{"id":9321,"date":"2023-05-08T01:00:46","date_gmt":"2023-05-08T09:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.blindsgalore.com\/blog\/?p=9321"},"modified":"2026-03-22T11:10:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T19:10:47","slug":"hello-sunshine-goodbye-glare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blindsgalore.com\/blog\/index.php\/beyond-basics\/hello-sunshine-goodbye-glare\/","title":{"rendered":"Hello Sunshine, Goodbye Glare – Openness vs. Opacity"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the sun rises high in the sky and before the scorching rays reach your windows in full blast mode, now is the time to make those changes in your Window Treatments that you swore you would do last August. Don’t forget that your bedroom is also angry at those streetlights at night that disturb peaceful sleep. I know our promises are so easily broken and forgotten, but I have a quick refresher course to help you through this maze. So many of you ask me what is the difference between all those terms relating to openness and opacity, Room Darkening and Light Filtering. Yes, there are a lot of factors to consider when light control is at the top of your list when choosing Window Coverings. Even though I love the sun streaming in the windows, brightening my home and energizing my spirit, particular windows do have special needs and unique solutions. Here is a simple way to break down these terms to solve light control.<\/p>\n

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Source: Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Openness<\/h2>\n

First, let’s get a major confusion out of the way. The term “openness” only refers to Solar Screen fabric; therefore, only Solar Screen Window Treatments<\/a> come in variable levels of openness. If your home is severely sunstruck with large windows<\/a>, patio doors<\/a>, skylights<\/a> or bare windows, and you need to cool down your room, cut glare and protect your furniture and floors, Solar Screens are an obvious choice. You can select different “openness” levels, depending on how much view, therefore light, you desire. Openness refers to how much light is allowed through the fabric. A smaller openness percentage, 3%- 5%, means less light comes in which equals a darker room, which equals less view. A higher percentage of openness, 5%-20%, will give your room more light, more view. I usually recommend a 5% openness for those who want to see out, but reduce the heat and glare of the sun. To obtain even more sun with light screening, choose a 10-14% openness factor. Also, note that a plain weave fabric in a darker color will give you a better view than busy patterns which create more obstruction. Lighter colors in a plain weave will reflect the light and add some brightness to the room, as darker, plain weave fabrics will absorb some light, creating a slightly darker room. Remember that there is no perfect solution as there is a give and take with view\/light and coolness\/protection. You need to decide which balance works for you. Caution: Solar Shades DO NOT provide privacy at night, so you will need an additional window treatment if you don’t like nosey neighbors.<\/p>\n

Here is an easy visual to clarify openness.<\/p>\n

\"opennessguide\"<\/a><\/center>Solar Window Treatments are sleek and minimal but can do the important job in regulating light and temperature levels. Since I live in sunny Southern California, Solars are perfect for me, but are modern, versatile and stylish anywhere.<\/p>\n
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