This is probably the most asked question of all time when it comes to window coverings. Of course, you want to let that bright sunshine in but not at the expense of your privacy. We want that light but don’t want our neighbours seeing us in our underwear either, right? Luckily, there are a few different options when it comes to window treatments that do just this. Read on to find out what you can do to keep light in but keep privacy, too.
Solar Shades
Our solar shades are made for just this. They come in different openness percentages ranging from 1% to 14%. The 1% solar shades are nearly blackout but 14% lets in the most light. The beauty of solar shades is that you can choose the openness you want to let in the right amount of light for your home. If you get loads of sunshine, you may want to lower the openness. If you need more sunshine coming through, choose a higher openness percentage.
The other great part is that solar shades are private. That means you can see out and sunshine can get in but outsiders can’t see in. And they also block both UV rays and glare. Your home will be nice and bright but the heat won’t come in. If you have very large windows and your home turns into a furnace in summer, solar shades can minimize the heat coming in so you don’t have to crank up your air conditioning all day long.
Day and Night Honeycomb Shades
The Day and Night shades are perfect if you want the best of both worlds. You can pull them up for a room darkening effect or pull them down for a light filtering effect. The light filtering end allows light to flow through but doesn’t expose your home to every passerby. If you want even more privacy, you can always pull them up to block the window even more.
The best part is that cellular shades have a unique honeycomb design that traps air inside so they can insulate the window, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. They can keep the temperature in your room stable and save you some money on your energy bills.
Layering Shades with Drapes
Another great option is to choose the shades you love and layer them with lined drapes. Then you can simply shut the drapes when you want or need privacy. If you want maximum privacy, we highly recommend a blackout liner. This will block noise and light and definitely prevent anyone on the street from seeing inside.
Layering Inside and Outside Mount Blinds or Shades
Another option you have is to choose a light-filtering shade to mount inside your window frame and layer it with a privacy shade mounted outside the frame. This is a more costly alternative but it is a great solution if you don’t want to layer with draperies or if you have different needs at different times of the day. You can choose a light filtering shade for the inside and layer with a privacy shade like a roman shade on top.
Privacy and lighting are the most important factors when it comes to selecting the right shades for your home. If you’re still unsure which products are right for you, feel free to get in touch. Our customer service team is always here to help. You can even ask us for help in the comments section below.
FAQs
Light Control: When the louvers' edges are horizontal, you see out and light enters in. Tilt them so the louver edge closest to you is up to let the most light in while still maintaining some privacy.
How do I make my window private but still let light in? ›
On the other hand, if you want a window film that provides 24-hour privacy, you can install something like a translucent one way frosted glass film. This will allow light to pass through but won't allow a detailed view through the glass.
What blinds allow light but are private? ›
What blinds let in light but give privacy? Sheer blinds are a popular option for those who want to let in natural light while maintaining privacy. These blinds are made from translucent fabrics that diffuse light and provide a subtle view of the outdoors while obscuring the view from the outside.
How can I get privacy without losing light? ›
A: To enhance the privacy of your windows without blocking natural light, consider installing frosted or textured glass, using window shutters, or planting privacy-enhancing greenery outside your windows. These options provide privacy while still allowing natural light to filter through.
What can I put behind blinds to block light? ›
Light Blockers are an L-shaped piece of plastic that goes in front of or behind your window treatments to block the part of the window that is not covered.
What is the best window privacy without blocking light? ›
Roman blinds are best for bedrooms and bathrooms because they provide privacy without blocking out all the light, and they're not so heavy that you can't lift them with one hand.
What blinds can you see out but no one can see in? ›
Privacy solar shades are designed to reduce glare and provide UV protection, all while maintaining an unobstructed view of the world beyond your windows. Whether it's for your home or office, these solar shades provide the perfect balance between visibility and seclusion.
What is the best window covering for privacy and light? ›
Cellular blackout shades are the most popular choice. You can also get blackout drapes. They add a soft touch to your style and are often used as a secondary window treatment to increase light control variability. Increase your privacy and light control by customizing your shades with top-down/bottom-up controls.
What are the best blinds for light and privacy? ›
Vertical blinds offer great control for light and privacy. By drawing back the blinds you can let in maximum light, bringing the outdoors in. However, you can easily balance the need for light and privacy by angling the louvres. As well as being ideal for windows, vertical blinds also work well for bi-fold doors.
How to get privacy without blinds? ›
In this post, we're going to take a look at how to add privacy to any window without using curtains or blinds:
- Privacy Screen. ...
- Hanging Object. ...
- Plants. ...
- Frosted Glass. ...
- Faux Stained Glass. ...
- Macrame. ...
- Shelving. ...
- Outdoor Shutters.
Frosted window films have various levels of opacity, or transparency, based on their design. Instead of being completely clear, frosted window film gives you various levels of privacy. This type of film still allows light to enter a room, giving your space a gentle glow.
Can people see through privacy blinds? ›
As we've discussed, depending on the fabric and opacity, some allow you to see through them at night when the light is on, others are just able to make out silhouettes or totally block the view from in and out. Most homeowners need a combination of privacy and light filtering for the majority of their rooms.
How do you block lights on windows without blinds? ›
Aluminum foil: A cost-effective and readily available option, aluminum foil can be used to cover windows and block out light.
Can you put roller shades behind blinds? ›
Yes, putting a roller blind behind a Roman blind is very much a thing; and this usually involves hanging the roller blind inside of the window recess with the Roman blind then hung over the window recess, making the Roman blind the only one you see when both blinds are fully closed.
Does privacy film let in sunlight? ›
While one-way privacy window film won't stop sunlight, it can also be used to help maintain a moderate and enjoyable internal temperature.
How to stop people from seeing into a house? ›
A NEUTRAL window film applied to the existing glass of your home that lets you see out, yet prevents others seeing in. Don't hide behind nets, curtains, partially closed blinds or expensive shutters that trap you in a darkened room.
Does privacy film make the room dark? ›
Will one way privacy window film make it dark inside? In the majority of cases, applying window film will have an effect on the light transmission; it's important to be clear on this. However, it is equally vital to understand that window films have been manufactured specifically to keep light loss to a minimum.
