More Than Just “Shop Talk” Light-Filtering and Darkening are Terms You Want to be Familiar with Before You Purchase Window Shades

If you’ve been looking for window treatment solutions that provide more privacy and allow outside light to “filter in,” you’ve undoubtedly heard of honeycomb shades. When closed, these shades, which are called “honeycombs” because they feature cells which are layered for more privacy and more light control, can filter out light and if you choose the triple-layered variety, they can serve to darken even the brightest room.

They are energy efficient and available in the sheerest of fabrics, as well as a large variety of fabrics that, when closed, actually darken your room by blocking out a great deal of incoming light.

Available in several pleat sizes (larger pleats are more energy efficient), when raised, honeycomb shades (which are also often referred to as cellular shades) are compact, giving you a clear view when you want your room to be its lightest.

These shades are popular because they can be customized to match any décor or style and to lightly filter out light, or help darken a room (such as a bedroom).

The classic roller shade can also be counted on to help darken a bright room. These popular window treatments are simple, effective, and economical. They also offer a high level of privacy and can be made to blackout most light.

When determining how much light you want to let in your windows, keep in mind that all shades provide more darkening ability if you choose a thicker, heavier, darker fabric or you choose to layer the cells (in the case of honeycomb and cellular shades).

You may also want to look into using a lighter fabric, perhaps one that matches your existing décor, and then pair this with a backing so that you have the ability to make the room as dark as you need to, all the while showcasing the lighter fabrics that you have chosen for your home’s interior.

Of course, no matter which shade option you choose, be it sheer, simple light-filtering, or room-darkening, you will be able to quickly and easily roll your window shade up to let as much light in as you desire, making window shades a popular choice for any room and in any setting because of there unparalleled versatility and unique abilities to let the amount of light in (or out) that you choose at any given time.