Sleep better tonight with this $17 Bunnings trick—everyone’s calling it ‘genius’!

If you’re like most Australians, you know the value of a good night’s sleep—especially as we get older and those precious hours of shut-eye can feel harder to come by. 

Whether it’s the early morning sun streaming through the curtains, streetlights sneaking in at night, or simply the challenge of creating a truly dark bedroom, many of us have tried all sorts of tricks to block out unwanted light. 

But what if we told you there’s a clever, budget-friendly solution hiding in plain sight at your local Bunnings? 

The $17 Bunnings hack that’s changing the way Aussies sleep

Meet Sarah Berta, a mum of three-year-old twins, who—like so many of us—was desperate for a solution to her family’s sleep woes. 

After trying everything from expensive blackout blinds to makeshift foil and towel arrangements, Sarah stumbled upon a simple, affordable fix that’s now taking the internet by storm.

Her secret? Self-adhesive cable management covers, available at Bunnings for just $17.50 each.

Instead of shelling out hundreds (or even thousands) for custom blackout blinds, Sarah and her partner attached these cable covers to the window architraves, positioning them so the lips of the blinds sat just inside the covers. 

The result: no more pesky light leaks around the edges, and a room that stays blissfully dark—perfect for a restful night’s sleep or a midday nap.

Why does blocking out light matter so much?

It’s not just about comfort—science backs up the benefits of a dark sleeping environment. Exposure to light at night can disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. 

Even small amounts of light can make a big difference for older adults, who may already struggle with sleep quality due to changes in melatonin production.

A dark room helps signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down, supporting deeper, more restorative sleep. 

And for parents or grandparents caring for little ones, keeping the nursery dark can mean longer naps and fewer early wake-ups—something every tired carer can appreciate!

@sezzy.bee

We simply don’t have the budget for the fancy or aesthetic block out blinds we really want, but we came up with this temporary solution that will get us by for the time being!! You can get everything you need from @Bunnings and it’s all incredibly friendly on the back pocket! PS. My kids sleep in total darkness, it’s ok if yours don’t. It’s ok if you don’t want your kids to, it’s ok if you have different opinions on it, total blockout works for our family- so you do you. #diy #diyproject #budgetfriendly #hack #tiktokhack #aussiemum #bunnings #blockoutblinds #babysleep

♬ original sound – Sarah | Twin Mum 🍒

How does the Bunnings hack work?

The genius of this hack lies in its simplicity. Here’s how Sarah did it:

  1. Buy self-adhesive cable management covers from Bunnings (about $17.50 each).
  2. Stick the covers to the window architraves (the frame around your window), making sure the edge of your existing blinds sits just inside the cover.
  3. Check the fit before sticking everything down—Sarah recommends using a small off-cut to test, especially if you’re renting and worried about residue.
  4. Enjoy a darker room and, hopefully, a better night’s sleep!

Sarah’s total cost? Just $70 for four windows—compared to the $1200 she was quoted for custom blackout blinds (not including installation).

What do the experts and other Aussies say?

Sarah’s TikTok video sharing the hack quickly went viral, with parents, shift workers, and even professional blind installers calling it ‘genius’. 

One commenter, who works for a blackout blind company, admitted, ‘Girlfriend, this is impressive!’ Others praised the savings, with one saying, ‘Omg, this saves so much, especially how pricey the legit ones are!!’

And it’s not just for kids’ rooms—this trick works anywhere you want to block out light, from bedrooms to home theatres, or even caravans and holiday shacks.

Tips for renters and DIYers

Worried about damaging your rental? Sarah suggests testing a small piece first, as the adhesive is quite strong. 

And before you commit, triple-check the placement to ensure your blinds still operate smoothly and sit flush against the window.

If you ever need to remove the covers, a little heat from a hairdryer can help soften the adhesive for easier removal.

Other affordable ways to improve your sleep

While blocking out light is a great start, there are other simple, budget-friendly ways to boost your sleep quality:

Keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated.

Limit screen time before bed—the blue light from devices can keep you awake.

Establish a relaxing bedtime routine (think reading, gentle stretching, or a warm bath).

Invest in comfortable bedding—sometimes a new pillow or mattress topper can make all the difference.

Try white noise or calming music if outside sounds are an issue.

Have you tried a DIY sleep solution?

We’d love to hear from you! Have you discovered a clever hack for blocking out light or improving your sleep? Did you try Sarah’s Bunnings trick, or do you have your own budget-friendly tip to share? Let us know in the comments below—your advice could help another YourLifeChoices reader finally get the rest they deserve.

Also read: Could sleeping without pyjamas be the secret to healthier sleep? Here’s what experts found

Don Turrobia
Don Turrobia
Don is a travel writer and digital nomad who shares his expertise in travel and tech. When he is not typing away on his laptop, he is enjoying the beach or exploring the outdoors.

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