Block out the light

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Fat Controller, Jul 18, 2019.

  1. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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    Not often I would do this, as I would generally try and get light in, however I have embarked on a project to overhaul our outhouse. It is an utter disgrace if truth be told, and I want it sorted.

    I have just about everything I need (mostly paint etc), although I am wondering about hauling the carpet up and putting down some carpet tiles if they don't cost the earth. I would do laminate flooring, but I don't think the floor underneath is sufficiently level to take it, and I am not going down that path...

    Anyway, on one side I have kitchen style cupboards and a work surface, and it is my intention in the medium term to stand some shelves that we have on top of that work surface, and those shelves will house bottles, tins, jars and so on. Behind that work surface is a window, and whilst it doesn't get direct sun at any time, I am thinking it best to block the light out to prevent any damage to stuff stored on the shelves.

    What would the cheapest, non-permanent way be to block the light out? A bit of me is thinking a roller blind, but that could be a hassle, and if there was a cheaper way.....
     
  2. Selleri

    Selleri Koala

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    Your project sounds good Fat Controller :)

    How about a simple curtain? Get a cheapy rod (Ikea model, but cheaper ones exists as well) or two if you want it to be fixed both above and below the window, cut a piece of material 15cm taller than the window and sow a straight seam to leave a tunnel to insert the rod. Since you won't be drawing the curtain often that's probably all the sophistication you will need. Charity shops are a good place to find suitable material.

    If sowing is not for you, use safety pins to seam the material and call it "70s punk inspired theme" :whistle: Or, you could go creative and hang different colour T-shirts by pushing the rod through the sleeves.

    Would it be possible to lay the laminate on top of the existing carpet?
     
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    • shiney

      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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      How about seeing if you can get hold of a cheap old shutter and fix it on the outside?

      Re flooring:- In my shed I put down some old lino that I bought in a charity shop. It's easier to keep clean and can be laid without getting the unevenness that tiles would give.
       
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      • Janet mahay

        Janet mahay Gardener

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        If you cannot get black out curtains an old thick blanket will do the job but you could always go to a charity shop to see if you can find any curtains to fit or old blanket

        A freind of mine used cardboard and newspaper that also worked
        if you wont light but no heat another low-cost solution and aren’t concerned about how your window will look, you can opt for bubble wrap window insulation – a doable option if you just want to temporarily block out the summer sunlight. Or hear resistant film but personally i opt for black out curtains or a thick blanket

        As mentioned lino is good but i got some paint and painted the floor it was left over concrete paint that i used to paint my outhouse roof
         
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        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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          Thanks folks - I have gotten a bit further with it all than I thought I would, in as much as half the room is painted already, and I should manage the other half by tomorrow.
          I had another look at the window, and am now wondering if a thickish net curtain might be sufficient, as the sun never hits the window at all.

          The carpet simply has to go - it has been well 'moused' over the years, and in all honest was never really suitable for the job. It is hessian backed, deep pile, light cream Axminster that was a cut off, given to us when a family member fitted the main carpet in their house. That main carpet is now long gone, so this carpet is well overdue to be disposed of. I have underlay underneath, complete with gripper rods, so I think I am more in the territory of another carpet or carpet tiles.
           
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          • CanadianLori

            CanadianLori Total Gardener

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            I second the idea of a curtain or they do sell temporary accordian style blinds for about $5 over here in our Home Depot style stores and tney are easily cut to size so perhaps they have them there too?
             
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            • Sheal

              Sheal Total Gardener

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              Voile is probably what you need FC. You also get a choice of colours.

              voile curtains images - Bing images
               
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              • Mike Allen

                Mike Allen Total Gardener

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                How about painting the glass. Very cheap. :whistle::whistle:
                 
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                • CanadianLori

                  CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                  Oh my, voile will not do any light control! Don't go there!

                  Just an FYI in case of anyone wondering about my credentials in advising not to use voile, I have been operating a drapery workroom for 20 years and I am the head of the Canadian Association for this industry plus carry lots of certifications as a pŕoof of being a pro in this field.

                  Voile is for minimal light and privacy control. It is pretty much decorative. I enjoy some of my windows dressed with these but hidden up underneath are shades to control light etc.
                   
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                  • Fat Controller

                    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                    I'm not worried if some light does get in, I am just worried about food in jars (jams, tomatoes etc) spoiling because they are sat in the light.

                    @Mike Allen - I have done exactly that in my dark and distant past, but we rent this place and I need to be able to completely restore it if/when we move out.
                     
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                    • Scrungee

                      Scrungee Well known for it

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                      Blackout sheeting from a hydroponics shop :th scifD36:
                       
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                      • Fat Controller

                        Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                        Can I just say, at this moment in time, I chugging hate carpet and carpet tiles....
                         
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                        • lolimac

                          lolimac Total Gardener

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                          I'd go for a venetian blind Fc...pick them up cheap and look smart..
                           
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                          • Marley Farley

                            Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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                            Measure up your window and get some of THIS or one of the many other blackout materials on eBay @Fat Controller then either fix it to the frame you slot in or pin to the frame itself would be my answer.. :thumbsup:
                             
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                            • Fat Controller

                              Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                              Thanks everyone - that blackout material might be a good touch @Marley Farley, thank you :) Even if I threaded it onto a tension rod, it would be sufficient.

                              Old, mousey carpet is now awaiting its trip to the dump, and the carpet tiles are fitted - pain in the rear to fit, but so much better than the carpet that was there. There is a wee bit of movement in the tiles, but not much as they have a fridge freezer, a freezer and a washing machine weighing them down

                              One small corner of the room still to paint, and some tidying up, tomorrow and that will be it done barring the window black out.
                               
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