Room Darkening vs Light Filtering vs Blackout Curtains

Room Darkening Curtains Pros and Cons

Like blackout curtains, room darkening curtains are designed to block light, but they aren’t exactly the same. Room darkening curtains are made with a fabric liner that’s not quite as thick as the one used with blackout curtains and which allows a small amount of light through. As a result, you won’t block light entirely as you would with blackout curtains, but you will still get a significant darkening effect.

If you placed a flashlight behind a blackout curtain, you would see zero light shining through the fabric. If you shined the flashlight behind a room darkening curtain, about 5% of the light would seep through.

Room darkening curtains may be a perfect choice if you don’t want a bedroom or nursery to be completely dark, but still want to shut out enough light to promote good sleep. Room darkening curtains can also be an excellent option for restaurant owners or other business owners who wish to create a certain ambiance and level of privacy for guests without blacking out the room completely.

Pros of Room Darkening Curtains

Not sure if room darkening curtains are right for you? Here are the benefits of room darkening curtains to help you decide:

• Since room darkening curtains aren’t as thick as blackout curtains, they typically cost less.
• Room darkening curtains offer similar benefits as blackout curtains, such as increasing privacy, reducing energy bills, blocking noise and protecting floors and furniture from sun damage.
• Room darkening curtains don’t completely block light like blackout curtains but still darken a room significantly.

Cons of Room Darkening Curtains

Depending on your needs, you may find that room darkening curtains aren’t the solution you’re looking for. Here are a few disadvantages:

• Room darkening curtains may not provide the level of darkness you want in a room.
• Similar to blackout curtains, room darkening curtains are thick and require sturdy hardware.
• You’ll still need to use electric light sources to see well when room darkening curtains are closed.

Where to Use Room Darkening Curtains

Room darkening curtains are perfect for bedrooms and nurseries where subtle, muted dimness is the order of the day. They offer cozy calm to help you wind down and settle in. In restaurants, they help create a private, intimate setting with minimal daylight. 

What Are Light Filtering Curtains?

Light filtering curtains epitomize soft and natural illumination. Made from thinner, loosely woven fabrics, they invite daylight into the space and cast a warm, diffused glow. These curtains enhance privacy while still allowing visibility, making them ideal for spaces that relish natural light without the direct strength of sunlight — thus creating a serene, inviting room.

Light Filtering Curtains Pros and Cons

Light filtering curtains allow the most amount of light into a room compared to blackout and room darkening curtains. These curtains are thinner and lighter than the other types and may be made with loosely woven fabric which allows light to come through. Light filtering curtains enable you to fill a room with a warm, soothing glow, and you can still see without the need for lamps or other light fixtures.

You might install light filtering curtains anywhere you want natural light and some level of privacy. These curtains might be ideal for living rooms, offices, dining rooms, or as part of a window treatment in a bedroom or nursery. Business owners who want to soften the light shining into their restaurant or store can create an inviting, comfortable atmosphere with light filtering curtains.

Pros of Light Filtering Curtains

Light filtering curtains are available in a wide range of fabrics, colors and patterns. You can easily find light filtering curtains to enhance the style and mood of any room. Other benefits of light filtering curtains include:

• They can be used to complement existing drapes or shades.
• Light filtering curtains allow a breeze to enter the room — perfect for spring weather.
• These curtains are lightweight, meaning they may be easier to install.
• With light filtering curtains, you don’t darken a room completely, so you can reduce the use of electric light sources.

Cons of Light Filtering Curtains

Not everyone prefers light, breezy curtains. Here are reasons why you may wish to reconsider adding light filtering curtains to your space:

• If light filtering curtains are used without shades, blinds or drapes, they only provide moderate levels of privacy.
• Light filtering curtains do not block light, which may make them unsuitable for bedrooms or home theaters.
• Since these curtains are generally lightweight, they do not block sound or insulate a room as well as blackout and room darkening curtains.

Where to Use Light Filtering Curtains

You can add these to living rooms, dining areas and offices. They are also perfect for studios or open-plan stores with a welcoming, airy atmosphere. They work wonderfully layered with heavier drapes in bedrooms.

Request a Free Consultation With Allure Window Treatments

We hope we illuminated the differences between each curtain type, but we understand if you still feel uncertain about what you want. In reality, any of these curtain types can be custom designed to include the light-blocking features you need while beautifying your space. At Allure Window Treatments, we’ll help you make the right choice.

We’ll work with you from the beginning stages to create a window treatment that meets your privacy and light-blocking needs, while also enhancing the elegance, mood and architecture of a room. First, we need to get to know you and your space. That’s why we begin our process with a free on-site consultation. During the consultation, one of our designers will visit your home, take measurements and listen to your vision. Once our designers dream up a design you love, we’ll get to work hand-making your custom curtains or drapes, and then send our professional installers to put your new, breathtaking window treatment in place.

With curtain experts waiting to assist you, there’s no need to feel left in the dark. Reach out to us at Allure Window Treatments today and request your free consultation!