Sheer and Blackout Shades: A Winning Combination for Hotel Design

Windows are an important element in hotel architecture and design, not just because they break up otherwise featureless wall space but also because they allow for the flow of natural light through a structure and, in some cases, fresh air. Uncovered windows, however, leave a lot to be desired when it comes to light control and privacy.

Sheer and blackout shades for hotels each enhance the guest experience in different ways. Why does your establishment need both, and what will you gain by installing the right shades in the right spots?

Benefits of Blackout Shades

Blackout shades have the benefit of being opaque, which means light cannot pass through the material. 

This is an important feature in guest rooms, where occupants on vacation or working late hours might want to sleep past sunrise. Even guests who rise early are susceptible to sleep disruption from any nearby vibrantly lit entertainment venues, light fixtures in your parking lot, or headlights on cars driving by.

Heavy hotel blackout shades provide additional benefits like noise reduction and insulation to help regulate interior temperatures in hot or cold climates. As a bonus, this could increase energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs. Streamlined shades may also be easier to clean and maintain than some other window coverings.

The Nearly Clear Appeal of Sheers

While blackout shades offer a sleek, simple solution to light and privacy concerns, sheers provide a bit more sophistication and versatility. 

Sheer shades are designed to preserve privacy while still allowing natural light to enter a space. The translucent textiles used for sheers feature light-filtering properties when closed, so guests don’t have to choose between enjoying an impressive outdoor view and staying out of sight of prying eyes. 

For this reason, sheers add beauty and function as part of a layered window treatment in guest rooms. And since they offer the best in both privacy and visual appeal, they’re also the ideal choice for hotel common spaces. 

Double Duty Window Treatments

In a contemporary minimalist design, blackout shades alone may meet practical needs while supporting a simple, streamlined aesthetic. However, many guests prefer the luxury look and added functionality of layered window treatments.

This can mean pairing a blackout shade with a draped valance or a sheer curtain overlay to enrich the texture and dimension of a space while offering options for light-filtering or light-blocking window coverings. 

Alternatively, you could pair sheer shades with heavier blackout drapes for a lush look that delivers high-end vibes and speaks to the exceptional experience you want to provide.

A Shade for Every Interior Space

Shades are a timeless addition to decor, with options suited to both classic and contemporary designs. Simple and elegant, shades can be customized for light control and privacy, and there are limited options to match your hotel’s color palette and promote your brand image. 

With roller, Roman, and many other shade styles to choose from — not to mention options for cordless and motorized mechanisms — you can elevate your hotel with customized layered window treatments.