Determining Opacity Levels
Fabric opacity is one of the most important factors in selecting window treatments—which is why many Windows, Walls & More customers here in West Bloomfield are very curious about what opacity really means. Our goal is to help people understand window treatment lingo and implications so that they can feel good about the selections they make. To learn more about opacity, read on, and be sure to contact one of our consultants about your particular situation.
What Is Opacity?
Opacity is how much light comes through. The more opaque the fabric, the less light that comes through. Other factors can impact opacity, including fabric type and color. Here are the levels you’ll see regarding fabrics:
- Sheer. To get the most light into the room, choose sheer fabrics, which allow the most light in the room while giving a soft focus to the view. They can help reduce glare but don’t help much with privacy.
- Semi-sheer. If you’re looking for a little more privacy while also getting some natural light, choose semi-sheer. You won’t get as much view-through, though.
- Semi-opaque. For even greater privacy with enough light to brighten the room some, select semi-opaque fabrics. Note that you won’t have much (if any) view.
- Opaque/room-darkening. These fabrics block almost all light from coming through and provide excellent privacy. If you want natural light, however, you’ll have to open the treatment.
- Blackout. As the name implies, these fabrics block light almost entirely; plus, they provide complete privacy.
What Opacity Is Best for Each Room
Think about your room’s privacy and light needs as you determine opacity of your window fashion. For windows in rooms that will do well with lots of natural light and don’t require much privacy (like a living or family room), go with sheer or semi-sheer fabrics. For rooms that require more privacy and darkness (like bedrooms, bathrooms, or media rooms), select semi-opaque, opaque, or blackout fabrics. Our specialists will be more than happy to show you fabrics in various opacities so you can see them at work for yourself. Call us today!
Various Opacities in West Bloomfield
Windows, Walls & More was established in 1977 and has become the leader in window treatments and window treatment motorization, as well as wallpaper, interior design and more. With a beautiful Hunter Douglas Gallery showroom in West Bloomfield, Windows, Walls & More serves West Bloomfield and the surrounding areas, including Franklin, Livonia, Birmingham, Farmington Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Commerce Township, Northville and Novi. Stop by our Hunter Douglas Gallery to see our many functional window covering displays. For more information, or to schedule your free in-store consultation, give us a call today at 248-661-3840.
