window treatment dilemma

I am planning to change the blinds of our living room to something different. Room is relatively dark and faces the street. So both privacy and light is important. we do have curtains----so we basically need something for privacy that wouldnt darken the room. I was thinking of going with bamboo shades but not sure if those will allow enough light in. What are my options here.
thanks much

christy!

 

Bamboo shades do let light in since the slats don't quite touch. The light colored ones particularly. The darker ones will let light in thru the slits, but the dark color will darken the room.
If you go too opaque, they only offer privacy during the day but not when the lights are on at night.
Don't know what kind of blinds you have now, but wood blinds or shutters probably are best since the slats can be adjusted and fully closed.

 

Thanks...never knew bamboo blinds wouldnt provide privacy at night..!!

Currently i have white wood blinds.. Do cellulose shades look cheap? Roman shades would look nice...but would they let light in... half curtains( are they called something else) may not be bad idea


thanks again

 

Bamboo blinds will provide privacy at night. The little slithers will let light in during the day and unless someone comes right up to them and looks inside with binoculars, there should be enough privacy. I personally like bamboo shades very much.
Cellular shades don't necessarily look cheap, but have a contemporary look about them. If you're more traditional or cottage type, for instance, you probably won't like them very much. I don't care for them myself, but it comes down to personal tastes.
Romans vary greatly, depending on what they're made of. Hard romans will have no light and Fabric romans will depend on the fabric and how they're lined. Either way, it would be best to open them if you want light.
Short curtains are called cafe's. Since they just cover the bottom part of your window, lots of light will come in the top.
The kitcheny type would look too casual for a living room I think.

 

i like bamboo shades myself but was going to go with darker shades. I have light oak wood floors..too much wood?

i guess i will get a light colored bamboo shade and try it.

thanks again.

 

Not necessarily. Depends on personal tastes, I think. I prefer more fabric around (of course ) but some prefer a lot of wood around.
I like to match hard blinds to the wood trim. Not everyone does, but I think it looks best IMO.

 

If you can get a sample first and hold it up at night with your lights on. Then see if it offers you the privacy you want.