The most common question about Zipscreen blinds: blackout or transparent? Complete guide 2026 — real technical differences between 0%, 1–3% and 5–10% openness, what matters for your Bucharest terrace, how house orientation influences the choice, and what to order if you want both privacy and natural light.
The question we get most often: blackout or transparent?
Almost every customer ordering a Zipscreen blind in Bucharest asks the same question: "What's better — blackout or transparent?"
The correct answer depends on three factors: window or terrace orientation, primary purpose (shading vs. privacy vs. visual comfort) and urban context (street, neighbours, private garden).
Understanding the "openness factor" — what 1%, 3%, 5%, 10% means
| Fabric type | Openness | UV filtration | View from inside | View from outside (day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transparent | 5–10% | 90–95% | Excellent | Reduced (mirror effect) |
| Semi-opaque | 1–3% | 97–99% | Good to reduced | Very reduced |
| Blackout | 0% | 100% | Zero | Zero |
Common myth: with 5–10% openness fabrics, you cannot be seen from outside during the day — it works like a mirror. At night with interior lighting, the situation reverses.
House orientation — the golden rule
South/West exposure: semi-opaque 1–3% or blackout 0%, light colours (white, pearl grey, cream) — reflects up to 70% of solar radiation.
East exposure: transparent 5% or semi-opaque 3% — morning sun is less thermally aggressive.
North exposure: transparent 5–10% — no direct solar radiation, maximise natural light.
Quick decision table
| Your situation | Recommended fabric |
|---|---|
| South/west terrace, want privacy | 1–3% light colour |
| East terrace, beautiful view | 5% transparent |
| Bedroom on busy street | 0% blackout |
| Living room, large garden window | 5% transparent |
| Home office, computer screen | 3% medium colour |
| Apartment balcony, facing neighbours | 1–3% or 0% |
Indicative prices by fabric type — 2026
> ⚠️ Note: Prices are indicative as of March 2026. Always request an updated quote.
| Fabric type | Openness | Indicative price / m² installed |
|---|---|---|
| Standard transparent | 5% | 160–220 EUR/m² |
| Semi-opaque | 3% | 170–240 EUR/m² |
| Blackout | 0% | 190–280 EUR/m² |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Zipscreen blackout or transparent — which is better?
It depends on three factors: the orientation of the window or terrace, the main purpose (shading, privacy or visual comfort) and the urban context (street, neighbours, private yard). Transparent keeps the view and filters 90-95% UV; blackout gives total darkness and 100% UV filtering, but zero visibility.
What does the openness factor of a screen fabric mean?
The openness factor is the proportion of gaps in the fabric relative to the total area. A lower percentage means denser material, less light and visibility. Transparent = 5-10% openness (90-95% UV filtered), semi-opaque = 1-3%, opaque/blackout = 0% (100% UV).
Can you see into the house through a transparent screen during the day?
No. With screen fabrics of 5-10% openness, you cannot see in from outside during the day — it acts like a mirror. At night, with interior lights on, the situation reverses and you can see in. It is a common myth that transparent fabric gives outside visibility during the day.
Which Zipscreen fabric should I choose for maximum privacy?
For maximum privacy choose blackout (opaque, 0% openness) — it gives total darkness, zero visibility both ways and 100% UV filtering, ideal for bedrooms. If you also want to keep the outward view, semi-opaque (1-3%) offers a compromise with reduced visibility and 97-99% UV filtered.
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