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Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

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

May 16, 2024

When selecting window shades, you have to contemplate more than how they look. Window shades let you control how much outside light is brought into your space. The proper shades will make it a breeze to immerse an area with sunlight or block it almost wholly. You simply need to figure out what you would like for your space. When you know if you wish to have more or less natural light, it’s easy to make a determination on room darkening or light filtering window shades in Washington DC.

Light Filtering Window Shades Vs. Room Darkening Shades In Washington DC

An illustration of five light filtering options for window shades

Window shades impact the light in a room in many ways. Firstly, you are able to open them to permit light or lower them to impede it. Motorized shades of any kind make governing light levels as effortless as pushing a button! You can also select top-down/bottom-up shades that let you expose the top section of a window for outside light but keep the bottom shielded for privacy.

The width of the shade makes a difference, too. Thick room darkening shades block most daylight when closed. Light-filtering window shades let some sunlight through their lightweight construction. Whether you select room darkening or light filtering window shades in Washington DC depends on your specific preferences and aims for the space.

There are different levels of opacity or light allowance. Shades range from sheer—with a lack of privacy and only a little light blockage—to room darkening that block almost all exterior light.

When To Use Light Filtering Window Shades

White translucent shades on a tall living room window

Countless Washington DC families want to enjoy extertior light in their interior. Sunlight is a terrific source of warmth and free light. It can brighten up a dark area and make you feel energized. You might even have an animal who loves to lie beneath a sunny window.

Light filtering window shades give you just enough sunlight for you to benefit from it. Their thin material filters powerful sun rays as they light up an interior. You might use light filtering shades in any room where you want exterior light without having bare windows. They’re excellent for work and play locations like a family room or kitchen. Or put them on north-facing or shaded windows that aren’t subjected to much hot sunlight.

When To Use Room Darkening Window Shades

Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

It’s reasonable to choose room darkening shades in Washington DC if you want to do just that: darken an area. You don’t always want outside light coming through your windows. Install room darkening shades in your bedroom to stop light from infringing on your sleep. Or, place them in your TV room to keep glare off the screen. You might also go with room darkening shades in sun-heavy rooms that are prone to overheating. While room darkening shades don’t stop UV rays as well as hard window treatments like louvered shutters, they still get the job done and add style to your windows

When To Use Both Light Filtering and Room Darkening Shades

You aren’t required to pick between light filtering and room darkening shades. If you would like both types in a single 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 layered approach gives you a way to get filtered light AND room darkening when you wish to have it. And incorporating these shades back-to-back provides a distinctive look to your window.

Just chat with your local Sunburst Shutters window treatment expert about putting in room darkening shades in back of a more sheer shade. Then, you can use whichever shade you are needing at the moment.

Get The Window Shades You Need At Sunburst Shutters

Room darkening or light filtering shades? No matter what style of window shade you need, Sunburst Shutters DC is here to help. Our impressive selection of shades and other window coverings has something for each and every Washington DC residence. Dial 240-339-2588 or complete the form on this page to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation today. We’ll meet at your home to demonstrate our products and help you order the ideal window treatments for your home.