The Money Mustache Community

General Discussion => Share Your Badassity => Topic started by: Hotstreak on November 20, 2013, 10:36:40 PM

Title: Blackout curtains: $5
Post by: Hotstreak on November 20, 2013, 10:36:40 PM
I moved a few weeks ago and really been missing the lighting at my old place.  When I removed my old curtain it was filthy and moldy.. yuck!  I decided not to bring it in to my new home.  So.. that left me looking for something new.  I ended up at the "Indoor Gardening" store, and bought some Panda Film.  If you don't know, this is the stuff that indoor gardeners to stop light from getting in, and it clocks 100% of the light.  It's white on one side, and black on the other, and comes in rolls 10 feet wide.

I asked for 5 feet, but he gave me 10 and only charged me for 5.  This is great!  My window is only about 3-4 feet tall, so I was able to double the plastic over, giving a clean white appearance on both sides.  I put it up with a tiny bit of white duct tape, and upon a quick test is is blocking ALL the light!

I couldn't be happier!  Just the other night I read about some $300 black out windows.. yuck!
Title: Re: Blackout curtains: $5
Post by: Left on November 21, 2013, 01:45:36 AM
hm I used tin foil :S and normal curtains covering it... looks horrible but it works great. I'll look into this panda film, have to find a place locally that carries it, seems like shipping online is a lot for the weight of it
Title: Re: Blackout curtains: $5
Post by: C. K. on November 21, 2013, 06:26:39 AM
hm I used tin foil :S and normal curtains covering it... looks horrible but it works great.


I've seen that! You've solved a mystery for me because I never knew what the home owners were doing!
Title: Re: Blackout curtains: $5
Post by: Bigote on November 21, 2013, 06:29:47 AM
Why?   To me the more light the better. 
Title: Re: Blackout curtains: $5
Post by: FitStash on November 21, 2013, 11:08:44 AM
Why?   To me the more light the better.

For sleeping of course :-)

http://chriskresser.com/9-steps-to-perfect-health-8-sleep-more-deeply (http://chriskresser.com/9-steps-to-perfect-health-8-sleep-more-deeply)

http://chriskresser.com/how-artificial-light-is-wrecking-your-sleep-and-what-to-do-about-it (http://chriskresser.com/how-artificial-light-is-wrecking-your-sleep-and-what-to-do-about-it)
Title: Re: Blackout curtains: $5
Post by: dcheesi on November 21, 2013, 11:28:30 AM
Why?   To me the more light the better.
A few reasons:

1)  Lighting control for projector/home theater
2)  Many light barriers double as a form of insulation for your windows
3)  Blocking artificial light at night (street lights etc.)
4)  Preventing premature fading of interior fabrics
5)  You're a vampire ;-)
Title: Re: Blackout curtains: $5
Post by: Left on November 21, 2013, 01:13:48 PM
I work night shift, sleep during the day :D
Title: Re: Blackout curtains: $5
Post by: Rural on November 21, 2013, 06:19:12 PM
Around here, the answer is "meth lab" and the authorites would be paying a visit to see if they can smell it. Tinfoil is not the recommended method hereabouts for that reason.
Title: Re: Blackout curtains: $5
Post by: Hotstreak on November 22, 2013, 07:55:00 PM
Around here, the answer is "meth lab" and the authorites would be paying a visit to see if they can smell it. Tinfoil is not the recommended method hereabouts for that reason.

Yes!  It is the least expensive, most accessible option.  It can look tacky and may be banned in some places "apartments, condos".  This is a case where it may be worth it to spend a (very!) few bucks.