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Windows Design Dilemma

Hunter Douglas Roller Screen Shades - Color dilemma

4 years ago

We have a south facing window with a view and are planning to install two Hunter Douglas roller shades: One 0% opacity (black out) inset in the window frame (color creme or buff) and one 5% opacity set just outside the window frame, flush with the wall, but overlapping it by about 1/4" on each side.

We are considering three color options for the 5% opacity shade: (1) Silver Pearl which is a light grey and harmonizes well with our light colored walls (2) Dark Chocolate which is similar in color to the window frame and counter tops (3) Thunder which is a darker grey (than Silver Pearl) but slightly lighter in feel than the Dark Chocolate.

When we look at samples of the 5%, we notice much greater visibility (of the view) when using a dark color like Dark Chocolate or Thunder as compared to the lighter colors like Silver Pearl. As far as the overall look of the room goes, we feel the Silver Pearl is the most harmonious with the wall color, however we are concerned that we will lose our view (or just have a very faint view) when this shade (Silver Pearl) is in direct sunlight and down. Whereas, we seem to retain more detail of the view with the darker shades (Dark Chocolate or Thunder). Does anyone have any experience/advice regarding this choice?

Thank you!

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Comments (2)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago
Is this a bedroom window? I like 10% solar shades they still keep the view but block the heat and UV and I have no idea why the 2 diffent shades , so a bit more info would be good.
pommefuji
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you, Patricia.

This is a large window in a studio apartment that is occupied part time. It is the only window in the unit and gets direct sunlight most of the day. So the unit can get quite warm, but more importantly for us is that our furniture is starting to fade (we have had Hunter Douglas Honeycomb shades for the last 6 years). We want to install the room darkening (0% opacity) shade so we can close it up completely and protect our furniture and flooring when we are not there and for privacy at night.

The second shade (5% opacity) that we are looking at would be for use during the day when we are there and need to cut the sun's rays (still to protect the furniture) without obliterating our view.

Because of the strong sun through this window (almost all day long), we were advised not to go with greater than 5% opacity.

We are okay with the idea of 5% opacity if it is in one of the darker colors (since we can see the view through those), but are wondering how one of the darker colors will look when closed during the day in the rest of the space whose walls are a cream/antique white color. At night, it could be up so you don't necessarily see the dark color against the light colored walls.

Have you used the 10% solar shades in rooms that get strong direct sunlight most of the day? Which colors have you used? Would you have any tips on how to choose the color?

Thank you again!
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