What Does Opacity Mean for Custom Window Treatments?

There are various options to consider when choosing custom window treatments for your home. First, you’ll need to determine which rooms require these special shades and the color, fabric type, and opacity level for each one. While it may be easier to order all your shades if they’re all the same throughout your home, you may want to consider things like natural light and privacy requirements when choosing a custom window treatment for the rooms of your home. 

Continue reading to learn how opacity levels can impact the function of custom window treatments and which ones may be right for your South Pasadena, CA, home.

SEE ALSO: 5 Reasons You Need Custom Window Treatments in Your Home

The Levels of Opacity

Your custom window treatments will come with a variety of options. Opacity level is one you may not have considered in the past, but it will be an essential factor when selecting the type of shade, fabric, and color you want.

Many homeowners will customize the opacity of each shade to the requirements of each room. Here are the various levels of opacity to consider: 

• Sheer
• Semi-Sheer
• Semi-Opaque
• Opaque/Room Darkening
• Blackout

To choose an opacity level, let’s consider the function of each room in your home. Choosing a sheer fabric will reduce some glare in that room; however, it will not provide much privacy. On the other hand, you may select a sheer fabric if you’d like to reduce the amount of sunlight coming into a room, but you’d still like to see outside. For instance, this is an excellent option if choosing a custom window treatment for an outdoor patio.

If you would like less light to enter a room but would still like some visibility, then a semi-sheer fabric may be the right choice. Semi-sheer materials are typically found in living rooms.

A semi-opaque fabric is more likely to protect your privacy and allows only shadows to show through the shade. An opaque or room-darkening material will provide even greater privacy while blocking significant amounts of light. 

How to Choose 

Consider the needs of your space when it’s time to choose an opacity level for your custom window treatments. As discussed, different rooms in your home have special requirements, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and patios. If you are having difficulty choosing an opacity level, ask! We can provide recommendations based on our experience.

Will Opacity Levels Impact Energy Efficiency?

Custom window treatments can help to reduce the heat lost through the windows and minimize the sun’s impact on the temperature in your home during peak times of the day. Regulating temperatures with window treatments can benefit you by lowering your energy bills. Your air conditioner can work less if you’ve invested in opaque shades, especially in the summertime.

Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about custom window treatment options for your South Pasadena, CA, home. With so many options, having a reliable and local source you can trust is essential. Contact us today!