Light Filtering vs Room Darkening vs Blackout
Picking out a new matching window treatment is an exciting way to amplify your interior design or create a finished look in your home.
If you are still deciding on a style, one factor to consider when choosing the best window treatment for your home is the function of the window and the fabric opacity of your shades.
Since not every room needs the same amount of natural light, selecting between light filtering vs room darkening vs blackout styles helps you set the perfect mood for each area in your home.
Here are the differences between the fabric opacities and where we’d place them in your space:
Light-Filtering Shades
Light-filtering shades are the most “open” or sheer when it comes to opacity, the spectrum from translucence to a 100% solid look.
That is, light-filtering shades allow plenty of natural light into a room while protecting against glare and damaging UV rays. Instead of harsh sunlight beaming through your windows, you get a soft filtered glow. These types of shades can also provide daytime privacy without making a room feel cramped or dark. If you have large windows that face west or south, we highly recommend these window treatments: including sheer shades, screen shades, and some woven shading options.
We’d place light-filtering shades in the following rooms:
- West- or south-facing rooms
- Kitchens
- Sunrooms
- Living Rooms
Room Darkening Shades
Room-darkening shades have a mid-range opacity that sits between light filtering on the most sheer scale and blackout at the opaquest. They block more incoming sunlight than sheer, making them a good option when you want a darker room without committing to blackout options.
Try room-darkening shades in these spaces:
- Media Rooms
- Guest Bedrooms
- Garages
If you are comparing room darkening vs blackout, think about how much light control and glare reduction you need. As a rule of thumb, we recommend room-darkening shades for rooms that need a boost of darkness, but also require daylight at other times.
Blackout Options
Blackout shades provide the highest level of light blocking. This means they’re great for spaces where blocking as much light as possible is a necessity. Of course, even with room darkening layers, light can still sneak through small gaps around your window.
For a more complete blackout effect, professional installation can help ensure the treatment is fitted properly. For true blackout, we recommend layering shades with Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades with LightLock™. Theis style features blackout side channels that minimize side gaps and help prevent unwanted light from entering.
These rooms are especially well-suited to blackout shades:
- Nurseries
- Primary bedrooms
- Home theaters
Custom Shades with Opacity Level Options Near Florence, Kentucky, and West Chester, Ohio
Selecting the right fabric opacity allows each shade in your home to achieve your specific lighting goals. Whether you want a completely dark bedroom or want to soften living room light, Hunter Douglas window treatments come in the three levels of light blocking so you can make the best investment for you.
Ready to get started? Contact our team at Stamper’s today. We cannot wait to bring your interior design goals to life. Family-owned and -operated since 1993, our team of experts can help you with everything from picking fabric colors to exploring different operating systems for your home.
With two showroom locations in Florence, Kentucky, and West Chester, Ohio, we proudly Northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati metro areas.
