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Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

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

May 16, 2024

When picking window shades, you should think about more than just their appearance. Window shades let you govern the amount of outside light that is brought into your interior. The proper shades will make it a breeze to immerse a room with sunlight or block it almost wholly. You just need to determine what you would like in your space. As soon as you know the amount of light you wish to have, it’s simple to determine if you should get room darkening or light filtering window shades in Austin.

Light Filtering Window Shades Vs. Room Darkening Shades In Austin

An illustration of five light filtering options for window shades

Window shades change the light in an area in various ways. First of all, you are able to raise them to allow light or shut them to obstruct it. Motorized shades of all varieties make controlling sunlight levels as easy as pressing a button! You may also get top-down/bottom-up shades that let you uncover the top of a window for outside light but keep the bottom covered for privacy.

Shade thickness matters, too. Thick room darkening shades obstruct most exterior light when closed. Light-filtering window shades permit some light through their thinner material. Whether you select room darkening or light filtering window shades in Austin is dependent on your particular preferences and objectives for the space.

There are varous levels of opacity or transparency. Shades range from sheer—with zero privacy and very little light blockage—to room darkening that block practically all outdoor light.

When To Select Light Filtering Window Shades

White translucent shades on a tall living room window

Countless Austin families want to enjoy natural light in their indoor spaces. Daylight is a fantastic source of free light and warmth. It can brigthen a dim area and revitalize you. You may even have a four-legged companion who likes to lie below a sun-filled window.

Light filtering window shades provide the right amount of sunlight. Their more transparent material filters intense sun rays as they light up a space. You might use light filtering shades in areas where you would like outdoor light without completely uncovering your windows. They’re fantastic for high-traffic spots like a kitchen or family room. Or place them on north-looking or shaded windows that don’t get an abundance of hot sunlight.

When To Pick Room Darkening Window Shades

Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

It makes sense to use room darkening shades in Austin if you want to do just that: darken an area. You might not always want outdoor light entering through your windows. Use room darkening shades in bedrooms to stop light from disturbing your sleep. Or, utilize them in your TV room to prevent glare from impacting the screen. You could also want room darkening shades in very sunny rooms that overheat easily. While room darkening shades don’t stop UV rays as well as solid window treatments like louvered shutters, they still do the job well and make your windows more appealing

When To Use Both Light Filtering and Room Darkening Shades

You don’t have to pick between light filtering and room darkening shades. If you wish to have both types in one space area, knock yourself out! It’s common to place a room darkening shade in back of a less opaque shade in a single window. This layering gives you a way to get room darkening AND filtered light when you need it. And using these shades back-to-back lends a distinctive look to your window.

Simply chat with your local Sunburst Shutters window treatment installer about placing room darkening shades in back of a less opaque shade. By doing so, you can lower whichever shade you are needing at the time.

Discover The Best Window Shades At Sunburst Shutters

Room darkening or light filtering shades? Whatever type of window shade you need, Sunburst Shutters Austin is ready to help. Our amazing assortment of shades and other window fashions has an option for any Austin home. Dial 512-549-6077 or submit the form on this page to arrange a no-cost in-home consultation today. We’ll meet at your home to demonstrate our products and help you determine the ideal window treatments for your home.