Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Blackout Curtains in an Apartment (2023)

FAQs

Can I install blackout curtains in an apartment? ›

Blackout curtains are a great addition to any apartment, as they can block out light and provide privacy. If you're wondering how to put up blackout curtains (either portable or on a rod) in an apartment, this step-by-step guide will provide all the information you need.

Self-adhesive hooks can also help hang curtains without drilling or nailing. General-purpose medium plastic hooks, often used for hanging small towels, robes, or keys, can also be repurposed for hanging lightweight curtains or sheers on thin curtain rods. Medium self-stick hooks hold up to six pounds per pair.

If the window is on the ground floor, the blind should be closed slats up. Otherwise, people can see in from the floors above. If, however, you are on an upper floor and the slats are up, anyone can see in from the ground floor. For that reason blinds on an upper floor should close slats down.

Use Curtain Rod Anchors or Longer Screws

Plastic anchors are ideal for mounting on drywall if you can't locate a stud in your wall. If there are studs in your wall, using longer screws might do the trick. Choose screws carefully, as you don't want to keep drilling (and causing more wall damage) to find the right fit.

In most apartments, you can make changes as long as you return the unit to its original state before your lease is up. This goes for nail holes, paint, and contact paper. So, typically, you are safe to drill or nail small holes in your apartment walls as long as you fill the holes before you move out.

No need to drill when hanging your curtains! You can use adhesive hooks instead to secure your curtain rod or pole. Our recommendations: Use Command™ Forever Classic Large Metal Hooks or Command™ Large Timeless Hook.

As a result, the average weight of blackout curtains can range from 1.5 to 3 pounds per square yard. This is heavier than most other types of curtains, such as sheer or lightweight curtains, which typically weigh less than 1 pound per square yard.

Whether or not you should puddle the curtains at the bottom is really a matter of personal preference, but for the most aesthetically pleasing and appropriate look, curtains should run to the floor. If you choose to puddle, you'll want at least 3-4 inches of fabric or so to make the puddling appear deliberate.

Do no drill curtain rods work? ›

Can I hang curtains without drilling holes? Yes, there are so many ways to hang curtains without no need to resort to a drill. Adhesive options like hook or adhesive rods are good for lightweight curtains. If you need a curtain or shade to fit within a door or window frame, use a tension rod.

Can I leave a gap between the curtains and the floor? It turns out, this may actually be the best option for modern window treatments. 'Our golden rule is that we usually keep them 1/4" off the floor,' interior designer Lisa Staton explains. 'This keeps them long and generous, but not collecting dust.

Sheers and drapes: The most common and practical method for layering curtains. Use double brackets and double curtain rods to layer a sheer curtain under an opaque or blackout drape or curtain. This technique allows sunlight to shine through while still maintaining privacy.

What are pin holes of light? Blackout lining is made by coating a base material with layers of acrylic foam. This blocks light but when sewing by hand or machine, the needle pierces the fabric and a tiny hole is created.

No, people outside would not be able to see anything of inside, not even movement close to the window, nor the shapes and outlines of things. They would, however, be able to see a diffuse glow of light if you have a reasonably bright light not too far from the window.

The clever use of blinds, curtains, and other window treatments can help keep your house cool and your bills in check. The Department of Energy says the smart management of window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent. (And, as a bonus, these same practices can reduce heat loss in the winter.)

Turn your blinds up. This direction is better for improved privacy too, as minimized gaps between the slats don't allow curious passersby to view the inside of the house. To let in a small amount of natural light, it's best to turn your blinds down and close them.

Toggle bolts are the types of drywall anchors that can support up to 50 pounds, while steel hollow-wall anchors have a drywall anchors weight limit of up to 100 pounds.

Hanging curtains on drywall is not as simple as it looks. Drywall will not hold a screw because it's not solid. If you mount a curtain rod with a screw, over time you will end up with a sagging curtain and hole. Using drywall anchors is the only solution.

Here are a few common reasons: You didn't secure your curtain rod properly. You're using the wrong type of curtain rod that can't support the weight of your curtains, causing it to sag and fall out of the wall. Kids or pets yank or pull on the curtains, bringing them down.

Do blackout curtains go in front or behind? ›

If your blackout drapery does not have a lining, placing sheer curtains behind works as a protective layer for the blackout curtains against premature fading due to sunlight exposure.

The most common reason a drill won't penetrate a wall at all is because the drill is spinning in the wrong direction. If the drill bit enters the wall and then hits resistance, the typical cause is a metal plate or masonry obstruction.

“One common rule is to avoid drilling around light switches and sockets, as the electrical wires can go horizontally and vertically around these fixtures,” Williams explains. “You can also get an idea of where wires and pipes run by looking in the attic and basement to see where they go up or down through framing.”

So, what happens if you drill holes in the walls of your apartment? Nothing, as long as you don't move out and the landlord notices the holes in the walls. Something may happen if the landlord learns you bored holes in the walls. You may lose your security deposit.

Depending on the apartment community, your lease agreement may prohibit nail holes or even place a pricey fine on wall damage. Using nails is the most common way to position wall hangings, but it isn't the only option.

Command strips can be beneficial during wall decoration as they enable you to hang pictures and other objects without harming your wall. However, if not removed carefully, the can result in peeled paint, sticky patches with leftover residue and in some cases, cracks in the wall.

When you're renting, the general rule is that you should be leaving the property in the same way that you found it from the rental provider. Aside from general, acceptable wear and tear, renters need to receive permission from their landlord before making any alterations, including attaching picture hooks to the walls.

Command™ Heavyweight Utility Hooks are strong and let you hang heavier items like sports bags, step ladders, backpacks and more. Holds up to 10lbs. Hang heavy items up to 15lbs with damage-free Command Utility Hooks.

Command™ adhesive holds strongly to a variety of surfaces including solid, hollow and painted walls, and those difficult to drill - such as tiles and glass. Command™ Strips are easy to remove – leaving no cracks, holes, damaged plaster or sticky residue.

CONS: -May take up more space: Blackout curtains are hung from a curtain rod, so they may take up more space than blackout blinds. -Can be difficult to clean: Blackout curtains can be more difficult to clean than blackout blinds because they are typically made of a thicker, heavier material.

How thick should a curtain rod be for blackout curtains? ›

Keep in mind the weight and material of curtains when choosing a rod. Thin rods are perfect for lightweight sheer curtains, while thick curtain rods (at least one inch thick) are ideal for heavy blackout curtains.

curtains: Measure the Width: Use your measuring tape to measure the width of your window from one side of the frame to the other. Record this measurement. Remember, you'll need your curtain's width to be 1.5 to 2 times this measurement for full coverage.

Since you can't see through blackout curtains at all, they increase privacy better than other curtain types. Blackout curtains block sun rays and therefore protect surfaces within the room from fading.

Yes, it can be beneficial to have blackout curtains for your living room. Blackout curtains are great for providing maximum privacy from outdoor onlookers, as well as blocking out any outside light that could hinder relaxation in your living room.

Tin foil is an alternative to blackout blinds that often creates the feeling of an abandoned home. The tin foil may be an easy solution, but the shimmery appearance often leaves a room feeling cold and harsh.

Cover Your Window With Aluminum Foil

Yes, this is probably the least expensive and easiest way to blackout your windows. Simply cut foil squares to the sizes of your window panes before securing them in place with painter's tape.

How to measure for blackout curtains. The first step is to measure. I always recommend hanging your curtains high and wide. That means you want to mount your rod high above your window casing (this often means close to the ceiling) and 8”-12” beyond the window casing on each side.

Curtains should be two to two and a half times wider than the window. This is because curtains should be able to be pulled back beyond the window frame on either side to let plenty of light into the room and to exaggerate the window's proportions, but still look full when pulled across.

CONS: -May take up more space: Blackout curtains are hung from a curtain rod, so they may take up more space than blackout blinds. -Can be difficult to clean: Blackout curtains can be more difficult to clean than blackout blinds because they are typically made of a thicker, heavier material.

Is it healthy to sleep with blackout curtains? ›

Blackout curtains have few health disadvantages. However, manufacturers may produce blackout curtains or roller blinds using polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material has phthalates, chemicals that can enter and damage the human body through air particles, direct contact, and other methods.

What sets them apart though, is that blackouts are total blockout curtains. That means, 100%. That's not to say that blockout curtains aren't up for the task. They offer about 99% blockout, so really, they both stand shoulder-to-shoulder.

In terms of energy efficiency, both room darkening and blackout curtains can be beneficial with 100% blackout curtains providing the most energy savings. Because they block out all light, they can also block out heat, which can help to keep a room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Placing sheer curtains close to the window glass and blackout curtains towards the inside of the room allows for privacy during daylight and darker hours. During the daytime, opening blackout curtains will allow natural light to flow into the room.

True blackout curtains and shades, when installed properly, will block all light, even daylight, while good room-darkening curtains will block most light at night but are less effective during the day.