How to Choose Window Shades Based on Light Control: Understanding Different Opacities and Materials

 Whether you’re looking to let natural light flood into a bedroom on a sunny summer morning or keep afternoon sunlight off of your home’s interior, window shades are an essential element of your home. They help control your home’s temperature and protect furnishings from harmful UV rays that can cause fading, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

Windows Shades

Windows Shades offer a variety of aesthetic options that can fit into any design style, from traditional to contemporary. They can be rolled up on a tube (Roller shades), folded into deep pleats like Roman shades or pushed up in an accordion-style (Pleated and Cellular shades). Many styles also feature blackout or privacy lining for added functionality.

Light control and privacy in any room

Blinds are a "hard" window covering that offers slats or vanes that tumble down from a headrail, providing light control and privacy in any room. They are available in a wide range of colors, fabrics and slat sizes to suit any decor. Blinds that have a narrower slat width are ideal for smaller windows, while those with a wider slat size offer a bold look suitable for larger openings and more formal rooms.

Drapery offers a luxurious

Drapery offers a luxurious, classic look and comes in a variety of fabric and color choices to complement any style. Panels hang vertically from hardware at the top of your desired window treatment length and can be layered with other window treatments, including shades. They’re also available in a variety of fabrics, patterns and colors so you can create a custom look with the colors and textures of your space.

Maximize energy efficiency

Window shades made of soft fabric can be rolled up on a rod (Roller shades) or pulled up into deep pleats that cascade down in a beautiful fashion (Roman shades). They come in a range of both light filtering and blackout options to cut glare and maximize energy efficiency, making them a great choice for living and dining spaces where you want to minimize fading of furniture and artwork.

Woven Wood Shades

Woven Wood Shades add a soft, natural vibe to your space with bamboo, reed and grass fibers that provide a stylish yet understated look for any room. They work well on their own or layered with other window treatments, and many styles come in a bottom-up sliding motion that lets you lower the top of the shade while retaining your privacy at the bottom, which is ideal for bathrooms, basements or children's rooms.

Conclusion

Windows Shades have a honeycomb-like structure that insulates and regulates your home's temperature. They come in a range of single and double-cell options from light filtering to blackout, as well as day/night styles that offer an adjustable light-filtering top with a blackout bottom. Many styles are available in cordless models, which are safer for homes with small children.