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stacey_maisch

Gabled attic bedroom window treatment puzzle

11 days ago

We have an historic home, so we cannot change the windows. my son is working to convert the attic to a bedroom. the ceiling is a narrow slope with one arched window in the center and a regular window on either side. How can we hang blackout curtains so he can sleep, yet still fully open them to let in all of the natural light?

(This is in a south-facing bedroom, 2 blocks from the beach, used primarily in summer, when the sun rises at 4am.)

{ceiling only half finished in this pic}


Comments (8)

  • 11 days ago
    last modified: 11 days ago

    I think black out blinds or shutters might be a more practical and visually appealing approach.

    Permanently cover the arch and blinds on all three windows would be level.


    Shutters are good light blockers and are easily adjusted for different light needs during the day. I think they would suit the room and would be my suggestion, stained to match the ceiling.


  • 10 days ago

    Use three blackout shades you can raise and lower. There isn't room for bulky blackout curtains to be drawn completely off the windows.


    A removable cover for the arch could be used in summer if you wanted a straight across row of blinds.


    Have you checked that the windows meet safety requirements for egress?

  • PRO
    10 days ago

    Shades of some sort will provide the blackout feature.




  • 10 days ago
    last modified: 10 days ago

    with a ceiling rod. on each slope, hang curtain like a tent opening.

    Pull back to ties when not needed.


  • 10 days ago

    From personal experience shutters are not necessarily good light blockers.

  • PRO
    10 days ago

    You need a visit from a local, a custom blackout cellular shade for the middle window and same on sides. Inside mount on all three.

    EVEN with inside mount, there will be a minimal gap at the sides, as the head rail and shade material widths are never a match, can not be a match in width

    Answer to that? A narrow piece of weather stripping behind the shade, on the casing.

    A cheaper solution is blackout eye shades.: )

    Is there another way? Yes

    A trim panel board, fixed in place, over the arch portion to line up with casing at top of other two windows

    Black out curtains, with a return to the wall to avoid light seep at the sides.


  • PRO
    9 days ago

    That arched window doesn't look like it's original to a historic house. When was the house built? If possible, replace the existing windows with 2 new double hungs. Then it will be easier to block out the sun.

    And as applepieorder asked, it's very important that you comply with local laws when converting an attic to a bedroom. Where I live you need approved egress windows and a permanent fire escape.

  • PRO
    7 days ago
    last modified: 7 days ago

    That arched window is IMO no way original. As for window coverings I would do a fixed blackout blind in the arch and simple blackout blinds on the other 2 windows and those can open during the day but in S facing window probably kept closed will control the heat a bit better . The fact is in most cases egress windows a drop down ladder is a min. you need in an attic bedroom and where I had one we needed some kind of stairs on the exterior if no egress windw and ladder could be done . Attics are not living spce so be careful before doing this that all codes are met.

    I kind of think Lyns idea could be the perfect answer since those drapes could be blackout for sure .