How To Block Light From The Top & Sides of Curtains? | Practical Tips & Guide

Everybody wants a space where one can relax after a long, tiring day. However, most people feel annoyed when the sharp rays of sunlight (it feels like a glass shard in their eyes) enter their rooms. This is because many homeowners are still unaware of simple window covering techniques for light blocking in their space. With some smart strategies, you can block light from top of curtains. 

Lush Loom is here to provide a comprehensive guide on curtain settings that will not only help you control light but also create an aesthetic window look. Now, we’re going to discuss every way that a curtain can be hung to provide you with maximum privacy and peace in your space. 

7 Practical Methods To Block Light From Top & Sides Of Curtains

We have enlisted 7 most effective techniques to control the light entering your space efficiently while maintaining the aesthetics. 

1- Blocking The Light Via Curtain Rod Modification 

2- Try A Vallance And Blackout Curtain Combination 

3- Magnetic Side Fasteners For Curtains 

4- Use Adhesive Light Blocking Strips

5- Install Curtains That Are Extra Wide 

6- Keep Curtains Higher Than The Window Frame 

7- Layering The Curtains With The Blinds

1- Blocking The Light Via Curtain Rod Modification 

The simplest and most commonly used method to block the unwanted light is by modifying your curtain rod. You can use different types of rods to maintain privacy and prevent light from entering. 

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  Install A Wrap-Around Curtain Rod 

The first and foremost curtain rod is the wrap-around curtain rod. These rods are not straight but rather curved around the ends. These rods are in the form of a “U”. The main benefit of these rods is that the curtains go all the way to touch the walls. This way, there is no space left for the light to seep in. 

Moreover, this rod creates a sealed and flush look from the sides of the windows. This way, your space is completely free of any unwelcome light and visibility. These rods completely overlap the curtain rod. 

• Install A Deep Projection Curtain Rod 

This rod is fixed further away from the wall as compared to the standard rod. The approximate length is usually 4 to 6 inches. These rods also have a deeper bracket. These rods are also ideal for layering different curtain sets. 

The curtains on these rods fall straight from the rod to the ground without bunching. These curtains usually help block sunlight and streetlights from seeping in from the top. These types of rods are best suited for covering window trims and bulky window frames. 

Difference Between A Wrap-Around & A Deep Projection Curtain Rod

While it may sound like these curtain rods are the same thing, knowing the difference between them is significant. We will discuss the differences between these two rods to enhance your understanding. 

Feature	Wrap Around Curtain Rod	Deep Projection Curtain Rod
Design Structure	Curves back toward the wall, enclosing the curtain edges	A straight rod mounted on brackets that extend far from the wall
Primary Purpose	Blocks side light and closes wall gaps naturally	Provides extra forward distance for thick, layered, or decorative curtains
Light Control	Excellent for reducing side light leaks	Good forward coverage, but weaker side-blocking unless the curtains are wide
Privacy Performance	High privacy due to wrapped, tucked-in edges	Moderate privacy; relies on curtain fullness for coverage
Bracket Style	Short brackets close to the wall	Deep brackets that push the rod outward significantly
Space Requirements	Great for small or tight spaces	Requires ample wall clearance and deeper window sills
Curtain Movement	Curtains glide smoothly without snagging on curved ends	Smooth movement but dependent on sturdy, deep brackets
Side Gap Solution	Naturally eliminates side gaps with its wrapped design	Side gaps may remain if the curtains aren’t extra wide
Weight Support	Best for medium-weight fabrics	Excellent for heavy or multi-layered curtains

 

• Employ A Double Curtain Rod System 

You can also employ a double rod curtain railing system to block out unnecessary light. These curtain rods are basically used for layering the curtains for enhanced privacy. This curtain rod is exceptionally diverse. They help you to control your privacy and the desired amount of light entering your space. 

2- Try A Vallance And Blackout Curtain Combination 

This combination is the easiest and most effective solution for preventing light seepage from the sides and top of the windows. The top of the windows is the place where the light usually seeps in the most. This is especially the case when the curtain rod is positioned further away from the wall or the curtains are installed a bit higher than the window frame. 

The valances go on the top of the curtains and block the light from the top of the window. These valances can be used to cover the window trims and the wide window frames. The blackout curtains, on the other hand, are the best kind to prevent the light from seeping in. They prevent the excessive glare, heat, and streetlight from entering your space and disrupting the ambience. 

3- Magnetic Side Fasteners For Curtains 

These fasteners have a magnetic strip. This strip is attached to the side of your curtains. The other side it fused to the walls. Whenever you want full privacy, you can just stick the curtains on the wall. This way, the narrow gaps on the side of the windows are completely shut. When the vertical gaps are completely fused to the wall, the streetlights and the sun-glare can not enter your space. 

4- Use Adhesive Light Blocking Strips

These strips are made from thin plastic or vinyl foam. These are attached to whichever surface you want. You can attach these sticky strips to the side, top, or bottom of the window frame. To these strips, the curtains are then fused. The curtains also have a strip attached to them, which sticks to the sticky end of the strip that is applied to the window frame. This way, all the narrow gaps are closed shut and no light passes through the non-existent gaps. 

5- Install Curtains That Are Extra Wide

This method is the most basic but also the most effective. Just installed a curved curtain rod and measured the full length of the rod. Now, for a full and more pirate look, multiply the total measured width by 2 or 2.5. The double-width curtains would increase the folds in your windows. The curved rod would make the curtain go fully to the wall and cover the window completely. 

6- Keep Curtains Higher Than The Window Frame 

Another solution is to block the light from the top and the side gaps of the windows. To do this, you can hang the curtain a little bit higher than the window frame. When the curtains are higher than the entrance of the light source, the light does not seep through the gaps on the top. 

Be careful to use a curved rod so that the light blockage is full-proof. An additional benefit of hanging these curtains a bit higher is to add height to the space. It gives the illusion of taller walls and a higher ceiling. 

7- Layering The Curtains With The Blinds 

Curtains and blinds combination is the most OG combination of all. You can also combine curtains with curtains for added privacy. It is as simple as this: double the layering, double the protection and privacy. You can use a dual rod for curtains for this type of layering. Hang the translucent curtains on the rod that is closer to the window. The blackout or thick curtains would be on the rod that is further away from the wall. 

You can stack the blackout curtains nicely during the daytime or when you don’t need maximum privacy. Let the sheer curtains open, and you would get beautiful and diffused light in your space. 

Why Light Blocking Is Necessary In Residential And Commercial Spaces Alike? 

Blocking light in a space isn’t just about aesthetic preferences — there is so much more to it! Light blocking has functional benefits as well. Let’s talk about all the benefits of better light blocking in residential and commercial settings. 

• Better And Deep Sleep 

Private spaces like the home and especially bedrooms benefit extensively from light blocking. Even a slight light ray from the streetlights creeping through the curtain can disturb the natural sleep cycle. For a deep and uninterrupted sleep cycle, it is important to maintain a dark and relaxing space in the bedroom. 

• Optimal Working And Enhanced Productivity 

Commercial spaces like offices need peace to work to their maximum productivity. This optimal work zone is all thanks to minimum sun glare. When the distracting light is minimal, the work productivity increases. 

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  Maximum Privacy 

Apart from the mental and psychological benefits, minimal light seeping in from the outside also maintains privacy. If more and more light enters your space, the more visible your space will be from outside. 

• Temperature Regulation 

When the sunlight does not enter your space, it does not raise the temperature indoors as well. Blocking the light is always multifunctional. You will be protected from the harsh glare and the scorching heat of Dubai’s sun. 

• Protection Of The Indoor Elements 

The harsh ultraviolet rays harm the delicate and extravagant interior of your space. When the light is blocked, the UV rays can’t fade out your furniture or chip your walls. 

Deriving A Strong Conclusion

In the above guide, we have discussed everything on how to block light from top of curtains in your space. There are a total of 7 methods to block out the unnecessary light in your space efficiently. The first method is to modify your curtain rods to maximise the curtains’ contact with the wall. Among other methods, we considered valances, magnetic strips, curtain modifications and layering options. By following our aforementioned techniques, you can minimise the unwanted light seeping into your space.

Frequently Asked Questions 

• How to block light coming through the sides of the windows? 

For this purpose, you can use magnetic or adhesive strips on the curtains and the walls. Apply the magnetic strips on the side of the walls and the other piece on the inner side of the curtains. Attach the curtains side with the wall to eliminate the gaps. The same is the case with the adhesive strips. 

• How to make curtains light-blocking? 

You can either pair the curtains with blinds or with the different kinds of curtains as well. If you want to layer the curtains with blinds, make sure to hang the curtains on the farther rod and the blind closer to the window. You can also use blackout inserts with every type of curtain to make them completely blackout. 

• How do light-blocking strips block sunlight from entering? 

This is a simple procedure. These strips are incorporated into the inner surface of the curtains. They block the light by sealing off the gaps from the sides and the top of the windows. 

• How to block light from top of curtains DIY? 

The best method is to use the valance or the cornice board. Both of these things can effectively block the sunlight from the top from entering your space. Other than this, you can also use adhesive strips on the top to seal the gaps.