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During the day, window treatments can insulate your home from unwanted heat and cold, filter the light, and let you sleep in on a summer Sunday morning. Night and day, they can provide privacy and security.
When selecting your window coverings, bear in mind that some materials will be more translucent than others. This is a great conversation to have with your designer, to make sure that you are happy with your products and not caught unawares.
Which Window Treatments Are See-Through?
For example, some solar, roller, and cell (honeycomb) shades will let light and shadow pass through and be visible on the exterior. Not all fabrics will do this, but you should consider the factor when selecting your materials. None of the window coverings are completely see-through, but your shadow may be visible in varying degrees.
Additionally, if you choose sheer curtains or similar products, they will be see-through. Designs can also come with a liner, or in this case, you can opt for a sheer liner for light-filtering during the day, with the option to pull the thicker fabric closed at night for privacy.
While it's always best to talk with your designer before making a decision, here are some choices to consider when choosing shades and curtains, with night privacy in mind.
Choose a fabric with a lower percentage of "openness."
Openness is how we refer to the weave of the fabric. Options range from one percent
to 18 percent. (Eighteen percent is on select fabrics.) A one percent openness indicates that the weave is tight and will not allow much light to pass through. On the contrary, a 10 percent openness will have a looser weave, and more light will enter.
Opt for Lined Curtains
As previously mentioned, you can order liners with your drapery. Obliviously, thicker, darker materials will not require a liner (unless you want one to filter sunlight during the day), but if you are choosing a fabric that is sheer or light in color, a liner is a good idea, especially if you want privacy at night and minimal sun in the morning.
You can do a sheer liner, which will serve mostly to filter light, or ask for a blackout liner, which will render the room dark.
Consult Your Designer
Above all, make sure to communicate your design needs during your consultation, so that your designer is able to make relevant, helpful recommendations on products.
Window-ology is a local, Diamond Certified business in downtown Pleasanton, CA. We specialize in custom blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, and motorized, retractable awnings. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
We are the exclusive Northern California dealer for SunSetter Awnings, the number one manufacturer in the United States. We are an authorized dealer for Hunter Douglas, Norman Window Fashions, KE, and others.