When the day begins, I simply raise the roller shades in my bedroom and let in the glorious rays of sunlight. You see, I am a lucky one who gets to sleep a little later than most. My job as a writer allows me to set my own hours. As a result, I like to stay up a little later, when I am inspired, and then wake up a bit after sunrise. They bright rays of the sun would wake me, but I have a perfectly configured roller shade setup in my bedroom, one which keeps out the light of the day, when I want it out.

Those who work evenings, and those who have intensely bright exposures, have a common need when it comes to bedroom light control. The bright lights can make it unpleasant for many people. Roller shades are a cure for this. Unlike many other window treatments, roller shades can be easily retracted, and are capable of blocking nearly all the light that can enter your windows. True blackout roller shades will block most of the light, with the exclusion of the light passing around the sides of the shades.

The sides of roller shades, we have all heard, as I stated above, are where the light can enter a room. But how big is this space, and how much light will actually enter? Inside mount roller shades, those which are installed on the interior sections of the windows, are the most susceptible to light entry. The light will pass on the left and right sides of the roller shades. How much light passes depends on two major factors. The first is how close the shade is installed to the glass. Closer roller shades will block more light. The second factor for these inside mounted shades is how much of a fabric deduction is taken to allow for the brackets. Most popular control systems have a net deduction of one inch to two inches. Quality roller shades will be towards the lower end of this scale.

Light can also pass by the top of a roller shade tube, and this can be limited by using a valance of a fascia to block the light. Finally, the light will pass under the bottom rail for the roller shades. This is usually unavoidable, but sometimes a shade can descend low enough to help limit these openings.

Outside mount roller shades can help to limit light gaps. These shades, which are installed on the outer side of the window opening, can be made larger. The benefits for consumers include the ability to make the shades substantially wider than the windows, which can block even more light. Also, making the shade taller can allow better coverage of the top AND bottom of the shades. There will, however, continue to pass light around the shade, so consider a combination treatment to make sure to block the most possible. Perhaps a roller shade and a plantation shutter may work together well for you.

So, as I get home from running around town, I want to have a bit of privacy, but still let in some light. Then, I lower the screen shades on the windows. Did I forget to tell you that I have two roller shades on some windows? On a few sides, I am too close to the neighbors. In these windows, I put both roller shades to help me sleep, and a second to help me relax in privacy. The added cost is not very much, and I have the ability to enjoy my home for many applications.

So, now that I have told you all about my living quarters, all made possible by my writing about roller shades, I must be the professional writer here. The key points that you should take away from this story are that roller shades can provide true light control. Roller shades can also provide privacy. And, working as a writer gives me great freedom and flexibility. Roller shades are available in a wide range of styles, and the technical range is ever expanding, so read the information carefully when making your selections. A great choice will make for a great home space.