Light Control and Window Blinds

Taking a technical approach, light sources can be identified using the compass point directions of North, East, South and West. Light from the north tends to be cold and clear hence the need for energy efficient products. On the other hand, light from the south is warm and strong all year round, hence the need to use light-diffusing window blinds e.g. vertical blinds. Diffusion is a bending of the sunlight causing it to scatter and go in multiple directions. Therefore the goal of diffusion in window blinds is to copy the soft shadow-free effect of sunlight through clouds. By using two-layered fabric the sunlight shines on the first layer of fabric and shadows it but then also diffuses it outwards to land on the second layer much more uniformly. Eastern light is normally bright and warm in the mornings hence need for vertical blinds with UV protection. The afternoon western light is normally hot and bright hence the need for light control and light diffusing.

Another way to achieve the goals of day lighting is to redirect and reflect the sunlight. This is what light-coloured blinds and shutters do so well. By tilting the slats, vanes, or louvers at the correct angles, light can be reflected to walls and ceilings, and redirected deeper into the room. With each redirection and reflection, the light is diffused and softened.

With day lighting there is flow through the windows of heat, solar energy and light. There is need to control heat loss in winder and solar heat gain in summer, which is best done using an opaque fabric. The honeycomb sheer fabric works well in diffusing light for day lighting. Vertical blinds help control blinding light since they reduce, divert and even completely block the rays of the sun. Depending on the amount of light to let in you could choose from Sheer Shades, Semi-Sheer Shades, Light-Filtering Shades and Room-darkening / Blackout Shades in decreasing order.