How To Block Light From Windows Without Curtains

Natural sunlight streaming through the window has health benefits and often creates a desirable ambiance in a home. But, sometimes, too much natural light or artificial light coming through a bedroom window can be a hindrance. Whether you are someone who works during the night and needs to sleep during the day, you desire to block out the light entirely so you can enjoy a balanced circadian rhythm, or you want less light in your bedroom, it may be necessary to block out the light from your window. How can you block out light from your window without curtains or blinds? You will want to keep reading to learn about helpful solutions.

You can block the light from windows using coverings such as -

  • A privacy film
  • Window tint treatment
  • Applying aluminum or cardboard
  • Stacking up pillows

Preventing excess light from coming through the window can help make getting a restful amount of sleep possible. Instead of resorting to blackout curtains or a blackout shade, it is possible to utilize other items to create privacy and keep your bedroom darkened as needed.

Are you excited about discovering ways of successfully blocking the light from your bedroom windows so you can get the sleep you need? We did the research, so you don't have to, and you'll have access to products and solutions to help improve your sleep, correct the lighting in your bedroom, and enjoy your home.

Window Seat with a view to the yard and large windows. - How To Block Light From Windows Without Curtains

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Understanding the Science Behind Light and Healthy Sleep

In today's busy, modern society, it can be challenging getting a healthy and restful amount of sleep. If we don't get regularly enough hours of sleep, our health can suffer, moods can become irritable, and we don't feel like ourselves. One reason that many people have difficulties with sleeping is because of excess light in the bedroom.

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Young woman spending late morning in white bed, sleeping peacefully with eyes covered by gray eyemask, relaxing after long night

In addition to navigating the challenges of light emitted from electronic devices, especially blue light, light pouring through a window can be hard to ignore. According to The National Sleep Foundation, the recommended amount of hours of sleep needed for an adult ag 18 to 64 is between 7 and 9 hours. Older adults over the age of 65 should get between 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

You can take charge of your health and get the hours of sleep you need to function at an optimal level. When it's time to catch some zzzs, put on a sleep mask, stick to a schedule, turn off electronic devices, and block the light from your bedroom window. Since you spend nearly 1/3 of your life sleeping to reset your brain and body, getting a minimum of 7 hours of sleep is no joke.

3D Contoured Sleep Mask by MZOO

Check out this comfortable and light-blocking sleep mask on Amazon.

How Do You Cover a Window Without Curtains?

Motorized roller shades in the interior. Automatic roller blinds beige color on big glass windows. Remote Control Shades are above the windosill with pillows. Summer. Green trees outside.

Blackout curtains are not the only solution to keep pesky streams of light from disturbing your sleep. You can position furniture like bookshelves and bureaus to block light. There are also alternatives to curtains like blinds, a window film, aluminum foil, and roller shades. Depending on how your bed is positioned in front of a window, you can stack your pillows to keep light out at the bottom.

Does Aluminum Foil in Windows Work?

Placing aluminum foil in windows provides a two-fold benefit of blocking out light and reducing your utility bills. It is advisable to adhere sheets of aluminum foil to your window with painter's tape to prevent unwanted damage. Aluminum foil is not only inexpensive and handy for blocking out light, but it reflects sunlight, keeps your room cooler, and offers plenty of privacy.

Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil

Check out this handy aluminum foil on Amazon.

Does Cardboard in Windows Work?

Broken window glass. The damaged part is covered with cardboard.

You can take substantial sheets of corrugated board or cardboard to cover up your windows. Taping cardboard panels to a window with painter's tape help block out light completely, and it provides insulation to keep a room warmer. If you already have a window treatment, you can use smaller pieces of cardboard or velcro at the edges of the window where light manages to get through to create a blackout environment.

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How Can I Use a Window Tint Treatment?

tinted glass in the house. window dimming by dark film. hands apply tint film to the window. tint film on sky background. sky view through tinted glass

If you are looking for a way to get deep sleep and completely block out light with ease, consider using a window cling. Compared to using a curtain, foil, or cardboard, a window film is easy to apply and remove. The profile of a window film is extremely thin and can more adequately cover a windowpane, creating total darkness in a room. Treating a window where a room needs to be dark provides immediate privacy, blocks unwanted UV rays, and keeps a room's temperature comfortable.

Total Blackout Window Film by Window Whirl

Check out this easy-to-apply blackout window film on Amazon.

How Can I Use Pillows to Block Out Unwanted Light?

Do you adore having your bed butted up against the window, but even with a headboard, too much light comes through your window? If you have a window treatment in place, but still, too much sun shines through, use your pillows. Arrange your pillows on the window sill, or prop them up against the window in such a manner that they block the light. Choose pillows that are extra-large, fluffy, and can stand up on their own without falling over easily. If you wish, consider putting your pillows in shams to keep them clean and cover up your window.

Can I Use a Blackout Curtain Liner to Block Light?

Instead of a blackout curtain, you can use a liner to block light from your window. You will want to attach your blackout curtain liner to a pre-existing curtain to significantly reduce the light in your bedroom. The curtain liner does not have to be black to block light successfully, but it does have to be thick enough to keep streetlights or the sun's rays from getting through.

Depending on the season, you may find it beneficial to install a thermal blackout liner to reduce utility bills. A thermal curtain helps keep your bedroom cooler in warmer weather, warmer during the cold season, and it blocks up to 99% of the light from streaming through. You get the best of both worlds with a thermal liner, as you darken your bedroom as needed and cut down on appliances for heating or cooling.

Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain Liner by Rose Home Fashion

Check out this insulated blackout curtain liner on Amazon.

What Are the Best Blinds to Block Out Light?

Wooden shutters blinds with sun rays. Window blinds.

Do away with curtains and discover what's available in window treatments to block out unwanted light. You might be surprised at how easy it is to find blinds or shades that complement your bedroom's decor but still manage to keep up to 99% of unwanted light out so you can relax and rest comfortably. Here are some of the top aesthetically pleasing blinds to dress up your window and keep your bedroom dim or darkened to your satisfaction.

Cordless Blackout Window Shades by SUNFREE

If you install this stylish and modern looking window treatment, you will want to mount it from the outside, so it entirely blocks out as much light as possible. The shade is black on the front and silver on the window-facing side so that you will be shielded from UV rays, and your bedroom stays insulated. The cordless design is ideal for safety, and it keeps a clean look for your window, devoid of clutter, and tangled cords. Keep this easy-to-install shade clean with an occasional wipe down with a damp cloth. The spring system makes lowering and raising this shade system a cinch.

Check out this sophisticated and classy blackout shade on Amazon.

Grey Blackout Fabric Shade by LUCKUP

Choose a shade in a neutral-palette to complement your bedroom decor, maintain your sense of style, and block out light when you need it dark. The shade system is made from polyester and includes a thermal insulated coating. Maintain your privacy, keep your room cool, and block UV rays and 100% of the light from outside with ease. Homes with children or pets will appreciate the safety features for this shade, as the chain will readily break the connection in case of entanglement to prevent injury. Easily mount this shade on the inside or outside and reduce the light in your bedroom.

Check out this blackout shade, which boasts unique safety features on Amazon.

Blackout Pleated Shade by Redi Shade

Go beyond fabric curtains or rolling shades and install this attractive, pleated non-woven polyester shade to block out up to 99% of the light from your bedroom. Support a USA-made product that consists of durable paper with a heat reflective layer that doesn't crack or fade from sun exposure. Avoid dealing with hazardous cords to raise or lower this shade, and utilize the included clips to control the amount of light that comes through.

Check out this chic, pleated shade on Amazon.

Shut Out The Sun and Get Some ZZZs

Getting enough restful sleep is essential to living a healthy life and enjoying the decor in your home to the fullest. Thankfully, there are plenty of solutions to block light from windows that can interfere with getting a proper amount of sleep. Whether you choose to install a modern rolling shade, aluminum foil, or choose window cling, you can easily control the amount of light that comes into your bedroom. Don't feel stumped about choosing an attractive window treatment that darkens your bedroom for sleep needs, and insulates your room to reduce utility bills. You can enjoy a bedroom that is aesthetically pleasing with a window treatment that keeps it dark when you need it most.

Is your living room too dark? Learn how to add light now!

Window blackout products, How to Block Light From Windows Without Curtains

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