![Sheer window shades on bedroom windows](/corporate/uploads/5.23.24_banner_iStock-469838422.jpg)
Should You Use Light Filtering Or Room Darkening Window Shades In Southern California?
When picking window shades, you need to consider more than just their appearance. Window shades help you control the amount of exterior light that enters your space. The right shades will make it easy to bring natural light into an area or impede it almost wholly. You merely need to determine what you would like in your space. Once you know the amount of light you wish to have, it’s straightforward to make a decision on room darkening or light filtering window shades in Southern California.
Light Filtering Window Shades Vs. Room Darkening Shades In Southern California
![Choose from several opacities when you buy custom window shades from Sunburst. An illustration of five light filtering options for window shades](/corporate/uploads/5.23.24_pic1_Image 5-23-24 at 5.00 PM.jpg)
Window shades impact the light in an area in various ways. Firstly, you are able to raise them to permit light or shut them to obstruct it. Motorized shades of any kind make governing light levels as effortless as pressing a button! You could also choose top-down/bottom-up shades that permit you to uncover the top of a window for daylight but keep the lower region shielded for privacy.
The thickness of the shade matters, too. Denser room darkening shades block most light when lowered. Light-filtering window shades allow some sunlight through their thinner fabric. Whether you select room darkening or light filtering window shades in Southern California depends on your specific preferences and aims for the space.
There are different levels of opacity or transparency. Shades range from sheer—with a lack of privacy and very little light blockage—to room darkening that halt almost all exterior light.
When To Use Light Filtering Window Shades
![Light-filtering window shades offer some privacy without completely blocking lovely natural light. White translucent shades on a tall living room window](/corporate/uploads/5.23.24_pic2_lif_genesis_pt_80lr cropped.jpg)
Numerous Southern California homeowners want to allow outside light into their interior. Sunshine is a terrific source of free light and warmth. It can enliven a gloomy space and envigorate you. You might even have a four-legged companion who loves to lie below a sun-splashed window.
Light filtering window shades provide just enough light for you to enjoy it. Their less opaque material softens powerful sun rays as they light up a space. You may pick light filtering shades in any room where you want exterior light without totally uncovering your windows. They’re fantastic for work and play locations like a living room or kitchen. Or utilize them on north-looking or shaded windows that don’t receive a lot of hot sunlight.
When To Select Room Darkening Window Shades
![Don't want to be disturbed by outside light? Install opaque room-darkening window shades. Sheer window shades on bedroom windows](/corporate/uploads/5.23.24_pic3_Blackout Reminiscent_linen.jpg)
It’s sensible to choose room darkening shades in Southern California whenever you want to do exactly that: darken an area. You won’t always want outdoor light coming through your windows. Use room darkening shades in bedroom windows to stop light from disturbing your sleep. Or, put them in your media room to block glare on the screen. You could also go with room darkening shades in very sunny rooms that often get too hot. While room darkening shades don’t impede UV rays as effectively as hard window treatments like louvered shutters, they still do the job well and make your windows more attractive
When To Incorporate Both Light Filtering and Room Darkening Shades
You aren’t forced to choose between room darkening and light filtering shades. If you want both kinds in the same space area, knock yourself out! It’s normal to install a room darkening shade in back of a more sheer shade in the same window. This layering provides a way to achieve filtered light AND room darkening when you wish to have it. And integrating these shades together gives a distinctive look to your window.
Simply talk to your local Sunburst Shutters window treatment expert about installing room darkening shades in back of a more transparent shade. Then, you can use whichever shade you are needing at the time.
Discover The Best Window Shades At Sunburst Shutters
Light filtering or room darkening shades? Regardless of what style of window shade you need, Sunburst Shutters Southern CA is here to help. Our amazing variety of shades and other window coverings has something for any Southern California residence. Reach out to 888-611-2474 or fill out the form below to request a free in-home consultation today. We’ll meet at your home to display our products and help you determine the perfect window treatments for your home.