When you’re decorating a home, so much can depend on the light. Do you want a bright, breakfast nook but a cool, warm place to sleep? Do you love the light that pours in the bathroom window, but worry about privacy? How about glare on your flat screen TV in your living room, den or media room?
Light filtering and room darkening shades are two popular window treatments for those who want to control the amount of light entering their rooms. While both serve a similar purpose, they differ in their level of light filtering and the amount of privacy they provide.
Ultimately, both are useful because it’s your home and your aesthetic. Only you know the purpose and function of a given space in your home, or how you want it to be lit. It could be that a mix of light-filtering and light-blocking shades are the perfect combination to make your home as cozy and comfortable as it can be! Let’s compare and contrast light filtering vs room darkening shades.
Light Filtering Shades
One of the most popular products offered by Sun Masters DFW is our light filtering shades. Light filtering shades are designed to allow natural light into a room while still providing privacy. They are made from sheer or semi-sheer materials that diffuse light, reducing glare and blocking harmful UV rays.
Light filtering shades come in a variety of styles and materials, including cellular, roller, and pleated shades in fabric, vinyl and wood to match any decor.
They are a great choice for living rooms, kitchens, or dining areas where you want to let in natural light and enjoy the view. If you’re lucky enough to have a window in your bathroom, let that soft light in for a soothing, natural experience.
Room Darkening Shades
For those who require more privacy and light control, we offer blackout shades. These room-darkening shades are designed to block out most of the light entering a room. They are ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, or media rooms where you want to block out as much light as possible for privacy and sleep or viewing purposes. Espcially for those who work the night shift!
Room darkening shades are made from thicker material that blocks light, like blackout fabrics or curtain liners. They are available in a range of styles including cellular, roller, and Roman shades. Room darkening shades also provide insulation benefits, helping to keep the room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They’re also useful for reducing outside noise and improving energy efficiency.
Light Filtering versus Room Darkening Shades?
When deciding between light filtering and room darkening shades, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences. It’s essential to understand the purpose of the room and your desired amount of light filtering to choose the perfect shade for your space. Generally, light-filtering window shades will block about 95% of light while room darkening shades can block 96-99% of light.
If you want to enjoy natural light and maintain privacy in a given room, light filtering shades are a great option.
If you need complete darkness for sleeping or media purposes, room darkening shades are the best way to go.
Remember that a blackout curtain can always be pulled back, giving you several options even in the case of a darkened room. A room darkening shade is one way to give a room dramatic options, as you can go from insulated darkness to full light in one move.
Shade Your Windows with Sun Masters
Sun Masters specializes in light filtering and blackout products for windows, which can help regulate the temperature and energy usage in a home or office. In addition to our shades, we also offers a variety of other light filtering and blackout products such as motorized blinds, shutters, or window film. We offer professional installation services to ensure each window treatment is properly installed and functioning at its best.
Whether you are looking to enhance the comfort and privacy of your home or business, our products are a great investment with long-lasting benefits. For a reliable and trusted source of high-quality light filtering and blackout window shades, contact our team at Sun Masters!