3 Tips To Prevent Light From Leaking Around Roller Shades In A Hotel Room

As we have previously mentioned, light leakage around window treatments is an issue that hotels have been trying to prevent for years. Many times, guests use the room to rest while there's still light out, and keeping light from leaking through the window treatment is key to ensuring a restful experience. If you haven’t checked our post on 5 Tips to Block Out Sunlight Around Drapes in a Hotel Room, make sure and click that link!

Keep these tips in mind before submitting your roller shade specs to ensure you minimize the light leaking around each shade.

1. Consider Outside Mounting

Inside mounting will naturally allow for light leakage around the sides of the shade when side and sill channels are not used. Consider outside mounting your roller shade, and if using two treatments (sheer and blackout) specify your blackout closest to the window.

2. Think of metal as your friend… mostly

Adding side & sill channels is a great way to diminish light leaking through the sides and bottom of the shade. But remember, since you're putting metal into potentially uneven places there is still a chance for some small gaps of light. In that case, caulking and using a light blocking strip can be used for extra help.

3. Don’t be afraid to mix treatments

We’ve also mentioned this in our drapery post— layering window treatments can change the game on light blocking. Using roller shades and adding side panels or operable drapes, plus a valance or cornice as “the cherry on top” can help block the light filtering through the sides and top of the window. Take a look at what 21c Museum Hotel did in their Chicago hotel design!

If you need help FIXING an existing problem with light bleed through roller shades already installed, click here to see our post > How To Fix Light Bleed Around Installed Roller Shades

Ready to put this into practice? Download the printable reference card below to keep these essentials close at hand, and come back soon for more tips, techniques, and inspiration from Threadwell.