Popular Solutions
Over 60 fabrics and 20 years of customer requests streamlined for your convenience below ....
Light Control, Blackout, + Room Darkening: Doing More with Less!
Light control, blackout, room darkening, or dimming are just a few of the many terms used around the industry. Often understood to mean overall light reduction in a room, these terms more often refer to whether or not light will penetrate the fabric itself. Additional factors include fabric density (light penetrates or not), Fabric color (light can be reflected), Window and shade construction, mounting, and placement (overall light-leak around the shade), Window orientation (to the sun/other light sources), and/or room colors and textures (reflection or absorption of light) to name a few.
Since 1999 we have found our customers to be the happiest when we take the time to properly articulate what a light-control solution can or cannot do. Often a full or complete solution will result in an approach that includes other elements beginning with the shade. Please take a look below and call our experts today to discuss your interests in proper context.
HappyShade Sanctuary Roman
SafeShade Light Control Ice
Leading brand synthetic honeycomb
Fabric Construction
With over 88,000 unregulated chemicals, it is easy to see how a typical light control fabric can be a major polluter of ones home environment. Manufacturers are beginning to add masking ingredients or synthetic fragrances fooling the bodies defense of smell! Typically a light control fabric is multiple textiles glued layer upon layer until no more light comes through! Affordable light control without chemicals is a difficult goal to reach. Continue reading for our proud successes!
Shade Mount and Fit
A shades operating construction as well as how it is mounted in a window can have a substantial impact on the amount of light that can sneak around the edges of the shade. This is called “light leak”. Window trim can also be stepped or otherwise configured. In fact, most light control options regardless of manufacturer or type will have a varying degree of high contrast light leak altering the effectiveness of the solution.
The Happyshades Chemical Free Compostable Solution
The Happyshade Roman collection represents the most sustainable shades in the world since 1999. We proudly weave two or three patterns as tightly as possible without chemicals on our own looms in an effort to block as much light as possible. This solution tends to fit a window better, minimizing light leak. The remaining light-leak is a soft or diffused amount of light that will vary through the fabric itself. This often produces the same amount of ambient light in a room when compared to conventional window fashions.
The SafeShades Ultra Low Emission Solution
Several fabrics in our SafeShades Roller line represent years of work and remain the exclusive lowest emitting conventional fabrics of their kind. Annual research and collaboration confirms this. Glues typically used in conventional fabrics have been reduced with heat and pressure, taking advantage of the inherent qualities of the materials. These fabrics continually test over 660ppm lower than their nearest “Green Certified” competitors for properties including naturally occurring Formaldehyde (none added!). Many of these fabrics have an established track record for working with Chemical Sensitivities. Please call today, we can recommend a variety of ways to find out whether these economical fabrics are right for you and your family.
Test, Experience, and Compare
We do more than the typical company gathering the latest in fashion components to assemble into shades. We collaborate, develop, research and we test! One such example was a test comparing light control options. We outfitted a room with Sanctuary HappyShade Romans, set up a photometric light meter in the center of the room, and measured the ambient (overall) light level. We then replaced the Sanctuary shades with shades from a leading fabricator and then our Safeshades Roller shades with the Light Control low emission fabrics. The ambient light levels were nearly the same! The difference is in the experience. Most room darkening or light control options have that high contrast light leak mentioned before where the light leaks and reflects brightly around the edges and often the top and bottom. In the case of the Sanctuary, there is less leak around the edges with some diffusing softly through the fabric. The softness of the light from the Sanctuary is preferred by most over the harshness of typical light control solutions. See the images above and give us a call today to see for yourself!
HappyShades Roman Light Control Ideas
Sanctuary
(Natural*)
Privacy: 10**
Shading: 95%
Insulating: r2.9
Light control: 80 – 90%***
Material: Wood reeds
Red Sanctuary
(Red Cedar*)
Privacy: 10**
Shading: 95%
Insulating: r2.9
Light control: 80 – 90%***
Material: Chemical free mineral wash over wood reeds
Moroccan Magic
(Golden Brown*)
Privacy: 10**
Shading: 80%
Insulating: r2.60
Light control: 70%***
Material: Jute + cellulosic fibers w/ water and mineral wash
Serenity
(Natural w/ Tan*)
Privacy: 10**
Shading: 95%
Insulating: r2.95
Light control: 80-90%***
Material: Chemical free mineral wash over bamboo
SafeShades Roller Light Control Ideas
Light Control 21 Ice
Privacy: 10**
Light control: 85-90+%***
Polyester/acrylic
Low emission, room darkening, insulating, privacy, heat, noise, & fade reduction.
Formaldehyde: No added <300
(limit is 1300)
Light Control 21 Silver
Privacy: 10**
Light control: 85-90+%***
Polyester/acrylic
Low emission, room darkening, insulating, privacy, heat, noise, & fade reduction.
Formaldehyde: No added <300
(limit is 1300)
Light Control 21 Wheat
Privacy: 10**
Light control: 85-90+%***
Polyester/acrylic
Low emission, room darkening, insulating, privacy, heat, noise, & fade reduction.
Formaldehyde: No added <300
(limit is 1300)
Light Control Plus
Silk
Privacy: 10**
Light control: 85-90+%***
98% Polyester 2% Nylon
Lowest emission in its class,
Formaldehyde <35, No Chlorine, Recyclable, Oekotex 100, Phthalate free. Bio-active backing
Light Control Plus
Quartz New!
Privacy: 10**
Light control: 85-90+%***
98% Polyester 2% Nylon
Lowest emission in its class,
Formaldehyde <35, No Chlorine, Recyclable, Oekotex 100, Phthalate free. Bio-active backing
Light Control Plus
Stone
Privacy: 10**
Light control: 85-90+%***
98% Polyester 2% Nylon
Lowest emission in its class,
Formaldehyde <35, No Chlorine, Recyclable, Oekotex 100, Phthalate free. Bio-active backing
Light Control Plus
Parchment
Privacy: 10**
Light control: 85-90+%***
98% Polyester 2% Nylon
Lowest emission in its class,
Formaldehyde <35, No Chlorine, Recyclable, Oekotex 100, Phthalate free. Bio-active backing
Light Control Plus
Ash
Privacy: 10**
Light control: 85-90+%***
98% Polyester 2% Nylon
Lowest emission in its class,
Formaldehyde <35, No Chlorine, Recyclable, Oekotex 100, Phthalate free. Bio-active backing
Energy Control + Insulation = Year Round Savings!
Since the 1970s, Energy Control remains step one for a healthy environment. Data today proves window treatments impact on the overall energy management of a home or facility. We further understand and address the rising concerns for how materials directly affect health.
We rate our Earthshade materials using an established system of measurement so you can gauge the performance potential. Our “R-values” directly correlate to the rest of a wall system (framing, sheathing, insulation, etc.) that form the insulating system.
For summer performance, we list solar control of our materials as a percentage of reduction. Recognizing there are a number of other variables that determine performance, our goal is to provide clear and concise information that may provide real money savings in addition to a lower footprint.
Winter Lotus w/ insuliner™
TrueGreen Hemp™
Light Control 21 Ice
Winter Heat Loss Explained
A window system attempts to minimize 3 forces that together may equal higher heating and/or cooling costs.
Conduction is the transfer of energy through materials. “R” value attempts to describe a measured reduction of this transfer. The higher the “R” value, the slower the rate of transfer. Most double glazed gas filled window systems boast a whopping R 1-3! while an average insulated 2 x 4 constructed wall should measure R13 (2 x 6: R19)!
Convection is the transfer of energy due to circulation or movement of air. For example, heat rises and cool air sinks. This is where the fit of a shade is important. When installed, an air space is created between the shade and the glass. The heat transfers through the glass faster, cooling this air. The “heat sink effect” allows the cooler air to drop towards the sill instead of going around the sides of the shade. This reality makes tracks, velcro, or side rails an unnecessary additional cost to the owner and the environment.
Pressure refers to the efficiency of the window system to resist wind or a even a breeze. Proper fit and the following can have a remarkable effect on the savings of a window system:
- Window type: Single, double, or triple glazing often with gas between (Argon) or coating applied (low “E”).
- Efficiency of manufactured seals and/or weather stripping (the “breeze” effect).
- Amount of insulation in the wall cavity around the installed window (proper sealing, flashing or caulking).
- Type and installation style of interior window trim (may dictate shade mounting requirements).
Tracks or No Tracks?
Some manufacturers supply side tracks ranging from simple velcro to PVC or aluminum side track systems to “seal” the side of the window shade to the window. Extensive testing has shown this practice ultimately results in the overuse of raw material, premium pricing, and compromised operation.
Summer Heat Gain
Heat is gained through a window system by the “greenhouse effect” when the suns energy permeates the glass. This energy is absorbed by surfaces or reflected back to the glass but too weak to permeate back through increasing temperature. Most Happyshades Roman or Safeshades Roller options will reduce, reflect, absorb, or cut summer heat gain increasing the efficiency of ventilation systems saving energy, money, and cutting carbon emissions.
Solar Control: Manage the source and costs!
Window shades or treatments economically control energy including heat gain and glare at the right time of day or season. A moderate climate for example will benefit from cutting this energy thereby lowering air conditioning in the summer while taking advantage of heat gain in cooler months. Even smaller scale windows with the right treatment option will result in the potential for great savings in cooling costs, increased comfort, a lower overall footprint, and aesthetic appeal.
Earthshade Solar Control
Many of the more open HappyShade roman fabrics will preserve the view, reduce glare (see above), and provide a 40 – 60+% reduction of the sun’s energy! With fabrics designed specifically for this, the SafeShades Roller line offers an economical solution in the lowest emitting solar screen fabrics worldwide. Note that colors perform drastically different. As seen below, dark colors absorb energy and light, increasing the view through. Lighter fabrics with the same openness (fabric weave density) will reflect energy and light, reducing the view, and increasing the overall light level in the space.
HappyShades Roman Solar Control Ideas
Marseille
(Natural w/ White*)
Privacy: 3**
Shading: 50%
Insulating: r2.10
Light control: 15%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable Wood reeds + rattan
Turkish Twig
(Bronze w/ Brown*)
Privacy: 4**
Shading: 75%
Insulating: r2.45
Light control: 40%***
Material: Oven baked bamboo, unfinished compostable reeds w/ house made water + mineral wash over reeds only
Malaysian Milk
(Natural/ Bone*)
Privacy: 2**
Shading: 45%
Insulating: r2.10
Light control: 15%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable Sisal + cellulosic fiber
Zulu Mist
(Natural w/ White*)
Privacy: 3**
Shading: 40%
Insulating: r2..00
Light control: 10%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable wood rattan
Ho Chi
Out of Stock
(Bamboo w/ Hemp*)
Privacy: 5**
Shading: 75%
Insulating: r2.45
Light control: 35%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable bamboo + wood reeds
Winter Lotus
(Natural White/ Bone*)
Privacy: 3**
Shading: 45%
Insulating: r2.06
Light control: 15%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable cellulosic fiber
Tibetan Twine
(Natural w/ White*)
Privacy: 3**
Shading: 55%
Insulating: r2.10
Light control: 85%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable wood rattan
Szechuan Sun
(Natural w/ Tan*)
Privacy: 2**
Shading: 60%
Insulating: r2.06
Light control: 25%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable bamboo + wood reeds
Crouching Tiger
(Natural Tan/ Sisal*)
Privacy: 4**
Shading: 45%
Insulating: r2.00
Light control: 15%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable sisal, grass + fibers
Taipei Twig
Out of Stock
(Natural w/ White*)
Privacy: 2**
Shading: 55%
Insulating: r2.10
Light control: 15%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable wood reeds + rattan
Malaysian Moss
(Natural Tan*)
Privacy: 2**
Shading: 45%
Insulating: r2.10
Light control: 10%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable sisal + cellulosic fiber
Ho Chi Min
(Bamboo w/ Brown*)
Privacy: 5**
Shading: 75%
Insulating: r2.45
Light control: 35%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable bamboo + wood reeds
SafeShades Roller Solar Control Ideas
Happy Screen 3
Prairie Mat
Privacy: 5**
Shading: 70%
Insulating: r2.15
Light control: 15%***
Grass, Cellulosic Fiber, Min Poly
No Chlorine, Unfinished, Compostable
Daylighting, Partial Privacy, Heat & Fade reduction, Glare Control
Happy Screen 3
Winter Magic
Privacy: 4**
Shading: 65%
Insulating: r2.15
Light control: 12%***
Grass, Cellulosic Fiber, Min Poly
No Chlorine, Unfinished, Compostable
Daylighting, Partial Privacy, Heat & Fade reduction, Glare Control
Happy Screen 3
Cinamon Sun
Privacy: 5**
Shading: 69%
Insulating: r2.15
Light control: 18%***
Grass, Cellulosic Fiber, Min Poly
No Chlorine, Unfinished, Compostable
Daylighting, Partial Privacy, Heat & Fade reduction, Glare Control
Happy Screen 3
Basmati Beige
Privacy: 5**
Shading: 70%
Insulating: r2.15
Light control: 15%***
Grass, Cellulosic Fiber, Min Poly
No Chlorine, Unfinished, Compostable
Daylighting, Partial Privacy, Heat & Fade reduction, Glare Control
Happy Screen 3
Truffled Grey
Out of Stock
Privacy: 5**
Shading: 69%
Insulating: r2.15
Light control: 18%***
Grass, Cellulosic Fiber, Min Poly
No Chlorine, Unfinished, Compostable
Daylighting, Partial Privacy, Heat & Fade reduction, Glare Control
Solar Screen 4
First-Light
Out of Stock
Privacy: 4** 4% Solar Screen
Shading: 72%
Insulating: r1.98
Light control: 10%***
100% Clean Polyester incl. Recylced
Lowest Emission in its class
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction
Recyclable, Cradle 2 Cradle, GreenGuard Gold, RoHS, NFP701.
Solar Screen 4
Daylight
Privacy: 4** 4% Solar Screen
Shading: 72%
Insulating: r1.98
Light control: 10%***
100% Clean Polyester incl. Recylced
Lowest Emission in its class
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction
Recyclable, Cradle 2 Cradle, GreenGuard Gold, RoHS, NFP701.
Solar Screen 4
Twilight
Privacy: 3** 4% Solar Screen
Shading: 74%
Insulating: r1.98
Light control: 11%***
100% Clean Polyester incl. Recylced
Lowest Emission in its class
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction
Recyclable, Cradle 2 Cradle, GreenGuard Gold, RoHS, NFP701.
Solar Screen 4
Candlelight
Privacy: 2** 4% Solar Screen
Shading: 68%
Insulating: r1.98
Light control: 14%***
100% Clean Polyester incl. Recylced
Lowest Emission in its class
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction
Recyclable, Cradle 2 Cradle, GreenGuard Gold, RoHS, NFP701.
Solar Screen 4
Nightlight
Privacy: 2** 4% Solar Screen
Shading: 68%
Insulating: r1.98
Light control: 15%***
100% Clean Polyester incl. Recylced
Lowest Emission in its class
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction
Recyclable, Cradle 2 Cradle, GreenGuard Gold, RoHS, NFP701.
Solar Screen 8
Sheerscreen
Out of Stock
Privacy: 1** 8% Solar Screen
Shading: 44%
Insulating: r1.56
Light control: 6%***
100% Clean Polyester
Lowest Emission in its class
No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction
Solar Screen 8
Steelscreen
Out of Stock
Privacy: 1** 8% Solar Screen
Shading: 48%
Insulating: r1.56
Light control: 7%***
100% Clean Polyester
Lowest Emission in its class
No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction
Solar Screen 8
Silkscreen
Out of Stock
Privacy: 1** 8% Solar Screen
Shading: 44%
Insulating: r1.56
Light control: 6%***
100% Clean Polyester
Lowest Emission in its class
No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction
Solar Screen 8
Cocoascreen
Out of Stock
Privacy: 1** 8% Solar Screen
Shading: 49%
Insulating: r1.56
Light control: 8%***
100% Clean Polyester
Lowest Emission in its class
No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction
Solar Screen 8
Nightscreen
Out of Stock
Privacy: 1** 8% Solar Screen
Shading: 49%
Insulating: r1.56
Light control: 8%***
100% Clean Polyester
Lowest Emission in its class
No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction
Happy Screen 10
Malaysian Milk
Out of Stock
Privacy: 2**
Shading: 45%
Insulating: r2.10
Light control: 15%***
Sisal, Cellulosic Fiber
No Chlorine, Unfinished, Compostable
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction
Happy Screen 10
Picadilly Mist
Out of Stock
Privacy: 2**
Shading: 45%
Insulating: r2.10
Light control: 15%***
Sisal, Cellulosic Fiber
No Chlorine, Unfinished, Compostable
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade reduction
Happy Screen 10
French Frost
Out of Stock
Privacy: 2**
Shading: 45%
Insulating: r2.10
Light control: 15%***
Sisal, Cellulosic Fiber
No Chlorine, Unfinished, Compostable
Glare Control, Daylighting, Heat & Fade reduction
Additional Options may include
Phifer Shearweave
Mermet
Solar Film
Lutron
Privacy Control: Maximize light, privacy, and savings!
Perhaps the single greatest use for window fashions, shades, curtains, or blinds is creating a private and warm or cozy sense of security. We depend on our windows as a source of light, air, and connection to the world outside. Imagine your view of the world through pure and natural window shades that only HappyShades™ roman or SafeShades™ rollers can provide with the least compromise.
Role Reversal
Fabrics created for window fashions can perform differently under varying lighting conditions. Often a material that appears to provide ample privacy during the day, may offer less comfort at night when the sun goes down and the lights inside are turned on essentially reversing the light source. Fabrics with medium to high privacy ratings or the addition of the TrueGreen Hemp™ light filter lining (available on HappyShades™ romans) are a wonderful place to start.
Also consider our popular HappyShades™ top-down/bottom-up operating option as an ideal opportunity to maximize privacy while preserving light and your view of the world emphasizing the trees and sky while reducing awareness of the busy life below.
Privacy Screen Moonstone
Bombay Brush HappyShade Roman
TrueGreen Hemp “Ribbed” Roman
HappyShades Roman Privacy Ideas
Hemp
Privacy Liner
Exclusive chemical free
from “Seed to shade”™ lining option
that can be attached by hand to
most Happyshade “face” fabrics
or used with our Freeline
operating option.
Moroccan Magic
(Golden Brown*)
Privacy: 10**
Shading: 80%
Insulating: r2.60
Light control: 70%***
Material: Unfinished, compostable jute + cellulosic fibers w/ water and mineral wash
TrueGreen
Hemp™
Flat or Ribbed Roman
(Natural / Off -white*)
Privacy: 10**
Shading: 70%
Insulating: r2.05
Light control: 30%***
Material: Organic, GOTS, ISO9001
certified Hemp + cotton
SafeShades Roller Privacy Ideas
Happy Screen Privacy
Savannah Snow
Privacy: 9**
Shading: 80%
Insulating: r2.60
Light control: 40%***
Grass, Cellulosic Fiber, Min Poly
No Chlorine, Unfinished, Compostable
Happy Screen Privacy
Dharma Sun
Privacy: 9**
Shading: 81%
Insulating: r2.60
Light control: 42%***
Grass, Cellulosic Fiber, Min Poly
No Chlorine, Unfinished, Compostable
Happy Screen Privacy
Havana Wool
Privacy: 9**
Shading: 84%
Insulating: r2.60
Light control: 45%***
Grass, Cellulosic Fiber, Min Poly
No Chlorine, Unfinished, Compostable
Privacy Screen
Spring Drizzle
Privacy: 9-10**
Shading: 80%
Insulating: r2.25
Light control: 12%***
100% Polyester incl. Recycled
No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine
Privacy, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction, Glare Control
Privacy Screen
Summer Cloud
Privacy: 9-10**
Shading: 80%
Insulating: r2.25
Light control: 12%***
100% Polyester incl. Recycled
No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine
Privacy, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction, Glare Control
Privacy Screen
Autumn Mist
Privacy: 9-10**
Shading: 80%
Insulating: r2.25
Light control: 12%***
100% Polyester incl. Recycled
No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine
Privacy, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction, Glare Control
Privacy Screen Plus
Winter Silk
Privacy: 9-10**
Shading: 80%
Insulating: r2.25
Light control: 12%***
100% Clean Polyester
No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine
Privacy, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction, Glare Control
Privacy Screen Plus
Autumn Moon
Privacy: 9-10**
Shading: 82%
Insulating: r2.25
Light control: 14%***
100% Clean Polyester
No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine
Privacy, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction, Glare Control
Privacy Screen Plus
Summer Sand
Privacy: 9-10**
Shading: 81%
Insulating: r2.25
Light control: 12%***
100% Clean Polyester
No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine
Privacy, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction, Glare Control
Fabric Terminology
- **Privacy Scale: 0 – 10
0 = No privacy/Window without treatment.
3 = Preserved view, reduced glare by day. Minimal privacy at night.
5 = Reasonable nighttime privacy.
7 = Adequate privacy under most lighting conditions. Light sources and forms may be visible without detail (silhouette).
10 = Full opacity typical of light control fabrics only. - Shading Value: Approximate percentage of the patterns ability to reduce heat gain. The higher the value, the more effective the pattern is. Average conventional window treatment rating: 30-79%.
- Insulating R Value: Approximate value of the patterns ability to resist heat loss. The higher the value the more insulation the pattern provides. Average conventional treatment rating: R 2.0-3.0. Most Safeshades fabrics have an R value very close to one another. The exception is light control fabrics which will have the best performance slowing summer heat gain as well as winter heat loss with an R-value in the range of 2.5. Even our most open fabric at 10% will perform in the range of an R 1.60 or higher depending on the mounting configuration.
- ***Light Control: The approximate percentage of a patterns ability to reduce overall ambient light in an average sized room. Light control will vary depending on mounting attributes, window orientation, interior finishes, or the materials Inherent characteristics. Comparable industry average: 88%
- Sound Absorbance/Control: Some manufacturers report acoustical control as an additional asset to their shading products. While this may be measurable under the right circumstances with the right equipment, we have not seen a single person view such performance as considerable. Although we agree textiles will have an effect on sound reflectance to one degree or another, we simply do not feel these are worthy selling points.
- Note: Values are subjective to the individual and may vary according to the inherent qualities of the materials.
Notes
- *Color, grain, texture, privacy, and light transparency may vary according to the inherent characteristics of the materials.
- Though we strive to control every detail regarding shade production, some patterns (including those that are GreenGuard or Oeko Tex certified) may not be suitable for our friends with chemical sensitivities. Please call for additional details.
- Some patterns may require additional operating options based on ordered dimensions, conditions, and or customer interests. An Earthshade Representative will assist with recommendations.
- Minor stretching and twisting is inherent to the materials and may require a varying amount of time to acclimate. Sun exposure may cause discoloration or fading.
- Kindly see Order|Contact for additional terms, conditions, and warranty details.