How To Stop Light Coming In Through Your Blinds
Feb 17, 2022Blinds are one of the most popular window treatments throughout New York. They’re really functional and can be found in so many different styles. Their only downside is that they let a lot of light leak through their slats. This can be annoying when you want to completely prevent natural light from coming into your room. So, let’s take a look at how to stop light coming in through your blinds.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent light from leaking through your blinds. Blinds that block out light certainly exist. Our “how to stop light coming through your blinds” guide will let you enjoy the style and functionality of window blinds without having to worry about light leakage.
DO ALL BLINDS LET LIGHT THROUGH THEM?
Blinds have gaps between each of their slats simply because that’s how they’re built. These gaps are from where light leaks through your blinds. This design means that pretty much all blinds out there let some amount of light through them. However, a well-made and well-fitted blind will let a very minimal amount of light come through it. Binds that are specially made can block out light quite effectively as well.
In most cases, blinds that don’t block out light aren’t fitted properly onto your windows. Window treatments need to be carefully fitted to make sure they prevent light leakage. Proper fitting eliminates gaps and makes sure that your blinds block out light effectively.
HOW TO STOP LIGHT COMING IN THROUGH YOUR BLINDS?
There are a number of ways that let you stop light coming in through your blinds. Before we get into how to stop light from coming through your blinds, let’s figure out from where exactly light is leaking in. Window blinds let light in through from two areas:
- From the gaps in-between their slats
- From the sides of your window covering
If your blinds are leaking light through their sides, this means that your blinds are not properly fitted onto your windows. Improper fitting is often a major culprit when it comes to light leakage in window coverings. If there’s a lot of light coming in through the gaps in-between your blinds’ slats, this could be a fitting problem as well. Keep in mind that even properly fitted blinds let some amount of light through them. If you want blinds that block out light, you can get custom blackout blinds. Let’s take a look at what can be done to prevent light leakage in window blinds.
Professional Fitting
Installing window coverings is more complicated than you may think. Like we’ve mentioned above, improper fitting can lead to your blinds leaking light through their sides and through gaps in-between their slats. If you want to block light coming from the side of your blinds, the first thing you should do is have them inspected by your window treatment company. Professionals can measure your windows and your window treatments to check whether your blinds are properly fitted or not. Professional help can provide a quick answer to how to stop light from coming in through your blinds.
The best way to block light from the side of your blinds is to have them re-fitted. If your blinds are small for your window, you can either have them replaced or install side tracks for blinds. The latter option is a cheaper solution to block light from the side of your blinds. However, sidetracks for blinds can compromise the look and feel of your window treatment.
Get Custom Blackout Blinds
Opting for custom blackout blinds is a solid solution to your light leakage problem. Custom blackout blinds are light blocking blinds that prevent light leakage in two ways. Firstly, they are custom-made for your windows. Your window treatment company measures all of your windows and makes sure that each blind sits flush with your windows. This ensures that your blinds are incredibly well-fitted. This solution will block light from the side of your blinds as well.
Secondly, custom blackout blinds are designed to completely prevent light from passing through them. Custom blackout blinds have a panel of black fabric fitted on their backside. This panel makes sure that no light passes through the gaps in-between their slats.
Custom blackout blinds will cost you extra. However, they can effectively solve your “how to stop light coming in through your blinds” problem.
Pair Your Blinds with Other Window Treatments
Pairing multiple window treatments is a popular trend these days. Curtains and blinds go together really well. This option lets you turn your existing blinds into light blocking blinds without having to change them. You can install curtains over your blinds. Since curtains are highly customizable, you can have them designed to completely cover your blinds. This option lets you convert your blinds into ones that block light and also improve their overall look.
Use Harder Materials for Your Slats
Light blocking blinds generally have slats made from hard materials. Hard slats are less flexible and sit together closer. This greatly reduces the number of gaps forming between your slats. Faux wood blinds, vinyl blinds, and wooden blinds are all great light blocking blinds. As compared to these light blocking blinds, soft blinds let more light through them.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Let’s recap everything we have discussed on how to stop light coming through your blinds. Blinds that don’t block out light can be annoying, but you can fix it in multiple ways. If you have existing blinds that don’t block out light, you can improve their light blocking ability by checking their fitting. Improperly fitted blinds let the light come in through their sides.
Another way to turn your blinds into light blocking blinds is to upgrade them to blackout blinds. This can be done by installing a panel of fabric onto your blind’s backside. Another solution on how to stop light coming through your blinds is to install curtains over them. This is a stylish and effective way to block light from the side and front of your blinds. You can also go all the way and get custom blackout blinds made for your windows.
If you’re unsure about what option is right for you, feel free to get in touch with us. We, at Alluring Windows, can help you figure out how to stop light from coming in through your blinds once and for all.