Custom shades give you more ability to control the amount of light in your home or business. They can also improve your comfort and may even help lower your energy bill.
But there are some key differences in how these window treatments affect light, specifically when it comes to styles and fabric choices.
That’s why there’s an advantage to working with a design professional like Louver Shop. Our consultants understand these differences so they can help you make the right choice for your home.
You can review samples from the comfort of your living room during a free, in-home consultation. You can request one by contacting us online or by calling us at 888-249-5655. There’s no obligation, and we’ll work with you to find an option that complements your style.
Light-filtering, room-darkening and blackout shades are among the most popular options we offer from Hunter Douglas. But how do you know which one is right for your home? Here are the differences between how these products control light.

Light Filtering

This means having more control over how light enters and illuminates a room.

Light-filtering shades transform harsh sunlight into a soft glow. This brightens more of the room and reduces the need for artificial lighting. It can also be more attractive, giving a space an even look rather than a patchwork of dark and light spots.
Light filtering can be further controlled by the window treatment you choose. Sheer shades and honeycomb shades will soften and diffuse. Opaque shades in any style will block more light from entering a room.
These materials also offer varying degrees of privacy depending on how open you want the space to feel. Letting natural light into a room doesn’t mean you have to feel exposed to the rest of the world.

Room Darkening

Room darkening is a category between light filtering and blackout. While it offers more control than light filtering, it doesn’t completely block the light from a room.
You can use a room darkening window treatment, like Roman shades, to reduce the glare on a TV screen or keep bedrooms dark during the day.
Controlling light with roller and solar shades is also a great way to reduce your energy bill, especially during the summer. Cellular shades, a popular energy-saving option, are also available in a rolling style to make using them even easier.
These shades are a good option if you want more privacy than what thinner, lighter materials can provide.

Blackout

This is a step above room darkening and blocks the majority of natural light from entering a room.

Blackout window treatments are good options for a home cinema, bedrooms or rooms with light-sensitive items like artwork. They’re available in styles like Roman, honeycomb, and roller and solar shades.

These shades are often made with a dark backing or additional lining to stop light. They also minimize gaps and fit tightly to windows to stop light from leaking through.

Shades Designed for Your Needs

Whether you need soft light or want to darken your room, there’s a Louver Shop shade that’s right for you. We offer the most innovative styles from Hunter Douglas featuring motorized operating systems you can control with your smartphone.

To learn more about which style is right for your home, schedule a free, in-home consultation with us today by calling 888-249-5655 or contacting us online. We’ll bring the showroom to you so you can make the best choice for your family.