How To Block Out Light From Window

[Marijn]

I had some curtains that blocked out the light in my bedroom but they were so old I've had to dispose of them. I've replaced them with very light curtains that unfortunately let all the light in, and now I can't sleep very well. Can anyone think of a way I can block out the light? I'm on a budget. I maybe could use Freecycle. I don't want to change the curtains I've just bought as they suit the room very well. I just want to sleep well again. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[Prudie]

If you can afford it then maybe a black roller blind? Years ago when I was really poor and had this problem I taped black bin bags up at night!

[Tilly2]

Dunelm have some very reasonable blackout curtain linings, Marijn

[whiskeryron]

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

WR.

[Old_Geezer]

Every year I promise myself I'll get some blackout linings or curtains for the summer. Every year I walk around the local stores, see nothing that appeals. It all seems too much, and another summer slips by with me not doing anything, awaking too early and feeling shattered by mid afternoon. That said, of late, I'm waking up at some ungodly early time anyway, light or no light :-(

I can only wish you well in your search for an answer and that you actually find a solution. Sometimes I wonder if the only good solution is to put up shutters and close them at night. Knowing my luck though, if I ever did the summer would prove a scorcher and I'd have to open the shutters again for air anyway.

[follyfancier]

have you tried wearing a sleep mask like the ones given on airlines

[237SJ]

I`ve got a black-out roller blind behind the bedroom curtains - it`s white but is lined to block out the light. I`d never be able to sleep during the day without it.

[Marijn]

Thank you all very much. I don't think I can afford a roller blind at the moment. I will try one of those eye masks, but don't think I can sleep with something on my face; I'll give it a go though. It's horrible isn't OG, not getting good quality sleep :-(. I'm thinking if I can get something that just covers the dimensions of the windows, then I won't have to line my curtains which are obviously bigger, due to extending passed the windows in all directions and being gathered.

[mjwman]

I cant sleeep WITHOUT a mask now!

[Old_Geezer]

Masks are ok but seem to have 2 issues. The elastic stretches over a fairly short time and the mask no longer stays in place. And related, if it has a clasp to shorten or lengthen the elastic, they always seem to use some incomprehensible type that if you didn't note how it worked when you first got it, is next to impossible to work out how the elastic is supposed to thread through and hold.

[Gizmonster]

I was going to suggest a mask as well - a lot cheaper !!
If the elastic stretches over time, simply tie a knot in it to shorten it :)

[Marijn]

I'll try the mask idea in the meantime. Do they stay put if you toss and turn a lot?

[carrust]

Brown paper bag? :-)

[ck1]

Have you tried closing the window?

[Marijn]

Eh?

[Gizmonster]

I'm wondering about that last post as well lol.
In reply to your question, I toss and turn a lot in bed and when I have my mask on, it stays firmly in place :)

[Marijn]

Thanks Gizmonster

[DaisyNonna]

Am I an oddity? Cannot sleep with closed curtains. The thought of blackout linings makes me feel quite queasy.

[Marijn]

No, you're not an oddity, you're lucky :-)

[Old_Geezer]

If the elastic is adjusted right they stay put. But as mentioned, it stretches and is less useful after a while.