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Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

Should You Choose Room Darkening Or Light Filtering Window Shades In Boise?

May 16, 2024

When selecting window shades, you have to consider more than their looks. Window shades allow you to manage the amount of exterior light that is brought into your home. The right shades will make it easy to bring daylight into a room or block it almost wholly. You simply have to determine what you want in your space. Once you know if you wish to have more or less exterior light, it’s simple to make a determination on room darkening or light filtering window shades in Boise.

Light Filtering Window Shades Vs. Room Darkening Shades In Boise

An illustration of five light filtering options for window shades

Window shades change the light in a space in many ways. First and foremost, you can draw them up to allow light or lower them to obstruct it. Motorized shades of all kinds make controlling sunlight levels as easy as pushing a button! You can also choose top-down/bottom-up shades that let you open the top of a window for light but keep the bottom covered for privacy.

The thickness of the shade matters, as well. Thick room darkening shades keep out most exterior light when closed. Light-filtering window shades let a bit of sunlight through their thinner fabric. Whether you select room darkening or light filtering window shades in Boise is dependent on your specific preferences and aims for the room.

There are varous levels of opacity or transparency. Shades range from sheer—with zero privacy and very little light obstruction—to room darkening that prevent almost all exterior light.

When To Use Light Filtering Window Shades

White translucent shades on a tall living room window

Many Boise families want to allow natural light into their indoor spaces. Sunlight is an excellent source of free light and warmth. It will brigthen a dark space and make you feel revitalized. You could even have a four-legged companion who enjoys lying below a sun-filled window.

Light filtering window shades let in your preferred amount of sunlight. Their less opaque material filters intense sun rays as they cast light on a space. You can use light filtering shades in rooms where you would like natural light without totally uncovering your windows. They’re excellent for work and play spots like a living room or kitchen. Or place them on north-facing or shaded windows that aren’t subjected to a lot of hot sunlight.

When To Pick Room Darkening Window Shades

Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

It’s reasonable to pick room darkening shades in Boise when you would like to do just that: darken a room. You won’t always want exterior light entering through your windows. Install room darkening shades in your bedroom to prevent light from infringing on your sleep. Or, put them in your home theater to block glare on the screen. You could also go with room darkening shades in sun-heavy rooms that are prone to overheating. While room darkening shades don’t impede UV rays quite as well as rigid window treatments like plantation shutters, they still do the job well and add style to your windows

When To Incorporate Both Light Filtering and Room Darkening Shades

You don’t have to choose between room darkening and light filtering shades. If you wish to have both kinds in a single space area, you can have them! It’s common to put a room darkening shade behind a less opaque shade in a single window. This layering gives you a way to get filtered light AND room darkening whenever you want it. And incorporating these shades one behind the other gives your window a distinct look.

Just talk to your local Sunburst Shutters window treatment installer about putting in room darkening shades in back of a more transparent shade. By doing this, you can lower whichever shade you are needing.

Discover The Window Shades You Need At Sunburst Shutters

Room darkening or light filtering shades? No matter what style of window shade you require, Sunburst Shutters Boise can help. Our wide selection of shades and other window coverings has something for each and every Boise residence. Call 208-609-9129 or complete the form on this page to schedule a no-cost in-home consultation today. We’ll come to your home to demonstrate our products and help you determine the perfect window treatments for your home.