Window Covering Ideas That Allow Light Through but Keep Privacy

Some window coverings provide privacy without blocking the light coming into the home. Lightweight or sheer fabrics, pleated shades, shade screens, mini blinds and window films offer privacy while still allowing some natural light to enter the room. Not only can these window coverings create privacy, they can be attractive ways to decorate a room.

Sheer privacy curtains offer privacy without obstructing much light. These window coverings come in all kinds of colors and fabrics and are easy to hang. Most fabrics are machine washable and can be placed in a dryer on the low heat or delicate setting, but before washing and drying curtains, check the label to make sure that it is safe.

Mini blinds create privacy while still allowing the light to enter the room. Blinds can be adjusted at an angle that will prevent others from seeing into the room while still allowing sufficient daylight to enter the room. A simple twist of the adjusting wand closes mini blinds for complete privacy day or night.

Pleated window shades are a decorative way to add privacy to a room. These shades use a system of pulleys to raise and lower them, and when fully lowered, guarantee privacy while letting some of the light pass into a room. When the shades are completely down, they block the view from both the inside of the home and the outside looking in.

Shade screens, also known as solar screens, are made from shade cloth and do more than just create privacy. They block a considerable amount of ultraviolet rays from entering the room. They are popular in hot climates because they reduce the heat coming from sunshine into a room. Shade screens are screwed onto the outside frame of the windows and eliminate any views into the room from the outdoors. While they provide 100 percent privacy during the day, the inside of the room will be slightly visible at night if there is a light on.

Window films provide privacy and a decorative touch at the same time. Window films adhere to the inside of a window and can be used to prevent direct viewing into a room. They are made from cling film, require almost no tools to install and can be removed anytime. They come in a variety of styles. Some films have geometric designs, while others depict scenes from nature or popular icons.