What Is Screen Fabric Openness Factor?
A screen fabric’s openness factor is the percentage of open area in its weave. It influences the balance between outward visibility, light transmission and glare control. The final choice should also take account of verified fabric data and the conditions at the façade.
What does openness factor describe?
Openness factor is the proportion of open area within a screen weave. A lower figure will generally restrict direct light and the view more strongly, while a higher figure tends to retain a clearer visual connection with the outside. Yarn, colour and the manufacturer’s measured optical data also affect the result.
Balancing view, glare and privacy
A lower openness factor can support glare control in rooms with televisions or computer screens, whereas a higher factor can make the outlook more prominent. Screen fabric is not blackout fabric and may not provide privacy after dark when the interior is illuminated.
Colour and aspect change the result
Darker screen fabrics can make the view out appear clearer and may help reduce glare. Lighter colours can reflect more solar energy, although the outlook may look hazier. On strongly sunlit south- or west-facing elevations, assess the choice alongside the glazing and the fabric’s technical data sheet.
Compact comparison
How to interpret openness factor
- Lower opennessStronger glare and view control, with a more restricted outlook.
- Medium opennessMay provide a useful starting balance between outlook and control in homes and workspaces.
- Higher opennessRetains more of the view, so glare and privacy expectations require careful checking.
Quick selection guide
Which option is suitable, and when?
Related solution