Whether you are a shift worker, a parent with a tiny tot, or just one of those people who struggle with sleep, often the cause can be… well, clear as day!
Daylight can be a big factor in why so many of us have difficulty sleeping well.
Sleep is like a reset button for our body. It’s essential for our overall health, replenishing our energy and sharpening our focus and productivity. Sleeping well also fosters creativity, enhances our emotional well-being, and helps our immune system, not to mention so many other proven health benefits.
Darkness helps with the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.
That is why it’s so important to have your bedroom as dark as possible. But as we know here in Alberta, our lovely summer evenings are often bright until 10:00 pm at night. And for many, that’s well past their bedtime.
Trying to keep that light from creeping into the bedroom can be frustrating. No matter how wide or long the window treatments are, the light will always find its way into the room. And a complete black-out covering can be that elusive unicorn.
Depending on your unique situation, needs, and window sizes, a few options exist.
Honeycomb/Cell Shade
My go-to for most bedrooms is a black-out fabric in the honeycomb style. This is because it is a tighter fit with only a 1/4″ deduction from the inside. The light will still leak through, but this is the least of them compared to a roller shade with ¾” gaps on each side.
Some manufacturers offer room-darkening channels if you want to up the ante even more.
I’ve also been asked about a black-out fabric on a roller, but on their own, they’re moot if you are trying to achieve darkness. They also have room-darkening channels, but the light leakage will peak through at the top.
Plantation Style Shutters
Not only are Plantation Style Shutters gorgeous, but they are a great option to minimize light leakage. Depending on where the sun faces, they will have some random light leakage, but it is fairly minimal.
Black-out Drapery
Floor-to-ceiling drapery is another great option – and what I have in my home.
Using a 100% blackout lining, the key is to have the fabric kiss the ceiling and floor. It does a beautiful job. Then, the center split has an overlap to minimize light leakage even more. I chose this effective treatment for my bedroom as it not only helps limit the light in the room but also gives the space a luxurious elegance.
Combinations
If you want to get really serious, your best option will likely require a combination of shades and drapes to get as close to that 100% blackout as possible.
Left in the Dark?
If you’re still feeling left in the dark about what solution will work best for you, we can help. Not all window or spaces are created the same. Our expertise and access to top, reputable manufacturers means we have a lot of options to new, existing, and creative combinations that most people aren’t aware of.
It’s essential that you get that much needed sleep – whether it’s at night, during the day, or just that much needed nap at any given time. Because when we’re well rested, we’re able to give ourselves and others our best.
