In the most general sense a window blind serves three primary functions: light control, decoration and privacy. But, most people don’t give privacy much thought when purchasing window blinds. Or they only consider how it looks from the inside. But what about from the curb? Let’s face it, there are many occasions where you don’t want people to be able to see into a room from the outside and not all window treatments provide privacy. To avoid any ‘mishaps’ here are a few things you should know about window blinds privacy.
Solar screens, also know as solar shades, are a type of window shade designed to reduce solar glare but still allow view-through. They are a great choice for rooms with a view but a poor choice if you are concerned about privacy. The tricky thing is that they can even offer the illusion of privacy. During the day, when the sun is shining through a solar shade, it may be hard to see inside – thus the illusion of privacy. But at night when the light source is coming from within the house, there would be almost no privacy at all.
Some other window shades (especially roller shades & 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 and opaque. The sheer and semi-sheer roller shades do not offer privacy. For the most part people can see in as well as you can see out.
Horizontal window blinds have slats that can be adjusted up or down for light control. During most of the year, blinds offer decent privacy because you can adjust the slats upwards to allow in some light but block someone from seeing inside. But during the winter months, especially in more northerly latitudes, the sun is very low in the sky which negates this effect.
Allowing people to see inside your home can also detract from home security. People can see if you have nice things, and whether or not you are present in the room, or even in the house.
