My blinds let in too much light: how to block out light from windows

Whether it's your own bedroom or a baby's nursery, blinds that let in too much light can be a problem. Here's how to block out light from windows.

If your blinds are letting in too much light, you don't have to suffer in silence. Instead, there are lots of ways to block out light from windows - from block out curtain liners to window film and blackout blinds.

Here's all you need to know.

What are the different types of window shades to keep sun out?

Blinds come in a huge range of styles and materials. As you might expect, some are better for keeping out the sun than others. Here's the lowdown.

Roller blinds

Roller blinds are a single piece of fabric that wraps around a casing that is fitted to the top of your window frame. As the name suggests, the fabric rolls up and down by pulling a cord.

Vertical blinds

Vertical blinds are made up of vertical slats that can be tilted left or right to either open or close them. In this way, you can control how much light enters a room. However, they might not be the best option for blocking out light completely as the gaps in the blinds can cause a bit of light to shine through.

Roman blinds

Roman blinds are made out of fabric that gradually folds up in a concertina style. When they are closed they effectively block out the light.

Blackout shades

Blackout blinds are designed to keep all of the light out and are made out of a totally opaque fabric, meaning that no light can get in.

How to stop light getting through blinds

If your blinds are letting too much light in, you don't have to accept your fate. Instead, there are lots of things you can do to block out light from windows.

Some are temporary fixes, while others are more permanent solutions.

Blackout blinds

First things first, a failsafe and permanent solution is to replace your current blinds with blackout blinds. As we've touched upon already, blackout blinds are made from opaque fabric, meaning that no light can get in. You can get blackout blinds in a range of styles to suit your taste and budget - including roller blinds and Roman blinds.

Blackout curtains

If you want to stop light from coming through the cracks of your blinds without replacing them, a great option is to place a set of blackout curtains over the top. These curtains have an opaque lining and therefore work wonders in keeping the light out. Not to mention that having both blinds and curtains can look great too!

Travel blackout blinds

If you're looking for a temporary solution, for instance due to travelling with a baby, a travel blackout blind could be a great option. There are a few different kinds available. But generally, they consist of lightweight blackout fabric that attaches directly to your window glass with suction cups - making them easy to put up and take down.

Cardboard or tin foil

For another temporary (but less aesthetically pleasing) fix, consider covering your windows with cardboard or tin foil. Simply cut squares to the size of your window panes and secure them in place with painter's tape.

Block out curtain liner

If you have curtains as well as blinds, consider transforming them into blackout curtains by sewing in blackout linings. Just make sure that the fabric side faces the window and the coated side faces the fabric.

Light blocking strips

Light blocking strips consist of an L-shaped piece of plastic that sits alongside your window treatments to block the part of the window that is letting in light. They come in a range of sizes that you can choose from and are a fantastic way to solve light leaking around blinds that don't fit properly.

Window film to block out light

Tinted window film won't block out light completely but can certainly help to reduce the amount of light that seeps through your blinds. This film is super thin and will cling to your windows without cluttering them. As well as protecting you from UV rays and extreme temperatures, it can also improve privacy.

Sun blocking shades outdoors

In a similar vein, you could reduce the amount of light getting through your blinds by installing an awning or sun blocking shade outdoors. This can be particularly useful if your bedroom faces in the direction of the rising sun and you struggle with sunlight waking you up in the morning.

How much do blackout blinds cost?

As you can see, there are lots of options available for dealing with sunlight getting through your blinds.

One of the most straightforward permanent solutions is to swap your existing blinds for blackout ones. If you're considering going down this route, you're looking at an average cost of £67.50 for the blind itself and£25 per hour for installation.

We'd always recommend getting at least three quotes for blind installation. This way, you can ensure you're getting the best company and price for the work.

Enter your postcode below to view some of the best blind fitters near you on Checkatrade.

How to find the best blind fitters near me

If you're set on getting new blinds fitted, you're probably wondering how to find the best tradesperson for the job. Here are our top tips.

1. Search a professional trade directory

Here at Checkatrade, our leading directory is the go-to resource for hiring tradespeople and suppliers. You’ll only find professionals who meet our high standards and pass our checks on Checkatrade. On average, our trades score 9 out of 10 on everything from reliability to tidiness.

We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months - Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

* Eligibility and T&Cs apply

2. Read online reviews

Make sure to check online reviews when you are considering hiring a tradesperson or a particular service provider.

They offer an insight into the reputability and quality of the service that is on offer. At Checkatrade, we only show real, verified reviews, so you can trust in their authenticity.

3. Ask for recommendations

Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to hiring a tradesperson or service.

If you get recommendations from a friend or family member, be sure to cross-reference them with Checkatrade. That way, you know we've checked and vetted them too!

Ready to find experienced and reputable blind fitters near you? Simply add your postcode to the box below to get started.