraparound curtain rods will help keep the curtains closer to the wall than regular curtain rods do, so you won’t have to worry about light sneaking in from around the edges.
Blackout Shades
Blackout shades come in many different styles. Roman shades can be both stylish and effective at blocking out sunlight. If you decide to get a Roman shade, just be sure to look for a style that’s lined to block out light. Cellular shades are another very popular way to keep the light out. While there are some more transparent styles of cellular shades, blackout cellular shades are lined with Mylar or foil to make them excellent at blocking sunlight. Solar shades are available with different levels of openness to give you a level of control over how much light comes through. And, of course, there are good old fashioned roller shades!
Blinds and Shutters
Blinds and shutters aren’t as effective as blackout shades or curtains at blocking light, but they can still do a pretty good job. If you really want to keep light out, the key is choosing the right type of blinds or shutters. Since smaller slats create more openings for light to come through, you’ll want to look for blinds and shutters with wider slats. Also, avoid thin, vinyl blinds and go for aluminum or composite wood styles instead.
