Opacity 101: Light-Filtering vs Blackout Shades

Classic Blinds & Shutters • September 23, 2025

Shopping for new window treatments can be challenging, especially when you hear different terms like “opacities” when your priority is the room you plan to enhance. Understanding various opacities is essential whether you're looking for kitchen, dining room, or bedroom treatments.

Three window treatments in different shades: open, partially closed, and closed. Window seat with blue pillows and a blanket.

Today, our Classic Blinds & Shutters Design Center team is delighted to discuss the differences between blackout and light-filtering shades and learn more about Hunter Douglas room-darkening technology.

Which Shade Opacity Is Right for You?

Light-Filtering Shades for Enhanced Light


Light-filtering shades offer privacy without blocking out all of the light. They gently filter out sunlight and protect from UV rays, so you can rest assured that your furnishings, floors, and décor will not fade. Our light-filtering shades block out 95% of incoming light and provide insulation. They are perfect for kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms where you don't require total darkness.

Light-filtering shades come in several opacities:


  • Sheer opacity
  • Semi-sheer opacity
  • Semi-opaque fabrics
  • Opaque fabrics


Solar Shades are a popular light-filtering window treatment that comes in 5 different levels of sheer to semi-sheer opacity. They are transparent mesh and allow for viewing out without compromising privacy. Solar shades are perfect for porches, patios, and rooms with multiple windows.


Blackout Shades for Total Darkness


Blackout shades block out 100% of light, so you will enjoy complete privacy both day and night. They are perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms, and home offices when you want total darkness. Studies prove time and time again that a dark room promotes good sleeping, and there is nothing worse than an annoying glare when you are trying to view a movie or work on your computer.


Cellular Shades are a popular room-darkening window treatment. Additional features can turn them into a blackout shade that creates a completely dark room while offering unparalleled energy efficiency.

Duolite® and LightLock®: Our Light Filtering and Blackout Technology

Duolite® by Hunter Douglas pairs two fabric panels in one shade: One panel is light-filtering, and the other is light-blocking. You can move each panel independently, and both span the width and height of the entire shade.


We offer Duolite® on:

  • Vignette® Roman Shades
  • Duette® Cellular Shades
  • Silhouette® Sheer Shades


LightLock® by Hunter Douglas is an add-on for Duette® Cellular Shades. They feature unique U-shaped side channels that blend seamlessly into the window frame. LightLock® absorbs and deflects incoming light for unparalleled darkness.

Automate Your Light-Filtering and Blackout Shades

PowerView® Automation is a ground-breaking system that offers the highest level of window treatment operation and convenience. This intuitive program lets you control your shades from an app, via remote, or with your voice when paired with your smart home system. You can create various lighting scenarios by programming your shades to follow the sun’s path.

Visit Us for Light-Filtering and Blackout Shades Near Alpharetta, GA

Classic Blinds & Shutters Design Center is a certified Hunter Douglas Gallery dealer. We have over two decades of experience working with our customers to enhance their homes with luxurious window treatments. Our team of professionals is well-versed in all our products and services and stands by to assist you on any project, large or small.


When you are ready to discover the differences between light filtering and blackout shades, please request a consultation, and a member of our friendly expert staff will reach out to you.



We are honored to serve the Metro Atlanta area, including Alpharetta, Milton, and Johns Creek, GA.

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