How To Block Light From Blinds Sides For Complete Darkness | Smart Fixes + Expert Solutions

The unwanted light leaking from the blinds’ sides can be annoying. This sneaking light can disturb your morning sleep & make you glare at the screens while working. You can no longer enjoy a cinema-like vibe in your room for watching TV. This UV infiltration might also be the culprit causing your skin problems and making your furniture discolored. If this has been your experience, then we have the right solutions for you.

In this guide, Lush Loom provides easy & affordable ways to eliminate light seepage around the blinds permanently. We will walk you through the root causes and provide our expert solutions. So, let’s dive right in!

Top 6 Smart Solutions To Block Light From Blind Sides

Before we begin with the solutions, it is important to understand why light is leaking from the blinds in Dubai. These are some possible reasons:

• Incorrect Sizing: It results in ill-fitted blinds that leave gaps on either side of the frame and allow light and heat.
• Wrong installation method: Installing brackets at different heights and ignoring obstructions leaves privacy gaps.
• Poor material quality: Blinds that are too flimsy or do not have the right blackout materials cause light infiltration.

Here are some effective remedies that will ensure you no longer worry about light passing through the blinds’ sides. You will find permanent cures as well as renter-friendly fixes.

1. Light Blocking Strips
2. Vinyl Light Gap Blocker
3. Add a Magnetic Tape
4. Get Curved Curtain Panels
5. Opt For A Valance
6. Get Blackout Window Film

• Light Blocking Strips

This is a popular and cost-effective way to achieve a full blackout effect. It provides the ideal results for almost all home and office blinds and covers light openings. It involves pasting pieces of foam around the edges of your windows. The materials are available with self-adhesive backings, which makes installation & removal effortless without damaging the wall. You can cut the blackout strips for a precise fit. These light-blocking strips will maximize the darkness and help you sleep undisturbed.

• Vinyl Light Gap Blocker

You can cover the gap between the window frame and Venetian blinds with vinyl pieces. These L-shaped vinyl strips appear sleek and obstruct the flow of light. Mount the vinyl strips vertically on either side of the windows. You can trim them with scissors easily to the shape of your windows. These vinyl sticks are sturdy and will last as long as your blinds. Concealing the gaps with vinyl can block heat transfer since this material is a natural insulator.

• Add a Magnetic Tape

This is a quick fix and can be a good DIY project for beginners. You can add a magnetic strip to the side of the window and the corresponding edge to the blinds. Then press them together for ‌complete light coverage. This is the best-suited solution for rented homes and offices. You would need to account for the type of blind and its material. The magnetic tapes are highly effective for roller blackout blinds, but may not work for blinds with uneven edges.

• Get Curved Curtain Panels

Layering blinds with draperies can prevent this unwanted light exposure. This new window treatment can add visual appeal and seal the light gaps. We recommend pairing your blinds with blackout curtains for ultimate light coverage. Get a curved drapery pole that creates a concave shape. It will hug the wall and block any light escaping from the sides. This is a long-term solution and impacts the decor of your room.

• Opt For A Valance

You can install a valance to eliminate the light gap from the top of the blinds. The valances & cornices cover the top part of the blinds to obstruct incoming light. This additional fabric hides the blind hardware and offers a decorative effect. These valances look best with scalloped Roman blinds and pleated blinds. It is important that you choose the right fabric type, i.e., thermal and dim-out, for optimal effect.

• Get Blackout Window Film

This is a clever technique and works effectively for both translucent blinds & sunscreen blinds. You can tint the windows with a blackout film to stop light from entering through the fabric of the blinds. This blackout film can reduce the intensity of light escaping through the blinds’ sides. This window treatment is lighter on the pocket and provides a complete light dimming & privacy solution.

4 Expert Solutions To Prevent Light Gaps

Consider these precautionary steps when shopping for blinds to prevent the problem of light gaps.

• Get Blinds Without Light Gaps

Opt for pleated or zebra blinds instead of vertical shades if you prefer a blackout effect. These blinds do not have slats and eradicate the problem of light leakage. Get these window blinds in thick and opaque fabrics to provide a barrier against UV light.

• Select Blinds With Side Tracks

Blinds with side channels offer a more snug fit and reduce light leakage. They specially craft these blinds to diminish light gaps, helping you enjoy a dark room. These blinds with top cassettes regulate the temperature by closing the edges.

• Use Outside-Mounted Blinds

Outside-mounted blinds are a better alternative to inside mounts and provide increased coverage. The blinds are wider & taller and do not allow sunlight to sneak around the edges.

• Measure Accurately For A Perfect Fit

Your blinds should be a few inches bigger than your windows for light blockage. Blinds that are too narrow are one of the primary causes behind light gaps. Therefore, it is important to measure precisely and place the order for the blinds with the correct dimensions.

To Sum Up!

In this guide, we discussed smart fixes and expert solutions to block light from the sides of the blinds. You discovered foam light-blocking strips, privacy films, and magnetic tapes to patch up gaps. We also provided some lasting solutions, including plastic light blockers, curved curtains, and valances. At the end, you learned effective tips to prevent the light seepage problems.

We hope you found this guide about fixing light gaps helpful. If you have questions, visit us, the leading blinds supplier in Dubai.