Do It Yourself Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are a great way to block out light and create a dark, relaxing environment in your home. They are especially useful in bedrooms, media rooms, and other areas where you want to control the amount of light that enters.

Blackout curtains can be expensive, but there are many ways to make them yourself for a fraction of the cost. Here are a few ideas:

Using fabric

The most common way to make blackout curtains is to use fabric. You can find blackout fabric at most fabric stores. It is typically sold by the yard, and comes in a variety of colors and textures.

To make curtains from blackout fabric, you will need to:

Measure the window you want to cover.
Add 6 inches to the width and 12 inches to the length for hems.
Cut the fabric to the desired size.
Fold the edges of the fabric over by 1 inch and press them down. Fold them over again by 1 inch and press them down again.
Sew the hems in place.
Hang the curtains on a curtain rod.

Using blackout lining

Another option for making blackout curtains is to use blackout lining. Blackout lining is a thin, opaque fabric that can be sewn to the back of any type of fabric.

To make curtains with blackout lining, you will need:

Measure the window you want to cover.
Add 6 inches to the width and 12 inches to the length for hems.
Cut the fabric and blackout lining to the desired size.
Pin the blackout lining to the back of the fabric.
Sew the lining in place.
Fold the edges of the fabric over by 1 inch and press them down. Fold them over again by 1 inch and press them down again.
Sew the hems in place.
Hang the curtains on a curtain rod.

Using foam core board

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can make blackout curtains using foam core board.

To make curtains from foam core board, you will need:

Measure the window you want to cover.
Add 6 inches to the width and 12 inches to the length for overlaps.
Cut the foam core board to the desired size.
Cover the foam core board with fabric or other decorative material.
Attach the foam core board to the window frame using Velcro or other fasteners.

Tips for making blackout curtains

Here are a few tips for making blackout curtains:

Choose a fabric that is opaque and has a tight weave.
Make sure the curtains are wide enough to cover the entire window, including the sides and top.
Hang the curtains as close to the window as possible.
If you are using fabric, blackout lining, or foam core board, you can add weights to the bottom of the curtains to help them hang straight.

With a little bit of effort, you can make beautiful and effective blackout curtains for your home.