If you’ve been involved in any home improvement projects, you know that you can get caught up in the details and choices that you have to make. When you’re choosing new window coverings, you have to decide whether to filter light or block light. And, while it seem easy enough to decide between just two options, it can really start to feel overwhelming when you realize that each and every room in your home functions differently than the next. Our window covering specialists are here to walk you through the process and help you decide which window coverings are going to work best for you and your family.
Getting Down to the Details
First of all, it’s important to know the details when you begin to consider whether you want to filter light or block light. You can think of light filtering shades as the shades that create a positive and productive environment. On the flip side, room darkening shades are put in place when you want to create a cozy, dark atmosphere.
A Gentle Glow of Light
Light filtering shades transform natural light as it passes through your windows. Bright, harsh rays turn into a pleasant atmosphere. These shades are crafted using sheer or semi-sheer fabrics, and they can also provide UV protection and levels of privacy. Many homeowners prefer to have light filtering shades in their living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and home offices.
A Dark Sanctuary
Room darkening shades block the majority of light at the window. These shades are typically made out of opaque fabrics. When we say they “block” light, we want to be clear that most of the light stays out of the room. However, on a bright sunny day, you might see slivers of light along the edges of your window shades. For more extreme control, we recommend blackout shades. These shades generally feature additional details to keep the light sealed out. Room darkening shades and blackout shades are a valuable addition in bedrooms, media rooms, and spaces with windows that face intense sunlight throughout the day.
Filter Light AND Block Light
In some areas of your home, you want both, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Dual shades feature two shades that share one headrail. The shades operate independent of one another, which means you can enjoy light filtering during a portion of the day, and room darkening when it’s really necessary, simply by adjusting the shades into position.
We also provide window shades with a wide range of light control within that one shade. Simple adjustments transform your light filtering shade into a room darkening shade in an instant. You can also choose to go from sheer to semi-sheer. These choices are tailored to the lifestyle of your home.
Another popular choice in expanding the light control of your home is with the option to layer window treatments. When you layer window treatments, you’ll typically choose a light filtering shade at the window. Then, on each side of the window, you’ll have draperies. These drapes can stay open to bring in the light. When you want room darkening, increased privacy, and the potential for energy savings, the draperies can be closed.
Our Team Will Help You Choose!
At Window Fashions of Texas, we know that window coverings set the tone of the home. We also know that working with a window covering specialist makes it so easy to walk through your home and decide whether you need to filter light or block light for each and every space. Contact our team for a free design consult so we can get started.
