Window Treatments That Block Light But Aren't Heavy

10 years ago

I haven't moved in yet but waiting two months to close, I've don't lots of thinking about decorating. The master bedroom will have a similar aesthetic to what you see here. I'm keeping the pale green color and will use my comforter in a pale green print and a family quilt that is multi colored with '30s green squares between. We have a bedroom suite that is traditional cherry, which I will keep. My main issue is that I am a night shift nurse, and must sleep in the day, and my husband has a disabling disease which causes dementia, and sleeps quite a bit. There are custom window shades throughout the house which offer privacy but do not block light. I think I want simple white curtains, but they must be light blocking, which often seems to make them too heavy. I am an experienced seamstress and often make my own window treatments, in fact I have some yards of light blocking fabric, but it is heavier than tent canvas. Suggestions? Floor length curtains or short? Shutters? our bed will not be under the window, but against the north wall. Also, while I'm here, about the mirrored closet. Ugh. I have seen some that are made to look like paned windows, which I rather liked. Any ideas how to DIY that?

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PRO

OasisDesign&Remodeling

10 years ago

Long curtains. Just barely touching the floor.

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Comments (15)

pl_1121
10 years ago
I like blackout cellular blinds. They are light weight and very effective.
shari13
10 years ago
Agreed.
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Diana Daschel
Original Author
10 years ago
would you use any curtains with them?
PRO
L & L Window Fashions
10 years ago
I would recommend room-darkening honeycomb shades. They are light weight but completely room darkening. And, if you still wanted to do curtains, you could add the white curtains either as stationary panels or traversing draperies.
Hunter Douglas Duette Honeycomb Shades · More Info
User
10 years ago
Jalousie type blinds would block out the light better.
Diana Daschel
Original Author
10 years ago
I am so excited to get your replies. So I gather that you suggest that replace the current shades with something light blocking and not try to use light blocking curtains. That makes sense to me. What kind of curtains would you suggest? Short or floor length? Plain white? Lacy? What about plantation shutters? Would those block the light as well as give a decorative effect?
PRO
OasisDesign&Remodeling
10 years ago
I would do light blocking cell shades & linen curtains.
pink elephants
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Plantation shutters do not block enough light for me to sleep by personally. I would take a look at the cell blackout shades and see what you think in terms of cell size and color choices before you decide if you want to add the curtains. To me there was a big difference in pleat size as to how busy a window might look.
PRO
Annie Santulli Designs
10 years ago
I agree with L&L Window Fashions. I would do the Hunter Douglas honeycomb shades and side panels to the floor!
PRO
L & L Window Fashions
10 years ago
I would do stationary side panels that go to the floor on each side of the window.
Liz H
10 years ago
I hate those mirrored sliding closet doors, too! When I had them in another home, I put them in the garage, covered them well, and replaced them with a curtain. When it was time to sell, I put the sliders back. Pier One sells a bamboo curtain that hangs from grommets. I think that might look fine in your room, and it would certainly move more easily than those stupid sliders that are always jamming. Good luck!
Diana Daschel
Original Author
10 years ago
lizzie, thankfully for your comment. what would you think about using a linen curtain like the one at the window. would that be too much white? I think the bamboo would also support the sort of light organic feel I'm going for (and the irony is not lost that I am looking create a light room and then darken it)?
I so appreciate the comments. I plan to utilize this forum a lot. I get my keys today and will post pix as a start playing.
torreykm
10 years ago
I'd go with some kind of blackout shade. Plantation shutters will not give you blackout. However, I'd also add some side panels to give the room a bit of softness. They wouldn't need to be blackout.
PRO
Gordon's Window Decor
10 years ago
Room-darkening EcoSmart Cellular shades are light, user-friendly and live up to their name....room-darkening!

When the shades are up, their low profile and small stack, offer almost complete window see-thru! Win-Win!