Can anyone give me a good suggestion on how to make black out curtains that won't heat up a room that is already a hot room to begin with? About how much fabric would I need for each panel? I was thinking about 3 yds, but I don't have a tape measure to get the length of the window. Also, any creative ideas on how to tie them back, should I just use those 3M removable hook things and just have ties for them?

there are some very good black out lining materials available from joanns

The very nature of blackout curtains will cause the room to become warmer. Because they are so thick, they are also insulating. Perhaps you could find a small, quiet desk fan to use also.

For yardage, I usually measure the window then get twice the width of the window by the length I want - usually I get at least a foot longer than the window to allow for tabs or a casing.

This may sound crazy, but a large chip clip or a large hair clip (the butterfly kind) both work well to hold a curtain back if you can't attach anything to the wall. Cheap, too! Otherwise, your 3M hooks and ties should work.

Good luck!

so long as I'm not drilling holes, I'm good! I have to get a tension rod to hold the curtains up...

Thanks!

This is going to sound crazy but I bought two queen size flat sheets from Walmart and just sewed them together and they work like a DREAM!!!

I also have used sheets as curtains, but have not tried to do the blackout ones.

I made 1 an 1/2 inch tiebacks pretty small and just sewed velcro to the ends and then just put around the curtains at the side after pulled back.

Target sells white-colored black out curtains. I put them behind my regular curtains (between the curtain and the window.), and they work fairly well.

I do have blinds in the window... the curtains are just to add to the darkness that I prefer... theres a light that kind of shines in the the room... and now that my roommate has moved to a different part of campus, I can add some personal touches and not be concerned if it will bother her... they might stick me with some one else in february, but I heard the chances are unlikely...