Natural light can transform a room. While it can lighten and brighten any space, its most important quality is its mood-boosting qualities when you enter a room. Window treatments do more than block sunlight. They are necessary for maintaining privacy in your home and can be a design focal point. The goal is to balance selecting beautiful window treatments that provide enough coverage while also allowing in the most natural light. Here are some window treatment options to maximize the natural light that filters through your home.
Sheer drapery panels
Sheer curtains are one of the best options for maximizing natural light while making the room feel complete. In a neutral hue, a lightweight fabric, such as linen, can allow sunlight to softly fill the room without completely blocking it. Sheer drapery panels work well in living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms where you want a balance of light and privacy. Extending the curtain rod at least one foot beyond the window casing on each side will allow you to open the drapery panels as wide as possible so they don’t obstruct any part of the window.
Tip: Hang sheer drapery high and wide beyond the window frame to create an illusion of larger windows and allow more light to enter.
Cellular shades
Top-down, bottom-up cellular shades provide excellent control over natural light and privacy. You can lower them from the top to let in daylight while keeping the bottom portion closed for privacy. This feature is especially beneficial for bathrooms or ground-level rooms facing busy streets.
Tip: Choose honeycomb or cellular shades in light-filtering fabrics to soften the light and improve energy efficiency.
Solar shades
Solar shades can reduce the glare from the sun while still allowing natural light to enter. They filter out UV rays, protect furniture and flooring from sun damage, and maintain an airy atmosphere.
Tip: Selecting a lighter shade fabric with a high openness percentage (7-10%) can help maintain visibility and brightness.
Light-colored Roman shades
Roman shades add texture and dimension to windows, allowing natural light to brighten the room. Light-colored fabrics in cotton or linen will create an airy feel, and adding a trim border will add an additional design element. Inside-mount Roman shades will offer privacy while also allowing more light to shine through.
Tip: Unlined or lightly lined Roman shades will let in more light.
Cafe curtains
Cafe curtains cover only the lower half of the window, allowing abundant natural light to flow through the top half. They are perfect for kitchens, breakfast nooks, and bathrooms where privacy and plenty of natural light are needed.
Tip: Choose sheer, airy fabrics like cotton for a light and breezy feel.
The right treatment depends on the type of window, the function of the room, and your personal design preferences. Choosing a window treatment with natural light in mind will create a home that feels expansive and illuminated.
