DIY Black Out - Heat Blocking Window Covering

We have these huge slant windows in our bedroom that go all the way up to the vaulted ceiling. They are so pretty and it is beautiful when they let light in, especially in the winter. But sleep is more important to me then the nice pretty light during the day. Also, in the summer it is just way to hot for that sun to heat up my bedroom first thing in the morning. 

These pull down shades are what the previous owner had.

We never changed them because I was holding out for shutters. I wanted something that I could open and close with some sort of ease. Those windows are so high, nothing is really practical. But those dirty old ridiculous things were just so bad! We had to do something. Mr. C build a frame out of 1 x 1's and I bought some energy star black out curtain lining at JoAnns and stapled it to the frame. It fits perfectly in the window, it is super light and it cost about $24 per window. This is the lining I always use, Roc-lon 100% Blackout Budget Drapery Lining.

The gaps that let light in are all gone around the edges and it is very clean. Except for the missing trim.

Now I just need to get rid of the blue curtains, but only after I figure out some sort of hidden black out that is easy to roll up in the morning and put down at night.

Adding Curtain Black-Out

It seems like those store bought curtains never do their job at keeping the light out. They can be so cute and go perfectly with the decor that you just have to get them though. So, my solution is to buy black-out backing and sew it on yourself. Here are some before and after pictures and a little tutorial.

Before you can see the light streaming though. You can even see the lines on the window.

To give the full effect, here is an after without the flash. No more light coming through. Now baby can sleep like it's night at nap time.

To do this, it's basic seam ripping and sewing a straight line. You will need:

1. A seam ripper

2. Scissors

3. Black-out backing

4. Matching thread to the curtains

5. An Iron

First, iron the backing and curtains.

Now, rip the stitching along the fold edge of the curtains.

Next, lay out the backing, wrong side down. (I always use this Roc-Lon Blackout Budget Drapery Lining. It is also heat blocking.) Then the curtain on top, right side down. Cut out the backing the size of the curtain. Now switch their places, curtain is on the grown first, right side still down. Lay the cut backing on top wrong side down. (Wrong sides are together.) Now slip the edge inside that original fold where you ripped the seam. Pin it a ton!

Now, just sew where the original stitching was all the way around the curtains.

You are done! See before again...

Even with the window open you can see lots of light shining through the curtains. 

Now lets look at the after again. Without flash is first to give you the full effect. No light!

Now with the flash, you can't see the window through the curtains anymore.

Even with them open, it makes a huge difference.

I hope this inspires you to upgrade your curtains and help your house be greener by keeping the sun out on hot days.

I am linking with: