Understanding R, T and A
Before diving into specific fabrics, it's helpful to understand three key terms:
R (Reflection): This indicates how much light and heat the fabric reflects back towards the window. A higher value means more reflection.
T (Transmission): This signifies how much light passes through the fabric. A higher value allows more light in.
A (Absorption): This refers to the amount of heat absorbed by the fabric. A higher value means the fabric absorbs more heat.
Fabric Types
Now, let's explore the different types of fabrics available:
Blackout Fabric
Benefits: Offers complete privacy, blocks out light, heat, and UV rays, excellent insulation.
Ideal for: Bedrooms, media rooms, or anywhere you need complete darkness and temperature control.
Translucent Fabric
Benefits: Softly diffuses natural light, provides daytime and nighttime privacy, and is completely opaque.
Ideal for: Living rooms, kitchens, or anywhere you desire privacy but still want gentle natural light.
NOTE THAT: In translucent fabrics, the color of the material significantly affects how much daylight it allows to pass through. Lighter colors, such as white, light grey, pale yellow or soft pink, are more transparent and therefore permit a greater amount of daylight to filter through. This makes rooms feel brighter and more open. In contrast, darker shades like black, dark gray, and dark brown acts "less" translucent. They tend to block most of the light, allowing only minimal light penetration, often appearing as tiny specks through the fabric. This property can be useful for reducing all glare or for applications requiring reduced light transmission, creating almost a blackout feeling.
Transparent Fabric
Benefits: Allows glimpses of the outside while maintaining daytime privacy and letting in natural light.
Ideal for: Bathrooms, hallways, or anywhere you want natural light and a view while maintaining privacy during the day.
screen Fabric
Benefits: Offers a clear view outside, allows filtered natural light, ensures daytime privacy. Made of PVC with tiny holes for breathability.
Ideal for: Conservatories, balconies, or sunrooms where you want a clear view and light control while maintaining privacy during the day.
Key Takeaways
- Consider your desired level of privacy, light control, and heat insulation when choosing a fabric.
- Blackout fabrics offer maximum privacy and darkness, while translucent fabrics provide softer light and privacy.
- Transparent fabrics allow glimpses outside while maintaining daytime privacy, and screen fabrics offer a clear view with filtered light and daytime privacy.
We hope this information helps you choose the perfect fabric for your smart blinds!
