Has Anyone Used Black Out Curtains Successfully LOL?

DooneyGal2 · ‎04-09-2010

Hi Everyone,
Recently we had to take care to try and install black out curtains for our bedroom, quality sleep has become a commodity lately ugh - our bedroom unfortunately faces EAST, and the early morning sun ☀️ is quite literally highly intense and blistering, there's no way getting away from it lol - but no matter what highly touted black out curtains we have tried, they're all just more or less darkening our room somewhat, but not doing the job - does anyone have a Brand they greatly recommend?
I'm almost thinking it's impossible for our bedroom, just crazy! Also I'm wondering if sadly the only way to REALLY benefit properly from black out curtains is if you also have room darkening / black out blinds or shades, as well. Many seem to not actually mention that they are also using blinds in reviews, but who knows (I personally would make a point of being thorough and adding it to my review!). We have a situation where it could be a struggle to install blinds in one of our two bedroom windows (they're also quite abnormally large!), hoping for the best!
Being such a light sleeper totally sucks, thanks so much for any help!

Desertdi · ‎03-13-2010

I have blackout drapes BEHIND plantation shutters!

♥Surface of the Sun♥

rockygems123 · ‎06-04-2012

@DooneyGal2I have blackout drapes on top of sheers which are top of Silhouettes so therefore 3 layers.

BalletBabe · ‎03-05-2011

@DooneyGal2 wrote:
Hi Everyone,
Recently we had to take care to try and install black out curtains for our bedroom, quality sleep has become a commodity lately ugh - our bedroom unfortunately faces EAST, and the early morning sun ☀️ is quite literally highly intense and blistering, there's no way getting away from it lol - but no matter what highly touted black out curtains we have tried, they're all just more or less darkening our room somewhat, but not doing the job - does anyone have a Brand they greatly recommend?
I'm almost thinking it's impossible for our bedroom, just crazy! Also I'm wondering if sadly the only way to REALLY benefit properly from black out curtains is if you also have room darkening / black out blinds or shades, as well. Many seem to not actually mention that they are also using blinds in reviews, but who knows (I personally would make a point of being thorough and adding it to my review!). We have a situation where it could be a struggle to install blinds in one of our two bedroom windows (they're also quite abnormally large!), hoping for the best!
Being such a light sleeper totally sucks, thanks so much for any help!

@DooneyGal2 I have them, but I also put up blinds and then the curtains are on the outside of the window. Works well for me.

DooneyGal2 · ‎04-09-2010

@rockygems123 wrote:
@DooneyGal2I have blackout drapes on top of sheers which are on top of sheers and Silhouettes so therefore 3 layers.

@rockygems123 I've often wondered if placement, layering can be very much the key! I did try layering somewhat, but still didn't make our room pitch dark or even close. I've never heard of Silhouettes, are they a particular type of sheer? Thanks for any help!

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

Yes. DH used to be very sensitive to light. He would wake up if a little peeked through. He's not that sensitive any longer, so we don't need them now, but we used them for years. We had heavy lined curtains that came down to right below the sill. The lining was made of the blackout material. I'm not sensitive at all. I can, and always could, sleep in bright light.

Desert Lily · ‎06-24-2011

I lived in the desert until last year. I used black out curtains, but I purchased more panels than what would regularly be used. - If the window required 2 panels, I used 4, and they were quite helpful. I bought curtains for my new home last year, & there are attractive black out curtain options.

Other inexpensive things I did were to put up sun screens especially on the side of the house that got the most sun, and once I bought some "insulation" curtain liners behind the curtains (I cut to fit some) that I put on spring rods & used during the season when the sun was strongest on that side of the house.

Some neighbors also had sun blocking window film.

Some of the remedies helped keep out excessive heat from the sun and cold wind during the winter too.

elated · ‎06-09-2010

Have you looked on Amazon? They have many blackout shades..You could use blinds and blackout curtains.

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

Our bedroom faces east also and for part of the year the room is light at 5:30 am even with room darkening shades. So I just put my eye mask on and problem solved. A simple, cheap solution for me. DH has no problem sleeping in a room that is light.

DooneyGal2 · ‎04-09-2010

@Desert Lily wrote:
I lived in the desert until last year. I used black out curtains, but I purchased more panels than what would regularly be used. - If the window required 2 panels, I used 4, and they were quite helpful. I bought curtains for my new home last year, & there are attractive black out curtain options.

Other inexpensive things I did were to put up sun screens especially on the side of the house that got the most sun, and once I bought some "insulation" curtain liners behind the curtains (I cut to fit some) that I put on spring rods & used during the season when the sun was strongest on that side of the house.

Some neighbors also had sun blocking window film.

Some of the remedies helped keep out excessive heat from the sun and cold wind during the winter too.

@Desert Lily

Unfortunately we live in an HOA community (don't get me started lol!), so a couple of the solutions you used, we can't- particularly the window film.

Also please accept my apologies for not knowing lol, but what actually is a Sun Screen (well, I know what it is in regards to SPF, lol!)?

Sadly probably can't do that due to HOA, but am curious! Thanks!