How to Choose Vertical Blinds You Can See Through but Not In

Light-filtering blinds opacity

When it comes to home decor, window treatments are often overlooked. However, these functional and stylish additions are a crucial element of any well-designed room. Not only the window treatments add a finishing touch, but also provide privacy and light control to any space. With so many different types of window treatments available, it's easy to find the perfect match for your home's unique style and needs.

But how to choose the right window treatments for your windows? Here are 4 levels of light filtration of our sliding panel track blinds (depends on the way in which fabrics has been woven) to inspire you.

Privacy Level of GoDear Design Vertical Blinds

Privacy is an essential element of any home. Whether you're looking to block out unwanted prying eyes from the street or just need a little extra seclusion while relaxing, the right window treatment can give the privacy you need. And you may wonder the opacity of each vertical blinds because there are so many types to choose from.

The pattern woven and amount of layer of GoDear Design panels will decide which privacy level they are classified. When having the same pattern and number of layers (for privacy 1-2), dark-colored fabric normally owns less privacy than the light-colored. Actual appearance of each panel may vary slightly (see chart below).

blinds opacity comparison chart

Semi-Sheer Blinds Provide Least Privacy (Level 1-2)

Semi-sheer blinds are loosely woven to allow some light to stream through and provide least privacy with a view out of window. Besides different colors may impact how clear we see (see photos below), the amount of visibility also depends on the lighting conditions both inside and outside the room. If it's brighter inside than outside, it may be easier for someone outdoors to see in. On the other hand, the view from outside will likely be more obscured if it's darker inside.

Zebra semi-sheer
Light-colored semi-sheer blinds

Chess pattern blinds
Dark-colored semi-sheer blinds

Generally, you can see out during daytime and will be peeked in easily from outside at night. Not only the lighting conditions, but the weaving density of the fabrics will also decide how much people peek in your house. If you're looking for a way to let in natural light in while still maintaining a little privacy, light-colored semi-sheer blinds can be a great choice.

Light Filtering Blinds Provide Privacy (Level 3)

Light filtering blinds are generally designed to let natural light into your home. They provide some level of concealment in the daytime and less privacy at night. If the lighting inside the room is brighter than outdoor lighting, the single-layered plain weave fabric without non-woven backing may be much easier for someone outside to see silhouettes indoors than the double-layered one with backing. Light filtering blinds normally offer a much higher level of privacy than semi-sheer blinds.

Light-filtering fabric
Single-layered light filtering fabric, front and back side share the same look
Double-layered light-filtering fabric
Double-layered light filtering fabric, the appearance of two sides are different

Room Darkening Blinds Provide More Privacy (Level 3)

The room darkening blinds are made from pleated paper fabric with non-woven backing  that can block out most of light and provide a certain level of privacy (see photo below). Passerby will likely only be able to see faint shadows when the lighting inside the room is brighter than outside. However, in most cases, room darkening blinds provide complete privacy from the outside.

Room darkening blinds opacity

Blackout Blinds Provide Completely Privacy (Level 4)

GoDear Design blackout blinds are an ideal choice for you to block most direct views and keep prying glances out through the 3-layered blackout fabric.

This collection offers two fabric options:

The natural woven blackout panels feature a triple-layer construction, combining natural woven fabrics, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, and polyester backing (see image below). These layers create a flat, opaque, and durable material that eliminates 99.9% of outside light.

In contrast, the pleated paper fabrics with thermal and non-woven backing (see image below) also block up to 99.9% of sunlight, while offering enhanced thermal regulation. This means you’ll experience the comfort of a warm winter and cool summer with these panels, creating an ideal atmosphere year-round.

Optimize Light Control

Window treatments can help controlling how much light that enters your living space. Choose the right one so you can easily adjust lighting to ensure a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Semi-Sheer Blinds

Semi-Sheer blinds are not designed to provide privacy. They let lots of natural light stream through the room while still offering a bit of privacy with a view out of window. With the high transparency, using semi-sheer blinds can keep the room well-ventilated and brightened. They are perfect for the window in the study.

Zebra semi blinds

Light Filtering Blinds

Light filtering blinds offer a higher level of light filtration while comfortably maintaining the privacy compared to semi-sheer blinds. These window blinds allow just the right amount of sunlight shine through the windows without compromising on privacy.

Classic vertical blinds
Single-layered light filtering blinds
Pleated light-filtering blinds
Double-layered light filtering blinds

Room Darkening Blinds

Room darkening blinds access the perfect balance between privacy and light filtration. These kinds of window blinds keep out sunlight during the daytime hours and exterior lights at night, whether you need to concentrate or simply want an afternoon nap or evening snooze.

Room darkening blinds

Blackout Blinds

Blackout blinds can block up to 99.99% of the light, maintaining pleasant temperatures and reduce energy costs all year round. Alongside beating the heat and light in summer, blackout blinds can help reduce the amount of warmth lost through your windows during the winter. Also, they can protect furniture and floors from sun damage and fading while banishing the unwanted sunlight and external lights to keep your home shaded.

Though blackout fabrics can block out most light from outside, they will not create 100% blackout blinds. There will still have some light leakage around the edges between each panel. Overall, blackout blinds are the best option when you need complete peace and comfort during sleep.

Multilayer blackout blinds

Product Comparison Chart

Blinds comparison chart

Other Reasons Why We Need Window Coverings

Window treatments are an essential component of any home decor. They serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose, providing privacy, light control, and style to any living or working space.

Reduce Energy Costs

Using window treatments can help improve your home's energy efficiency. By reducing the amount of heat gain or loss through the windows, you can lower the energy bills and reduce the carbon footprint.

Style the Windows

Window treatments come in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home decor. Whether you prefer a classic look or a modern design, there's a window treatment that will complement your style and enhance the overall aesthetic of the living space.

Classic summer blinds

Window treatments always take on an important role in interior design. Besides common types like drapes or curtains, vertical panel blinds can also make a soft and natural look to each window in your home with a hint of enchantment.

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