Shades

Let’s start with the 3 primary goals that a window shade should accomplish, then we will move to operation options, and then we can look at what shade types are available and how they may work in your space.

The 3 Primary Goals Of Great Shade Selection

Light Control: Think bedroom vs living space. Are there streetlights outside? On what side of the house does the sun rise or set, and how will the season affect the light coming in? Do you live on a street with a lot of traffic, and will there be headlights?

Insulation: Do you have good windows? How old are they and are they drafty? Is this an old farmhouse with only single pane windows? Even with large windows there will be some “thermal transfer” in both summer and winter – how will that affect the temperature in the room? Even with really good windows, will your floors, furniture, or artwork fade over time?

Privacy: You like to see out, but you don’t want anyone seeing in? Is the window on an upper floor or ground floor? How far away is the neighbor’s window from yours? Will there be shadows or a silhouette visible at night? If you live on your own or travel a lot – could your decision on shades really help with security?

Shade Controls and Operation

Cords/Cordloops: These have been around since window shades started. They are usually the most economical, but safety is a concern that is way more important than just pricing. The entire industry is moving away from hanging cords and even the federal government is implementing solid standards for child and pet safety. Every year there are many injuries and fatalities linked to shade cords!

Cordless: Manufacturers have various cordless mechanisms, but simply put – you never have to pull a cord! Some shades you just push up and down, others you press a button or give a little tug to release or lock the shade position. These are great options…unless the top of the window is well out of reach! Many homes constructed today have tall ceilings which make the tops of tall windows difficult for most people. This doesn’t take the cordless option completely off the table, but daily use and practicality is something to consider!

Ratcheting: This option is usually priced in-between the 2 previous options. There is either a single cord or wand that’s only about 1/3 the length of the shade (well out of reach of children or pets) that has a “one-click” release to put the shade down. The cord or wand is then “pumped” or “ratcheted” to raise the shade to the desired height. This is also a good option for tall windows.

Motorization: (link to Gallery > Motorization) This is not just a luxury item! While adding a little more to your upfront investment, motorization pricing is becoming more affordable and is well worth having! Timer-controlled shades provide energy efficiency. You can also operate your shades remotely when away from your house, even randomizing the schedule, so it appears someone is operating them. Something you may not have considered is that it can even save you operating time, depending on the number of windows you have to operate. No wiring is necessary and on large shades, motorization actually lengthens the life of the shade because of the consistency of the motor pull.

The 6 Types Of Shades

Type 1 – Roller and Screen Shades

Solar or screen shades: These shades you can “see through” during the day, but they still offer up to 99% UV protection. (Note: The degree you can see out during the day… is the degree someone can see in at night.)

Light filtering: This term means the shade material offers “full privacy” – while still allowing natural light into the room. (Note: Make sure to hold the fabric up at your window to make sure you are comfortable with the coverage.)

Room darkening: Many like to refer to this as “blackout” – which is misleading. There will be light cracks in places on the majority of room darkening shades. There are a couple of products that guarantee complete “blackout” – but make sure your sales person sets the correct expectation and uses the correct terms.

Type 2 – Honeycomb or Cellular Shades

Insulative! Because of the “air pocket” created by combining 2 fabrics to form a hexagon shaped “cell”, these are the most insulating shades available.  If you need more insulation, double or triple cell shades have additional layers of “cells.”

Available in solar screen (UV protection but no insulating value), light-filtering, room darkening; OR choose the 2-in-1 shade option which combines any 2 of the 3 types for dual purpose (For example: screen with light-filtering, light-filtering with room-darkening, or screen with room-darkening).

Type 3 – Transitional and Sheer Shades

Transitional (also called banded or “zebra” shades): These shades use alternating strips of fabric and sheer material and are designed to be fully closed in the “down position.” When raised a couple of inches, the sheer stripes align and provide some UV protection plus the ability to have a view of the outside. These shades can also be fully raised so the fabric completely retracts into the headrail cassette. (Available in light-filtering and room-darkening.)

Sheer shades: These shades have 2 layers of sheer material (front and back) with fabric “vanes” that float in between when tilted. When in an open position, some UV protection is provided as well as a view of the outside. When tilted closed, full privacy is achieved.

Type 4 – Roman Shades

Fabric roman shades: (link to Gallery > Drapery > Roman, Balloon, Relaxed Swag Shades) Due to layers of fabric used in manufacturing, these provide a measure of insulation. They also offer full privacy when lowered. Usually light-filtering linings are used, but there are some companies that offer room darkening options. Dual shades combine a roman shade on the room side and a room darkening roller or cellular shade in the back.

Natural or woven wood roman: (link to Gallery > Shades > Woven Woods, Natural) These fabrics are made from actual grasses, wood, bamboo, and other natural materials. These shades can be: unlined providing some privacy), have an attached lining (stitched by hand on the back of the natural material to provide full privacy), or have a separate “operable liner” that adds either a light-filtering or room-darkening option when needed.

Type 5 – Door or Vertical Shades

Door or Vertical Shades (link to Gallery > Shades > Doors, Verticals) Sliding doors can be challenging for homeowners to find treatments for. Some of the options we offer include vertical honeycomb or cellular shades, panel tracks, sheer verticals, woven wood panel drapes, vinyl or metal vertical blinds, and interior shutters. Check out our gallery for some design ideas!

Type 6 – Blinds

Blinds are a great entry-level product for basic window coverage. While very functional and durable, design choices are limited.

Faux wood (composite) or wood blinds: Two slat size options available. Cordlock or cordless are standard, tilt wand and motorized tilt are available. For faux wood (composite) blinds, there are around a dozen colors and textures available. For solid wood blinds, there are a combination of paint and stains available.

Metal: Usually known as “mini-blinds” due to their ½-inch or 1-inch slat size, these are still widely used in commercial applications.