Whenever we visit any new place, even if every décor items are set on place and if we don’t find a window treatment, we feel like something is missing, right??? Window coverings are an easy way to add some style to a room. Whatever may be design of your home, you need some window treatments not only to add a beauty but also to ensure privacy. There are several types of window treatments, but the most basic form is a shade.
You should not get confuse while choosing window shades or blinds for your home. Window shades are “soft” window covering which are made up of materials on a continuous roll to cover a large window opening, fitting closely into the window and stacking tidily at the top. Window blinds are rigid window covering with slats that open or closed to let in the light.
Window shades are drawn up and down by cords or rolled up with a spring. Shade is one piece of material which has no slats or vanes. Window shades can change your room look like creatively personalized ambience which is an extension of your style and personality. There are many other ways in addition to the accessories in window treatments such as tassels, trim, and painted designs.
Different Types of Window Shades
There are different types of window shades described below.
01. Roller Shades
Roller shades are one of the most popular types of window shades because they are effortless to use. They are simply shades equipped with a rolling mechanism. The roller shades are one piece design and are constructed on a metal pole that operates by a side chain or spring mechanism. The side chain is used to adjust how much area you want to cover. This design completely blocks light from a room when closed, and allow full light to enter when opened.
Roller shades are available in a variety of fabric material such as sheer, semi-sheer, semi opaque, translucent and blackout. They are also available in natural material such as bamboo and burlap. Choose from these materials to control how much light you want in your room. It is also available in different colours and patterns. It looks stylish and easy to use, install and maintain.
02. Roman Shades
Roman shades are one of the oldest and popular types of window shades. Roman shades are an attractive window covering made from fabric or natural materials like jute or seagrass. They are also made from the cloth that can be designed according to how much moving up or down is desired. There are various styles of roman shades available, but all are open and closed in the same ways. When it is raised it folds into itself. Since the roman shade continues to fold into it, it can create a large stack of fabric or any other material at the top of the window when they are raised completely. Hence, they are ideal for imparting a luxurious look to a home. They are popularly used by American homes for window treatment.
Roman shades are light in weight and elegant with the added functionally of a shade that opens and closes easily. It is harder to clean than other shades. It has a cord which is used to adjust how much area you want to cover.
03. Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are also known as honeycomb shades. Cellular shades have two layers of fabric that fold in opposite directions, providing additional insulation and increased protection from ultraviolet rays. Cellular shades can be installed to rise from the bottom of the window sill. It also provides privacy for the lower portion of the window and a partial view above the shade. It is therefore called the workhouse of window treatments because it leaves no mark when it comes to quality and function.
Cellular shades are used to block or filter light and insulate windows to save energy. They get their insulating properties from their honeycomb cells which trap air between the window and the room. Cellular shades are available in single cell shades, double cell and triple cell shades. Double cell shades are more insulator than the single shade. It is available in various types of fabric such as semi sheer, translucent and blackout.
04. Solar Shades
Solar shades are the most versatile window shades because it can be used indoors as well as outdoors. It is made with a special screen material to reduce glare and harmful UV rays. This will help to keep cooling cost down during the hot summer months. Solar shades are also known as window sunglasses. It is available in wide range of styles and openness level. It gives a traditional vibe of simplicity when installed.
Solar shades can be installed on the outside of the window, porch or patio to offer protection from the sun’s heat and harmful UV rays. It is also maintained outside view and permit considerable light inside. It is widely used in commercial buildings such as restaurants, office buildings etc.
05. Woven Wood Shades
Woven wood shades are made from wood pieces like bamboo, reed, grasses, hemp, jute and twine. There are eco-friendly and provide a natural feel to your room. It is also durable and flexible. Woven wood shades allow light to come in and offers moderate privacy which depends on which style you choose.
The natural materials used to manufacture woven wood shades have unique colour variations and textures to add beauty to every window. The natural looks of these shades are unique and very popular. The production lead times for woven wood shades are longer than the other shades. It is easy to install and operate. Bamboo woven shades are wonderful options for bedrooms and family rooms where you watch a movie without the glare of the outdoors.
06. Balloon Shades
Balloon shades has a unique style which complements all types of home décor, be it traditional or complimentary. When you pull and try to open the shades, they tend to form air bubble kind of puff on the top, which resembles balloon. This is how the balloon shades got its name. This style generally stands out because it is quite interesting. Balloon shades tend to work as a brilliant design element giving a classy aesthetic appeal. You must prefer these shades in rooms where you prefer to have access to direct sunlight.
07. Tie-Up Shades
The tie-up shades are one of the cutest décor accessories that are aesthetically pleasing. You can easily tie it to let more sunlight come in your homes. One of the best things about these shades is that you can use it according to your preferences. For this, you need little ribbons or ties that are to be attached to the end of the shade. As it does not come with any cord or supporting rollers, you have to tie them manually. Hence, it will take you a bit longer to open and set up. All in all, with these shades, you can create a stunning environment in your homes by spending a little time in tying them.
08. Pleated Shades
Pleated shades have the same function and operation as the cellular shades. But the only difference lies in the level of insulation. Pleated shades do not offer that much insulation as the cellular shades. You can customize the fabric colour matching the overall décor of your home. You can upgrade these shades by choosing the cordless style which can provide your child’s safety.
09. Sheer Shades
One of the amazing features of sheer window is that they are pretty versatile. They are sturdy and durable. They tend to compliment any style because they are a perfect combination of modern shades and traditional horizontal blinds. They can gently diffuse natural light through your windows. Hence you will have bright light still coming in your rooms with a warm and soft glow. Additionally, it comes with multiple lift options. You can choose standard continuous cord loop or remote controlled motorized system for smooth operation.
10. Bamboo Shades
Bamboo shades are one of the special window covering trends that have made a huge impact in modern era of home décor. It compliments perfectly with curtains or drapes and blends with every home interior style. One of the amazing features of the bamboo shade is that they are recyclable renewable resources making them an eco-friendly. Bamboo shades blends with traditional and contemporary homes. They are generally designed in the Roman style. It gives a more pleated look when you pull down for better ventilation. It adds an elegant glow to the room without making the room too bright during day time.
Gaining knowledge of various shades is important. However, it is more important to choose the right window treatment. So, to know how to choose, here we have some key point for you:
Parting Words
Window shades are that one décor accessory that can completely transform the look of your homes. It is also that one décor item without which your home décor might look incomplete. We hope that you enjoyed reading the various styles of window shades for homes. To get a glimpse of what we read in the article, we have made a wonderful infographic on window shades. Hope you would like that too:
And before you take a leave from us, there are similar kinds of window treatment that you’d like to know. Here, we have provided its various styles:
Image Courtesy: Image 2, Image 3, Image 5, Image 7 – sep.yimg, Image 8
