Hi! I’m Sayaka Minami, a Japanese minimalist, and a professional organizer.

These days, we are surrounded by light even when we sleep, whether from a 24-hour store across the street or the small lights of appliances around the house.

✔︎ I somehow always feel sluggish even though I get enough sleep…
✔︎ The sun wakes me up early in the morning…
✔︎ Light and sound are constantly waking up my baby…

If you have any of these problems, I recommend “shading” your bedroom.
In this episode, I am sharing some ideas for how to block light from your room.

1. Put Up a UV-Cut Film

UV-cut film is typically used to block strong sunlight, but it is also effective for creating shade in your room.
It can be precisely applied to the entire window with no gaps, blocking out all light from the outside.
Using it together with curtains will increase the light-blocking properties.
Blocking out the sunlight will keep your room cooler during the summer.
This means conserving energy and money from air conditioning — It is two birds with one stone!

2. Black-Out Curtains

When you hear the word “light-blocking,” you probably think of black-out curtains.
Here are some tips when selecting curtains for your room.
Black-out curtains vary in light-blocking capabilities depending on the grade.
If you want your room well blocked from light, choose light-blocking grade 1.
I recommend installing the curtains so that they reach the floor to prevent light from leaking out from under the window.
Also, if light leaks through the gap at the top of the curtains, you can install a curtain box or a cover for the curtain rail.

3. Gap Tape

If you have a problem with light coming in through the gap in your bedroom door, try using gap tape.
Not only does it block out light, but it is also soundproofing and will prevent your baby from waking up to noises from the next room.
Since gap tape was originally designed to prevent cold air from entering through the crack of a door or window, it will also help to maintain a consistent temperature in the room, making it a comfortable sleeping environment.

4. Light-Blocking Stickers for Small Lights

The light from fire alarms, Wi-Fi routers, and other small appliances can be bothersome in a pitch-dark room.
In such cases, I recommend applying light-blocking stickers to these small lights.
With these tiny stickers, you can free yourself from the stress of being kept awake by these small lights.

5. Portable Light-Blocking Products

If you are traveling or just want to try out light-blocking, try portable black-out curtains that can be removed and transported, or paper shading blinds that can be easily adjusted to fit the size of your window.

 
There are many different ways to block out light, so please try them according to the structure and situation of your house.
I hope these tips help create a comfortable sleeping environment.

Author
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Minimalist & Professional Organizer
SAYAKA MINAMI
About / Instagram / Professional Organization Service