Control Options for Roller Shades

Q: I'm looking to install roller shades in my bedroom. Can you tell me the different types of control options available on these types of shades?

A: Absolutely. Roller shades come in cordless and spring lift systems, cordloop controls, and motorized or electronic control systems. Cordless, or spring lift systems use a retractable feature that eliminates all cords from the system. It's easy to use, too. Just pull down the shade with your hand (and you can even get a decorative pull to make it even more unique!) and it stays in place. Gently pull again and the roller shade rolls back onto the roll.

Cordloop controls, on the other hand, allow you to raise and lower your shades using a continuous loop of cord. The constant length of cord is great for control and safety since there are no long strings or cords for small hands, or small pets, to play with.

Better yet, go motorized! Roller shades, like lots of other window shades and blinds, come with a remote control option. This way you can raise and lower your shades from the comfort of your bed. What better way to control your bedroom light than to relax and press a button!

Control Options of Roman Shades

Q: I really like the look of roman shades but wanted to know what control options are available. Thanks.

A: Roman shades make a great functional alternative to drapes and come with either continuous cord loop controls or with the popular top down/bottom up feature. Most people are familiar with cord loop controls since they've been featured on blinds and shades for years. These cords are looped through the top rail and all you need to do is pull on one side of the loop to raise the shade and the other side to lower them. They're pretty safe, too since they maintain a constant length no matter how high or low the shade.

The top down/bottom up feature in roman shades is not as well known but it's just as convenient. In fact, it's one of the best secrets in the industry! This feature allows you to not only raise and lower the bottom edge of the shade, but the top half, too. This way you can get light through just the top edge of your window (which means it's perfect for when the sun is really low). You can use these shades like normal roman shades or conveniently lower the top rail to let natural light in at the top! It's such a great idea!

Control Options for Cellular Shades

Q: I'm about to order cellular shades but I wanted to know what control options were available. I have a few tall living room windows as well as some in bedrooms where my little niece often sleeps. Thanks for your help!

A: There are four main control types for cellular shades: Ultra glide, cordless, continuous cord loop, and remote controlled. If you're planning on installing cellular shades in a guest room or bedroom for small children, you may want to think about getting the cordless or ultraglide options. Cordless shades are just that: cordless. They let you lift and lower the shade by gently guiding the bottom bar. Ultraglide is the Hunter Douglas safety blind that keeps the control cords at very short lengths. Continuous cord loops are also good since they also maintain a consistent cord length.

As for your tall living room windows, go motorized! It can be really difficult to reach some of the controls if your windows are really high. Remote controlled blinds are great for this and also perfect for skylights if you have any. Simply sit back and push a button!