How to Block Light Leaks from Sides of Shades?

Choose the right window treatments for your windows is not an easy task. It takes time and effort to go through the entire process of measuring, comparing, making decisions, and installation.

Even with careful consideration, sometimes we might face with dissatisfaction when we have used them in our daily life for a while. Some troubles like color differences on screens or disappointment with light blocking level. Other than the fabric composition itself, light leak problem between sides of the shades can be really bothering sometimes.

What are Light Leaks and Light Gaps

Light leaks and light gaps cause a considerable challenge in spaces where the interior is relatively darker than the external environment. These occurrences happen when ambient light from outside inadvertently permeates through the minuscule gaps between blinds or within the spaces around window frames and shade fabrics.

For rooms that require fully light blockage, such as bedrooms or home theater, the presence of even the slightest light gap can be more than just a minor inconvenience. The intrusion of external light not only disrupts the desired ambiance but can also interfere with activities that necessitate a controlled lighting environment, such as movie watching or undisturbed sleep. It could be bothering for your viewing experience or sleeping quality.

Therefore, addressing and minimizing these light leaks becomes imperative in creating an optimal, comfortable living or entertainment space. However, with some simple strategies, from selecting specialized window treatments to implement additional light-blocking tools, you can enhance the effectiveness of light control and ensure the room meets the specific needs of the occupants.

Tips of How to Reduce Light Gaps

Though the problem of light leaking may be hard to completely avoid, in the pursuit of creating spaces that prioritize optimal lighting control, there are still many alternatives to reduce or get rid of the conundrum that you can try out.

Get the Right Fitting Blinds

When the size of the blind cannot fit well and is shorter and narrower than your window or window frame, light leak level can be massive. For optimizing the degree of coverage and achieve blackout function, must precisely measure the dimension of your window and the position where you are planning to install. And make sure the coverage is larger and wider enough to seal the beam.

Choose to Have Outside Mount

Outside mount the blinds means the cover area will be bigger than the actual size of your window frame. This is an effective way to reduce the possibility of light leakage. Outside mount might not block the light entirely since there are still minor breaks between the blind and wall. However, using outside mount to block light beam is worth to try because it doesn’t require extra works.

Layer Window Treatments

For strengthen light blocking function of your blinds, try layering your window blinds. Layering window treatments can offer several advantages, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. 

Because different layers allow better control over the amount of light entering a room, some decorators love to mix and match shutter, sheer blinds, blackout curtain or heavy drapes at the same time. It provides flexibility in adjusting the level of natural light and privacy. Overall, with additional layers of window treatments that can offer finer and more flawless coverage. And visually, they look good.

Install Light Blockers

Light blockers are made of a piece of plastic or metal that is L-shaped. They are often placed on both right and left sides of the window frames to block the part of the window that is not covered. Light blockers are accessible and easy to be installed by oneself. You can either drill them on the walls or apply magnetic sticky tape to secure sturdily without leaving any sticker residue. A great option for anyone who is renting a property.

Locate Side Channels

The function of side channels is similar to L-shaped light blockers, but they are slightly different. They are usually designed in U-shape or H-shape so the blinds can be placed in between the groove. They are the perfect design for roller shades and panel blinds that can help attach the blinds in a stable position and protect the fabric from creases as well. 

Side channels can also be positioned outside the frame which is suitable for outside mount. Other than blocking light gaps, they also make the blinds look much sleek and smooth.

In conclusion, the key to achieve a harmonious balance between interior and exterior lighting is to completely cut off the sources of outside light. Hopefully, this article provides you with more ideas for making improvements and be helpful in exploring and implementing effective strategies to mitigate light leaks in any space. By doing so, you can create a much more conducive environment for sleep, privacy, and energy efficiency while enhancing the overall aesthetics of living spaces. So why not get started now and maximize the functionality of your blinds?

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