Light Filtering vs. Room Darkening vs. Blackout Fabric Roman Shades in Pittsburgh: What Are the Differences?
There are so many different considerations you need to make when getting fabric roman shades in Pittsburgh. One of those considerations is the thickness of the material. Before you get anything, you need to understand the differences between the types and styles.
You’ll likely hear of light filtering, room darkening, and blackout roman shades. Which one is the right one for you? It really depends on what you want to gain from the window treatments and here’s a look at the differences.
Light Filtering Roman Shades
The first type is more commonly viewed as a solar shade. However, you can get the solar element with a roman shade style. You get all the same benefits of a solar shade but with the roman look. That means you have the cascade or stack at the very top of the window when the shade is all the way open.
One of the benefits of light filtering fabric roman shades in Pittsburgh is that you can always keep them closed. There’s no need to open them to allow the light in, yet you do get rid of all the glare. They look bright and cheerful, even when you have slightly darker colors.
Of course, you also have the downsides of solar shades. One of the biggest is the lack of darkness in the room, so they’re not perfect for bedrooms.
Room Darkening Fabric Roman Shades in Pittsburgh
If you want to create darkness in a room when the shades are in use, you’ll want to consider room darkening treatments. They block out some of the light as well as the glare, but not as much as a set of blackout shades.
With room darkening, you can still get some of the light shining through, so there’s no need to use electricity during the day. You gain complete privacy at all times of the day, too, which is something light filtering options don’t offer on a night.
The material can be slightly thicker, so you can get some extra heating benefits compared to light filtering options. However, the cooling benefits in the summer are about the same since you’re still blockingout the UV rays.
Blackout Roman Shades
Finally, you can get a set of blackout roman shades. These will completely block out the light shining into the room when they’re in use, making them perfect for light sleepers, children, and those who work shifts or nights. It’s like night when the shades are in use.
The fabric roman shades in Pittsburgh will help to block out the heat loss through the winter much better than the room darkening and light filtering ones. The downside is the complete darkness. When in use, you’ll need to use the electric lights, even during the day. This can lead to more expensive bills.
Whichever type of fabric shade you get, there are some similarities. They will all come in a variety of colors and styles. You can get a cascading stack or one that blocks at the top. You can still double up and work with other window treatments. The only difference with the fabric roman shades in Pittsburgh is the amount of light you’re blocking during the day and night.
