If you are in the market for new window treatments, you may want to understand the somewhat confusing terms used to describe light control (opacity). You don’t want to end up with a window treatment that doesn’t offer the light control you need or want.
It should first be noted that opacity applies almost exclusively to window shades: cellular shades, roller shades, roman shades, etc. For the most part window blinds don’t come in different opacities.
Opacity and light control are synonymous in the realm of window treatments. But who uses the word, “opacity.” I haven’t heard that term since 7th grade science. And it doesn’t end there. Many window shades offer a spectrum of opacity levels: sheer, semi-sheer, semi-opaque, and opaque. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I search my mental images for the difference between, let’s say, semi-sheer and semi-opaque I draw a blank. I think it’s time for simpler language so that everyone can easily understand what they are buying. FYI – The opacity levels were listed in order from near see-through (allowing a significant amount of light to pass) to blackout (no visible light can pass through the material). Please keep in mind that blackout and opaque is not necessarily the same thing. Just because a material is labeled, “blackout” doesn’t mean that that blind or shade is a true blackout window treatment. For more information see my post about blackout blinds.
Opacity, for all window shades, refers to the amount of light that a given material allows to pass through. Why is this important? Imagine, you buy some new cellular shades for your bedroom but because you didn’t understand the difference between sheer and opaque, your shades allow way too much light to pass through and every morning you are awoken by an over-abundance of sunlight. You probably wouldn’t be happy with your purchase.
Since light control is such a primary and important function of any window treatment it is important to understand the terms. Most people want different levels of light control from room to room, e.g. blackout or room darkening blinds (semi-opaque to opaque) for bedrooms and home theaters. So, make sure before you buy!
Finally, it should be noted that it is possible to layer window treatments so that you can have the best of both light control options. An example of this would be blackout curtains over a sheer shade.
Next up I will tackle the issue of privacy levels in window treatments. Until then, happy decorating!
[...] & cellular shades) come in a variety of opacities (for more information see my blog post on understanding opacity), meant to offer consumers a range of light control. This range is sheer, semi-sheer, semi opaque [...]
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