All three sound similar. They are not. The easiest way to choose is to stop thinking in marketing words and start thinking in outcomes: glare control, privacy, sleep, and temperature comfort.
Light Filtering: soft daylight, daytime privacy
Light filtering fabrics diffuse sunlight rather than stopping it. You still get a bright room, but the light feels smoother and less harsh. This is the “living room” choice: cosy, calm, and good for spaces where you want daylight without the feeling of being on display.
Room Darkening: a dim, cosy room (not total darkness)
Room darkening is designed to significantly reduce light while still allowing some glow. Many guides describe it as blocking a large portion of incoming light (often stated in the rough range of about 60-80%), which is great for reducing screen glare and making naps easier.
Blackout: maximum light control for sleep and shift schedules
Blackout is built for near-total light blocking. It is the best choice for bedrooms, nurseries, or anyone who sleeps during daylight hours. One practical truth: even blackout fabric can still allow light to sneak in around the edges if the curtain setup leaves gaps at the top or sides, so fitting and coverage matter.
Comfort is not only about light - it is also about heat
Window coverings can influence temperature comfort because windows are a major pathway for heat gain and heat loss. Tight-fitting cellular shades are often highlighted for performance: they can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more in heating seasons, and can reduce unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 60% in cooling seasons when installed with a tight fit.
How to choose in 30 seconds
- Choose light filtering if you want soft daylight and a relaxed, airy look.
- Choose room darkening if you want less glare, more privacy, and a cosier atmosphere without full darkness.
- Choose blackout if sleep quality and strong light control are the priority.
Two small upgrades that make any option better
- Go wider than the window: more side coverage reduces light gaps and looks more finished.
- Layer smartly: pair a light layer (sheer or light filtering) with a heavier layer (room darkening or blackout) to control mood across the day.
The goal is simple: frame the light you want, block the light you dont, and make the room feel like it has a purpose - not just a window.