Blackout shades, room darkening shades, and light filtering shades all serve different purposes and offer different levels of light control.
Blackout shades are designed to completely block out all light, making them ideal for bedrooms or media rooms where you want to create a completely dark environment. They are typically made of thick, heavy materials such as foam-backed fabrics or vinyl and have a tight seal around the edges to prevent any light from entering the room.
Room darkening shades, on the other hand, are designed to reduce the amount of light that enters a room, rather than block it out completely. They are a good choice for living rooms or bedrooms where you want to create a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere but still want some natural light to filter through. Room darkening shades are often made of lightweight materials such as cotton or polyester and are available in a variety of styles and colors.
Finally, light filtering shades are designed to allow some natural light to enter a room while still providing privacy and UV protection. They are a good choice for rooms where you want to maintain a connection to the outside world but still want to control the amount of light that enters the room. Light filtering shades are typically made of sheer or semi-sheer fabrics and are available in a variety of styles, colors, and opacities.
In summary, blackout shades are the most effective at blocking out light, room darkening shades are great for creating a cozy ambiance while still allowing some natural light, and light filtering shades are great for rooms where you want to maintain a connection to the outdoors while still controlling the amount of light that enters the room.