In the quest for creating the perfect ambiance in your apartment or home, one often overlooked aspect is the selection of the proper Visible Light Transmission (VLT) tint for your windows. The right VLT not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space but also offers practical benefits like privacy, energy efficiency, and protection from UV rays. In this guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know to make an informed decision when choosing the right VLT tint for your apartment.
Understanding Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
Before delving into the specifics of choosing the right VLT for your apartment, let's first understand what VLT actually means. Visible Light Transmission (VLT) refers to the amount of visible light that can transfer through the window tint. It is measured as a percentage, with higher percentages indicating more light transfers into the apartment and lower percentages indicating the window and the room will be darker.
Factors to Consider When Choosing VLT for Your Apartment
When selecting the appropriate VLT tint for your apartment, several factors come into play:
Desired Level of Privacy
For many apartment tenants, privacy is often a top priority. The choice of different VLT window tints will influence the level of privacy you’ll have. A lower VLT percentage means less light transmission and increased privacy, making it ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms. On the other hand, higher VLT percentages are suitable for common areas like living rooms and kitchens, where ample natural light is preferred.
Sunlight Exposure
Consider the orientation of your apartment and the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the day. If your home or apartment gets a lot of direct sunlight, opting for a lower VLT tint can help reduce glare, keeping the space more comfortable.
Energy Efficiency
Choosing the right tint with the higher VLT percentage can also contribute to the energy efficiency of your apartment. Having a higher VLT tint can allow more natural sunlight to come into the apartment. This means you’ll be able to enjoy the daytime without the need to turn on the light.
Aesthetic Preferences
The choice of VLT tint can significantly impact the overall appearance of your home or apartment. Consider the interior decor and color scheme of your space when selecting a tint color and VLT percentage that complements the existing design and outside elements of your home and apartment.
Understanding the Advantages of Different VLT Percentages
When it comes to selecting the right VLT tint for your apartment windows, the percentage of light transmission plays a crucial role. Let's explore the advantages and ideal scenarios for using window tints with varying VLT percentages:
5% VLT Tint
Advantages:
- Maximum privacy: With only 5% of visible light passing through, this tint provides the highest level of privacy, making it ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and areas requiring utmost seclusion.
- Glare reduction: The minimal light transmission helps reduce glare from direct sunlight, creating a more comfortable indoor environment.
Best Use:
- Bedrooms and bathrooms where privacy is important.
- Ideal for people who work night shifts to avoid the bright light interfering with your sleep.
10% VLT Tint
Advantages:
- Enhanced privacy: With slightly more light transmission compared to 5% VLT, this tint still offers excellent privacy while allowing a bit more natural light into the space.
- Moderate glare reduction: This 10% window tint is Ideal for areas with moderate sunlight exposure, providing a balance between privacy and brightness.
Best Use:
- Bedrooms and bathrooms where a balance of privacy and natural light is desired.
- Offices or study rooms where glare reduction is necessary for increased productivity.
20% VLT Tint
Advantages:
- Balanced privacy and light transmission: With 78% of visible light passing through, this window tint strikes a balance between privacy and brightness, making it suitable for various living spaces.
- Energy efficiency: Offers sufficient light transmission to brighten up the room while still providing heat reduction benefits, contributing to energy savings.
Best Use:
- Living rooms, dining areas, and kitchens where a comfortable balance of privacy and natural light is desired.
- Apartments with moderate to high sunlight exposure seeking energy-efficient solutions.
35% VLT Tint
Advantages:
Subtle privacy: This tint provides moderate privacy while allowing a significant amount of natural light to enter the room, creating an open and airy atmosphere.
Minimal impact on interior brightness: Ideal for maintaining a bright and welcoming ambiance without compromising privacy.
Best Use:
- Living rooms, dining areas, and kitchens where maintaining a bright and airy feel is essential.
- Workspaces or home offices where natural light is preferred for increased productivity.
50% VLT Tint
Advantages:
- Abundant natural light: With 42% of visible light passing through, this tint offers ample brightness while still providing some level of privacy.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from residential to commercial spaces, where a balance of natural light and privacy is desired.
Best Use:
- Any room where maintaining a bright and open feel is a priority, such as living rooms, kitchens, and home offices.
- Commercial spaces like storefronts or offices seeking a welcoming atmosphere without sacrificing privacy.
70% VLT Tint
Advantages:
Maximum brightness: This 70% tint allows the highest amount of visible light to pass through, creating a vibrant and open environment.
Minimal impact on exterior views: Ideal for maintaining clear views of the surroundings while still benefiting from UV protection and glare reduction.
Best Use:
Any space where maximizing natural light is crucial, such as sunrooms, studios, or art galleries.
Apartments with panoramic views or scenic surroundings seek to enhance visibility while minimizing glare and UV exposure.
So, what is a good VLT for windows?
A good VLT percentage for windows varies depending on individual preferences and the intended purpose of the tint. Generally, a VLT percentage between 20% and 40% strikes a balance between privacy, light transmission, and energy efficiency.
Why Choose Our Static Cling Window Tints?
At Instik, we understand the importance of choosing the right VLT tint for your home or apartment. Our static cling window tints offer a hassle-free solution for enhancing privacy, reducing glare, and improving energy efficiency. With a range of VLT percentages and tint colors to choose from, you can find the perfect tint to suit your needs and preferences. Plus, our easy-to-install tints are ideal for both apartment renters and homeowners, allowing you to customize your space without any permanent alterations.
Read next: How to Choose a Window Tint Film for Your Home or Apartment