Block out the light

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.....

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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..

 

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.