Affordable Ways To Make Your Curtains Block Out More Light

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Sometimes you find a curtain set that is absolutely perfect in every way — except that they don't block out quite enough light. Before you run out to buy a new pair of curtains, it's worth trying some affordable methods to make your current set block out more light. The key? Layers, layers, layers.

There's a reason so many people end up buying blackout curtains, especially for bedrooms. A darker room often means better sleep, and thicker curtains can also improve temperature control, cut down on your energy bill, and block some sound from outdoors. Adding an extra layer behind your curtains is another great way to make them more opaque. It's also a creative way to give your curtains an upgrade by adding depth to the look. If your issue is light leakage on the sides or top of the curtains rather than their opacity, the right layers can work well for that, too.

Your first option is to simply buy blackout curtains — not to replace your current curtains, but to hang behind them. Blackout curtains are made of tightly woven fabrics that prevent light from penetrating. If your curtains are on a regular rod, add a tension rod to the window frame and hang the blackout curtains on that. Alternatively, buy a double curtain rod, put your current curtains on the front, and hang the blackout curtains on the back. If you're not a fan of blackout curtains, look into blackout curtain alternatives like room-darkening curtains. Even heavy fabrics like velvet will help block out more light.

Another option is to add blackout liners to your curtains, like this $21 Polyester Blackout Liner Pair in white from Wayfair. Either attach the liners to your curtains with an iron-on adhesive, such as Michaels' $5 Heat n Bond, or hang them on a set of curtain clip rings. The rings will make it easy to remove the liners if you only want the blackout effect during certain times of the year.

Lastly, consider adding a budget-friendly set of blackout roller shades to your windows behind the curtains, such as these $13 LazBlinds Blackout Roller Shades. This will help with light leakage as well, and you can easily adjust how bright the room is. If your only issue is light leakage at the top, however, adding a shorter valence curtain up there may be all you need.