Light leakage around window treatments is an issue that hotels have been trying to prevent for years. Although, complete light blockage is not always achievable, there are a number of solutions you can take into consideration before specifying your drapes (click here for Roller Shades) to ensure you minimize the light coming through the sides and bottom of the guestroom window.
Here are our tips for you to try:
Choose The Right Pleat Style!
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Treatments
Pay Attention to Materials
Understand Draw
Intentionally Puddle Lengths
1. Chose The Right Pleat Style!
Light bleed issues are typical in drape styles that hang below the track. Consider using French pleat drapery. This style of pleat allows the drapery to hang above the track instead of below (like Ripplefold).
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Treatments
Layering treatments can sometimes be associated with an outdated style. But, just like layering rugs (yes, that’s a thing), layering window treatments can change the game on the overall look of the room. And, in this case, assist with light blocking as well. Using roller shades, with side panels or operable drapes, plus a valance or a cornice, can help block the light through the sides and top of the window. Take a look at how great Hilton Garden Inn did using this method!
3. Pay Attention to Materials
Depending on the type of floor or sill you use, light may reflect to the rest of the room. Utilizing area rugs, carpet or other light-absorbing materials on the surfaces around or close to the window can help diminish this effect.
4. Understand Draw
Some draw styles, like one-way draw, naturally allow light to escape on one side (check out our resource on Draw Styles for reference). Our recommendation is to choose center draw style with a wider middle overlap, or ensure one-way draw treatments stack to the headboard side of the room.
5. Intentionally Puddle Lengths
In rare occasions it may be better to prevent leakage coming from the bottom by letting the drapery length run 1-2” longer than normal. This will allow some puddling, looking intentional and still allowing the drape to traverse correctly. Check out how West Elm has styled these puddled drapes.
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.