Controlling Sunlight with Window Blinds

Window Blinds are a great option in any room for not only privacy but also for controlling the amount of sunlight you want to let in the room. Depending on the type of blinds you purchase you can allow a lot of light into the room, with the purpose of the blinds mainly being for privacy or you can choose blinds that will allow almost no light in.

Light Filtering Blinds

Light filtering blinds will allow the most amount of light to filter through into the room. You can purchase light filtering window blinds, roller shades, cellular blinds or roman blinds. UV rays are minimized coming into the room but the amount of light is not minimized by much. If you want window blinds mostly for the purpose of privacy then this would be the best type to purchase.

Roller shades are made with different degrees of thickness to the material so look for the “light filtering” label on them if you want a lot of light to penetrate through the material. Honeycomb, or cellular shades, are also made with varying degrees of material. Depending on the amount of layers will depend on how much light they block. Roman blinds will, most likely not be labeled as light filtering or room darkening like these other types of blinds. The amount of light filtered by roman blinds is based on the thickness of the material, similar to curtains. If you want a lot of light to filter into the room, choose a material that is sheer and will allow a lot of light in through it. Most wooden or faux wood blinds are light filtering as well.

Room Darkening Blinds

Room darkening blinds are great for bedrooms. They not only give privacy but darken the room as well. Look for the room darkening label on blinds if you want blinds that block out a lot of the light filtering into the room. Roller shades are a great option for this. They are very easy to put up and down if you want the sun coming in during the day but wish to darken the room for a good nights sleep.

Blackout Blinds

Blackout blinds will block almost all light from coming into the room. The most common type of blackout blinds are the roller blinds. Roller blinds mounted on the inside of a window do not usually allow any light through the actual fabric but there is  at least a little gap around the edges where light will seep through. If you want to use a roller blind and get a true blackout effect, it can be mounted on the outside of the window. The other most common blackout blind is the cellular honeycomb. These come in a blackout version that will block almost all light. The other great thing about blackout blinds is that they make the room more energy efficient and they also block out noise. They are great for kids rooms or for someone who works a night shift and needs to sleep when the sun is up and it is noisy outside.