How to Completely Darken a Room on a Budget For Your

Step 1: You'll need the following tools and items:

Scissors

Measuring tape

Blackout lining fabric

Thumbtacks

Weatherstrip seal

Step 2: Measure your window to figure out how much fabric you'll need. Plan on getting enough to overlap the entire window by a few inches, this extra material is necessary to attach the fabric around the window.

Step 3: After getting your measurements purchase some blackout drapery lining from a fabric store. You may have to purchase more than one piece to cover the entire window depending on the width of the fabric which is usually 54 inches (137.16 cm). It can cost anywhere from $4-9 per yard.

Note: If using more than one piece of fabric you can permanently attach them together using stitch free fabric adhesive this will help avoid light from entering between the unattached ends.

Step 4: Now secure the fabric completely around the window, overlapping the window by about 3 inches (7.62 cm). Keep it in place with thumbtacks, nails or whatever you want to use, thumbtacks are inexpensive and can be easily installed/removed. Be sure to stretch the fabric when placing the thumbtacks to maintain it firmly against the wall, it'll keep light from sneaking in around the sides.

Step 5: At this point your room may already be completely blacked out but if light tends to come in around the edge of your door a quick solution is to use a weatherstrip seal. Just place it around the frame where the door makes contact. I used a 5/16 inch (7.9 cm) thick foam seal which worked perfectly and it only cost $4. Ensure you use the right thickness to avoid problems in closing the door.

Step 6: You're Done. Sit back and enjoy your completely blacked out room.