Light filtering curtains may help you sleep better by blocking ambient light at night and preventing the early morning sun from waking you before your alarm clock does. But what level of light filtering curtains should you choose for each room of your home? Let’s explore how and where to use five types of light filtering curtains to create the perfect environment, match your home décor, and keep your window treatments on-trend.

Level 1: Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains only block 10 to 49.9% of the light coming into your room. On the lighter end of this spectrum, these curtains let nearly all the sunlight stream into your home. They can help reduce glare. They are best layered with heavier light filtering curtains if you want the flexibility of also darkening a room or increasing privacy at certain times of the day. These curtains add a bright, cheery look to family spaces such as kitchens and dining rooms. Pros:

• Light, airy, and fashionable
• Allow the sunshine to stream in
• Offer natural light to reduce heating and electric bills
• May reduce sun glare
• Allow you to see out windows easily

Cons:

• Does not offer privacy
• Work best layered with light-blocking curtains

Level 2 – Semi-sheer Curtains

One step up from sheer curtains, semi-sheer curtains provide a bit of privacy and illuminate a room with filtered light. Also best for family spaces such as the kitchen or dining room, sheer curtains can make a room look larger and offer a light, airy feel in any space. Semi-sheer curtains block 50% to 74.9% of light coming into a room. You can find semi-sheer curtains with printed patterns or in solid colors to match any décor. Pros:

• Let filtered light into a room
• Offer some privacy by masking shapes inside
• Lightweight design perfect to make a room look bigger

Cons:

• Do not darken a room completely
• May not be able to see clearly out the window

Level 3 – Room Darkening Curtains

Room darkening curtains are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials to block 75% to 94.9% of light. Thanks to a special backing, these curtains block a moderate amount of light, making them perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, and TV or gaming rooms where you are not looking to create pitch-dark conditions. Pros:

• Block most of the light coming into a room
• Lighter weight than blackout curtains
• Offers privacy
• Can pair with sheers for flexibility and style

Cons:

• May not block all ambient light
• Cannot see out the window with curtains closed

Level 4 – Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains block 95% to 98.9% of all light coming into a room, whether that’s from streetlamps, headlights on passing cars, or the mid-day sun. Blackout curtains significantly darken a room, making them perfect for home theaters, family media rooms, and bedrooms. Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, blackout curtains tend to be a heavier weight and can add a feeling of luxury and comfort to a room. Some blackout curtains also have insulating properties to keep cold air and wind out during the winter and keep air-conditioned air inside during the summer months. Pros:

• Blocks most light to help you sleep
• Darkens a room for gaming or TV viewing
• Available in a variety of colors and patterns to match any décor
• Offers privacy

Cons:

• Cannot see out the windows without opening curtains
• It May be a heavier weight, making rooms feel smaller
• Does not block 100% of light

Level 5 – Hotel Blackout Curtains

Offering the highest level of light blocking, hotel blackout curtains prevent the transfer of 99% to 100% of light in a room. These heavy, luxurious curtains may be best for nurseries, pro-level home theaters where you want to achieve the maximum level of darkness for movie viewing and gaming, and in the bedrooms of light sleepers. These curtains may also have insulating properties to help reduce home heating and cooling costs and may also dampen sound to a degree, create a cozy, quiet environment for sleeping or just relaxing. Pros:

• Blocks nearly all light
• Ideal for high-end home theaters and media rooms
• Comfortable and luxurious
• Can contribute to good sleep habits
• Offers maximum privacy
• Found in luxury hotels

Cons:

• May be too heavy to match spring and summer décor
• Cannot see out windows with curtains closed

Which type of light filtering curtains would you like to create the perfect environment in your home? Shop Half Price Drapes for the latest styles and the best deals.