Updated at: 25-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

In addition to improving the quality of light in your house, light filtering curtains can also assist you adjust your temperature. We hope this blog post answers all of your questions about what these things are and how they work! What light-filtering curtains are and how they might improve your home will be discussed.

What are light filtering curtains?

When discussing light filtering curtains, the first thing we need to explain is what they actually are. To put it another way, these curtains let in some natural light but keep out most of the artificial lighting.

8 best blackout curtains in 2022, according to experts

Blackout and sheer curtains are the greatest analogy because they provide the same level of privacy that traditional sheers do.

Because they aid in temperature control, light filtering drapes are a great investment. The majority of sunlight is blocked off by this sort of curtain, which reduces heat gain and loss.

Reduced cooling costs during the hottest months of the year can be achieved by using light filters, which can also protect you from glare.

Types of light filtering curtains?

What to look for when inspecting light filters

The purpose of blackout curtains is to block out all of the light, so you can sleep well at night. If you’re a night owl or have a lot of delicate plants that need absolute sun protection, this curtain type is for you.

In addition to making your room more difficult to heat, blackout curtains also reduce the efficiency of your existing heating system.

With room-darkening drapes, you may get the best of both worlds: darken the room without completely blocking out all of the natural light. It’s wonderful if you have sensitive plants or need to sleep during daylight hours if you use these curtains to block out the harsh rays of the sun.

Light filtering vs. Room darkening: what’s the difference?

It is possible to block out the sun’s damaging rays while yet enjoying the benefits of natural light with the use of light filtering drapes. If you don’t want your room to be pitch black all the time or can’t afford to buy blackout curtains that make it tough to heat, this is the solution for you.

With room-darkening curtains, you get the best of both worlds: privacy while yet allowing some light into the room.

In order to protect delicate plants or those who need to sleep during daylight hours, the curtains are composed of a thick cloth that blocks out the sun’s rays.

How to care for light filtering curtains?

Various materials are used to make light-filtering drapes. You need to be aware of the material and how to care for it in order to get the most out of your light filtering curtains. Cotton, for example, is a good option because it is more resistant to moisture and sunlight than other textiles.

In order to avoid shrinkage when washing a heavy fabric, you need to pay attention to the instructions on the label. Once a season is a reasonable rule of thumb, and if possible, use a soft cycle while washing your curtains. To avoid shrinkage and wrinkles from excessive heat, it’s also crucial to keep your dryer at a low temperature setting.

Can I iron my light filtering curtains?

No. You should avoid ironing your light-filtering curtains if they are made of natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or other natural fibers. When drying delicate materials like cotton or linen, you should avoid using high heat settings, which can produce shrinkage and wrinkles as a result of excessive heat and excessive drying time.

How to dye light filtering curtains

Step 1: Before dying your curtains, make sure they’re clean by cleaning them first. Fill a bucket or container at least twice as large as the amount of liquid in the load you want to color with the dye and water mixture you just made. Make sure the curtain is hung over the top of the bucket so that it falls into the bucket naturally.

Step #2: To avoid dye bleeds, mix your dye in a container rather than straight on the fabric. As a result, you won’t have portions that are only partially coloured because they were folded over or bunched up at one end when placed in the liquid.

Make sure the folds are equally spaced by tying the fabric with rubber bands or twine. Use old pantyhose to protect the container’s lid from hair and dust while you’re colouring your hair, as well.

When dying with a bucket, be sure to leave enough of space around the fabric so that it may move around freely while you stir.

Step #5: If your dye is too light, take a little liquid from the bucket and put it in another container. You can add food coloring or vinegar to adjust the hue if you like it that way. Before returning to the bucket, mix until the color is completely dissolved.

Adding more liquid to the bucket and stirring until dissolved before returning it to the container will dilute the color without affecting its strength or creating a lighter tone. This is the sixth step.

Comprehensive Curtains and Window Treatments Guide | Real Simple

Room Darkening vs. Light Filtering vs. Blackout Curtains

You may have seen the terms “blackout,” “room darkening,” and “light filtering” used interchangeably while discussing drapes. Despite the fact that all three of these curtain kinds minimize light exposure and promote solitude, a room does not become an expansive hideaway as a result of their use.

There are several types of blackout curtains, and we’ll examine the distinctions between each type as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each. Window treatment upgrades are easier if you have a clear idea of what you want. A good night’s sleep can be made or ruined by the type of curtains you choose.

Blackout Curtains Pros and Cons

A set of blackout curtains may be all you need to avoid waking up to the impression of sunshine dancing on your eyelids. The term “blackout curtains” refers to draperies consisting of a densely woven, double-lined cloth. Light is entirely blocked off by blackout drapes. In a room with blackout curtains, the only way light can come in is through small openings around the windows.

Before you buy curtains, measure the window to verify that they fit properly and consult with a professional to guarantee that they are installed correctly. In order to get complete darkness in a space, you may also want to consider putting layered window treatments.

Blackout curtains are the greatest option if you want a room to be as dark as possible. If you have a room in your home where you spend a lot of time napping or resting during the day, these curtains may be a good fit. If you run a hotel, restaurant, or any other type of business, and you want to ensure that your customers have complete privacy, blackout curtains are an excellent choice.

Pros of Blackout Curtains

With blackout curtains, you’ll be able to block out more light than with any other curtain. Blackout curtains also have additional advantages, such as:

  • The insulation provided by blackout curtains increases a room’s energy efficiency.
  • The thickness of blackout curtains reduces noise from the outside world.
  • There are a variety of colors and sizes to choose from when it comes to blackout curtains.
  • Blackout curtains are better for privacy than other types of curtains because you can’t see through them.
  • Because they block out the sun’s rays, blackout curtains preserve the appearance of the surfaces in the room.
  • You may improve your TV and computer viewing experience by using blackout curtains in the room.

Cons of Blackout Curtains

Despite the fact that blackout curtains are ideal for bedrooms and other rest areas, they may not be the greatest option for everyone. To help you decide if blackout curtains are good for you, here are a few drawbacks to consider:

  • Because blackout curtains can completely darken a room, you’ll need to use electric lighting to see through them.
  • Since blackout curtains are thicker and heavier than most others, robust curtain rods are needed.
  • Because they may be created to match any color scheme, blackout curtains can be customized to match your own personal taste.

Room Darkening Curtains Pros and Cons

In some ways, room darkening curtains and blackout curtains are similar in that they both aim to keep out light. These curtains are created with a fabric liner that is not as thick as the one used with blackout curtains, allowing some light to pass through. The result is that you will not completely block out the light, but you will still achieve a significant darkening effect.

There would be no light coming through a blackout curtain if you put a flashlight behind it. With a room-darkening curtain in place, just around 5% of the light would be visible.

If you don’t want a room or nursery to be completely dark, but you still want to block out enough light to aid in restful sleep, room darkening curtains may be the ideal solution. Restaurant owners and other business owners who want to create a specific atmosphere and amount of privacy for their customers without entirely blacking out the space can benefit from room darkening drapes.

Pros of Room Darkening Curtains

Doubts about the suitability of room-darkening curtains? Here are some of the advantages of room-darkening curtains:

  • Because they aren’t as thick as blackout curtains, room darkening curtains are less expensive.
  • Like blackout curtains, room darkening curtains provide seclusion, lower energy costs, prevent noise and protect floors and furniture from the sun’s rays.
  • Although they don’t totally block out light, room darkening curtains can nonetheless dramatically darken a room.

Cons of Room Darkening Curtains

For some people, room darkening curtains may not be the answer they’re seeking for. Here are a few disadvantages:

  • For some people, room darkening curtains may not be the answer they’re seeking for. Here are a few disadvantages:
  • Room darkening curtains may not be the answer you’re looking for, depending on your situation. The following are some of the drawbacks:
  • When the room-darkening drapes are closed, you’ll still need to use electric light sources to see clearly.

Light Filtering Curtains Pros and Cons

Compared to blackout and room darkening curtains, light filtering curtains let in the most light. Thinner and lighter, they may be made of loosely woven cloth that lets in light. It is possible to light a room without the use of lamps or other light fixtures by using light filtering drapes.

Wherever you need a combination of natural light and privacy, light filtering curtains are a great option. Depending on the area, these curtains could be used in a living room, an office, a dining room, or even a bedroom or nursery. Light filtering curtains are a great way for restaurant and retail owners to soften the light coming into their establishments.

Pros of Light Filtering Curtains

It’s possible to find light-blocking curtains in a variety of materials, colors, and designs. Light-filtering drapes are readily available and can be used to enhance the aesthetic and ambience of any area. Light filtering curtains have the following additional advantages:

  • It is possible to use them in conjunction with drapes or shades.
  • With their ability to filter light, light filtering curtains are ideal for springtime since they allow a gentle breeze into the space.
  • Because they are thin and light, these drapes may be easy to hang.
  • When you use light-filtering curtains, you don’t totally darken the space, allowing you to lower the amount of electricity needed.

Cons of Light Filtering Curtains

Light, airy drapes aren’t for everyone. Reasons to rethink the use of light-filtering drapes in your room include the following:

  • When used alone, light filtering curtains give only moderate amounts of privacy.
  • If you’re looking for a way to reduce light without completely blocking it, light-filtering drapes may not be the best option.
  • Unlike blackout and room darkening curtains, which are often thicker and heavier, sheer curtains have a limited ability to block sound and insulate a room.

Request a Free Consultation With Allure Window Treatments

Although we hope that we’ve made it clear to you the distinctions between each type of curtain, if you still have questions, we’re here to help. It’s possible to include light-blocking features into any of these curtain styles while still making your room look beautiful. Allure Window Treatments is here to assist you in making the best decision.

Your privacy and light blocking demands will be met while the beauty, ambiance, and architecture of a room are enhanced thanks to our collaborative approach with you from the initial phases of the project. Get to know each other and your place first. So we offer a free on-site consultation as the first step in our procedure. One of our designers will come to your home, take measurements, and listen to your ideas during the initial consultation. Custom curtains and drapes are made by hand and installed by our expert installers after a design is agreed upon by you and our design team.

Having a team of curtain experts at your disposal means you’ll never be left in the dark. Request a free in-home consultation from Allure Window Treatments now!

Comprehensive Curtains and Window Treatments Guide | Real Simple

Light Filtering vs. Room Darkening Window Treatments—Which Is Best For Your Home?

Sunglasses protect our eyes, sunscreen protects our skin, and car sunshades protect the interior from sun damage and overheating. Even in our own houses, why wouldn’t we do the same.

These window treatments not only offer a final touch to your interior design but also protect furniture and artwork from dangerous UV rays. For those who find themselves torn between the two, we’ll assist you choose the ideal option for your home.

The Key Difference Is in the Fabric’s Weave

A window treatment’s opacity is determined by the fabric’s weave––the capacity to allow light in. In contrast to opaque textiles, semi-opaque fabrics allow more light to enter your home and block less light. Light-filtering window coverings, on the other hand, tend to block less light than darkening treatments. In contrast, blackout curtains are one of the most effective ways to completely darken a room’s windows so that you can rest well at night.

As an example, consider the following:

  • Window coverings that filter off 95% or less of the sun’s rays
  • 96–99 percent of light is blocked by room-darkening window coverings.
  • In order to block out all light, blackout window coverings are used.

Light-Filtering Window Treatment Pros and Cons

It’s helpful to know the advantages and disadvantages of light-filtering and room-darkening window coverings before making a decision. A light-filtering window covering is a good choice for spaces in which you want to reduce light but avoid making the space seem dark and oppressive.

Advantages of Light-Filtering Coverings

  • It is available in a variety of styles and hues.
  • Allow for some solitude.
  • Make your curtains and shades match your decor
  • Soften the harshness of the sun’s rays
  • In living rooms, kitchens and gathering places for the family, these pieces shine.
  • By using less lighting, you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Drawbacks of Light-Filtering Coverings

  • Do not block sound as much as room darkening window treatments.
  • A small degree of seclusion can be gained if other window coverings are not used.
  • Cannot be used in bedrooms, nurseries or media rooms because they are too large
  • Do not insulate your home to harsh temperatures.

Advantages of Room-Darkening Coverings

  • To get a good night’s sleep, dim the lights in your bedroom and baby’s room.
  • Media screens and TVs should not have excessive glare or brightness.
  • Make your home as dark as possible by preventing light pollution from entering through windows, doors, and other openings.
  • Unlike sheer and light-filtering shades, curtains, and blinds, opaque shades provide additional seclusion.
  • Blocking heat and cold will help you save money on your heating and air conditioning bills.

Drawbacks of Room-Darkening Coverings

  • During the daytime, it may make living rooms, kitchens, and family areas feel dimmer.
  • Lighting fixtures, such as lamps, should be your primary source of illumination.

UV Light Protection

Protecting your home from the sun’s ultraviolet rays is just as important as applying sunscreen on the beach. Fibers in clothing and other household items can be weakened, and bleach, fade, and discoloration can occur.

  • Upholstery and furniture
  • Artwork
  • Photos of family members
  • Carpeting and hardwood floors are available.
  • Your room’s color scheme

Room-darkening window treatments provide the best UV radiation protection.

Style and Appearance

There are a vast variety of trendy designs, materials, colors, and patterns to choose from when it comes to light-filtering and room-darkening window treatments.

As long as you’re looking for window treatments that are both light-filtering and room-darkening, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect match for your home decor.

Tie-dye is the most fashionable window treatment.

Light Control

The ability to control the quantity of light that enters a room enhances the versatility of your window treatment.

You may choose between a soft, warm glow and less light using light-filtering shades, blinds, and drapes. You can’t change the light with room-darkening window treatments, though, unlike shades that do the same.

Light-filtering window treatments are the best way to manage light.

Glare Reduction

Even if you sleep in your bedroom, read a book or watch TV, reducing the amount of natural and artificial glare that shines through your windows makes it easier on your eyes.

If you want to reduce the amount of glare in your room, room-darkening roman shades, roller shades, solar shades and cellular shades are the finest solutions.

Room-darkening window coverings are the best way to reduce glare.

Privacy

Getty Images Plus / Anatoli Igolkin / iStock

Bedrooms and bathrooms benefit from room-darkening options, which help keep them more private.

Windows with room-darkening shades provide the most seclusion.

How to choose curtain colour and drapes for your windows | Housing News

Insulation

For those who want to save money on their utility bills, window coverings are a wonderful option. Windows let out 30% of a home’s heat, according to the Department of Energy.

When it’s hot outside, an insulating window covering will help you stay cool. The style of window treatments you choose will have a significant impact on how much energy you save.

Options for dimming the room Because they’re composed of thicker fabrics, these blankets will help keep your house warm and cozy.

The best insulators are window coverings that darken the room.

Cost

A wide range of pricing points can be found for window treatments based on its construction, modifications, and technological advancements.

Cost is a consideration when purchasing room-darkening window coverings manufactured from heavier fabrics.

Windows with light-filtering draperies are the most cost-effective option

With a better understanding of the various treatment options available, you can select the one that’s right for you.

Cellular honeycomb shades:

  • Folds like an accordion thanks to pleats.
  • Heat conduction is reduced due to honeycomb parts that contain air pockets that trap air.
  • Available in opacities that darken the environment and filter out light.

Roller shades:

  • A variety of materials, colors, and patterns are available for the design.
  • The roller bar at the top of the window can be used to lower or raise the window.
  • With a range of price points in mind.
  • Light-filtering and room-darkening options are available.

Roman shades:

  • Patterns and colors are available in a wide range.
  • Stacked folds that may be raised or lowered to allow light to enter
  • Optional features include corded, hand-operated, and motorized systems
  • Light-filtering and room-darkening options are available.

Shutters, wood blinds, and faux wood blinds

  • Shutters made of wood from sustainable sources
  • Work nicely with both traditional and southern style interiors.
  • A range of stains and paint colors are available
  • When open, it lets in light; when closed, it darkens the room.
  • Available in both room-darkening and light-filtering varieties..

Curtains and draperies:

  • Panels will be available for your convenience.
  • Color, weight, and open or closed weave all affect the quality of insulation.
  • Curtains with plastic linings reduce heat by a third, according to the study.
  • The curtain track system can be used with rods.
  • Available in both light-filtering and room-darkening varieties.

Blinds:

  • Slats, whether horizontal or vertical, allow you to control the amount of light that enters your home.
  • When the doors are closed in the summer, they provide excellent heat reduction.
  • Changing the quantity of light coming in is a snap.
  • Insulate poorly during the winter months
  • As long as the slats and edges are closed, light can penetrate through them.
  • Light-filtering and room-darkening options are available.
  • You can choose from a variety of attachments such as cords, chains, remote controls, and motorized models.