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Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

Should You Pick Light Filtering Or Room Darkening Window Shades In Seattle?

May 16, 2024

When choosing window shades, you need to contemplate more than how they look. Window shades let you manage how much exterior light is welcomed into your home. The correct shades will make it easy to bring daylight into home or block it almost wholly. You simply need to determine what you want in your space. As soon as you know how much of light you want, it’s easy to make a determination on room darkening or light filtering window shades in Seattle.

Light Filtering Window Shades Vs. Room Darkening Shades In Seattle

An illustration of five light filtering options for window shades

Window shades change the light in an area in various ways. First and foremost, you are able to open them to allow light or lower them to obstruct it. Motorized shades of any variety make controlling sunlight levels as simple as pressing a button! You can also select top-down/bottom-up shades that let you expose the upper part of a window for daylight but keep the lower portion obscured for privacy.

The thickness of the shade matters, too. Thick room darkening shades keep out most daylight when shut. Light-filtering window shades let a bit of light through their thinner fabric. Whether you select room darkening or light filtering window shades in Seattle depends on how much you need to block light from a room in your home.

There are differing levels of opacity or transparency. Shades vary from sheer—with a lack of privacy and very little light obstruction—to room darkening that block nearly all light.

When To Select Light Filtering Window Shades

White translucent shades on a tall living room window

Numerous Seattle residents want to bring natural light into their living areas. Sunlight is a terrific source of free illumination and warmth. It can brighten up a dark area and make you feel energized. You may even have a four-legged companion who likes to lie under a sunny window.

Light filtering window shades give you just enough light for you to enjoy it. Their thin material filters intense sun rays as they illuminate a room. You may use light filtering shades in areas where you would like outdoor light without completely uncovering your windows. They’re excellent for busy spots like a living room or kitchen. Or put them on north-looking or shaded windows that don’t receive a lot of hot sunlight.

When To Use Room Darkening Window Shades

Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

It’s reasonable to choose room darkening shades in Seattle if you would like to do precisely that: darken an area. You won’t always want outside light coming through your windows. Install room darkening shades in bedroom windows to keep light from infringing on your sleep. Or, put them in your TV room to prevent glare from impacting the screen. You may also go with room darkening shades in sun-heavy rooms that overheat easily. While room darkening shades don’t stop UV rays as effectively as rigid window treatments like interior shutters, they still do the job well and bring style to your windows

When To Get Both Light Filtering and Room Darkening Shades

You don’t have to choose between light filtering and room darkening shades. If you wish to have both options in a single space area, go for it! It’s not unusual to place a room darkening shade in back of a more sheer shade in the same window. This layered approach gives you a way to obtain filtered light AND room darkening whenever you need it. And incorporating these shades one behind the other lends your window a distinct look.

Simply ask your local Sunburst Shutters window treatment expert about putting in room darkening shades at the rear of a more transparent shade. By doing this, you may pull down whichever shade you require at the moment.

Find The Right Window Shades At Sunburst Shutters

Light filtering or room darkening shades? Whatever style of window shade you require, Sunburst Shutters Washington can help. Our impressive selection of shades and other window coverings has a product for every Seattle residence. Dial 360-464-2277 or fill out the form on this page to request a no-cost in-home consultation today. We’ll meet at your home to show you our products and help you find the ideal window treatments for your home.