How to choose roller blinds based on light transmission: tips

We will give professional recommendations so that you can choose the best option based on the problems that need to be solved. We will provide assistance in selecting a roller blind model based on such criteria as light transmittance in percentage units.

To make the right choice, first determine the parameters of the room where you want to install roller blinds, such as light and humidity. So, if you need a product that has high light transmittance, it is recommended to give preference to ordinary curtains, which have high light dispersion rates. To achieve darkness, but to ensure that the material itself is transparent, it is advisable to choose light-absorbing products that can retain 80% of the sun's rays. And to achieve complete darkness, black-out curtains are an excellent option.

What are blackout curtains called?

Classic Blackout curtains imply the use of light-proof

materials for ordinary types
of curtains
. They fit almost any interior design.

Interesting materials:

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Opaque curtains Blackout (total blackout)

Roller blinds are made from a special material that ensures complete opacity. In combination with a special system, a tight fit to the window is achieved, due to which the room will be completely darkened.

Roller blinds of this type perfectly reflect heat, so even in the heat of summer, the desired coolness will be maintained in the room. In winter, blackout curtains will maintain a comfortable temperature in an apartment or private house.

Using blackout curtains helps you fall asleep when it is light outside, but if they are closed, you can sleep for a very long time because the room will be dark.

Adjustable curtains "Day-Night"

This version of curtains is also called “zebra”. The peculiarity is that the canvas has two layers: light and dark. Regulation of room illumination is achieved by moving the canvas.

To make the room light, you need to move the canvas so that the light stripes are opposite one another. When transparent strips are covered with dense strips, the illumination of the room decreases. Thanks to the use of such a modern design, it is possible to provide protection from bright sunlight and achieve the required privacy.

Children's room

The disadvantage of traditional fabric curtains in the nursery is the long ends, which, with restless inhabitants, sometimes even lead to the breakage of the cornice and other unpleasant consequences. They also collect dust.

Roller curtains do not have such disadvantages. Dirt-repellent impregnation reliably guards cleanliness. In addition, antistatic and even antibacterial impregnations are used for roller blinds. They also make it easy to adjust the light mode.

For the nursery they choose a bright, positive palette that lifts the mood. It is recommended to avoid color dissonance: excessive diversity is tiring. It is better to choose a curtain color that matches the shade of the wallpaper.

You shouldn’t settle for blue or red: the first can cause a depressive mood, the second – aggression. Green, yellow, pink, blue tones, geometric or floral patterns are desirable. Children like curtains with cartoon characters, pets, and their own photographs. Now it is possible to order a roll of canvas with a self-selected image that will please the child.

Types of blackout curtains

Both classic and modern types of curtains cope with the task of providing light protection.

• Classic. Products with vertical folds. The most popular curtains. They can be secured with loops or fabric ties. They can be put on the cornice rod, attached to the latter using a lambrequin frill or plastic (metal) grommet rings.
• Roman or Romanesque. The curtain fabric folds in steps, forming interesting waves on the folds.
• Rolled. The products are wound on a fixed shaft. A special system allows you to open the window to the desired height and regulate the incoming light flow. Roller blinds are often opened electrically.
• Austrian (scalloped) - form horizontal folds. They are lifted using cords secured from the inside.
• French. Looks better on large windows. They represent many narrow festoons assembled vertically. The canvas can be raised to the required height or lowered completely.

• Japanese - smooth canvases with rigid inserts at the top and bottom of the products. They are mixed along the window along a special cornice. Move apart from the center or to one side.
• Blinds – effectively protect from light. Can be made of fabric or other materials. In home interiors, vertical structures are more common than horizontal ones.

Purpose of the room

When choosing curtains, harmony and functionality are important, so the type of room for which the materials are selected is a fundamental factor.

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For larger rooms, you can choose denser textiles, such as jacquard and velvet. They will allow you to make beautiful drapery.

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Bedroom. In this room, the choice of curtains also depends on the overall style of the room and your needs. Modern bedrooms are decorated with discreet but high-quality fabrics - linen, jacquard, cotton.

If the room is on the sunny side, then it is worth purchasing blackout curtains. For the north side, you can choose organza tulle or a light curtain.

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Kitchen. For the kitchen, you should choose practical artificial fabrics, such as a translucent polyester curtain. It will last a long time and will not completely hide the sun. Avoid layering and cleaning will be quick and easy.

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Children's room. Textiles in this room should be natural, breathable, but practical. Linen, cotton with a small admixture of synthetics are suitable. Thanks to this, the curtains will not wrinkle and will also increase their service life.

Light-blocking fabrics

Read about: pleated curtains for plastic windows: deciding on the choice.

High or medium density fabrics do not allow light to pass through. In composition they can be natural, blended or synthetic. Often, to give greater density, the material is placed on a lining.

Depending on the purpose of the room, it is recommended to sew light-protective curtains for windows from the following fabrics.

Living room

• Velvet. Ceremonial, regal material with short and very dense pile on the front surface. Produced from cotton, silk threads and viscose. Creates an interesting play of light and shadow, changing its appearance depending on the viewing angle. Requires careful cutting: in all parts the pile is placed in the same direction. Perfectly protects the room from drafts and sunlight.
• Corduroy is a soft and dense material with large or small rib. Draps well and can withstand complex cuts.

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• Dense silk is one of the most durable natural fabrics, almost does not wrinkle, and forms beautiful folds. The lining adds additional volume and light protection.
• Tapestry is a fabric produced by decorative weaving that contains patterns or ornaments. Good for heavy curtains or woven blinds. Reliably darkens the room.
• Wool, a material obtained from sheep yarn, is rarely found in interiors. Protects not only from light and drafts, but also from street noise.

• Moire is a dense fabric with a spectacular, iridescent sheen. It makes original blinds.
• Brocade is a heavy silk-based material. It uses metal threads to create designs. The pattern resembles luxurious embroidery. Brocade makes magnificent floor-length curtains with numerous folds and flounces. Scraps of thread may protrude on the wrong side, so it is recommended to provide the product with a lining.
• Damascus (damask) is a dense silk fabric of jacquard weave with the inclusion of wool or cotton threads. Forms matte and shiny patterns. Good for blinds and drapes.

• Satin - obtained by special weaving of twisted fibers. The composition may contain silk mixed with cotton or linen. The material has a spectacularly shiny front surface and a matte back. Draps wonderfully and protects well from light.
• Taffeta is a shiny fabric made from acetate and silk. It is somewhat rigid, but retains its shape well. Taffeta makes lush and luxurious curtains.
• Blackout is a synthetic fabric consisting of polyester fibers. A recognized leader among fabrics that do not transmit light. Provides almost 100% light protection. It is processed with two or three layers of acrylic foam and is fire resistant. Three-layer fabrics are used to make roller blinds, two-layer fabrics are used for lining.

Kitchen, dining room

• Canvas is a material with a rough texture for special, brutal dining room interiors. It is durable and cheap. Good for curtains and blinds.
• Cotton with special water- and grease-repellent treatment. Natural material, unfortunately, quickly fades in the sun.
• High density linen. The material is characterized by increased rigidity and holds ironed folds well. Eco-friendly, extremely durable and wear-resistant fabric. May fade in the sun. It wrinkles quickly, but can also be smoothed out well with a hot iron.
• Synthetic fabrics based on polyester and acetate. Elastic, water and fire resistant, characterized by high strength and durability.
• Artificial fabrics are made of viscose. The products are pleasant to the touch, soft, and breathable.

Bedroom

• Cotton – printed or plain-dyed. Light transmission is reduced by thick lining. Not recommended for use on south and south-west windows. Prolonged exposure to the sun causes the material to fade.
• Thick silk.
• Synthetic and artificial fabrics.
• Blackout.

On a note

The light transmittance of curtains is calculated as a percentage. What does it mean, for example, that blackout curtains provide 100% blackout, and dim-out curtains block sunlight from 80%.

Children's

• Cotton with a bright print, lined.
• Synthetic fabrics.
• Viscose.

Degree of transparency

The material for making roller shutters is most often dense fabric. It can be cotton, synthetics or mixed materials. The degree of transparency varies depending on the fabric. Based on this feature, three types of roller shutters are distinguished; they are presented in the table.

Relatively recently, an interesting variety has appeared, with the ability to regulate the degree of illumination of the room. It is called a day/night or zebra roller blind. These are two panels, each of which is assembled from strips of transparent and light-proof fabric. The strips move one relative to the other, either completely darkening the room or allowing access to the sun's rays.

The materials for making roller shutters are impregnated with special compounds, so they repel dirt, do not attract dust, and do not become electrified. The finishing of the panels can be very different. Photo printing has been especially popular lately, which allows you to create very interesting solutions for interior design.

Roller blinds transparent and translucent (darkening from 25 to 50%)

Sheer curtains can be compared to tulle. They do not protect the premises from the penetration of most of the sun, but at the same time the room will be hidden from prying eyes. This option goes well with curtains; they are also suitable for rooms where darkening is not required. As a rule, they are chosen for windows that face the east and southeast sides.

The darkening capabilities of translucent curtains are much higher than those of transparent curtains. They provide light filtering of light. This solution would be optimal for an office.

Permissible percentages

In addition to its beautiful appearance, tinting also has a practical component. In the event of an accident or a stone hitting the glass, it will not shatter into small pieces with the risk of injuring passengers. The film (but not every one) will protect from ultraviolet radiation and direct sunlight. Some films will help reduce the temperature in the cabin by several degrees, and keep you warm in cold weather.

The degree of shading of the tint is measured as a percentage. The lower the number, the darker the film. With a light transmission of 50-100%, it is almost impossible to determine the presence of tint by eye. According to current legislation, you have the right to use 75% of the film or lighter for the windshield, and 70% or more for the front side windows (no one can see it). Therefore, “by law” it makes sense to glue only a transparent athermal film to the front windows, which will at least protect from the sun and heat. It is allowed to place a dark stripe at the top of the windshield, but such tinting is allowed to be placed at a height of no wider than 14 cm.

Tinting films with a low percentage of light transmission not only protect the car from prying eyes, but also significantly impair visibility at night

Rear windows can be tinted at your discretion, only mirror films are not allowed. 5, 10 and 15 percent darkness will not allow you to see anything in the car. At 20-35%, silhouettes can already be distinguished. Please note that it will also be worse to see from the inside (especially at night and with cheap films).

These standards are regulated by GOST 5727-88 and certain conditions are required to verify compliance:

• air temperature from -10 to +35 degrees;
• humidity not higher than 80%;
• taumeter (measuring device) with documents and seal.

Take into account not only the beauty of appearance, but also compliance with the current norms of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
Punishment - 500 rubles until a new law is adopted. Rooms will not be removed for such a violation. Tricks with removable tinting do not exempt you from responsibility. Therefore, if you are caught with dark windows, it doesn’t matter whether the “shooting” is glued all around or only a couple of front windows are glued, you will still have to pay.

Examples of light transmittance percentages of tinting in the photo: 5, 15, 25, 50, 70 and others

15 percent (rear windows)

70 percent

50 percent light transmission

10 percent (rear windows)

5 percent

20 per cent

Chameleon film 77 percent

Roller blinds Alfa Alu (80% darkening)

This curtain model is capable of blocking up to 80% of light rays. This is the best option to protect the premises from the light of street lights or illuminated advertising banners. As a rule, they are used in the kitchen or living room.

When choosing, you need to be very careful, because unscrupulous sellers try to sell them as blackouts, the cost of which is much higher.

Alfa Alu is a high-quality and practical material that does not fade when exposed to sunlight and lends itself well to draping. Thanks to heat and noise insulation, it keeps the room cool and protected from sunlight.

Manufacturers

Light-protective curtains are produced by domestic and foreign companies.

• Master (Russia) produces light-protective roller blinds from fabric canvas and blackout. Photo printing techniques are widely used. Lifting mechanisms made in Holland. The electric drive is equipped with a remote control.
• Velux (Denmark) specializes in the production of skylights and Siesta blackout curtains. Canvases can be used not only in attics, but also in ordinary bedrooms, living rooms or children's rooms. "Siesta" darkens the room 100%. The company's assortment includes 40 colors of this model. The light-proof curtain for the window is made of polyester. It is dirt resistant and easy to maintain. The aluminum coating on the back of the model provides good thermal protection. The simple design can be installed in a few minutes (Pick&Click system).

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• Roto (Germany) produces RotoStandart roller blinds with an aluminum layer that reflects heat and light. The products are mounted on the frame without a gap, which enhances the light-protective properties of the models. The curtains rise smoothly and are fixed in three positions. The canvas is impregnated with a substance that provides resistance to light and ease of maintenance. RotoStandart is made from 3 materials, in 37 different colors.
• The Turkish company Apolena produces light-protective curtains for the living room and bedroom. The collection includes plain products and models with patterns of rich colors, made of 100% polyester.

Light-protective curtains calm you down and give you a long, sound sleep. They create a romantic atmosphere and prevent glare from TVs and monitors. This is the textile item that takes care of our well-being and comfort.

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Curtains that harmoniously fit into the interior of the room

When choosing modern curtains for curtains, you must be guided not only by their purely utilitarian purpose, but also by the aesthetic impact they will have on people.

• Therefore, they should not stand out from the general ensemble and fit harmoniously into the interior of the room. If the room has the simplest furniture, and there is cheap linoleum on the floor, it is hardly worth introducing dissonance into it by installing gilded curtains over the windows.
• It’s a completely different matter, if the room is entirely decorated in a classical style, then magnificent wooden curtains covered with gilding will be just in place.

In order for the windows to look stylish, the curtains should be slightly wider than the windows, fifty or sixty centimeters. This circumstance can be especially important in cases where we are talking about plastic windows.