CHOOSING THE RIGHT BLIND FABRICS
Choosing blind fabrics can be confusing at the best of times. There are thousands of options available with different levels of opacity.
We’ve encountered many clients over the years who need a little extra help identifying the right type of fabric for their roller blinds. To help, we’ve broken down blind fabrics into three categories: Opaque/blockout, translucent and screen/sheer.
Opaque/Blockout Blind Fabrics
A blockout or opaque fabric will allow no light to pass through at all. They are the best type of blind for privacy at all times of day, thermal control and light control. However, a blockout blind is an ‘all or nothing’ solution, meaning in order to allow light in, you must also sacrifice privacy and other protections while the blind is up. We recommend teaming blockout blinds with sheer/screen blinds or sheer curtains for added functionality.
Light control ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Glare & UV reduction ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thermal control ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Daytime Privacy ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nighttime Privacy ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Viewthrough ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Translucent Blind Fabrics
Contrary to popular opinion, you cannot see through a translucent fabric. These fabrics are tightly woven but have no blockout backing, meaning light can pass through while giving full privacy. If you’re a light sleeper, translucent blinds are probably not ideal on your bedroom windows as outside lights can still be seen.
Light control ⭐️⭐️
Glare & UV reduction ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thermal control ⭐️⭐️
Daytime Privacy ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nighttime Privacy ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Viewthrough ⭐️
Screen/Sheer Blind Fabrics
Screen blind fabrics have an open weave, allowing you to see the view outside, while maintaining daytime privacy in your home. Screen fabrics also allow natural light to enter the home but still offer some protection against glare and UV. Beware: screen and sheer fabrics offer no privacy at night, giving passers-by a clear view into your home. For this reason, we recommend teaming screen blinds with a blockout treatment such as curtains or a blockout roller blind. This will also ensure your home is well-insulated.
Light control ⭐️
Glare & UV reduction ⭐️⭐️
Thermal control ⭐️
Daytime Privacy ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nighttime Privacy ⭐️
Viewthrough ⭐️⭐️⭐️