Hunter Douglas is a leading brand in the window treatment industry, providing a wide range of products to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home while also serving practical purposes. When it comes to window treatments that offer light control, two popular options are room darkening and blackout shades. While these two types of shades may sound similar, they differ in terms of light control and functionality. In this blog, we will explore the difference between Hunter Douglas Room Darkening and Blackout shades, to help you make an informed decision when choosing window treatments for your home.
While every Hunter Douglas product allows some measure of light control, some products offer more room-darkening benefits than others. A key consideration is fabric or material type and color. Sheer fabrics typically soften and filter sunlight, providing light-dimming options. Semi-opaque and opaque fabrics block light, but do not completely eliminate it.
Fabrics and materials designated as semi-opaque or higher will offer room-darkening benefits. Keep in mind that while these fabrics and materials darken a room, they will not entirely eliminate light.
We cannot guarantee blackout capabilities because the product, application, location and mount type will affect this. However, to reduce light gaps, we recommend outside mount products, except for Duette LightLock™. The LightLock system features patent-pending light control technology that absorbs light, preventing it from entering the room, and it is our only product that can provide true blackout when measured, ordered and installed correctly.
Room Darkening Shades
Hunter Douglas Room Darkening shades are designed to reduce the amount of natural light that enters a room, making them an excellent option for those who prefer to sleep in a dark environment. These shades offer some degree of light control, blocking out most of the sunlight, but they do not completely eliminate it. Room Darkening shades are ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms where you want to reduce the amount of light but still maintain some visibility.
Hunter Douglas Room Darkening shades come in a variety of materials, including woven fabrics, cellular fabrics, and roller shades. These shades are available in different styles and colors, allowing you to customize them to match your home decor. With Hunter Douglas Room Darkening shades, you can enjoy the benefits of light control while maintaining some visibility.
Blackout Shades
Hunter Douglas Blackout shades are designed to block out as much natural light as possible, making them an excellent option for those who need complete darkness to sleep or those who work night shifts. Blackout shades provide maximum light control, completely blocking out sunlight, and other sources of light. These shades are ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, home theaters, and any other space where you need complete darkness.
Hunter Douglas Blackout shades are available in a range of materials, including woven fabrics, cellular fabrics, and roller shades. These shades come with light-blocking features, such as side channels and headrails, to ensure complete darkness. With Hunter Douglas Blackout shades, you can enjoy the benefits of complete darkness and restful sleep.
The Difference
The main difference between Hunter Douglas Room Darkening and Blackout shades is the level of light control they provide. Room Darkening shades offer some degree of light control, blocking out most of the sunlight, but still allowing some visibility. Blackout shades provide maximum light control, completely blocking out all sources of light, and ensuring complete darkness. Therefore, if you need complete darkness to sleep, Hunter Douglas Blackout shades are the best option for you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right window treatments can significantly impact the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home. Hunter Douglas Room Darkening and Blackout shades are two excellent options that offer different levels of light control. If you want to reduce the amount of natural light that enters your room, Hunter Douglas Room Darkening shades are a great choice. However, if you need complete darkness to sleep or work, Hunter Douglas Blackout shades are the best option. At the end of the day, the choice comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Nuance offers free in-home consultation to help you select the best option for your space. Give us a call or schedule your free appointment with a Nuance Hunter Douglas professional today.