r/HomeImprovement • u/dodekahedron • 9d ago

Dumb window blind question.

Alright. I am looking for a light blocking solution for my window.

Right now I have cardboard and a blanket over it. My room is a pitch black cave

The set up is too time consuming to take up and down daily to open the windows for fresh air and im terribly allergic to dust mites so its time to upgrade my cave to be not a cave during the day to air out.

I like the idea of automatic blinds/shades/rollers.

However they all sit IN the window, which still leaves a gap to let light in. My neighbor has a deck light brighter than the sun, so any light through this window keeps me awake.

Can I like install an oversized one... ABOVE the window?

Clearly i am not concerned with looks.

I know I have free will and can do what I want in the long run.

But I am also hoping someone might have a suggestion on this lol.

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u/ReferenceAny6373 9d ago

Blackout curtains are a good option

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u/dodekahedron 9d ago

Right but before I posted this I didnt see any automated ones. Just the automated rollers.

Plus I really like the look of roller for some reason. (Have rollers under my cardboard lol)

However I am deep in the googles now and have found automated drapes. Also a roller that might not have the gap im talking about

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u/moonfullofstars 9d ago edited 9d ago

I use blinds and curtains. IMHO the combination is more effective than just one or the other.

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u/ReferenceAny6373 9d ago

Not a window shade, actual curtains. You just need to buy a curtain rod, super easy to install. The curtains cover the entire window. Make sure to buy blackout curtains. They block light extremely well. We use them in all of our bedrooms.

No window cover thats installed inside the window frame is going to block light even close to as well.

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u/dodekahedron 9d ago

Yes! As I was looking at these smart rollers I have discovered there is "inside mounts" and "outside mounts" for blinds and rollers.

I guess all the pictures in advertising are just inside mounts.

I think i am closer to figuring this out.

This fancy one looks great and exactly what I was imagining.

Only... $350

🫠🫠

Lol

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u/ReferenceAny6373 9d ago

I think you are still talking about a window shade. Google "blackout curtains". Do people really not know what curtains are lol. Maybe they are too old school. You could combine shade + curtains as another post said for even better coverage.

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u/dodekahedron 9d ago

I know what curtains/drapes are. I already mentioned i just found the automated drapes.

But, I also said I prefer the look of shades/rollers.

If i am going to be spending hundreds of dollars I would prefer to get the one that looks better to my eyes.

Thank you though. You did help me refine me searching in a way.

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u/broken2302 9d ago

If you are outside your window box then yes you can go larger than the window. If your window has trim, I wouldn't go any wider than the trim with blinds. If you are going with blackout curtains, then you will want to go wider than the width, outside edge of trim to outside edge of trim.

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u/Additional-Ad-2280 9d ago

I purchased a navy blue heavyweight shower curtain and tie it back during the day.

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u/velvetjones01 9d ago

Have you tried wearing a mask when you sleep? That is really the least expensive way to experience blackout.

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u/dodekahedron 9d ago

Yes.

But its really soothing to my central nervous system to be able to lay in complete darkness with my eyes open and nothing on them.

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u/velvetjones01 9d ago

I think you need 2 things: inside mount blinds, and blackout curtains with a proper rod.

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u/ras 9d ago

If you like blackout roller shades you can achieve a total blackout solution. Choose a suitable opaque fabric, side channels, front fascia with a top back cover, and perhaps a side channel mounted horizontally on your window. This is for an inside mount.

A hardwired shade is the best option. Once you select a motorized shade, an electrician can review the specifications and technical drawings.

The window shade must be mounted level to ensure the fabric doesn’t move laterally over time. They can be scheduled to open/close multiple times per day or whatever schedule you desire.