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Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

Should You Use Room Darkening Or Light Filtering Window Shades In Virginia Beach?

May 16, 2024

When selecting window shades, you should think about more than how they look. Window shades help you control the amount of outside light that is brought into your space. The right shades will make it easy to immerse a room with sunlight or impede it almost entirely. You merely have to decide what you prefer for your space. When you know how much of light you want, it’s easy to determine if you should get room darkening or light filtering window shades in Virginia Beach.

Light Filtering Window Shades Vs. Room Darkening Shades In Virginia Beach

An illustration of five light filtering options for window shades

Window shades control the light in an area in several ways. First and foremost, you may raise them to let in light or lower them to obstruct it. Motorized shades of all kinds make governing light levels as effortless as hitting a button! You can also choose top-down/bottom-up shades that let you uncover the top section of a window for outside light but keep the lower region shielded for privacy.

Shade thickness makes a difference, too. Denser room darkening shades block most light when shut. Light-filtering window shades let a bit of light through their lightweight fabric. Whether you select room darkening or light filtering window shades in Virginia Beach depends on your specific preferences and objectives for the area.

There are differing levels of opacity or transparency. Shades range from sheer—with no privacy and not much light hindrance—to room darkening that prevent nearly all exterior light.

When To Use Light Filtering Window Shades

White translucent shades on a tall living room window

Countless Virginia Beach residents want to let outdoor light into their living areas. Sunshine is an excellent source of free illumination and warmth. It is able to brigthen a dark area and make you feel revitalized. You might even have an animal who loves to lie under a sun-splashed window.

Light filtering window shades let in just enough sunlight for you to take advantage of it. Their thin material filters intense sun rays as they light up a room. You might use light filtering shades in any room where you want to enjoy outdoor light without totally uncovering your windows. They’re fantastic for high-traffic areas like a living room or kitchen. Or place them on north-facing or shaded windows that don’t get an abundance of hot sunlight.

When To Select Room Darkening Window Shades

Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

It’s sensible to choose room darkening shades in Virginia Beach whenever you want to do just that: darken a space. You don’t always want exterior light entering through your windows. Install room darkening shades in your bedroom to stop light from disturbing your sleep. Or, utilize them in your home theater to prevent glare from impacting the screen. You might also choose room darkening shades in sun-impacted rooms that often get too hot. While room darkening shades don’t block UV rays as well as hard window treatments like interior shutters, they still do an admirable job and add style to your windows

When To Use Both Light Filtering and Room Darkening Shades

You aren’t required to select between room darkening and light filtering shades. If you want both types in one room, knock yourself out! It’s normal to place a room darkening shade in back of a more sheer shade in a single window. This layered strategy provides a way to obtain room darkening AND filtered light should you wish to have it. And incorporating these shades together provides your window a distinct look.

Just ask your local Sunburst Shutters window treatment installer about placing room darkening shades in back of a more sheer shade. By doing this, you can use whichever shade you are needing at the time.

Find The Window Shades You Need At Sunburst Shutters

Room darkening or light filtering shades? Regardless of what kind of window shade you require, Sunburst Shutters Virginia Beach is here to help. Our wide selection of shades and other window fashions has an option for every Virginia Beach home. Reach out to 757-210-6448 or submit the form below to request a no-cost in-home consultation today. We’ll meet at your home to demonstrate our products and help you order the perfect window treatments for your home.