Client Education · Guide 01

Understanding VLT

One number decides how your glass feels: how much light it lets through. Get the number right and every room works the way you want it to.

The Basics

What VLT Means

VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, is the percentage of natural sunlight that passes through a glass surface covering. A 5 percent covering lets 5 percent of the light through. A 90 percent covering lets nearly all of it through.

A lower number means less light gets through, which gives you greater privacy and less glare. A higher number keeps the view open and bright. Neither end of the scale is better than the other. The right number depends on what the room is for, which way it faces, and how much of the outside world you want looking in.

Every covering we install is a retrofit applied directly to your existing glass. No window replacement, no construction and no disruption. And regardless of the VLT level you choose, each option blocks 99 percent of UV radiation, protecting your furniture, flooring and interior finishes from fading over time.

Side by Side

The Same View, Eight Levels

The chart below shows one waterfront view through each covering level, so you can see exactly how the light and clarity change from one to the next before you decide.

Visible Light Transmission comparison chart showing the same waterfront view through eight covering levels, from 5 percent maximum privacy to 90 percent maximum clarity

The same view, eight levels of light Download Full-Size Chart

Level by Level

The VLT Scale

5% Maximum Privacy The darkest level we install. Media rooms, ground-floor bathrooms and glass you want fully shielded during the day.
15% High Privacy Strong daytime privacy with deep glare reduction. Bedrooms and street-facing windows in close quarters.
30% Privacy & Shade The everyday privacy level. Softens hard sun and keeps casual sightlines out without turning the room dark.
40% Daytime Privacy Privacy from outside with a comfortable, natural feel inside. A common pick for living spaces near the road.
55% Balanced Light The middle of the scale. Meaningful heat and glare control while the room still reads as bright.
70% Moderate Light A light touch. Takes the edge off sun and heat while keeping the glass close to its original look.
80% Solar Control Serious heat and UV rejection with almost no visible change. Sunrooms and big view windows.
90% Maximum Clarity Nearly invisible. All the UV protection, none of the shading. For glass where the view comes first, full stop.
Choosing a Range

Where Each Level Works Best

Privacy & Shade · 5–30% VLT

Bedrooms, bathrooms and street-facing glass. Strong daytime privacy and deep glare reduction, with the room noticeably softened.

Balanced Living · 40–70% VLT

Living rooms, offices and waterfront views. Privacy from outside during the day, a full clear view from inside.

Light & Clarity · 80–90% VLT

Bright rooms where the view comes first. Rejects heat and UV while the glass stays nearly clear.

One thing to know: VLT is a daytime number. After dark, with your interior lights on, a shaded covering alone will not stop people from seeing in. If night privacy matters, read Privacy, Day & Night before you choose a level.

Still Deciding?

See the Levels on Your Own Glass

A chart gets you close. Your own window gets you certain. We bring samples to your home and show you each level in your light.

Book a Free Consultation Call 705-481-3666