Installing a new set of blackout curtains might seem like a difficult task, but it isn’t – as long as you follow the correct process.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to have any special skills to hang blackout curtains and it should only take roughly 20-45 minutes per window.
Here’s everything you need to get started.
What You Need
To make the process as smooth as possible, I recommend assembling and organizing the tools and materials you’ll use before you begin. You only need a few basic tools when installing blackout curtains, and they are as follows;
Your Blackout Curtains
You’ll obviously need your set of blackout curtains. To get the proper coverage, make sure these are sized to account for the distance above the window to the curtain pole and the overall width of the window.
Your Curtain Poles
These should fit the widths of your windows while still leaving some extra room on either side to ensure you get full coverage.
Curtain Pole Mounting Brackets
They usually come with poles and should have a set of screws and brackets that are used to hold the poles in place once you hang the curtains.
Wall Anchors
Blackout curtains are heavy as they’re made of thick fabric hence require to be held in place. Wall anchors like rawlplugs or plasterboard fittings secure the poles in place, ensuring the curtains don’t pull them off the walls.
A Power Drill
A drill is used to make holes into the wall to insert the anchors and attach the brackets. If you’re going to be drilling into brickwork then you might need a corded drill to handle the job.
Pencil
A pencil is required to make marks on the walls on the points you’ll be drilling. Using a pencil makes it easier to erase the marks once done.
Measuring Tape & Spirit Level
For you to make the correct measurements of your window to avoid making mistakes, you’ll need a tape measure and a spirit level to ensure that your curtain pole is perfectly positioned.
A Hammer Or Screwdriver
Depending on the type of wall anchors you’re using, a hammer or screwdriver will be needed to tap or screw the anchors into the wall.
A Spare Set Of Hands
Hanging a set of blackout curtains can be a tricky job to do by yourself. Get a friend or partner to lend you a hand and the whole job will be a lot easier.
How to Hang Blackout Curtains
Hanging curtains can prove daunting if it is your first time. However, the steps below simplify everything you need to do and the equipment required to make it a success. So, go ahead and prep yourself, grab the tools and let’s get started;
1. Gather The Required Tools
If you want to make your experience a smooth one, you’ll want to start by assembling all the materials you’ll use. It saves time and energy spent going around looking for the equipment.
2. Unpack Your Blackout Curtains
Unpack the curtains, and clean and iron them if necessary. Make sure to read the care instructions they come with to avoid making mistakes.
The curtains may have creases due to being folded and packed for long, but a quick iron should do the job just fine, making your curtains look a lot nicer once they’re hung.
3. Measure And Mark The Drill Area
You’ll first need to know how far above the window you need to hand your curtain pole. There should be a couple of inches of overlap between your curtains and the window to ensure that your blackout curtains can block out as much light as possible.
Once you know the height above the window, hold one of the brackets in place and mark the hole positions on the wall, and once you’re happy that all of the brackets are level, and in the right position, it’s time to start drilling.
4. Drill The Holes
Start by drilling a pilot hole to make sure you’ve got the correct wall anchors, and once you’re happy you can drill the appropriately sized holes for your anchors.
Use a hammer or screwdriver to tap or screw the anchors in place.
Then, using a screwdriver, insert and secure screws into the anchors. Leave them a little loose and tighten them only when they’re all even and in place.
5. Add Your Blackout Curtains To The Poles
Adding the blackout curtains to the poles is the second step from the final one. To ensure the curtains are held in place, make sure to screw on the finials securely.
6. Hang The Curtain Poles And Enjoy!
In this final step, all you need is to connect the poless and secure them on the brackets. You’re now set to enjoy the privacy they bring and get better sleep.
The Benefits of Blackout Curtains
They Block Out Light
The main benefit of blackout curtains is blocking out light.
Our bodies require darkness to produce melatonin which enables us to fall asleep, and having light streaming in the bedrooms or nurseries may hinder us from getting quality sleep.
Blackout curtains cut out 95% to 100% of light, making them ideal to use in our bedrooms and nurseries, and they’re great for children whose sleep pattern is determined by light and darkness, light sleepers, and shift workers.
Alternatively, blackout curtains may be used in movie rooms to prevent glares and create a theatre-like ambience. They’ll block out any light, ensuring you get the best home theatre movie night. Make sure to purchase curtains that cover your windows fully, top to bottom, to maximize this advantage.
They Reduce Noise
Since blackout curtains have a thick and heavy fabric, they tend to reduce outside noise.
The property makes them ideal to use in bedrooms and movie rooms and is helpful for shift workers that sleep during the day where disturbances are a problem. Although they do not entirely cut out all the noise, they greatly reduce disturbances and interruptions in your sleep.
They Can Reduce Energy Costs
Around a third of energy loss occurs through the windows of your home, so investing in blackout curtains can save you money used in heating and cooling your home as they are known to reduce thermal loss.
Blackout curtains are not only beneficial during the winter but also in the summer season ashey help keep the heat in or out of the room when necessary and, in turn, reduce your energy expenses.
They Provide Privacy
In the modern world, people tend to opt for large glass windows that ultimately compromise privacy.
However, blackout curtains can make sure you feel comfortable in your home due to their thick and opaque material, which makes it impossible for people to pry into your home.
