Homemade curtains in the car: how to make your own hands quickly and cheaply

Why do you need curtains in the car and why homemade is more profitable than purchase

Summer heat, curious glances of passers-by or the need for privacy - the reasons for installing curtains in the car can be different. Ready-made solutions from the store often cost from 1500 to 5000 rubles per set, and their quality does not always justify the price. Homemade curtains will cost 3-5 times cheaper, while they can be adapted to fit the requirements of the modelThe color of the interior and even add a unique design.

The main advantages of self-manufacture:

• 💰 Savings Materials will cost 200-800 rubles against 1500+ for factory curtains
• 🔧 Individual approach Choose the density of the fabric, the method of attachment and the size for your car
• 🎨 Designing for your taste From strict black to bright prints or even luminous elements
• 🔄 Easy repairs - Torn? Replace only the damaged area, not the entire curtain.

In this article, we will understand 7 proven methods of making curtains From the simplest of cardboard to professional magnets, and also tell you what materials are best suited and how to avoid errors during installation.

What materials are suitable for homemade curtains

The choice of material depends on what tasks the curtains should perform: sun protection, privacy or decor. Here are the most popular options with their pros and cons:

Materials	Pluses	Cons	Cost (per 1 m2)
Black blackout (light-shielding fabric)	Full light resistance, protection from UV rays, durability	Heavy, can heat up in the sun	300-500 rubles.
PVC film (car tinting)	Light, moisture resistant, well holds the shape	It can turn yellow over time, it is difficult to cut	200-400 rubles.
Feet or felt	Soft, does not scratch the glass, good sound insulation	It absorbs dust, it's hard to clean.	150-300 rubles.
Cardboard or plastic (for temporary curtains)	Cheap, easy to process.	Short-lived, can deform from moisture	50-100 rubles.
Mesh fabric (for ventilation)	Passes air, light, does not heat up	It does not provide complete confidentiality.	250-400 rubles.

For most tasks, the best choice will be blackout or PVC film. If you need temporary protection (for example, during a trip to the sea), a dense cardboard with a pasting cloth will suit. For families with children, it is better to choose soft materials like felt – they are safer when struck.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use metallized materials (such as foil) – they can create glare and distract the driver, as well as overheat in the sun.

Method 1: Curtains made of cardboard - fast and free

The simplest and budget option that is suitable for single use or size testing. You'll need:

• 📦 Dense cardboard (from boxes of household appliances)
• ✂️ Scissors or stationery knife
• 🎨 Black paint or self-adhesive film
• 🧲 Magnets or tape for fastening

Step by step:

1. Take measurements from the windows of the car (height × width). For side windows, add 1-2 cm per bend.
2. Move the dimensions to cardboard and cut out the blanks. A paper template may be needed for the back window.
3. Paint the cardboard with black matte paint or paste with self-adhesive film (for example, Oracal 641).
4. Attach magnets (2-3 pieces per curtain) or bilateral tape on the upper edge.

These curtains will last 1-2 months, but they are easy to replace. The main plus is the opportunity design-test before making more expensive options.

Method 2: Fabric curtains on magnets - reliable and stylish

This method requires a little more effort, but the result will be professional. The magnetic mount allows you to quickly remove and hang the curtains, and the fabric provides full light protection.

Materials required:

• 🧵 Black light-protective fabric (art.blackout)
• 🧲 Neodymium magnets (diameter 10-15 mm, strength 1-2 kg)
• 🧵 Strands and sewing machine (or glue for fabric)
• 📏 Centimetre tape and crayon

Manufacturing process:

1. Take the measurements off the glass, add 2 cm to the seams. For the back window, make a pattern of paper.
2. Cut the fabric to the patterns. If the curtains are bilateral, swipe the two parts with the front sides inside, leaving a hole for turning.
3. Stitch the magnets into the upper edge of the curtain (the distance between them is 15-20 cm). For reliability, use a double seam.
4. Try on the curtains to the car and mark the places where the magnets will come into contact with the body. If necessary, stick metal plates on the body.

Advice: if there is no sewing machine, magnets can be glued with the help of Moment Crystal glue or Textile glue. The main thing is to allow the glue to dry completely (at least 12 hours).

Method 3: Curtains made of PVC film - as in the cabin, but cheaper

PVC film (the same as for tinting glasses) is an ideal material for curtains: it does not burn out, does not get wet and holds the shape well. Minus - you will need to work with her hair dryer Experience with vinyl materials.

Tools and materials:

• 📄 PVC film of black or gray color (thickness 0.3-0.5 mm)
• 🔥 Building hair dryer or powerful home hair dryer
• 📏 Metal ruler and knife for cutting vinyl
• 🧲 Magnets or clips for attachment

How to do this:

1. Cut the blanks on the glass pattern, leaving a 5-10 mm inlet.
2. Heat the film with a hair dryer (temperature ~60-70 ° C) and gently pull it on the glass, smoothing from center to edges. This will help avoid bubbles.
3. Cut the excess with a sharp knife, leaving the edge 2-3mm for bending.
4. Stick magnets or clips to the top edge. It's better to use it for PVC. cyanoacrylate (e.g., Super Moment Gel.).

The advantage of this method is that perfect-landing It's like factory curtains. However, working with PVC film is more difficult than with fabric, so practice on unnecessary pieces.

⚠️ Attention: Do not heat PVC film above 80°C, it may become deformed or lose color. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the hair dryer.

Method 4: Removable curtains on Velcro - a universal solution

Velcros allow you to quickly fasten and remove curtains without damaging the skin of the cabin. This method is suitable for rented cars or when you need to remove the curtains often (for example, for washing).

What you need:

• 🧵 Blackout fabric or dense polyester
• 🧶 Velcro (width 2-3 cm, soft part on the curtain, hard - on the body)
• 🧵 Threads and sewing machine
• 🧴 Cloth glue (optional if you don't want to sew)

Instructions:

1. Make the curtains to the size of the glass, as in method 2.
2. Sew the soft part of the Velcro on the upper and lateral edges of the curtain. For the rear window, you can limit yourself to the upper mount.
3. Stick the hard part of the Velcro to the car body in the places of attachment. Use it. 3M VHB glue or car-nail - they won't hurt the paint.
4. Before the final installation, check how the curtain sits on the glass. If necessary, adjust the position of the Velcros.

And the plus of this method is laundry They are easy to replace (if they are cloth) and easy to wear. Minus - over time, Velcro can get clogged with dust and worse to hold.

How do you clean the dust from Velcro?

To return the Velcro to its original “tensileness”, wash it in warm soapy water, then dry and comb with a hard brush (for example, a toothbrush). Do not use aggressive detergents – they can damage the adhesive layer.

Method 5: Curtains with lighting - for fans of tuning

If you want not only to protect yourself from the sun, but also to add personality to the car, try making curtains with LED lighting. It looks stylish and practical – for example, the backlight will help you find things in the trunk at night.

Components:

• 🧵 Black fabric blackout or PVC film
• 💡 Flexible LED tape (12V, waterproof, etc.) IP65)
• 🔌 Power supply for LED (can be connected to a lighter)
• 🧲 Magnets or clips for attachment
• 📏 Thermoclei or bilateral scotch for LED

How to collect:

1. Make curtains in one of the previous ways (for example, from PVC film).
2. Stick the LED tape along the contour of the curtain or in the form of a pattern (stars, waves, etc.). For PVC, use thermal glue, for fabric - textile glue.
3. Connect the LED tape to the power supply. Hide the wires under the skin or fasten along the body with tape.
4. Place curtains on magnets or clips. The backlight can be turned on by a separate switch or synchronized with the dimensions.

Important: Use waterproof LEDs (not lower) IP65) so that they do not fail from condensation. The power of the tape is no more than 5 W / m, so as not to load the onboard network.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the apparent simplicity of making curtains, beginners often make mistakes that spoil the result. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

1. Improper measurements. If the curtain is less than glass by 1-2 cm, it will let light through. Always make a pattern of paper and check it before opening the main material.
2. Weak mount. Are magnets too small or are the glue not strong enough? The curtains will fall off on the bumps. Use neodymium magnets with a diameter of at least 10 mm or specialized auto-glue.
3. Ignoring ventilation. Completely sealed curtains can cause fogging of the glass. Leave small gaps (2-3 mm) or use mesh materials for the rear windows.
4. Incorrect washing of cloth curtains. Blackout can sit down after washing in hot water. Wash manually at a temperature not higher than 30°C or use a delicate mode in the washing machine.
5. Poor edge processing. The raw edges of the fabric or PVC film are quickly crumpled. Smooth the edges with an iron (through a wet fabric) or treat with glue flieselin.

Another common problem. glare on the windshield. To avoid them, use the matte side of the material (if any) or stick anti-reflective film on the curtains.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I make curtains for the windshield?

Technically, yes, but it is. dangerously. A curtain on the windshield impairs the view and can distract the driver. In some countries (such as Russia), this can be considered as deliberate restriction of review (Fine by st.) 12.5 Administrative Code - 500 rubles. The alternative is a sun visor or tinting within the permissible law (light transmission is at least 70% for the windshield).

How to fasten curtains if the body of the car is plastic (for example, on a Prius or Tesla)?

For plastic bodies, magnets are not suitable. Alternative fastening methods:

• 🧲 Glass clips - clamping the curtain on the edge of the glass (do not damage the body).
• 🧶 Velcro on scotch - hard part of the Velcro glue on bilateral scotch 3M plastic.
• 🔗 Retention rubbers - stretch between the curtain and the elements of the cabin (for example, head restraints).

How long does it take to make curtains?

The time depends on the chosen method:

• 📦 Cardboard curtains 30-60 minutes (excluding paint drying).
• 🧵 Magnetized fabrics 2-3 hours (with opening and tailoring).
• 📄 PVC film 1.5-2 hours (plus heating and cooling time).
• 💡 Lighted curtains 3-4 hours (including soldering work).

Tip: If you’ve never sewed, work out on an unnecessary piece of fabric to save time.

Can I use curtains in winter?

Yes, but consider a few nuances:

• ❄️ Fabric curtains They can freeze and become stiff. Warm up the salon before use.
• 🧊 PVC film It gets fragile in the cold. Do not bend it at a temperature below -10 ° C.
• 🔋 Illumination It can drain the battery if you leave it on for a long time.

It's better to choose for winter. drop-curtainwhich can be removed in severe frosts.

How to store curtains when they are not in use?

To make the curtains last longer:

• 📦 Cardboard Keep it in a straight position under load (for example, between books) so that it does not deform.
• 🧵 Tissue - roll up and put in a cotton case (protect from dust).
• 📄 PVC film - do not fold, but store in unfolded form or on a tube with a diameter of 10 + cm.
• 💡 Backlit. - disconnect the LED tape from the power supply and remove it in an antistatic package.

Avoid storage in damp areas (such as a garage without heating) – this can cause mold on fabrics or corrosion of magnets.