Diffusing or filtering daylight isn’t always enough – some solar control situations call for substantially blocking light from a room. Bedrooms, for example, may need to shut out light to allow for comfortable sleep. Media rooms may need to be darkened to enjoy movies. Window treatments designed to darken rooms are often referred to generically as “blackout” shades. Manufacturers of window treatment systems and fabrics classify them as “room darkening,” “blackout” or “light-tight” shades based on the amount of light they block.

Room Darkening Shades

Room darkening shades can substantially reduce the amount of sunlight or exterior light in a room or interior space, but they do not offer the level of light blocking of either blackout or light-tight shades. Manufacturers often use these term “room darkening”s to indicate greater light filtering capability than a semi-opaque material, but there are no precise standards for what constitutes a room darkening shade. The degree of openness of the fabric and its weave determine how much light is blocked. We have more than 50 different types of room darkening fabrics to choose from, and we can help clients select the perfect type for the degree of darkening they want, based on location, amount of exterior light and other factors. Of course these choices can be viewed online, and we are available via telephone to advise clients on fabric selection. We can also mail fabric samples, so clients can see the various styles that will meet their needs, and make the right choice for their sense of style and the location’s decor.

Blockout Shades

Blockout shades and window treatments can block up to 99 percent of visible light from entering a room. With their ability to stop light from penetrating the treatment’s fabric, blackout shades are ideal for bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms. Some shades, such as cellulars and Romans, are made from a blockout material, while other fabrics or materials, such as woven wood shades, require an attached blackout liner. The blockout property of a window covering applies only to light striking the shade itself; a halo of light will seep in around the edges of the window treatment. A drapery or side panel, and a fascia over the roller can help cover up this light seepage. For maximum effectiveness, aluminum extrusion side channels can be mounted around the blackout window treatment.

As the leading supplier of shading control systems in the New York metropolitan area, we offer window blockout shades in a wide selection styles from leading manufacturers, so our solutions can meet your design needs in addition to blocking light. We even have options for sliding windows and skylights.

Light-Tight Shades

While blockout shades can block up to 99 percent of exterior light, they cannot block all of it, as light can seep around the edges of the window treatment. When absolute darkness is required – or desired – only a light-tight shade will do. Light-tight roller shades use side channels to snugly hold the fabric and seal the edges, preventing any light seepage. Thus, a light-tight shade installation will have hardware that is visible even when the shade is retracted. But functional doesn’t have to mean dull anymore.

We have an unmatched selection of light-tight designs, fabrics and sizes of shades and window treatments that block out 100 percent of even the strongest sunlight. These systems can be installed in conjunction with other shading solutions for maximum flexibility. We welcome the opportunity to show prospective clients a portfolio of light-tight shading system installations in high end commercial and residential properties throughout the New York Tri-State area.