How to Creatively Use Your Blackout Blinds

Installing blackout blinds is a fantastic way to create a dark environment in your home - ideal for when you want to hit the snooze button!

But did you know that blackout blinds can do much more than allow you to have a lie-in?

A truly versatile window treatment solution, blackout blinds can become a great prop in your home.  They make it exceptionally easy to create - and effortlessly change – the atmosphere in your rooms.

Your home can be transformed from bright and lively to dark and cosy in just a few moments - whether that’s for relaxation, entertainment, or children’s playtime.

And now, let’s take a look at the creative ways you can use your blackout blinds.

 1.     Create a photography room  

If you’re interested in photography, then blackout blinds are the perfect addition to your home. You can transform any room into a photography room - whether that’s an unused garage you never normally set foot in or just your living room for the day.

Many art forms require a completely darkened room – and blackout blinds are a fantastic way to create a dark environment quickly and efficiently.

 2.     Build a magical fort with your children

Remember when you were a child, and all you wanted was to build blanket forts and listen to bedtime stories?

Well, how about giving this experience to your little ones? Our blackout blinds will create a cosy and dark atmosphere, which is perfect for playtime in the blanket fort you’ve built together. Even during long summer evenings, when the sun won’t set before bedtime!

Add fairy lights, soft cushions, and hot chocolate with marshmallows to make the evening even more magical!

 3.     Create a media room

A lazy afternoon with a film would be much better without the light seeping in through your windows, wouldn’t it?

Well, this is where blackout blinds will come in handy. They create an entirely darkened room – so that you can put up your feet and enjoy some well-deserved screen time - even on a sunny afternoon!

Want an enhanced home cinema experience? All you need is a projector!

Don’t have one? Don’t worry - we’ll show you how to make your own.

Tutorial: How to Build a Smartphone Projector

Creating your own smartphone projector is easier than you think!

Here are the “ingredients” you’ll need:

    An old shoebox (no-one will miss);
    A smartphone;
    A magnifying glass;
    A foam board;
    Gluesticks;
    PVA Glue.

And here are the tools you’ll need:

    Hot Gluegun;
    Cutter Knife;
    Hacksaw;
    Ruler;
    Hobby Knife.

Step 1: Carefully cut off the handle of your magnifying glass using a hacksaw.

Step 2: To prevent the box from wiggling, reinforce it by gluing the corners and flaps of the box.

Step 3: Don't rush it! Let the glue dry for a few minutes.

Step 4: Place your box in an upright position. Put the magnifying glass on top of it - then center it. Trace the cut line using a pencil.

Step 5: Cut the perfect hole! Use a compass to outline the perfect circle, and an X-ACTO knife to cut a perfect and round hole.

Step 6: Pop it – then position your magnifying lens in the hole.

Step 7: Using PVA glue, glue the glass in place.

Step 8: Place the lid on the shoebox. If it is blocking a portion of your lens, use your cut-out as a stencil to carefully cut off the cardboard that’s blocking it.

Step 9: Use a foam board to build a phone stand. It’s important to make sure that it’s perpendicular (at an angle of 90°) from the base – otherwise the image could get distorted.

Step 10: Grab some double-sided padding tape, and tape your phone to the stand. Make sure the brightness of the screen is set to the maximum, and the screen is locked in the landscape. You could also download an app that flips the orientation of the image – but that’s up to you.

Step 11: Move the phone back and forth until you get the sharpest position, lower your blackout blinds – and enjoy the film!

Are you considering blackout blinds for your home?

Check out our wide assortment to find your perfect blinds – or pop into our showroom for a free consultation!

Photo by Dawson-Clinton