The Blind Man

You shouldn’t have to choose between keeping your home private and filling it with natural light. But that’s the trade-off most homeowners feel stuck with — especially in newer neighborhoods where the houses are just a few feet apart. You want to open the windows and enjoy the sunshine, but you also don’t want to give your neighbors a front-row seat to your living room or kitchen. The good news? There are plenty of window coverings that let in soft, natural light and keep prying eyes out. Here are the best options we recommend — ones we’ve installed in homes all across Colorado Springs. Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades These are one of the most popular choices for a reason. How they work: You can lower them from the top or raise them from the bottom, letting you cover the part of the window people can see — while still getting natural light from above. Best for: Bathrooms, bedrooms, street-facing rooms Bonus: They come in light-filtering fabrics, so even when they’re fully closed, they still let in a glow without exposing your space. Sheer or Dual-Layer Shades Want the look of soft, elegant fabric with daytime privacy? Sheer shades are perfect. How they work: These combine alternating layers of sheer and solid fabric. When open, they let in filtered light; when closed, they still blur the view from outside. Best for: Living rooms, kitchens, sunrooms Pro tip: These look especially clean in modern homes and go well with larger windows. Solar Screens & Exterior Shades If you’re worried about heat and privacy, especially in sun-soaked rooms, exterior solar screens are a powerful solution. How they work: They’re installed on the outside of the window and block visibility during the day while still allowing you to see out. Best for: West-facing rooms, patios, sliding glass doors Layered Window Treatments Sometimes the best solution is a mix. Pairing light-filtering shades with decorative side panels or curtains gives you the flexibility to control both the mood and the level of privacy. Best for: Bedrooms or formal rooms where you want both function and style Bonus: This approach works well for people who want a designer look with practical benefits. What to Avoid (If You Want Real Privacy) Not all coverings are equal when it comes to keeping things private. ❌ Aluminum mini blinds: Common but outdated — and they don’t fully block light or outside views ❌ Basic sheer curtains: Soft and bright, but usually don’t provide enough coverage ❌ No window coverings at all: We still see this more often than you’d think! Not Sure What to Choose? That’s What We’re Here For. Every home is different — and so is every room. If you’ve got a window that just doesn’t feel right — too exposed, too dark, or too tricky to cover — we’ll help you find something that fits. No pressure, no gimmicks. Just honest help from a local family business. 👉 [Contact us today] to schedule a free consultation and get real advice from someone who knows what works in Colorado homes.