Why controlling light in a room is important
Window blinds are more important than you think, especially in a work environment. Controlling the light in a room affects the way you work. If there’s too much you can get glare and it could strain your eyes. Too little light and you could also strain your eyes. Window blinds help control this. You should always be able to see objects clearly in a room without visual glares. Visual comfort enables you to view with minimal discomfort (e.g., TV, laptop screens).
Take a look at this video from the British Blinds and Shutters Association (BBSA):
The Technical Bit
Light is measured in Lux. A working computer is usually around 500 lux. On a bright day, the sun can generate 100,000 lux. On a cloudy day, it can be 10,000 lux.
The amount of light in a room can affect how well you can work effectively. The openness coefficient is the number of holes in fabric that let light through. Most blind fabric has an openness coefficient of 3%, BUT this does not control the amount of light transmitted through a blind! The correct measure for light coming through a blind is called Visual Light Transmittance (VLTs). VLTs are affected by colour, thickness, the density of the weave and the coating on the fabric. Within an office environment, the typically suggested light transmittance for solar shading for a high light-exposed building would be 5% VLTs or less, whilst moderately light-exposed workplaces with suitable shading would experience between 5% to 10% VLTs.
Light transmittance will affect three key things: the glare, room temperature and the view outside the window. When selecting the fabric for your blinds, darker colours are more effective for glare control; but not as efficient for keeping heat out of a room.
It is also to acknowledge that if the material is too dense, artificial lighting could be needed during the daytime, using up more energy (not ideal for today’s economy!).
When thinking about the right blinds and materials to suit your needs, remember the VLTs of the blind, and find the right balance to meet the requirements needed for the project. Always find the right balance between style and practicality. Face screens away from the window for effective glare control while still having a view outside. Remember to use the light transmittance figure, not just the openness.
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