How to Make Roller Blinds Blackout

Making your own blackout roller blinds can be an easy and affordable way to block out light in your home. With some basic materials and tools, you can create customized blackout blinds that look great and function effectively.

Select an Opaque Fabric

The key to effective blackout blinds is using a fabric that completely blocks external light. Look for fabrics marketed as "blackout" or "room darkening." These fabrics have special coatings or are more densely woven to prevent light penetration. Some good options include:

Blackout lining: Available in various colors and patterns. Often made from polyester with foam or vinyl coatings.

Faux suede: Has a lush texture that also blocks light. Machine-washable options available.

Thick woven fabrics: Dense materials like canvas, twill, or velvet can prevent light gaps.

Solid black fabrics or those with dark colors on the interior side also work well. Be sure to hold the material up to check if any light shines through.

Measure Your Windows Carefully

Getting precise measurements of your windows is crucial for proper light blocking and functionality. Measure both the width and length. Account for any obstructions like handles that may reduce the usable size. Add at least 2 inches to allow room for the roller mechanism. Measure each window individually if sizes vary.

Having accurate measurements will ensure:

No light gaps: Fabric will fit tightly with no visibility gaps at edges.

Correct hardware: Properly weighted bars and mechanisms.

Easy use: Blinds will roll up and down smoothly without jamming.

Document the measurements to refer to while constructing the blinds.

Select a Roller Shade System

Kits containing necessary hardware components make constructing DIY roller shades simple. Most include a roller tube, brackets, chain control, and mounting hardware. Choose components that can handle the size and weight of your custom blinds. Consider width capacity, bracket strength, and chain control side.

You'll need the following hardware:

Metal roller tube: Available in various diameters and widths. Should properly fit fabric width.

Brackets: Mount the roller tube at correct height and securely on walls/ceiling.

Control system: Continuous loop chain, clutch, or spring allows raising and lowering.

Mounting hardware: Screws suitable for your wall material to install brackets.

For especially wide shades, use reinforced metal tubes and heavy-duty brackets. Choose a cordless system for child safety if needed.

Cut Fabric to Precise Size

With all measurements completed, use them to cut your blackout fabric to size. Be sure to keep the fabric directional if patterned. Leave at least 2 extra inches on the width to provide room inside the roller. You may also need extra length to attach rings or adhesive strips. Use sharp scissors or rotary cutters for neat edges.

Attach Fabric to Roller Shade System

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach the fabric securely around the roller tube. Common attachment systems include:

Splines: Flexible plastic strips fit into grooves on the tube to hold fabric in place.

Adhesive tape: Two-sided high-bond tape adheres fabric directly to tube.

Ring and hook: Rings on the backside link onto hooks on the roller tube.

Attach the fabric smoothly without wrinkles or bumps, keeping edges parallel. A smooth attachment allows proper rolling of the blind.

Install Mounting Brackets and Roller Tube

Determine ideal placement on your wall or ceiling for the brackets to hold the roller tube. Mark locations accounting for optimal cord length and clearing any obstructions. Install screws into studs whenever possible for secure stability. Mount brackets level and aligned.

Fit the roller tube with attached fabric into brackets following instructions. For wider shades, place brackets near each end and evenly space additional supports toward the center. Slide cord loop or chain through control end of the tube.

Hem and Finish Blind Edges

A clean hem finishes off the edges for a polished look. Measure and double-fold edges, pressing with an iron. Pin in place then sew hems using coordinating or black thread. Consider adding velcro or magnet strips to help the sides close neatly and prevent light gaps.

Attach any needed weights, typically metal bars, to the bottom hem to keep the blind straight and taut. Cut these bars to exactly the window width.

That completes installation of your custom blackout roller shades! Test functionality and make any adjustments needed for smooth raising, lowering, and light blocking.

Tips for Effective Blackout Performance

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your blackout roller blinds block light effectively:

Oversize the fabric - Cut fabric panels slightly wider and longer than your actual window measurements. This prevents light seepage from possible gaps.

Use side channels - Mount channels on the sides of windows to eliminate spaces between the blinds and window frames. This contains the fabric edges.

Add weatherstripping - Adhere weatherstripping pieces along the bottom, sides, or top of blinds to seal light gaps if they persist. Compressible foam or rubber seals the edges.

Keep it straight - Make sure blind hangs straight up and down and rolls evenly on the tube. Off-kilter blinds leave uneven gaps. Check mounting hardware is solid and level.

Maintain tension - Add weights in bottom hem or spring loaded roller tubes to keep fabric taut width-wise with no sagging. Consistent tension prevents light penetration.

Layer for opacity - For maximum blackout, install a regular roller shade behind the blackout blind to block any remaining stray light coming through the edges.

Following sound installation techniques coupled with these useful tips will take your blackout roller shade effectiveness to the next level. Do the light leakage test with lamps on at night to uncover and seal any problem areas letting light through. With some adjustments, you'll stop all unwanted light from intruding and create the perfect dim environment.