Sorry everyone for another window post. I looked everywhere and did not find an answer so...

I have a double window in my HT that I want to block up. I would ideally like to block them in such a way that whatever I do appears flat. I dont want to remove them either because I will sell the house eventually (I always do) and I would like to open them up again.

My biggest problem is that the windows have trim on them. I guess I could just build a box around them that sticks out far enough to encase the windows, trim and all, but it it would look funky unless I build an entire false wall along that side (20 feet long -yikes).

Or I maybe just some curtains with some good black outs. I want total light control though that might be an issue too.

Any suggestions would be welcome. I will be starting a build thread here soon so LET THE COMEDY BEGIN!!!


Thanks :)

Curtains/blinds ...behind the window treatmenst place high density foam rubber cut to one inch larger than the internal window dim. covered in black felt or another fabic.

I just use good old walmart black blackout curtains in mine. I had the same goal as you. Initially, I was going to create a canvas with blackout cloth, then wrap in GOM or felt and than hang over the windows. Problem is that once in a while, I would like to open the window, so the curtain worked much better.

What I will be improving on mind is switching over to the big curtain rods with ring and clips, that way it's easier to open.

Just last night, I open the windows to let the nice delta in while watching a movie at night.

It is difficult to get 100% light control with curtains or shades alone. My solution is to take a two step approach - get 100% light blocking by using blackout cloth (or just a plug or any 100% light control method) inside the window well, only paying attention to how the window looks from the outside, then hang curtains or shades. The curtains are not to block light, just to make the inside look pretty. I have found this to be the best combination of: easy, cheap, looks good from the inside, looks good from the outside, has 100% light blocking. Operability: if you cut blackout cloth to fit the window panes and sumo tape it in place, then you can still open the window whenever you want.

I had this same issue in my first home theater. What I did was to get some black out cloth and went around the window. I removed the trim, installed the black out cloth, then put the trim back on. Then, I put the curtain back up. It looks funky if someone opens the curtain... but it worked (ie, the black out cloth didn't make it totally dark, as there was very little light seeping through).

Blackout curtains by itself does blockout most light. On mine, there is a little noticeable light coming in from the side, I would say about 1 to 5 percent. If you are going with solution like mine, you need to make sure that the curtain you use are much larger than the window itself, that way the leakage doesn't get out (or very minimal).

This is what I use (mine is black):
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8217618

What I use really works as the windows that I am covering has direct sunlight coming in toward the screen, so any light that comes in, I can see. With all the lights off and door closed, the room is completely door.

Remember, everything is a compromise. If you don't want to compromise, of course extra work is needed. If blocking light is your only goal, I know of friends that use black trash bags with tape over the windows that produce excellent results.

BTW, if you end up sealing the windows howto, make sure to put some lava rocks or similar to help with the moisture, otherwise in the long run it will ruin the window.

window plugs with a curtain to hide them. sound and light control :) the best of both worlds

http://www.soundaway.com/window_plug_s/56.htm

Thanks everyone for your replies so far!!

The ideas are great.

I need to digest these and I will post my results.

Thanks again:D

http://www.soundaway.com/window_plug_s/56.htm

W00lly that is what I am talkin about!!!! Thanks.

I'm using something similar to the window plug, but am planning on using a plywood backer and wrapping it with fabric to match my theater. Here are some details:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14176364#post14176364

CJ