Did you know it’s a myth that you can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day? According to The WHO, up to 80% of solar UV radiation can penetrate light cloud cover. UV rays can be harmful to your skin and are known to cause cancers and speed up the process of skin aging. But they can also fade your indoor furnishings, flooring and artwork. This is why installing the right shades in your home is essential.
Keep reading to find out whether you should buy light-filtering or blackout shades for your windows.
Shades, Curtains, or Shutters?
When it comes to covering windows, a range of products are available. For example, there are shades, blinds, curtains, and shutters. Shades are most popular in North America, with 39.5% of U.S. households choosing shades over curtains or shutters.
Shades and shutters are also popular in European countries. Shutters were the original way to keep out the heat. In recent years, consumers have taken advantage of the advancements and purchased motorized shades with remote controls and weather sensor controls.
Whatever your preference for window coverings,
Why Do You Need Shades or Curtains for Your Windows?
In addition to protecting you and your home from harmful UV rays, shades and curtains can also provide privacy, heat reduction, and glare protection from too bright of a sun. Window coverings help to provide better insulation in your home. This can ensure your home is more energy-efficient and noticeably saves on your energy bills.
What Types of Window Shades Are Available?
An abundance of different window shades, materials, and styles are available. They serve a range of residential or commercial styles, preferences and rooms.
You can get:
Transparent solar shades
Transparent film shades
Light filtering privacy shades
Blackout roller shades
Insulating cellular shades (blackout and light filtering)
And skylight shades.
When looking for the right shade, you also need to consider the purpose of the room, the position of the window in your home to determine how much sun, and the shape of the window. Windows need to be rectangular or square.
Look at our indoor shades collection for more information on these different shade types.
What Is the Difference Between Light Filtering and Room Darkening Shades?
The main difference between room darkening and light filtering shades is light control. Blackout shades block 100% of light, while light filtering shades allow in a little light to give diffused natural daylight, like translucent dimming.
Light Filtering Shades
Light-filtering privacy shades provide day and night privacy while allowing light through your windows. Light filtering shades are made from textured woven materials in different colours. The whole purpose of this type of shade is to filter out sunlight and provide insulation. Colours closest to white provide the most heat reduction. Light filtering shades reduce the fade because they reduce the light and UV. The bonus is, of course, the additional privacy during the day.
Solar shades are another light-filtering type of roller shade. But they are a transparent mesh. They provide daytime privacy only. That’s because you always see through to where the light is most significant so you can see out during the day, and no one can see in. However, when the light is reversed, you can see it at night. If you want a transparent solar shade but need nighttime privacy, you need a second covering: either a blackout shade or a filtering privacy shade. Dual brackets are available so that you can put two shades on one set of brackets, or there are always curtains.
Blackout Shades
Blackout shades block out all sunlight. These shades provide total privacy both day and night. Blackout shades enhance sleeping. They work best in rooms that require total darkness. For example, people choose to install them in their bedrooms, media or entertainment rooms, and nurseries. They can be made as blackout roller shades or blackout cellular shades.
To ensure sunlight comes into your rooms if you have blackout shades, you’d need to leave them open. This means that you lose your privacy.
Combinations of Shades and Curtains
You might decide that a combination of shades and curtains will work best throughout your home.
For example, you might choose to have light-filtering shades installed on your windows in your living and dining room. You might also decide to put some blackout curtains up to get privacy and even better insulation at night.
If you live in a two- or three-story house, you might have blackout shades installed in your bedrooms to provide the perfect environment for a restful night’s sleep. While in your upstairs home office, you might need natural light to shine through, so install light-filtering shades.
Choose Between Light Filtering Shades and Blackout Shades
Use our helpful guide to determine whether light-filtering or blackout shades are best for your home.
Remember to consider your room’s purpose and how much light and/or privacy you want in each part of the house. Using a combination of different shade styles and types in your home might make more sense.
Get in touch with our team of experts to discuss your shade needs and purchase the ones that are right for you now.