How to Make a Room Darker (Complete Guide for Better Sleep)

Why So Many People Want to Make a Room Darker

Whether it’s early morning sunlight, bright street lights or a room that just never feels dim enough, unwanted light is one of the most common reasons people struggle with sleep.

This isn’t just a parenting issue... we hear from:

• parents trying to improve baby sleep
• shift workers needing to sleep during the day
• renters limited to existing blinds or curtains
• travellers struggling in hotel rooms
• anyone sensitive to light at night

The good news is that making a room darker is usually much easier than people expect, once you understand where light is coming from and how to block it effectively.

Why Darkness Matters for Sleep

Light plays a major role in regulating the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm.

When light enters the eyes, it signals to the brain that it’s time to be awake. In response, the body reduces melatonin (the hormone that helps us sleep) and increases alertness.

Research shows that:

• light exposure can delay sleep and reduce sleep quality
• even low levels of light at night can affect circadian rhythms
• consistent dark environments support better sleep patterns

References: Sleep Foundation; National Sleep Foundation; peer-reviewed circadian rhythm studies

In simple terms:

This is why creating a darker room can make such a noticeable difference.

Where Light Actually Comes From 

In most cases, it’s the gaps around blinds or curtains that let light in

Common sources of light include:

• gaps around curtains
• uncovered parts of the window frame
• light bleeding through fabric
• street lights outside
• early morning sunlight
• reflections from nearby buildings

From our experience, the biggest issue isn’t the material itself - it’s light leaking in around the edges.

The Most Effective Ways to Make a Room Darker

There isn’t just one solution. The best approach depends on your space, budget and whether you need something temporary or permanent.

1. Use Blackout Blinds (Most Effective Option)

Blackout blinds are designed to block light directly at the window.

They are one of the most effective options because they:

• sit close to the glass
• reduce edge gaps
• block direct sunlight

They’re particularly useful for:

• bedrooms
• nurseries
• Rental apartments or houses
• shift workers
  

2. Combine Blinds with Curtains

Layering is one of the best ways to improve darkness.

Why this works:

• blinds block direct light
• curtains or shutters reduce remaining light leaks

This combination often creates a noticeably darker room than curtains or shutters alone.

3. Seal the Edges (Most Overlooked Step)

Even high-quality blackout curtains or blinds won’t work properly if light can get around them.

Simple fixes include:

• overlapping window coverage
• using Velcro strips
• ensuring blinds extend beyond the frame

This small adjustment often makes the biggest difference.

4. Cover Large or Unusual Windows

Large windows, sliding doors and skylights require a slightly different approach.

Options include:

5. Use Temporary Solutions 

If you can’t install permanent fixtures, or you need a temporary total blackout solution, there are still effective options.

These include:

• portable blackout blinds
• suction-cup blinds
• removable adhesive blinds

These solutions are popular because they:

• don’t require drilling
• can be removed easily
• work in multiple locations
• Can be sized according to exact window measurements 

How to Make a Room Darker During the Day

Daytime darkness is especially important for:

• shift workers
• babies and young children
• travellers

To achieve this:

• block direct sunlight at the window
• minimise gaps around edges
• use layered solutions if needed

A properly darkened room should feel noticeably dim even during midday.

How to Make a Room Darker at Night

Night-time light often comes from different sources, such as:

• street lights
• passing cars
• indoor lighting from other rooms

Solutions include:

• blackout blinds or curtains
• Reduce gaps around blinds or curtains (e.g. with velcro or overlap)
• turning off or covering internal light sources

Common Mistakes That Stop Rooms from Getting Dark Enough

From what we’ve seen, these are the most common issues:

1. Relying on curtains alone

Blackout curtain fabric blocks light through the material, but light often still enters around the edges of the window, especially at the top and sides.

2. Choosing the wrong size

Blinds that fit exactly inside the frame can still allow light in around the edges.

3. Ignoring early morning sunlight

Morning light is often stronger and more direct than expected.

4. Not checking the room at the brightest time

A room that feels dark at night may be much brighter in the morning.

Quick Checklist: How to Make Your Room Darker

✔ Cover the entire window area
✔ Extend coverage beyond the frame
✔ Reduce gaps around edges
✔ Layer blinds and curtains if needed
✔ Check the room at the brightest time of day

Final Thoughts: The Key to a Darker Room

Making a room darker isn’t about one perfect product - it’s about reducing all sources of light.

For most people, the biggest improvements come from:

• covering the window more completely
• reducing gaps
• layering solutions

Once these are addressed, the difference in room darkness can be significant.