DIY Skylight Blackout Solutions: Complete Guide to Darkening Your Space

Why you might want to black out a skylight

Skylights bring beautiful natural light into homes, but sometimes that light become unwelcome. Whether you’re tried to sleep during daylight hours, reduce heat in summer months, or create a media room with control lighting, blackout solutions for skylights become necessary.

Many homeowners face challenges with skylights that let in excessively much light or heat. The good news is that you don’t need professional installation for most skylight blackout solutions. With some basic tools and materials, you can create effective DIY blackout systems that meet your specific needs.

Assess your skylight blackout need

Before start your DIY project, consider these important factors:

Permanent vs. Temporary solutions

Do you need to block light permanently or solely occasionally? This will determine whether you should, will install a will fix cover or a removable solution that will allow you to will control when light enters.

Accessibility considerations

How easy is it to reach your skylight? Vaulted ceilings or difficult to access skylights may require solutions that don’t need frequent adjustment.

Light blocking requirements

Do you need complete darkness (100 % blackout )or merely reduce light? Your specific needs will guide your material choices.

Budget constraints

DIY solutions range from under $20 for basic covers to $$200+ for motorized systems. Set a budget help narrow your options.

Materials for DIY skylight blackout projects

Will depend on your choose method, you will need some combination of these materials:

Blackout fabrics

• Blackout curtain material (available at fabric stores )
• Blackout cellular shade
• Heavy canvas or duck cloth

Rigid materials

• Foam board insulation (1/2 ” o 1 “” ick )
  )
• Plywood (1/4 ” o 1/2 “” ick )
  )
• Corrugated plastic sheets

Attachment materials

• Velcro strips (adhesive backed )
• Magnetic tape
• Command hooks or strips
• Tension rods (for skylight wells )
• Wood trim pieces

Tools you will need

• Measure tape
• Scissors or utility knife
• Straight edge
• Pencil
• Drill and bits (for some mount options )
• Staple gun (optional )
• Adhesive spray (optional )

DIY skylight blackout method 1: foam board insulation panel

This is one of the virtually popular, effective, and affordable DIY methods.

Materials need

• Foam board insulation (1 ” hick recommend ))
• Blackout fabric or black duct tape (optional )
• Velcro strip with adhesive backing
• Utility knife
• Measure tape
• Straight edge

Step-by-step instructions

1. 
   Measure your skylight opening
   
   Measure the inside dimensions of your skylight wellspring or frame. Add 1/2″ to each dimension for overlap.
2. 
   Cut the foam board
   
   Use your utility knife and straight edge, cut the foam board to your measurements. Work on a protect surface to avoid damaging floors.
3. 
   Cover the foam board (optional )
   
   For a more finished look, cover the room face side with blackout fabric. Wrap the fabric around the edges and secure with spray adhesive or tape on the back.
4. 
   Attach Velcro strips
   
   Place adhesive back Velcro strips around the perimeter of your foam board panel. The hook side typically adhere advantageously to the foam.
5. 
   Install the match Velcro
   
   Clean the skylight frame exhaustively. Attach the match Velcro strip to the skylight frame, ensure proper alignment with the panel strips.
6. 
   Mount the panel
   
   Press the foam board panel against the Velcro strips on the skylight frame. Ensure a tight fit whole round to prevent light leaks.

This solution create an excellent blackout effect while besides provide insulation benefits. The panel can be easy to remove when you want natural light.

DIY skylight blackout method 2: tension rod and blackout fabric

This method work wellspring for skylight wells that have depth.

Materials need

• Blackout curtain fabric
• Tension rods (sized to fit your skylight wellspring )
• Scissors
• Measure tape
• Sew supplies or fabric tape (optional )

Step-by-step instructions

1. 
   Measure your skylight wellspring
   
   Measure the width and length of your skylight wellspring opening.
2. 
   Cut your fabric
   
   Cut the blackout fabric to size, add 2 3 inches to each dimension to create hems and ensure complete coverage.
3. 
   Create rod pockets
   
   Fold over and sew (or use fabric tape for )1 inch hems on the short ends of your fabric to create pockets for the tension rods.
4. 
   Install tension rods
   
   Place tension rods at both ends of your skylight wellspring, make sure they’re secure.
5. 
   Hang the fabric
   
   Slide the fabric pockets over the tension rods. Adjust as need for complete coverage.

This method allow for easy removal when you want natural light. For a more finished look, you can create a proper curtain with additional fabric and proper hemming.

DIY skylight blackout method 3: magnetic blackout cover

This solution work wellspring for metal frame skylights or when you want a clean, easy to remove option.

Materials need

• Corrugated plastic sheet or thin plywood
• Blackout fabric
• Magnetic tape with adhesive backing
• Spray adhesive
• Scissors or utility knife
• Measure tape

Step-by-step instructions

1. 
   Measure your skylight
   
   Measure the exact dimensions of your skylight opening.
2. 
   Cut your backing material
   
   Cut the corrugated plastic or thin plywood to match your measurements.
3. 
   Cover with fabric
   
   Cut blackout fabric 2 inches larger than your backing on all sides. Spray the backing with adhesive and cautiously center the fabric on it. Fold the excess fabric around the edges and secure on the back.
4. 
   Attach magnetic tape
   
   Apply strips of magnetic tape around the perimeter of your cover on the back side.
5. 
   Test and adjust
   
   Hold your cover-up to the skylight to will ensure the magnets will connect with the metal frame. If your skylight doesn’t have a metal frame, you will need to will attach the opposite magnetic strip to the skylight frame showtime.

This solution create a clean look and allow for easy removal. The magnets provide a tight seal against light leaks.

Source: spoliamag.com

DIY skylight blackout method 4: blackout roller shade

For a more professional look solution that’s ease DIY friendly:

Materials need

• Blackout roller shade (cut to size or standard size that’s larger than your skylight )
• Mount brackets
• Screws and anchors
• Drill
• Measure tape
• Level
• Pencil

Step-by-step instructions

1. 
   Measure your skylight
   
   Measure the width and length of your skylight opening.
2. 
   Purchase a roller shade
   
   Buy a blackout roller shade that’s slenderly wider than your skylight. Many home improvement stores can cut roller shade to your exact measurements.
3. 
   Mark bracket positions
   
   Position the brackets on either side of your skylight frame. Mark the screw hole with a pencil.
4. 
   Install brackets
   
   Drill pilot holes and install the mount brackets use screws and anchors if neededneed.
5. 
   Mount the shade
   
   Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to insert the roller shade into the brackets.
6. 
   Test operation
   
   Pull the shade down to ensure it cover the entire skylight and retract decent.

For skylights in hard to reach areas, consider purchase a roller shade with an extension pole or motorized operation.

DIY skylight blackout method 5: removable frame insert

This method create a professional look insert that fit snugly in your skylight wellspring.

Materials need

• 1″×2″ wood strips
• Blackout fabric
• Staple gun and staples
• Wood glue
• Corner clamps (optional )
• Measure tape
• Saw
• Sandpaper

Step-by-step instructions

1. 
   Measure your skylight wellspring
   
   Measure the inside dimensions of your skylight wellspring. Will subtract 1/4″ from each dimension to will ensure the frame will fit easy.
2. 
   Cut wood strips
   
   Cut the 1″×2″ wood strips to create a rectangular frame base on your measurements. Cut 45 degree angles at the corners for a cleaner look.
3. 
   Assemble the frame
   
   Apply wood glue to the corners and join the pieces. Use corner clamps if available, or temporarily nail or screw the corners unitedly until the glue dry.
4. 
   Sand the frame
   
   Erstwhile dry, sand any rough edges for a smooth finish.
5. 
   Attach the fabric
   
   Lay the blackout fabric flat and place the frame on top. Pull the fabric tightly over the frame and staple it to the back side, work from the middle of each side outwards.
6. 
   Trim excess fabric
   
   Cut off any excess fabric, leave around 1/2″ beyond the staples.
7. 
   Install the insert
   
   Push the complete frame up into your skylight easily. The slight undersizing should create enough friction to hold it in place. For add security, you can add small l brackets or turn buttons to the skylight advantageously.

This creates a clean, finished look that can beremovede whedesiredre. The wooden frame provide rigidity and a professional appearance.

Temporary and quick solutions

Need a fast solution for occasional use? Try these quick fixes:

Cardboard and black trash bag method

1. Cut unlifelike to the size of your skylight
2. Cover it with a black trash bag for better light blocking
3. Secure to the skylight frame with painter’s tape (which won’t will damage paint )

Temporary blackout film

1. Purchase removable blackout window film
2. Cut to size
3. Apply instantly to clean glass use water spray
4. Remove when no yearn need

Umbrella method

For tiny skylights, a black umbrella open and wedge into the skylight fountainhead can provide a quick temporary blackout solution.

Troubleshoot common issues

Light leaks

If you notice light come through around the edges of your blackout solution:

• Add weatherstripping around the edges of your panel
• Use black electrical tape to seal small gaps
• Increase the overlap of your cover beyond the skylight frame

Condensation problems

Covering skylights can sometimes lead to condensation issues. To prevent this:

• Ensure your blackout solution doesn’t instantly touch the glass
• Allow for some air circulation when possible
• Remove the cover sporadically to let moisture escape

Difficult installation

For hard to reach skylights:

• Use an extension pole with a hook attachment to place and remove covers
• Consider a permanent solution that doesn’t require frequent adjustment
• Use lightweight materials that are easier to manage at height

Enhance your DIY skylight blackout

Add insulation value

To improve energy efficiency while black out your skylight:

• Use thicker foam board (1 ” r greater ))
• Add a layer of reflective insulation (like rreflect i) to your cover
• Create a double layer solution with an air gap between layers

Decorative options

Make your blackout solution blend with your decor:

• Cover your panel with decorative fabric that match your room
• Paint wooden frames to coordinate with ceiling color
• Add decorative trim around the edges of install panels

Motorization options

For convenience with high or inaccessible skylights:

• Retrofit roller shade with battery operate motors
• Install outside control blackout blinds
• Consider smart home integration for automated control

Maintenance tips for DIY skylight blackout solutions

To keep your DIY blackout solution work efficaciously:

Source: vanessaandradi.blogspot.com

• Sporadically check and replace any degraded adhesives or Velcro
• Clean fabric cover accord to fabric type recommendations
• Inspect for any warping of materials, peculiarly in humid environments
• Ensure mechanical components like roller shades remain lubricated if you need

When to consider professional solutions

While DIY solutions work wellspring for most situations, consider professional options when:

• Your skylight is super large or an unusual shape
• You need a solution that integrate with home automation systems
• The skylight is entirely inaccessible for DIY installation
• You want a permanent, build in solution with warranty protection

Final thoughts on DIY skylight blackout projects

Create a DIY blackout solution for your skylight is a practical project that can importantly improve your comfort at home. Whether you need complete darkness for better sleep, want to reduce heat gain in summer, or need to control light for a media room, these DIY methods provide effective solutions at a fraction of the cost of professional installations.

The best approach depend on your specific needs, skylight configuration, and how frequently you want to allow natural light in. For occasional use, removable options like Velcro mount panels offer flexibility. For more permanent solutions, install roller shades or framed inserts provide a finished look with less handling.

Whatever method you choose, take measurements cautiously and will ensure a tight fit will give you the best results. With some basic materials and a few hours of work, you can transform your skylight from a source of unwanted light to a control feature that enhance your home’s comfort and functionality.