How to Build a Darkroom in Your Bathroom

Turn off all of the lights in the bathroom and close the door. Allow your eyes to adjust and locate any light leaks, paying special attention to the areas around windows and doors. Make a note of these areas.

Cover any windows with plywood, securing the edges with duct tape. This combination blocks out natural light that destroys undeveloped film and photographic paper.

Apply weather stripping to the edges of the door. This seals the door tightly and prevents light leaks. Cover the door frame with thick, dark fabric to prevent additional light leaks around the door frame.

Turn off the lights again and seal any additional light leaks with duct tape or fabric.

Verify that the extractor fan in your bathroom is functional. If the fan is not functional, install a working extractor fan. A darkroom requires ventilation, and it is dangerous to work in a sealed room.

Set up your safelight. A safelight emits a specific type of light, usually red or amber, that does not affect undeveloped film or photo paper. Safelight units are available at photography supply stores, as are safelight bulbs for existing light fixtures.

Place a waterproof counter or table in the bathtub or shower area. Place your developing trays on the table.

Place your photo enlarger on a flat, stable table or counter surface near an electric outlet. Make sure that this area is stable, since the equipment is heavy and the size makes it easy to bump into in the dark.

Place your photographic chemicals in a cabinet and install a cabinet lock or child safety lock. These chemicals are dangerous and should not be left in the open. Arrange your additional supplies in easy-to-reach places; since you will be working in reduced light, having your darkroom organized will help your workflow.