Skylights can bring in natural light to a home, but may also cause unwelcome warmth and brightness. DIY skylight shades provide a cost-effective solution for controlling the amount of light that enters your living space while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. This comprehensive guide will explore various methods for creating custom skylight covers tailored to your specific needs.
We will begin by discussing how to create blackout curtains for your skylights, including accurate measurements and proper installation techniques. Next, we’ll delve into premade kits designed specifically for covering skylights – their benefits and how to choose the right one based on dimensions.
Additionally, you’ll learn creative ways to repurpose household materials as effective DIY skylight shades without compromising style or functionality. Finally, we’ll touch upon motorized solutions that easily offer high-tech control over your skylights’ lighting conditions.
By following these expert tips and tricks, you can enhance your home’s comfort and energy efficiency while showcasing personal flair through unique DIY skylight shade designs.
DIY Skylight Shades with Blackout Curtains
If you’re looking for an affordable and effective way to block out excessive sunlight from your skylights, consider creating DIY skylight shades using blackout curtains. These can be found at stores like Target, and they still allow enough ambient light into the room while providing adequate coverage. In this section, we’ll guide you through measuring your skylight accurately, hemming one edge of the blackout curtain, and installing closet rod brackets on top and bottom edges of the skylight opening.
Measuring Your Skylight Accurately
Using a tape measure or ruler, ascertain the width and length of your skylight’s interior opening; add two inches to both measurements for full coverage when installed.
Add about two inches to both measurements to ensure that your shade covers the entire window area when installed.
Note down these dimensions as you’ll need them when purchasing a suitable blackout curtain or fabric for making custom-made shades.
Hemming One Edge of The Blackout Curtain
You may need to trim or hem one edge of your chosen blackout curtain depending on its size relative to your measured dimensions. To do so:
Lay out the curtain flat on a clean surface with its wrong side facing up (the non-blackout side).
Fold over one long edge by about half an inch towards the wrong side and pin it in place using sewing pins.
Sew along this folded edge either by hand or using a sewing machine, removing the pins as you go.
Repeat this process for the other long edge if necessary.
Installing Closet Rod Brackets on Top and Bottom Edges of The Skylight Opening
To hang your blackout curtain shade in place, you’ll need to install closet rod brackets at both top and bottom edges of your skylight opening. Follow these steps:
Select suitable closet rod brackets that can accommodate a dowel or tension rod with a diameter matching your chosen curtain’s grommets or loops. Head to a home improvement store such as Home Depot to pick up closet rod brackets that can hold your curtain’s grommets or loops.
Using a pencil, mark where you want to position each bracket along the top and bottom edges of your skylight opening; ensure they’re aligned vertically so that the dowel or tension rod will hang straight when installed.
Screw in each bracket securely following manufacturer instructions provided with them.
Thread your hemmed blackout curtain onto either a wooden dowel or adjustable tension rod before placing it into the installed brackets; adjust its length accordingly until it covers the entire window area neatly without any gaps around its sides.
Skylight shades are a great way to control the amount of natural light that enters your room. They can also help regulate your space’s temperature by blocking out heat during the summer months. If you’re looking for other types of skylight covers, consider pleated shades, cellular shades, venetian blinds, or sheer fabric curtains. Depending on your needs, these options can provide varying levels of light control and insulation.
Crafting your own skylight blinds with blackout curtains is a budget-friendly option to guarantee you get the perfect size and design of cover that will fit in your abode. Utilizing premade kits for skylight covers can also be an easy solution if you’re looking for something more straightforward or require specific sizes unavailable when creating custom shades.
Utilizing Premade Kits for Skylight Covers
These kits are specifically designed for covering skylights and come with all the necessary components, such as tension rods and screws, making installation easy even if you don’t have extensive sewing or crafting skills. In this part, we’ll go over how to pick a suitable kit in relation to your skylight size and supply comprehensive instructions on putting together and setting up it.
Selecting an Appropriate Kit Based on Your Skylight Dimensions
Before purchasing a premade kit, measure your skylight accurately to ensure the cover fits properly. Most kits are adjustable in size but may still have limitations depending on their design. To find the right kit for your needs:
Measure the width and height of your skylight opening to determine its size when shopping for a kit.
Measure its height from top to bottom.
Note down these measurements when shopping for a suitable kit at stores like Home Depot, , or online retailers such as Amazon.
Pick a kit that can accommodate both dimensions within its specified range.
Assembling and Installing the Kit According to Provided Instructions
Once you’ve purchased an appropriate premade kit, follow these general steps (although specific instructions may vary slightly between different products):
Step 1: Unpack the kit and lay out all its components. Familiarize yourself with each part, including tension rods, brackets, screws, and any additional hardware or tools provided.
Step 2: Assemble the tension rods according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves inserting one rod into another until they reach your desired length based on your skylight measurements.
Step 3: Attach brackets to both ends of the assembled tension rods using provided screws or other fasteners. Ensure they are securely in place so your shade remains stable once installed.
Step 4: Position one end of a bracket against an upper corner of your skylight opening while holding onto its corresponding rod. Extend this rod diagonally across to the opposite lower corner by applying pressure outwardly against both sides of the frame until it locks into place within those corners’ grooves or notches (if applicable).
Step 5: Create a loop at either end of your chosen fabric cover by folding over approximately two inches along each side edge before securing them with adhesive-backed Velcro strips or sewn stitches if you prefer more permanent attachment methods.
You can install DIY skylight shades using premade kits without needing advanced crafting skills or specialized equipment in just a few simple steps. These covers will help block excessive sunlight from entering high windows while allowing enough ambient light for comfortable living spaces.
Installing a pre-made kit for skylight covers is an easy and cost effective solution to covering your skylights. For those looking for more of a challenge, repurposing household materials as skylight shades can be both creative and fun.
Key Takeaway:
Consider using premade kits for DIY skylight shades, which are available at home improvement stores and come with all necessary components. To select an appropriate kit based on your skylight dimensions, measure the width and height of your skylight opening before purchasing a kit that can accommodate both dimensions within its specified range.
Repurposing Household Materials as Skylights Shades
Not only will this be cost-effective, but it also allows you to add a personal touch while making the most of existing resources.
Cutting Dowels According to Measurements Taken Earlier
To begin with, accurately measure the dimensions of your skylight windows, including width and length. Next, purchase wooden dowels that are slightly longer than the measured width of your skylight opening. Cut these dowels according to the measurements taken earlier using a handsaw or power saw for precise cuts.
Once you have cut the dowels according to size, choose fabric from old tablecloths or sheets that match your room’s decor and style. Ensure that they are large enough to cover the entire surface area of your skylights when stretched across them. Lay out chosen fabric on a flat surface and place one end of each dowel along its top edge at equal intervals apart.
Pleated shades: If opting for pleated shades design similar to venetian blinds, fold over about an inch-wide section at regular intervals down the length of fabric before gluing it onto each dowel piece using strong adhesive such as hot glue gun or heavy-duty craft glue.
Cellular shades: For cellular shade designs which provide better insulation, create pockets in the fabric by sewing or gluing two layers of material together with dowels inserted between them.
Sheer fabric: If you prefer a lighter and more airy feel for your skylight shades, use sheer fabric instead. This will allow some natural light to filter through while still providing privacy and reducing glare from direct sunlight.
Stretching Completed Blinds Across Lites to Cover Entire Skylight Surface Area
After attaching the fabric onto doweling pieces, stretch completed blinds across lites of your skylights so that they cover entire surface area effectively. To secure these DIY skylight curtains in place, install small hooks or brackets on either side of window opening where ends of each dowel can be hooked into position. Alternatively, consider using tension rods for easier installation without drilling holes into walls or frames around windows.
In addition to being cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for controlling excessive sunlight entering skylights at home, repurposing household materials as custom-made shades allows homeowners and apartment renters alike to express their creativity while enhancing overall aesthetics within living spaces. So go ahead – give this DIY project a try today.
Utilizing items from around the house to craft skylight coverings is a simple and economical approach for maximizing your abode’s natural lighting. Motorized solutions for high-tech skylights control provide more flexibility in controlling light levels, making them a great choice for those looking to upgrade their existing system.
Key Takeaway:
Repurpose old tablecloths or sheets to create budget-friendly and eco-conscious DIY skylight shades. Cut dowels according to measurements, glue chosen fabric directly onto them, and stretch completed blinds across lites of your skylights for an effective solution that adds a personal touch to your space while making the most of available resources.
Motorized Solutions for High-Tech Skylight Control
If you’re in search of a more sophisticated and effortless approach to manage the amount of daylight that enters your house through skylights, motorized systems are an ideal choice. These high-tech solutions offer smooth operation and can be controlled remotely without breaking the bank. One popular motorized system is the ShadeSlidera„¢, which uses cellular shades that apply equal push/pull force on both sides of the shade for seamless functionality.
To install a motorized system like ShadeSlidera, you must adjust the tension capabilities of Levelor dispensing roller tubes. This process ensures that your shades operate smoothly and efficiently while providing optimal light control in your space. Here’s how:
Determine Your Skylight Dimensions: Before purchasing any components or materials, measure your skylight accurately to ensure proper fitment.
Select Appropriate Motorization Kit: Choose a compatible motorization kit from reputable brands such as Levolor or Bali Blinds based on your measurements.
Gather Necessary Tools & Materials: To complete this project successfully, gather essential tools like screwdrivers, pliers, measuring tape, and any additional hardware specified by the manufacturer.
Familiarize Yourself with Installation Instructions: Carefully read through all provided instructions before beginning installation to avoid potential issues during setup.
Tension Adjustment Process:
Remove end caps from roller tube assembly;
Locate tension adjustment screws within each bracket;
Using a screwdriver, turn screws clockwise to increase tension or counterclockwise to decrease it;
Adjust both brackets evenly for balanced operation.
Test Your Shades: After adjusting the tension capabilities of your roller tubes, test your motorized shades by operating them using the provided remote control. Ensure smooth and even movement throughout their range of motion.
In addition to ShadeSlidera„¢, other motorized systems are available on the market that cater to various preferences and budgets. For instance, Somfy Systems offers a wide range of automated solutions for skylight shades and blinds compatible with popular smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant.
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient option that also helps regulate indoor temperatures while controlling sunlight exposure, consider installing cellular shades with a motorized system. These honeycomb-shaped window coverings trap air within their cells, providing insulation against heat loss in winter months and reducing solar heat gain during summer periods. You can find more information about these innovative products from leading manufacturers such as Hunter Douglas.
Motorized skylight shade systems offer homeowners unparalleled convenience when it comes to managing natural light levels within their living spaces. By investing in this advanced technology solution, you’ll enjoy enhanced comfort while adding value to your property at the same time.
Key Takeaway:
The article discusses the benefits of motorized skylight shades for controlling natural light levels in homes. It provides instructions on how to adjust tension capabilities and install a motorized system, such as ShadeSlidera„¢, using compatible kits from reputable brands like Levolor or Bali Blinds. Additionally, it suggests energy-efficient options like cellular shades with honeycomb-shaped coverings that trap air within their cells to provide insulation against heat loss during winter months and reduce solar heat gain in summer periods.
FAQs in Relation to Diy Skylight Shades
Can I Make My Own Skylight Blinds?
Yes, you can create your own skylight blinds using various methods such as blackout curtains, premade kits, or repurposing household materials. These DIY solutions allow for customization and cost-effectiveness while providing effective light control and insulation.
Are Skylight Shades Worth It?
Skylight shades are worth the investment as they help regulate temperature, reduce glare, protect against UV rays, and provide privacy. They contribute to energy efficiency by reducing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Additionally, they enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space.
What Is the Best Way to Cover a Skylight?
The best way to cover a skylight depends on factors like budget, desired functionality, and personal preference. Options include DIY solutions like blackout curtains or repurposed materials; premade kits; or motorized systems for high-tech control. Each method offers varying levels of light control and insulation.
What Is the Difference Between Manual and Motorized Skylight Shades?
The primary difference between manual and motorized shades lies in their operation: manual shades require physical effort to open/close them whereas motorized options use remote controls or smart home integration for effortless adjustments. Motorized systems offer convenience but may come at a higher cost compared to manual alternatives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to create DIY skylight shades that can provide privacy and light control. You can use blackout curtains and closet rod brackets for a simple solution, premade kits for an easy installation process, or repurpose household materials like dowels and fabric. For those looking for high-tech solutions, motorized options like Levolor dispensing roller tubes with adjustable tension capabilities are also available.
If you want to upgrade your home with custom window treatments like skylight shades, check out AmDorm’s tips and advice on DIY projects and decor.
Ready to begin transforming your home? Shop now at AmDorm!
Hi, I’m John Whitford, and I work as a tradesman. Having specialized in plumbing for over 15 years, I’ve worked in a number of environments, but my biggest business is for those who need help with day to day plumbing tasks in their homes.
I started AMDorm.com to provide handy information, advice and how-to guides to help others turn their homes into the house of their dreams!
