Window treatments can look stunning, but they also serve many practical purposes as well! A well-known one is light control—window treatments are made from materials that filter and dim natural light. There are many options for achieving those goals since homeowners and business owners both need to control light in different ways.
Many clients who visit A Shade Above ask our team members how to manage and control light most effectively. Blackout shades and room-darkening shades are two good solutions, but it’s easy to confuse the terms until you learn more about what they mean.
What Is A Blackout Shade?
At A Shade Above, we define blackout shades by the fabric opacity—denser, tightly-woven fabrics are blackout fabrics that can fit on a variety of shading styles. These shades work well in spaces like bedrooms, nurseries, and home theaters, where light control is needed for sleep, a calming effect, or optimal viewing conditions.
We prefer using the term “room-darkening shades” to blackout shades because every window and product is different. Depending on the mounting configuration and depth of a window, you may experience light seepage inherent with any light gaps.
The Benefits of Room-Darkening Shades
Room-darkening shades also offer advantages for homeowners looking to manage light levels in their living spaces. They create dark spaces and allow some light to come through while obscuring the view from outside, which is desirable if you live in an urban area or your home is close to neighbors.
Room darkening also prevent glare, provide privacy, and help with noise reduction. They even enhance energy efficiency by providing a barrier against heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Room Darkening vs Blackout: How To Achieve It
We carry several options of room darkening shades from Hunter Douglas, including:
- Silhouette® Sheer Shades
- Vignette® Roman Shades
- Designer Roller Shades
- Designer Solar Shades
- Alustra® Woven Textures® Roller Shades
- Alustra® Woven Textures® Roman Shades
- Provenance® Woven Wood Shades
Duette® Cellular Shades for Versatile Light Control
Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades are one of the most versatile window coverings if you’re looking for optimal light control. They have a discreet honeycomb structure that traps air to form an insulating barrier and keeps your home more energy efficient and quieter thanks to their ability to block incoming air and sound. They can be ordered in an impressive range of sizes and for hard-to-fit windows, with cord free closure options like motorized PowerView® Automation.
Achieve blackout shades with Duette® Cellular Shades with the LightLock® system or the Duolite® system.
- LightLock® System for Unmatched Darkness: LightLock® uses unique U-shaped side channels to block nearly all incoming light, ensuring a completely dark environment. This system is perfect for interior spaces where total darkness is a must.
- Duolite® Shades Are The Best of Both Worlds: Duette® Cellular Shades with Duolite® technology offers flexibility in both room darkening and light diffusing capabilities. This system combines two fabric shades into one roller, allowing you to switch between light filtering and light blocking opacities. This feature is beautifully suited for rooms that serve multiple functions, like a living room that doubles as a media room at night.
Contact Us for Room Darkening Window Treatments
Ready to transform your living spaces with the right window treatments and optimal light control? At A Shade Above, we carry the full line of Hunter Douglas custom window treatments, plus custom shutters made in-house in North Carolina, and our team looks forward to meeting you.
Contact us for an appointment or visit one of our showrooms in the Charlotte and Cornelius, North Carolina, & North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
A Shade Above – Charlotte Headquarters
& Temporary Showroom
1253 Matthews Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
By Appointment Only