01 / Fabrics and light
A lower number. A tighter weave.
Within a comparable collection, a 2% fabric has fewer open gaps, 3% is intermediate and 5% is more open. These options are offered, for example, in the Screen Naturals collection. Other collections may have different options.
Compare a denser fabric if sunlight interferes with screen work, and a more open one if the view and daylight are priorities. Do not decide by the number alone: colour and coating affect the result.
02 / Fabrics and light
The same percentage does not always mean the same view.
Hold samples against the glass and look from your usual seating position. Assess not only the fabric colour but also screen visibility, the view outside and the quality of light in the room.
Key points: openness, light transmission and solar reflectance are different measures.
03 / Fabrics and light
Choose for the way you use the room.
Tell your consultant whether the room is a study, living room or bedroom. Discuss evening privacy too: visibility through a light-transmitting fabric depends on lighting on both sides of the window. A sample viewed only in daylight cannot answer every question.
04 / Fabrics and light
Frequently asked questions
Does 5% mean the fabric transmits only 5% of light?
No. The figure describes the openness of the weave.
Is screen fabric equivalent to blackout?
No. Strong room darkening requires a suitable fabric and installation system.