What’s So Great About Light Filtering Shades?

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! >>

Selecting the Best Kitchen Window Treatments: Over the Sink

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

Your Next Renovation Project: A Spring Windows Update!

by SelectBlinds

After a seemingly long and sometimes dark winter, spring returns to the northern hemisphere on Saturday, March 20, 2021. The earth tilts on its axis, and the North Pole leans back toward the sun once again.

What’s not to love about spring? More hours of daylight and a sense of rejuvenation.

‘Tis the season for spring cleaning and organizing, and also for spring home renovation projects (“reno,” for short)! Time for reorganizing your bookshelves, repainting one or more of your rooms, sprucing up your closets, or refreshing your organization pieces (shelves, baskets, etc.).

Get your list ready!

Spring cleanup and renovation projects
Ready for Spring cleaning and renovation projects?

Spring Cleaning and Other Projects

One of the top suggested spring renovation projects involves your window treatments. Color options, textures, and an added dimension of “feeling.”

Energy-efficient honeycomb / cellular shades. Wood or faux wood plantation shutters. Natural bamboo / woven woods. Aluminum mini blinds.

Just the right window coverings can be the perfect finishing touch for any room. They help you manage incoming light and indoor privacy at home. They should also reflect and complement your personal sense of style and indoor décor.

Do Something Inspiring at Home This Spring!

One aspect of any home renovation project everyone takes into consideration is budget. You can find new, sharp-looking, and budget-friendly window treatments that are perfect for your living space. Functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Now that you’ve prioritized the rooms in your home for your “windows refresh” project, would you like some suggestions?

Bedroom / nursery spring windows update
Bedroom / Nursery Spring windows update

Bedroom / Nursery

Your bedroom is your one refuge that you crave more than anything else, especially after a long day. Maintain your privacy, while filtering in some soft light. How about blacking out the light entirely when you want to sleep in?

Get creative with how you illuminate and decorate this quiet, comfy space. It’s your bedroom, and should showcase your personal taste! For nurseries and homes with children and pets, consider the safety of cordless lift window treatments.

For your bedroom or nursery, we recommend:

Living room / Family room spring windows update
Living room / Family room Spring windows update

Living Room / Family Room

You love the way your new Select Blinds window treatments control the incoming light, while also providing privacy. Now consider window décor possibilities for your main living space. This is the first room of your home that guests typically experience, and you want it to complement the décor in the rest of your home.

For your living / family room, we recommend:

Kitchen / dining room spring windows update
Kitchen / Dining room Spring windows update

Kitchen / Dining Room

Your kitchen. The hub of your home, where all the best stories begin. You make so many memories here, along with delicious meals, laughter, and holidays. You need your kitchen window treatments to be versatile, good looking, and built to last.

For your kitchen / dining room, we recommend:

Bathroom spring windows update
Bathroom Spring windows update

Bathroom

Aromatic soaps. Warm water. Your self-care spot, where functionality and beauty meet. Your bathroom windows deserve all the style and personal touch you take pride in all over your home. Open up to what you can do with your private wellness sanctuary!

For your bathroom, we recommend:

Home office spring windows update
Home office Spring windows update

Home Office

Your home office. When you’re working from home, productivity and comfort are important. Take this opportunity to make your home work space an extension of your well-designed home!

We recommend:

Spring is worth getting excited about, along with your home renovation projects. Make the rooms in your home truly yours, and spruce them up with your own unique flair.

Budget-friendly. Long lasting. Easy to clean, maintain, and take care of. Start the spring cleaning and home renovation season off right by making Select Blinds your windows update go-to!

Watch our brief video on how window treatments help you control incoming light.

#BlindsWeLove

Brian B. Is a Happy SelectBlinds.com Customer!

“Alexis, sorry so late with pictures, but the shades are awesome! Thank you for all of your help. From the first call, to getting the samples, to measuring, to ordering, to installing. Couldn’t be more pleased. So easy to install. Every shade fits perfect. I planned on installing one or two shades a night. They went up so easily, I did all 10 shades in a couple hours. Happy wife is a happy life!”

SelectBlinds.com Happy Customer Photo - Signature Light Filtering Cordless Top Down Bottom Up Shades

Brian worked with Select Blinds Customer Loyalty Team member Alexis Richey on ordering his new in Antique Linen.

Amanda F. Is a Happy SelectBlinds.com Customer!

Amanda F. worked with our awesome Customer Loyalty Team member Amber to select these cordless Select Light Filtering Roman Shades in Artisan Cocoa Metallic. (Take a look at that gorgeous texture in the close-up!) She chose a classic custom pleated fold and standard white liner for added privacy on her patio-facing window. Here’s what she had to say about the experience:

“Thanks again for your help getting these! It was such a relief, and I’ve gotten so many compliments on them!”

You’re welcome, Amanda! And thanks for selecting Select Blinds!

roman shades

roman shades

roman shades