light filtering shades

What’s So Great About Light Filtering Shades?

/ Super Admin

Any well-designed home features plenty of natural light. Incoming light from outside adds a touch of soft comfort and energy. It does wonders to make a space feel larger and more welcoming.

Too much light all the time, however, can mean too much of a good thing. Incoming sunlight in the summer can add heat to your space (and boost your energy bills), and maybe you don’t want every room in your house to feature too much light. Yes, your window treatments of choice can also help with “mood lighting.” That’s where light-filtering shades can help!

Shades to Enhance Incoming Light

Layer light-filtering curtains over your shades to create more depth for your windows

There are blackout shades and room-darkening shades, whose opaqueness offers a full to partial darkened effect for your space. But bringing more natural light indoors doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your privacy. You can bask in the natural incoming light while making your interior space more alluring with shades that enhance this incoming outdoor light. 

Semi-opaque light-filtering shades offer an even brighter degree of incoming light while still maintaining your privacy by diffusing harsh incoming UV rays into a softened glow. This light-filtering effect keeps your space plenty bright while reducing the need for electric-powered lighting. It can also balance out a room’s light more evenly and plentifully, instead of featuring brighter areas vs. darker corners.  

Because of these shades’ ability to filter out too much brightness and glare, they are ideal for bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, rooms with large windows or sliding glass doors that let substantial light in, and just about any front-facing window. 

SelectBlinds.com Staff Light-Filtering Window Treatment Recommendations:

Cellular & Honeycomb Shades

While keeping the vibe at home cool, calm, and quiet with energy-efficient honeycomb & cellular shades, bathe your interior with soft, diffused natural light. With Kid- and pet-friendly cordless lifts, they’re the safest choice for homes with little ones.

Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades (Essential Tier)*

Imagine all the possibilities! Clutter-free, kid-safe, budget-friendly and simply stylish, these energy-efficient cordless cellulars are the perfect finishing touch to any window and design aesthetic. 

Tranquil Cordless Light Filtering Cellulars (Essential Tier)*

Filter outdoor light in beautifully! In homes with small children and pets, kid-friendly cordless custom window treatments help you keep a clean, uncluttered look on windows and doors, and cut energy costs, too. 

Sheer Curtains

Sheer Curtains (Essential Tier)*

Soft, delicate light. All day long. These budget-friendly, light grommet-style panel curtains add an airy look all by themselves or combine with other window coverings for a full layering effect. 

*Our Essential Tier products include simple designs in familiar styles. Made of materials known for strength, and easy cleaning, Essential Tier products are a great starting point for first-time homeowners or renters that are looking for budget-friendly solutions.

Sheer Shades

Few window treatments filter in light more effectively than sheer shades. For the trendsetting home decorator, nothing beats the sheer elegance of sheer shades. Impress your guests with this high-impact, light-filtering, custom flat sheer roller style window treatment.

2” Light Filtering Sheer Shades (Signature Tier)*

These luminous, custom-made sheer light-filtering fabric window treatments block up to 99% of UV rays when closed and up to 88% when open to help protect interiors and gently diffuse light.

*Our Signature Tier products feature thoughtful designs in trendy styles. Made with durable materials, Signature Tier products are the perfect place to start when looking for a beyond-basic solution that is also affordable.

Dual / Zebra Shades

Dual / Zebra shades are unique and stylish! Show off your personal interior design style and unique taste with sheer zebra shades. Enjoy the ease of a roller with the look of a horizontal blind to add dimension and texture to windows.

Premier Light Filtering Dual Shade (Premium Tier)*

Light filtering made easy! Enjoy custom light-filtering control with dual roller zebra shades. Get two types of light control in one simple shade to reduce glare and UV rays. Easy to install, too.

*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.

Designer Light Filtering Dual Shade (Luxury Tier)*

Style, and then some. Seamless, easy operation along with the light-filtering functionalities of a horizontal blind and the privacy control of a roller shade.

*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.

Filter More Light Into Your Beautiful Interior Space

We at SelectBlinds.com offer you personalized, custom solutions that can beautifully help you get that soft, balanced diffused light glow in your space. And still maintain all the privacy you need.  

Nothing makes a space look warmer and more inviting than beautiful new light-filtering window treatments, and we are all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you tons of helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier because we’re invested in your success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process. 

Try before you buy! Order up to 15 FREE samples daily, shipped FREE to your door, and lock in any promo for up to 30 days.

Also, check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.

Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day. Only at SelectBlinds.com.

Go Window Shopping for Custom Light-Filtering Window Solutions You Can Be Proud Of! >>

What Are The Most Popular Types of Window Treatments? Part 2 (Shades & Curtains)

/ Super Admin
Image courtesy of Michelle Giglio, @wazhomedecor

Maybe your personal design taste calls for a traditional window style, or perhaps for something more modern. Regardless of what your personal style dictates, or what your budget is, we at SelectBlinds are pleased to tell you that we have the perfect custom solution for you. We offer you more than 170 different customizable products, in a selection of over 1800 colors, with countless feature combinations, upgrades, and add-ons available. Did we already say that we can make any budget happy? 

What are the most popular types of window treatments? In the first part of this article, we discussed popular types of blinds and shutters. What about window shades and curtains? Let’s discuss some of the most popular types of window treatments, shades and curtains in particular, and how they function.

Function vs. Form

You might not want window coverings that are merely functional. You might want something stylish, as well. It will likely be great news to you that you can enjoy window shades that are stylish and also that function smoothly, the way you want and need them to! What would work best in your home? 

What Is the Difference Between Shades and Blinds?

First, though the two terms are often used interchangeably, let’s distinguish shades from blinds.

Basically, shades hang down from the top of a window to the bottom, but they feature a solid, continuous surface that covers the window, and which can be raised or lowered to open up the view outward or to cover up for privacy. Shades are commonly crafted using fabrics, bamboo/woven woods, lightweight cellular material, and sheer fabrics. Curtains, though not technically shades, have similar qualities, in that they’re a solid, hanging surface that covers your windows.

Blinds are also hanging window treatments, but they feature either horizontal or vertical slats that can be tilted open or closed, usually with some sort of mechanism. Different kinds of blinds are crafted using various materials, including wood, faux wood, aluminum, and PVC. 

What Types of Shades and Curtains Are In Style?

Here are some examples of popular styles of shades and curtains, ranging from traditional to less traditional.

  • Roller Shades – Regardless of how you roll — casual, modern, Farmhouse — there are custom roller shades to match your unique sense of style. Layer roll-up window coverings in colors, textures, and patterns that fit any interior design.
  • Cellular / Honeycomb Shades – Keep the home vibe cool, calm, and quiet with energy-efficient cellular shades. With kid-friendly cordless lift options, they’re the safest choice for homes with little ones and/or pets.
  • Roman Shades – Can you be trendy and traditional at the same time? Of course! For example, take the classic, customizable Roman shade. This luxurious fabric window covering never goes out of style and works with the trendiest interiors.
  • Bamboo / Woven Wood Shades – Get your home Pinterest perfect with these natural-looking custom bamboo / woven wood shades in your windows. Personalize them even more with your own lined option selections for more light & privacy control.
  • Dual / Zebra Shades – Your home is your showcase. Show off your unique taste with stylish, unique sheer zebra shades. Enjoy the ease of a roller with the look of a horizontal blind to add dimension and texture to windows. Watch them operate, and you’ll be sold!
  • Solar Shades – You love bright sunlight streaming through your windows. And who wouldn’t? Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, though. Harmful UV rays can fade furnishings. Custom interior solar shades can help.
  • Exterior Solar Shades – Keep your cool and enjoy your patio and decks longer. Beat the heat while protecting your outdoor furnishings with a weather-resistant custom cordless exterior solar sun shade. You’ll also maintain your exterior view!
  • Sheer Shades – For the trendsetting home decorator, nothing beats the sheer elegance of sheer blinds. Impress your guests with this high-impact, custom flat sheer roller style window treatment.
  • Skylight Shades – Whether you live in a tiny house or a mansion, a skylight window is a feature worth showcasing. Show it off right with custom, sun-blocking shades that fit your style. Motorization options are available to make your life easier.
  • Arched Window Shades – Do coverings for your arched windows seem out of reach? Not with these custom shades for arched windows. Light filtering or blackout fabrics add function and elegance to even the highest arched windows. Motorization options are available to make your life easier.
  • Drapery / Curtains – Ever popular, custom drapes and curtains are a perennial favorite to dress your windows, or to layer with other types of window treatments (i.e. Roman shades, wood blinds or faux wood blinds, cellular shades, etc.). Updated grommet and pleated panels add a fresh spark, especially when used in trendy layered looks.

How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Window Treatments?

Image courtesy of Noby Howell, @howell.home

Quality shades, curtains, blinds, or shutters can last for several years (especially when installed correctly and maintained regularly), and there is no hard rule of thumb regarding how often you should replace them. Basically, replace them as needed, and according to your personal preference, as trends and fashions change and evolve.

Follow manufacturer directions when using and maintaining your window treatments, in order to preserve them as long as possible. Dust and/or wipe them down on a regular basis. Thoroughly clean your window treatments at least twice annually in order to reduce heavy dust accumulation. Curtains tend to be somewhat easier to maintain, as they can be removed for laundering, dry cleaning, or steaming as you need to. 

Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Space

If you’re looking for some recommendations for your home, be sure to keep on reading. We’ve made selections from each of our product tiers for you, to offer you excellent, customizable design solutions for any taste and budget. Spend some time window shopping to see what we have to offer!

Classic Vinyl Blackout Roller Shades (Essential Tier)*

Sleep better (and longer!) with budget-saving blackout roller shades crafted with flame-retardant vinyl fiberglass and then laminated with another layer of vinyl for extra strength and durability.

Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades (Essential Tier)*

Less cluttered, kid-safe, budget-friendly, and simply stylish, these energy-efficient cordless cellulars are the perfect finishing touch to any window and design aesthetic.

Classic Woven Woods (Essential Tier)*

Upgrade your windows with these trend-setting favorites! Clutter-free, stylish, and affordable, there’s virtually no limit to how good your windows will look.

*Our Essential Tier products include simple designs in familiar styles. Made of materials known for strength, and easy cleaning, Essential Tier products are a great starting point for first-time homeowners or renters that are looking for budget-friendly solutions.

Farmhouse Roman Shades (Signature Tier)*

Master that Farmhouse-style look and feel these beautifully crafted and easy-to-install-and-use Roman shades.

Select Light Filtering Dual Shade (Signature Tier)*

Alternating wide and narrow bands of durable, easy-care fabric combine to give this modern light control window treatment its distinctive zebra-stripe appearance.

2” Light Filtering Sheer Shades (Signature Tier)*

Picture these luminous, custom-made sheer fabric window treatments blocking up to 99% of UV rays when closed and up to 88% when open to help protect your furniture and interior, and to gently diffuse light. 

*Our Signature Tier products feature thoughtful designs in trendy styles. Made with durable materials, Signature Tier products are the perfect place to start when looking for a beyond-basic solution that is also affordable.

Premier Modern Solar Screen (Premium Tier)*

See it all more clearly inside and out with these interior solar shades. The 5% openness of the fade resistant fabric helps reduce harsh incoming light so you can still enjoy your outward views.

Lifestyle Outdoor Motorized Shade (Premium Tier)*

Elevate your outdoor experience with the convenience and ease-of-use of these motorized solars. Plus, they come with a gorgeous oil-rubbed valance along with cable tie-downs!

Jewel Tone Drapery (Premium Tier)* 

The perfect combination of fashion and function with these visually tantalizing jewel-toned window drapes. Manage light and privacy in style. Perfect for any room’s interior design. 

*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.

Luxe Modern Room Darkening Skylight Shades (Luxury Tier)*

Your hard-to-reach skylight windows should be a breeze to cover with these room-darkening honeycomb shades. Several alluring colors, with optional motorization and other upgrades!

Luxe Modern Light Filtering Arch Shade (Luxury Tier)*

You’ll love this modern and functional solution for your arched windows in light-filtering fabric that comes in a wide selection of colors. A custom fit for even the most uniquely shaped arched windows. 

*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.

Take More Control Over How Your Dream Home Turns Out

DIY Design never meant “Do it ALL by Yourself.” For any space, a home design upgrade should never feel intimidating. 

Nothing makes a space look warmer and more inviting than beautiful new window treatments, and Select Blinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you tons of helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier, because we’re invested in your success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process. 

Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.

Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day. Only at SelectBlinds.com.

Go Window Shopping for Custom Window Solutions and Turn Your House Into Your Dream Home! >>

Selecting the Best Kitchen Window Treatments: Over the Sink

/ Larry Walker

By SelectBlinds

The kitchen and dining room are the heart of any home. Holidays, laughter, Sunday dinners, cooking, homework, late night chats, etc. That’s why so many of your best family stories start in the kitchen.

Custom window treatments provide a fashionable finishing touch that accents and complements the way you design your own interior spaces. Lots of opportunities to highlight with colors, patterns, and texture. Window coverings provide light control, privacy, and peace of mind.

A kitchen is a unique space, and you may have different considerations for how you decorate the windows, based on where each window is located. Your choice of window treatments offer additional opportunities for touches of softness and style in the middle of bulky, metallic appliances and smooth, hard surfaces.

Select Blinds bamboo / woven wood shades for the kitchen window
Select Blinds bamboo / woven wood shades look great in your kitchen sink window,
but be careful about water and moisture in the area.

Maybe you want kitchen window curtains. If you only have one window in your kitchen, you’ll want window coverings that let as much light as possible filter in, while still being able to maintain privacy. You may consider sheer shades. If you have a kitchen window that faces the street, privacy might be a primary concern, with incoming light also being important, but perhaps slightly less so. You may want window coverings that offer a unique view, like Top-down Bottom-up shades. Then there are those windows immediately over the sink. What looks best over them? Time to get cooking. Read on as we serve up a deeper dive into kitchen window ideas and considerations as you find what fits best with your personal style and sense of décor.

Decorative Window Coverings

If you’re thinking about a covering for a kitchen window over the sink, be extra careful that you keep the right kind of materials in mind. You can still go with stylish bamboo/woven wood shades or Roman shades, but be aware that because this area over the sink often involves water splashing, spills, etc., you might have to be extra careful to avoid water damage. Wood blinds are also at risk for getting wet and possibly warping or discoloring, but you might just love the way they look in that window over your sink. It’s always up to you, just be aware of the risks that are involved if you decide on a material that doesn’t take well to water.

Select Blinds light filtering roller shades for the kitchen window
Select Blinds light filtering roller shades allow just the right amount of light
and view into your kitchen, without compromising your privacy.

Privacy

As mentioned, privacy may be a concern if your kitchen sink window faces the street or a neighbor’s home. Roller shades may be what you’re comfortable with in terms of providing privacy, and perhaps with some light filtering functionality.

Light Control

If your kitchen sink window faces the east or west, you’ll especially want to take account of direct incoming sunlight. Direct UV rays can be harsh on your eyes, your skin, your furniture, and they can definitely crank up the heat in a room. A stylish, but heavy-duty solar shade may be what you want to employ over your sink to protect yourself and your interior while you’re doing dishes after evening summer cookouts. Solars are typically constructed of durable PVC materials, so they’ll look great and maintain that “brand new” look for a long time to come. You can also custom order them with the degree of UV blockage of your choice.

Also, consider aluminum mini blinds for your kitchen sink window. Aluminum shades built to last, with plenty of light and privacy settings.

Select Blinds Solar screens for the kitchen window
Select Blinds Solar screens help block out harsh UV rays,
while keeping your kitchen cool. They look great, too!

Functionality and Longevity

In addition to durable solar shades and aluminum blinds for your kitchen sink window, there is another excellent option for a food-prep, dishwashing area. If you love the look of real wood blinds and shutters, but can’t bear the thought of them getting wet and warped, faux wood blinds and shutters might be just the perfect find.  

Not only do they perform amazingly at maintaining light and privacy, they also look great, they’re also super easy to care for, and they’ll last forever. You can clean them with little more than soap and water as needed. Many faux wood slat constructions also feature insulation against heat and cold. The lush look and feel of real wood in your home, and their resilience ensures they’ll never warp, crack, chip, or discolor when exposed to water, food stains, or steam. And much less expensive than real wood. Low-maintenance, and no worry.

Select Blinds Faux Wood Blinds for the kitchen window
Faux wood blinds give any kitchen window a crisp look and feel,
along with privacy and light adjustments.

SelectBlinds’ Staff Recommends:

Here are some of our favorite suggestions for the window above your kitchen sink.

Remember, kitchen window treatments can serve a design/decorative function to go with your kitchen’s décor, but especially for the window over the sink, it should also be durable, provide privacy, and block out harsh UV rays. Choose whatever kind of blinds work best for you, but remember that the most functional ones for that particular window are moisture- and mold-resistant. Happy decorating!

#BlindsWeLove     #kitchenblinds

Media Room Ideas: The Best Window Coverings for Gaming Rooms and Movie Night

/ Larry Walker

by SelectBlinds

Gamers and home theater buffs: Does your gaming or media room have windows? When you’re online, on a roll playing your favorite RPG, or relaxing with your favorite film, you want nothing to do with the sun’s harsh glare. You might be considering window blinds or shades for your room’s windows to block out exterior light and glare, as well as to help insulate and soundproof your room. More fabric-style window treatments, like blackout cellular shades or Roman shades, also assist with dampening background noise and improving your gaming / media audio quality, too!

Gamer playing a video game in a darkened gaming room.
Gaming and media rooms with windows should have good lighting control for the best entertainment experiences.

Window treatments can also provide plenty of privacy, day or night. They can also help insulate against the heat or cold, to help save on your energy bills.

If your gaming/media room windows face the north, there’s a good chance you’ll rarely, if ever, have to worry about direct sunlight coming in. If your room’s windows face any other direction, you’ll likely get some direct sunlight coming in at some point during the day. Window treatments are specifically designed to control incoming light, but keep in mind there are different degrees of light blockage.

What Is the Difference Between Blackout and Room Darkening Shades?

Blackout shades, or room darkening blinds? Blackout shades are made with an opaque fabric intended to block out ALL incoming light. “Room darkening” window treatments typically block out between 95 to 99 percent of the outdoor light. Window coverings that block less than 95 percent of incoming light are commonly known as “light filtering” blinds or shades.

Maybe you prefer a total blackout effect. Maybe you like the incoming light most of the time, but just want to block out the setting sun’s glare for movie night. Knowing what you need and prefer can help you in your selection.

Window with blackout curtains to keep out sunlight glare.
Window coverings can protect your interior from harmful UV rays and annoying glare.

Consider some of these options for blackout or room darkening effects for your entertainment room:

What Are the Best Blackout Shades?

We take pride in all our products and customer service, and stand by them all. Consider the fact that from a 2020 review of the “best blackout shades,” The New York Times review considers Classic Cordless Blackout Shades among its top three picks.

The review panel “unanimously agreed that the Select Blinds Classic Cordless [Blackout Shades are] the [ones] they’d most like in their homes,” citing the quality polyester shades’ look and feel being “noticeably better in quality than other shades [they] considered.” In addition to top-notch look and feel, the NYT review also cited the shades’ wide color and customizable size selection, and the longest warranty of any other shades they reviewed. 

Regardless of what kind of window treatments you go with, keep in mind that your entertainment space is yours and should meet your needs, while reflecting your personal sense of style.

Jaclyn L. is a Happy SelectBlinds.com Customer!

/ Larry Walker

“We have lived in our quaint Cape Cod home for over seven years and have never had blinds or shades as we love all the light that comes in through our old, paned windows. We thought it was time to try some window coverings to add privacy without eliminating all the light.”

Happy customer, Jaclyn L chose Select Light Filtering Roller Shade in White.

“We ordered one roller shade as a test to see how well it would work for my kids’ bathroom. The Select Light Filtering Roller Shade in White is perfect for our needs. It was easy to install, simple, clean-lined and a good value. My children are happy since they have more privacy but still get to enjoy the beauty of the house!”

Jaclyn, what a great addition to your kids’ bathroom! It really does let the light in while adding an extra layer of privacy – an essential part of any bathroom. The bright white goes great with the style of your home, too, and we love the fun tiles on the floor!

Julie R. Is a Happy SelectBlinds.com Customer!

/ Larry Walker
Julie R. rang in the new year right with new window treatments.  She paired these gorgeous Good Housekeeping Light Filtering Panel Tracks in Natural Weave Seagrass on her sliding doors with Good Housekeeping Light Filtering Roller Shades in the bedroom, living and dining room! Loving that golden glow the Natural Weave Gingersnap color gives her rooms. Thanks for sharing, Julie!

Good Housekeeping panel track

Good Housekeeping Light Filtering Roller Shades

Good Housekeeping Light Filtering Roller Shades

P.S. Like this look? Did you know that these and many of our other blinds and shades are available with a motorized lift system? The only way to go if you have tall or hard to reach windows. And  with a quick and affordable upgrade to the new NEO Connect, you can operate them  from almost any mobile device, from anywhere in your home … or the world!