We have had properties ask us for advice on how to address light leakage around a treatment already installed (click here for roller shades). If you’ve specified, manufactured and installed drapes in your property, and turns out there is light leaking or “bleeding” around the drapes, there still may be hope for you. Several solutions can be used to diminish light leaking; however, we do not guarantee complete blockage will be achieved, as it varies case by case with each property.
Here are a few tips you could try:
Use a mini treatment for rescue
Rearrange your drapery
Move them closer
Add a Top Treatment
Think outside the box
Remember metal as your friend
1. Mini Treatments to the Rescue
Install a small/mini drape that hangs on a track closest to the window behind the blackout curtain. This mini blackout drape blocks the light bleed from behind the existing blackout curtains. This would be a permanent fixture, meaning the valance drapery would not be able to traverse.
2. Rearrange your drapery
Switch the treatments so that the sheer curtains are closest to the window and the blackout curtains are on top, closest to the room. This will minimize the amount of light coming through the blackout curtains.
3. Move them closer
Move the drapery tracks and valances closer to the window. This minimizes the drapery pocket opening and diminishes light coming through an open space.
(for reference, see our Spacing Requirements posts)
4. Add a Top Treatment If you don’t already have a cornice or a valance, add one. They are a great way to help reduce light coming to the room.
5. Think Outside The Box Consider using Velcro to seal the returns of the drapery to the wall.
6. Metal Is Your Friend!
Use a metal “L” channel to cover the fine line of light formed where the drape and the wall meet. “L” shaped channel is typically used to prevent/fix light leakage with roller shades, but it will also work with drapery.
If any of these sound like the right solution for your property, contact your Threadwell Sales Representative, or call our Texas offices (Contact Form | 800.462.2805). We are always happy to help!
Other helpful resources:
How to Fix Light Bleed Around Roller Shades Already Installed
5 Tips To Prevent Sunlight Coming Around Drapes In A Hotel Room
3 Tips to Prevent Light Leaking Around Roller Shades In A Hotel Room