Shades

Shades are a term with several related meanings. In color theory, a shade is a darker variation of a color produced by adding black. In everyday use, shades also refer to devices that filter or block light, such as sunglasses and window coverings.

In color theory, a shade contrasts with a tint, which is a color plus white, and with a tone, which results from mixing a color with gray. Variations in shade create depth, mood, and contrast and are commonly used to simulate light and shadow in art and design.

Sunglasses, commonly called shades, provide glare reduction and UV protection for the eyes. Window shades include a range of devices such as roller shades, Roman shades, Venetian blinds, and cellular shades. They regulate light, offer privacy, and can improve energy efficiency. Shade options come in fabrics, vinyl, wood, or other materials and may be blackout, translucent, or sheer.

In visual arts and digital media, shading describes the rendering of light and shadow to convey form. Traditional techniques include hatching and cross-hatching, stippling, and blending. In digital graphics, shading uses gradients, soft shadows, and painted or rendered shadows to simulate light behavior.