by Robert Ikhtiari
When we think of window treatments such as curtains, window blinds and shades, we are usually thinking about their decorative value and the privacy they can afford us. But what about their room darkening value? Most curtains and drapes will give you the privacy you seek and they may even have some light-cutting properties but if you work nights and sleep days, the need for room darkening shades takes on a whole new meaning.
Oh for some honest lover’s ghost,
Some kind unbodied post
Sent from the shades below!
I strangely long to know
Whether the nobler chaplets wear
Those that their mistress’ scorn did bear,
Or those that were used kindly.
—Sir John Suckling (1609–1642)
What is the difference between the normal light blocking value that is provided by regular window treatments and room darkening shades? Room darkening shades have up to 99% darkening properties which the others do not. You may be familiar with such distinctive styles as room darkening roman shades and cellular shades.
Cellular shades are better known as "honeycomb" window blinds. These are typically thought of as window shades that increase energy efficiency by enhancing insulation and come in single, double and triple layers. The room darkening cellular shades are thicker and provide the maximum light blocking. They come in a variety of colors and six pleat sizes, which can block the light while saving energy.
Follow a shaddow, it still flies you;
Seeme to flye it, it will pursue:
So court a mistris, shee denyes you;
Let her alone, shee will court you.
Say, are not women truely, then,
Stil’d but the shaddowes of us men?
At morne, and even, shades are longest;
At noone, they are or short, or none:
So men at weakest, they are strongest,
But grant us perfect, they’re not knowne.
Say, are not women truely, then,
Stil’d but the shaddowes of us men?
—Ben Jonson (1572–1637)
Light blocking roman shades offer a classy look for your home while blocking the light. Known as "fabric shades", they are made of a thick materials that can block out 99% of the sunlight. Light blocking roman shades are a versatile choice since they can block out the sun, offer you privacy and still be very decorative. You can choose from hobbled folds or flat folds to decorate your windows. Add a lining and achieve 100% light blocking with a roman shade.
If you are looking for a good night's sleep consider these light blocking shades and don't forget: you can save money on these and all your window treatments by purchasing on-line. Robert Ikhtiari is the purveyor of "bobtheblindguy.com: A Window Treatment Blog" at which he discusses all things Window Treatments, including; tips and advice. Visit him today at bobtheblindguy.com