How to Understand Opacity for Window Shades
Choosing the right opacity of fabric plays a role making the right selection of window treatment. However, this can be intimidating to some. After all, what really makes it the “right” level? At Blinds & Designs serving Marin County and the greater Bay Area CA, we’re happy to help our customers understand their options so they can end up with the best product for them. Read on to learn more about fabric opacity, and be sure to speak with one of our representatives if you have questions about your particular situation.
Window Treatment Shade Opacity Defined
Levels of opacity refer to how much light goes through the fabric. The least opaque are sheer fabrics as they let the most light through, although this quality also means less privacy. On the other end of the opacity spectrum, blackout fabrics block the most light while also offering the highest level of privacy. Fabric type and color are other factors that can also determine opacity. That said, to help you choose the right fabric, here are the options:
- Sheer fabrics provide a soft focus in a room as they allow the most light. Silhouette® Sheer Shades are wonderful for those who want enhanced lighting; they come in a variety of color options to match the overall tones in a room. Though sheer fabrics don’t help much with privacy, they help to reduce glare.
- Semi-sheer fabrics let in less light than sheer ones; they are not as view-through as sheers, and privacy is still relatively limited.
- Semi-opaque fabrics allow enough light to come through to brighten the room while providing more privacy than the sheer or semi-sheer fabrics. That said, there isn’t much of a view (excluding, perhaps, shadows).
- Opaque/room-darkening fabrics block almost all light from coming through and produce excellent privacy. This does mean, though, that the only way to get natural light is to open the treatment.
- Blackout fabrics provide complete privacy and block light almost entirely.
Choosing Opacity for Each Room When Selecting Shades
As you’re deciding which fabric is best for your new window fashion, it is important to consider the room’s privacy and light needs. If you desire lots of light and aren’t worried about someone seeing into the room, sheer or semi-sheer fabrics may be best for you; these often are ideal for a living or family room. In spaces where you want more darkness and privacy, like bedrooms, bathrooms, or media rooms, select semi-opaque, opaque, or blackout fabrics. To help ensure you’re making the correct choice, contact one of our consultants, so you can see the fabrics in person.
Various Window Shade Opacities in Marin County, San Francisco Bay Area CA Areas
Blinds & Designs offers a full line of quality window treatments to homeowners and commercial clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Marin County areas, including Burlingame, Hillsborough, Atherton, and Los Altos. With an ongoing commitment to high quality products and exceptional service, we’ve been serving our communities for over 26 years.
Stop by our showrooms in San Francisco or Belvedere-Tiburon to see a variety of motorization displays in our showroom or call 415-921-4212 Ext 101 for more information.
