The shades you choose do more than just cover your windows, they shape how every room feels and functions. The main difference between blackout and light filtering shades comes down to how much light they allow in and how much privacy they provide.
- Blackout shades block about 99–100% of incoming light, creating near-total darkness and full-time privacy, ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms and bathrooms.
- Light filtering shades let roughly 15–25% of natural light pass through. They soften harsh glare and fill your space with a gentle, welcoming glow while still offering daytime privacy.
Once you understand how each style handles light, privacy and energy efficiency, it becomes much easier to pick the right shade for every room. At SelectBlinds, you can customize both types to match your space, your lifestyle and your style.
Blackout Shades: For Total Darkness and Maximum Privacy
Blackout shades are designed to keep light out, plain and simple.
They use dense, tightly woven fabrics or coated materials that stop light from shining through, making them perfect when you need:
- Complete darkness for sleep (great for light-sensitive sleepers and shift workers)
- Glare-free viewing in media rooms and home theaters
- Full privacy in bathrooms and street-facing bedrooms
Key Benefits of Blackout Shades
- Better sleep: They block light from streetlamps, early sunrises and car headlights.
- True privacy, day and night: You’re never visible from outside.
- Extra insulation: The heavier construction helps trap air and reduce heat transfer, supporting more stable indoor temperatures.
The tradeoff? When blackout shades are closed, you’ll need artificial light during the day. For rooms where darkness is a priority, though, they’re hard to beat. Currently, only our No-Drill Cordless Complete Blackout Cellulars are the only shades that block 100% of light.
Light Filtering Shades: For Soft, Natural Light
Light filtering shades are all about balance—keeping your space bright while softening harsh sunlight.
They’re made from sheer or semi-opaque fabrics that diffuse light, softening glare and creating a warm, lived-in glow.
Best Uses for Light Filtering Shades
- Living rooms – spaces that feel best with soft, natural daylight. Shop Traditional Room Darkening Dual Shade today, classic style, modern control.
- Kitchens – bright spaces that benefit from softened, more comfortable daylight. Add Elevated Coastal Woven Wood Shades to cart, handwoven shades that bring warmth and serenity home.
- Home offices – workspaces where reduced glare helps keep screens clear and comfortable.
- Dining rooms – spaces that feel best with gentle, even daylight throughout the day.
What They Offer
- A soft, natural glow that replaces harsh, direct sunlight
- Daytime privacy when outdoor light is brighter than indoor light
At night, with lights on, silhouettes can be visible, so they’re not ideal as a standalone solution for bathrooms or bedrooms unless you layer them with other treatments (like drapes).
Light Control: Total Darkness vs Soft Glow
Here’s how they stack up side-by-side:
| Feature | Blackout Shades | Light Filtering Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Light Blocked | 99–100% | ~15–25% passes through |
| Room Atmosphere | Dark, cocoon-like | Bright, soft and airy |
| Best For | Sleep, media, full privacy | Daytime comfort & ambiance |
| UV Protection | Excellent (99%+ UV block) | Good (typically 70–85% UV block) |
Think in terms of function:
- Want to sleep any time of day or completely darken the room? → Blackout
- Want a light, welcoming feel without harsh sun? → Light filtering
Privacy: 24/7 vs Daytime-Only
Privacy needs vary from room to room.
Blackout Shades
- Offer full privacy whether it’s day or night
- Ideal for:
- Bedrooms: Create a cozy, comfortable space with soft room darkening, order Casual Room Darkening Roller Shades today.
- Nurseries
- Bathrooms: where complete privacy and moisture-friendly materials matter, with 2″ SelectWave Cordless Faux Wood Blinds offering a durable, clean look.
- Street-facing windows where you never want to feel “on display”
Light Filtering Shades
- Provide daytime privacy, great when it’s brighter outside than inside
- At night, with lights on, movement and outlines can be seen from outside
- Ideal for:
- Living rooms- spaces that feel best with soft, natural daylight and easy light control throughout the day.
- Kitchens: a bright, relaxed atmosphere with Country Cottage Roman Shades softening light without adding visual clutter.
- Home offices- soft daylight that reduces glare and keeps screens easy to see during focused work.
- Dining rooms- an easy, comfortable daytime mood with Natural Cordless Woven Wood Shades bringing warmth and gentle, filtered light.
Ask yourself for each room:
- Do I need privacy at night, or just during the day?
- Is this room street-facing or visible to neighbors?
- Will I sleep, change or bathe here?
Your answers will naturally point you toward blackout or light filtering.
in Natural Wicker
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Energy Efficiency & Insulation
Both shade types help with energy efficiency, but blackout shades usually win on insulation. Let in light from the top while keeping privacy below, order Cordless Blackout Top Down Bottom Up Shades today.
Blackout Shades
- Use thicker, often multi-layered fabrics or cellular (honeycomb) designs. Create a peaceful, dark space for rest and relaxation, order Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades today.
- Help:
- Keep heat in during winter
- Keep heat out during summer
- Can reduce energy loss and support more consistent indoor temperatures
They’re a good match for large windows, older homes or rooms that tend to run warm or drafty.
Light Filtering Shades
- Still add some insulation and block a good portion of UV rays
- Help reduce glare and heat during peak sun hours. Cordless safety + cellular insulation = smart everyday comfort. Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades, shop today.
- Great for rooms where you want a comfortable but still naturally lit environment
If you’re heavily focused on lowering energy bills or dealing with large, drafty windows, blackout (especially blackout cellular) is the stronger option. Let in light from above while keeping privacy below, order Cordless Light Filtering Top Down Bottom Up Shades today.
Where Each Shade Type Works Best
Choose Blackout Shades For:
- Bedrooms – better sleep, better rest
- Nurseries – naps on your schedule, not the sun’s
- Media rooms – no glare on TVs or projectors
- Bathrooms – full privacy + moisture-friendly materials
Choose Light Filtering Shades For:
- Kitchens – bright yet comfortable
- Living rooms – soft daylight and a relaxed atmosphere
- Home offices – natural light that won’t fight your screens
- Dining rooms – daytime ambiance without harsh shadows
Need flexibility in the same window? Hybrid styles like zebra shades, or day/night cellular shades give you both light filtering and blackout options in one system.
Style & Material Options at SelectBlinds
At SelectBlinds, you can find both blackout and light filtering shades in a wide variety of:
- Fabrics: smooth, textured, woven, sheer, or structured
- Colors: crisp whites, soft neutrals, warm tones and deeper hues
- Styles: cellular, roller, Roman, zebra, and more
You can also choose features like:
- Cordless operation for a clean, child-safe setup
- Motorized control for smart-home convenience
- No-drill installation for renters or anyone avoiding drilling into frames or walls
Everything is custom-sized for your windows, so you get a snug, polished fit that looks built-in.
Why Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades Are Perfect for Bathrooms
Bathrooms need privacy, durability and easy care. Casual Cordless Blackout Cellulars are a smart choice for bathrooms because they offer:
- Complete privacy at all times
- Cordless safety and a clean, minimal look
- Insulation to keep the space more comfortable
- Moisture-resistant materials (in suitable product lines) that handle humidity
They’re functional, low-maintenance and help the room feel calm and comfortable.
Price & Value: Where Each Shade Type Makes Sense
Blackout shades typically cost a bit more than light filtering due to heavier fabrics and construction, but they also deliver more in the way of privacy, sleep support and energy savings.
| Feature | Blackout Shades | Light Filtering Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
| Privacy | Maximum, day & night | Daytime privacy only |
| Energy Efficiency | Excellent | Good |
| Light Control | 99–100% blocked | Gentle, filtered light |
| Best Value For | Bedrooms, baths, nurseries | Living areas, kitchens, offices |
Many homeowners mix both types throughout the house, investing in blackout where it matters most, and using light filtering where natural light is the priority.
Choosing the Right Mix for Your Home
Most homes work best with a blend rather than choosing only blackout or only light filtering.
- List each room and how you use it (sleeping, working, relaxing, bathing).
- Decide what matters most in each: darkness, privacy, light, or energy savings.
- Match the shade type to that need: blackout, light filtering, or a hybrid solution.
Blackout shades for bedrooms and baths, light filtering for living spaces and work areas, and dual-function shades for flexible rooms is a smart, balanced strategy.
FAQ
What’s the main difference between blackout and light filtering shades?
Blackout shades block nearly all light for total darkness and privacy. Light filtering shades soften sunlight, let some light in and offer daytime privacy.
Which rooms should get blackout shades?
Bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms and bathrooms, anywhere darkness and privacy are crucial.
Do blackout shades offer more privacy?
Yes. They provide full privacy during day and night. Light filtering shades mostly offer daytime privacy.
Can I get cordless or motorized versions of both?
Absolutely. Both blackout and light filtering shades are available in cordless and motorized options.
Can I combine both types on one window?
Yes—day/night cellular shades, dual roller systems or layered shades allow you to switch between blackout and light filtering in a single window.
Conclusion
Blackout shades and Light filtering shades each do a different job—and both do it well when used in the right space. Blackout shades are your go-to when sleep, privacy and deep light control matter most. Light filtering shades are perfect when you want soft, comfortable daylight and a bright, welcoming atmosphere. From modern neutrals to textured fabrics, buy Subtle Day & Night Roman Shades now.
By matching each shade type to the way you use each room, you create a home that feels more comfortable, more functional and more you. And with SelectBlinds’ custom sizing, cordless and motorized options, and wide range of colors and styles, it’s easy to build a mix of blackout and light filtering shades that works beautifully across your entire home.
