Fabric Samples
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Our Fabric Styles
DIM has meticulously selected and curated the finest, enduring fabrics. Our commitment to responsible sourcing ensures safety and sustainability. Rest assured whatever bespoke fabric you opt for, you can trust that your selection will deliver both aesthetic appeal and exceptional performance in your space.
Frequently Asked Sample Questions
What is the difference between 1% and 5% solar shade fabric?
Solar shade fabrics are specially woven screen-like materials designed to reduce glare, block up to 90–95% of harmful UV rays, manage solar heat gain, and protect furniture from fading—all while preserving an outward view. They require minimal maintenance and can help lower energy costs, offering maximum benefit in hot, sunny climates for south/west facing windows
1% solar shade functions similarly to room darkening. It provides stronger light and glare control with higher daytime privacy and a more limited outward view, best suited for bedrooms.
5% solar shade performs more like light filtering. It allows better visibility and a brighter feel while still offering good heat and UV protection. Best suited for common areas (living room, kitchen, dining room).
Important note on privacy: Solar shades excel at daytime privacy (harder to see inside when it’s brighter outdoors). At night, when interior lights are on, the effect reverses—people outside may be able to see in more easily. If full nighttime privacy is essential, consider choosing our standard light filtering/room darkening fabrics instead.
What's the difference between light filtering and room darkening?
Light filtering fabrics soften and diffuse incoming sunlight while blocking most of the glare. They provide an average level of privacy during the day and allow some natural light to enter the room for a brighter, more open feel.
Room darkening fabrics offer significantly more light blockage and superior privacy. They make the room much darker (ideal for bedrooms, media rooms, or daytime sleeping) but are not fully opaque like true blackout. A small amount of light may still enter around the edges of the shade and window frame. Full blackout is generally not achievable with standard roller shades unless you add light-blocking side channels or strips.
Pro Tip: We advise using light filtering shades in common spaces throughout the house (living room, kitchen, dining room) while utilizing the room darkening version of the color in bedrooms.
What size are the sample swatches?
Fabric Sample Swatches are 5"X8". We recommend holding them up to the window that they will be used for to check translucency and true color.
Do room darkening shades block out all light?
No, while our room darkening fabric completely blocks light from passing through the material itself, creating a noticeably darker room with excellent privacy, some light can still seep in around the sides and top/bottom edges of the shade where it meets the window frame.
For near-total light blockage, many customers add simple light-blocking strips or side channels. These accessories help seal the gaps and deliver a much closer-to-blackout effect.
Sample Shipping
Sample Orders are shipped for free and typically via USPS the same day they are ordered. Orders over the weekend ship on Mondays.