Sunlight Leaking In From The Sides Of Your Curtains? Try This Pool Noodle Hack
Let's say you've installed blackout curtains, yet every morning, the sun is still creeping in and waking you up long before you planned for. You may have purchased one of the best blackout curtains on the market or even resorted to taping down your curtains to block the light, but still, it finds a way to creep in. We might just have a solution for you that involves something you haven't considered before — a pool noodle.
Roll your eyes if you must, but let us explain. No matter how thick and sturdy your blackout curtains are, they will still have a gap when placed against your window. To close that gap, you can tape a black pool noodle along the top of your curtain rod. By doing this, you get rid of any space left between your curtains and your windows, eliminating any light that might otherwise peek through.
Other things to consider when trying to block out the sun
This pool noodle hack is great for blocking out light, plus it can also keep your curtain pleats looking nice and neat. In addition to blocking light, adding blackout curtains to your home can reduce your electric bill and keep your house cooler in the summer. Other than a pool noodle, you can also use a light fabric, like another curtain or a lightweight blanket, to drape over the top of the curtain rod. This may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but can still get the job done if the gap between the window and the wall is small enough. You can also sew extra fabric to the sides of your curtains and use a tie-back to keep the light from coming in through the sides.
If you don't want to go the DIY route, you have other options for blocking light. You can install a window valance along the lines of this one from Bed, Bath & Beyond, which could also help close that gap. A valence isn't usually pricey — think about $15-$40 — but is more costly than the pool noodle. A top-down, bottom-up shade is also a good option if you are willing to spend a bit more to get rid of the light. You can find these at Home Depot for about $50, and there are other options out there.