Blinds are a versatile and practical way to control the light and privacy in your home, but sometimes you may want to darken them for better sleep, comfort, or ambiance. Whether you have fabric, vinyl, or wood blinds, there are some ways to darken them without replacing them or installing curtains. In this post, we’ll show you how to darken blinds using four different methods.
How to darken blinds: To darken blinds, you can either spray paint them with a dark color, cover them with foil or privacy film, soak them in a tub with bleach or vinegar, or install blackout shades behind them. For stubborn stains or discoloration, you can use dish soap, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide to treat the affected area.
Spray Painting Your Blinds
This method is suitable for vinyl or wood blinds that have faded or yellowed over time. You’ll need:
- A feather duster
- A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- A drop cloth
- Spray paint in a dark color
- Painter’s tape
- A respirator mask
- Gloves
Here’s what to do:
- Pull the blinds down so they are fully extended. You want to access the entire fabric and not just the exposed part.
- Use your feather duster to remove any loose dust and dirt from the blinds. Start from the top and work your way down, moving from left to right.
- Use your vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any remaining dust and dirt from the blinds. Again, start from the top and work your way down, moving from left to right.
- Take the blinds down from the window and lay them flat on a drop cloth in a well-ventilated area. Use painter’s tape to cover any parts that you don’t want to paint, such as the cords or hardware.
- Shake the spray paint can well and spray a thin coat of paint on the blinds, holding the can about 10 inches away from the surface. Move the can back and forth in a steady motion and overlap each stroke slightly.
- Let the first coat dry for about 15 minutes and then apply a second coat if needed. Repeat until you achieve the desired color and coverage.
- Let the blinds dry completely before hanging them back on the window.
Covering Your Blinds with Foil or Privacy Film
This method is suitable for any type of blinds that are not very effective at blocking light or heat. You’ll need:
- A feather duster
- A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- Aluminum foil or privacy film
- Scissors
- Painter’s tape
Here’s what to do:
- Pull the blinds down so they are fully extended. You want to access the entire fabric and not just the exposed part.
- Use your feather duster to remove any loose dust and dirt from the blinds. Start from the top and work your way down, moving from left to right.
- Use your vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any remaining dust and dirt from the blinds. Again, start from the top and work your way down, moving from left to right.
- Measure the dimensions of your window panes and cut out pieces of foil or film that match those measurements.
- Stick the foil or film on your window panes with painter’s tape, making sure there are no gaps or wrinkles.
- Close the blinds over the foil or film and enjoy your darker room.
Soaking Your Blinds in the Tub
This method is suitable for fabric or vinyl blinds that have yellowed or discolored over time. You’ll need:
- A feather duster
- A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- A bathtub
- Warm water
- Bleach or white vinegar
- Dish soap
- A sponge or a brush
- A large cloth or towel
Here’s what to do:
- Dust off your blinds as before and then take them down from the window.
- Fill your bathtub with enough warm water to cover the blinds. Then, add two cups of bleach or white vinegar and a few squirts of dish soap to the water. This will create a natural cleaning solution that can whiten and brighten your blinds.
- Submerge your blinds in the tub and let them soak for at least an hour. Then, use a sponge or a brush to scrub any stubborn spots or stains on the fabric.
- Drain the tub and rinse the blinds with clean water. Make sure there is no bleach or vinegar left on the fabric.
- Hang the blinds over a shower rod or a clothesline to let them drip dry. You can also use a large cloth or towel to blot out any excess water.
Installing Blackout Shades Behind Your Blinds
This method is suitable for any type of blinds that you want to darken without altering their appearance or function. You’ll need:
- A feather duster
- A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- Blackout shades that fit your windows
- A drill and screws
- A level
Here’s what to do:
- Dust off your blinds as before and then pull them up so they are out of the way.
- Measure your windows and buy blackout shades that match those measurements. You can choose from different types of blackout shades, such as roller, cellular, or roman shades.
- Follow the instructions that come with your blackout shades to install them behind your blinds. You may need to drill holes and screw brackets into the window frame or wall.
- Use a level to make sure the shades are aligned and level.
- Lower the shades behind your blinds and enjoy your darker room.
Removing Stains from Blinds
Sometimes, you may have stains on your blinds that are too tough to remove with just water and bleach or vinegar. In that case, you can try some of these products to treat the stains:
- Dish soap: You can use dish soap as a mild detergent that can break down grease and oil stains. Mix some dish soap with warm water and apply it on the stain with a sponge or a cloth. Rub it gently and then rinse it off with water.
- Baking soda: You can use baking soda as a natural abrasive that can scrub away dirt and grime stains. Sprinkle some baking soda on the stain and add some water to make a paste. Scrub it with a sponge or a brush and then rinse it off with water.
- Hydrogen peroxide: You can use hydrogen peroxide as a natural bleaching agent that can lighten up dark or colored stains. However, be careful not to use it on delicate or colored fabrics as it may damage them. Test it on an inconspicuous spot first before applying it on the stain. Dilute some hydrogen peroxide with water and dab it on the stain with a cotton ball or a q-tip. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off with water.
FAQs
How often should I darken blinds?
You should darken blinds whenever you want to create a darker or cozier atmosphere in your room, such as for sleeping, watching movies, or relaxing. However, you may also want to lighten them occasionally to let in some natural light and fresh air.
How do I prevent blinds from fading or yellowing?
You can prevent blinds from fading or yellowing by taking some precautions and maintaining them regularly. Here are some tips to prevent blinds from fading or yellowing:
- Avoid touching the blinds with dirty or oily hands, as this can transfer dirt and grease onto the fabric.
- Avoid splashing food or drinks on the blinds, as this can cause stains and odors.
- Avoid exposing the blinds to direct sunlight, as this can fade the color and damage the fabric.
- Vacuum and wipe the blinds regularly to remove any dust and dirt that can accumulate over time.
- Treat any stains as soon as possible with a suitable product before they set in and become harder to remove.
Wrap Up
Blinds are a handy and attractive choice for your windows, but they also need some care and attention to keep them looking their best. By following these simple steps, you can darken blinds using four different methods. Remember to use gentle and natural products that won’t harm your blinds or your health. And don’t forget to enjoy your beautiful and dark blinds!
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
