Best Room Darkening Window Treatments for Summer
Summer nights bring longer daylight hours, and if the sun won't set before your bedtime, getting quality sleep can be a challenge. If this situation sounds familiar, Barrington Draperies and Shutters can help you find room-darkening solutions for every room in your home.
Keep reading to learn the differences between blackout and room-darkening solutions, how to darken a room, and the best ways to blacken a room for sleeping.
Blackout vs. Room Darkening Solutions
As you consider window treatments and how dark or private you want your home to be, the difference between blackout and room-darkening treatments becomes more important. Blackout window treatments use fabrics with an exceptionally tight weave to absorb and/or reflect incoming light. However, the best ways to blackout a room for sleeping involve eliminating all potential points of light, which means eliminating cord holes on blinds and making sure shades lock securely into place.
Room-darkening solutions use similarly tightly woven fabrics that block 60%-95% of incoming light. These fabrics are not color-dependent, so you can choose light solids, dark solids, or patterned materials. However, darker colors do naturally absorb more light, even if they don't have a tight weave.
How to Darken a Room
The best way to darken a room is with layering. Layering lets you better control the light, so you can keep a quiet, dark living room most of the time, while still letting in natural light when the occasion arises.
You can do this by:
- Selecting blinds, shutters, or sheer shades with slats or louvers that adjust quickly.
- Choosing dual shades, so you can have both a light-filtering and room-darkening fabric that operates independently.
- Opting for motorized window treatments so you can schedule darkening roller shades, louvers on vinyl shutters, and blind slats to precise positions throughout the day.
- Adding a drapery layer or two. For blinds or shutters, consider adding a sheer layer that filters light and a room-darkening layer for when you want your space to be dim and quiet. For shades, consider a room-darkening drapery layer.
Best Ways to Blackout Windows for Sleeping
Our top recommendation for blackout conditions is Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades with LightLock™, which uses U-shaped channels that blend into the window frame to block all light. With room-darkening fabric that absorbs or reflects all light, the room will be completely dark. They also insulate the window, trapping heat and blocking sound, so your room is quiet and comfortable.
Our other suggestions include Silhouette® Sheer Shades, Designer Screen Shades, and Vignette® Roman Shades, complete with drapery.
Contact Us for Room Darkening Solutions near Barrington, IL
Get the good night's sleep you need to feel your best. Restore your sleep with room-darkening solutions from Barrington Draperies and Shutters that complement your home and keep your bedroom calm and comfortable. We carry Hunter Douglas window treatments, including room-darkening roller shades and cellular shades, the best options for blocking light while you sleep, as well as blinds, shutters, and drapery. We also carry custom bedding and offer upholstery services.
Request a consultation by calling (847) 382-7111 or completing our contact form. We proudly serve Barrington, Palatine, Kildeer, IL, and the Northwest Chicagoland area.