Transforming Your Roller Blinds into Blackout Shades

If you're looking for an affordable way to block light in your home, converting standard roller blinds into DIY blackout shades is a simple weekend project. With a few basic materials and easy steps, those outdated blinds can become custom blackout windows.

Let's walk through everything you need to know to add full light-blocking capabilities to existing roller shades.

Blackout Blind Materials

You likely have most supplies on hand. Here's your blackout roller shade ingredients list:

Roller blinds to modify

Blackout fabric or liner - Medium to heavyweight blackout cloth

Adhesive velcro strips - Industrial strength stick-on velcro

Black spray paint (optional) - For painting blinds and hardware

Pro Tip: Use vinyl or multilayer blackout fabric for maximum light blocking. Single layer fabrics may not fully eliminate light.

How to Apply Blackout Liners

Converting the blinds requires just a few easy steps:

Clean the blinds to remove dust, dirt and debris. Ensure they're free of grease and oils too.

Lightly sand the blinds to rough up the surface so the velcro and fabrics adhere better.

Apply adhesive velcro strips onto the backside of the entire blind, running vertically. Space strips 2-3 inches apart.

Align and stick the blackout fabric onto the velcro, making sure it sits flush with a tight fit. Smooth and press firmly.

Optional: Spray paint the blinds and hardware black for a seamless, professional style blind. Consider adding side channels or other light blocking accents too.

Get the Perfect Blackout Fit

Avoid light leaks by taking light blocking further:

For a tighter fit, wrap fabric to the backside of the roller. Secure with velcro strips.

Attach velcro adhesive and blackout fabric inside the valance too.

Seal the edges with weather stripping or foam tape.

For maximum blackout, spray paint the window frame black as well.

Now you can control light and privacy perfectly with your converted shades!

Customizing Your Blackout Shades

The possibilities are endless when DIY-ing your own blackout blinds:

Use patterned blackout fabrics - Camo, plaid, textures and more

Buy blackout liner by the yard at fabric stores to pick custom colors and patterns

Experiment with different thicknesses - Add multiple layers for 100% blackout

Blackout Alternatives

If converting blinds sounds complex, these options also provide full light blocking:

Blackout window film - Peel-and-stick film or tinting applied directly onto glass

Temporary blackout shades - Removable paper or cardboard pulled down to block light

Blackout curtains - Thicker curtain panels layered over blinds

The best blackout solution depends on your budget, windows, and design aesthetic.

No more pesky light disruption! With a simple upgrade, now you can blackout those windows any time. Sweet dreams!