Endless Variety with Roman Shades

Q: A friend suggested I look at Roman Shades as an alternative to my current blinds, but I need to know if I can find ones that fit my “earthy” décor. Basically, are their roman shades that fit my natural decorative style as well as the ones that flatter more contemporary homes?

A: Absolutely! Roman shades are available in a huge selection of fabrics, weaves, colors, and textures. And they also come in a wide variety of light filtering and room darkening styles, too. Some of these shades, most notably the light filtering ones, come in beautiful neutral colors that can soften both the look and the light in a room, really complimenting more earthy styles.

Since roman shades come in such a wide variety of styles, it's easy to find ones that fit the style of your home. These unique shades combine the soft look and feel of drapes with the ease and convenience of shades and blinds.

And, in addition to different colors, textures, and light filtering qualities, you can also choose from a variety of folds. Standard uniform folds are always popular in roman shades, but you can also order shades that lay flat when pulled down or ones that emphasize a looser, more relaxed gather of fabric at the bottom of the shade. Considering your interest in more natural colors and styles, the latter might work best for your home.

Controlling Sun through Skylights Year Round

Q: Over the summer I had someone install four skylights in my home and, while I love the natural light, I was hoping to find a way to control incoming sun. Is there a good skylight shade (preferably something attractive) that can help control the light and heat?

A: Yes! Cellular shades are perfect for skylights! They come in a wide range of colors and opacities to fit all kinds of homes. Light filtering cellular shades diffuse direct sunlight, giving you the pleasure of natural light without the harsh glare. And room darkening options allow you to completely block incoming light.

As for attractiveness, cellular shades continue to be one of the most popular styles of shades and blinds for both home and office. The sleek, simple design and color variety help make these a versatile option for any homeowner. And, since cellular shades trap air between the window and your room, they also help insulate your home against overheating in the summer and loss of heat in the winter.

And don't forget the convenience of motorized controls in skylights! While manual options are available, many homeowners choose to operate their cellular skylight shades with a push of a button. The perfect choice year round!

Versatile Shades for All Seasons

Q: My home has a ton of windows that face south so there's always light all year round, which means I need shade and privacy all year round, too. Can you suggest a shade that suits my fall and winter style but still matches my summer décor? Thanks.

A: Roller shades would be perfect for your home! These sleek, simple shades come in a wide range of light filtering and room darkening styles that can help diffuse bright light in the summer and create elegant ambiance in the winter.

Not to mention they come in a huge range of colors, texutres, fabrics, and prints. While certain textures or prints are best suited to specific times of year, the range of options means that you can choose a roller shade that will match your decorations all year round.

And, the low-profile design makes it easy to combine window treatments at any time of year. For example, for a sleek, simple look in summer, let the roller shade stand alone or combine it with a simple cassette cover for the roller bar. In the winter, you can hang drapes over and around the roller shade for a heavier, warmer look without loosing the versatility of light control.

Your options are endless!

Routless vs Cloth Tape in Wood Blinds

Q: I've done a lot of research and finally decided on installing wood blinds in my living room, but I'm a little concerned about glare. I know there are options for reducing those little light spots, but I need some help. Can you explain the difference between cloth tapes and routless and why I might choose one over the other?

A: Great question! When comparing routless and cloth tape, it's important to recognize the aesthetics of your window and the purpose of your blind. You've already mentioned that you want to minimize the glare caused by the small holes in the slats and have narrowed your choices down to routless or cloth tapes. Now the differences...

Cloth tapes create an actual barrier to those route holes by covering the strings (and therefore the holes they run through) down the length of the blind. This option can be perfect if you want to add a splash of color to your blinds or coordinate them with existing interior pallets. It's an inexpensive option to block the glare from route holes and add some personalization, too!

Routless wood blinds eliminate the need for those tiny route holes in the slats by weaving the ladders (controlling strings) underneath and between slats. They look and move just like conventional wood blinds but without the holes, giving you a great option if you don't want to change or personalize the look of your blinds.

Either option is great for reducing glare and I'm sure you'll find the perfect wood blinds for your room.

Contemporary Alternatives to Vertical Blinds

Q: My husband and I recently purchased a gorgeous home with long windows that attach to a sliding glass door in the back. We definitely need privacy, but I don't want to block all the light. And I want something more modern than traditional vinyl but not as conservative as some fabric covered vertical blinds.

A: You should consider cellular vertical shades! They're an elegant and sleek alternative to traditional vertical blinds and eliminate the look and sound of conventional hanging blades.

Cellular blinds are unique in their ability to expand and contract as you open or shut them across your windows. Their special design traps air between panels of dark or translucent fabric, providing exceptional light filtration and privacy while simultaneously insulating your home against unnecessary heat gain and loss. And, much like their horizontal counterparts, cellular vertical blinds come in a wide range of colors hat can match any décor.

And, since you have a long window, you can match the shades to one another and can coordinate them with other windows, too!

Simple Shades with Versatile Style

Q: I'm looking for shades or blinds that don't take up too much space and can fit in almost any window. I'm also hoping to find something that can match my “quirky” style but not too flashy. Any suggestions?

A: Believe it or not, roller shades come in a huge range of colors, textures, and light diffusing options. Decades have passed since vinyl roller shades ruled the windows and it's time for consumers to rethink these basic shades.

First of all, roller shades are low-profile, making them perfect for almost any window. Second, they come in a huge range of colors and textures – everything from bold solids to intricate flowering prints to natural weaves. Third, because of their simple design, roller shades make an elegant addition to any home. And, you can personalize them with custom trim or pulls, too.

They also come in a wide range of light filtering options. Some roller shades diffuse incoming light while others strengthen the privacy of your home. Simply choose the color and determine your lighting preference. Many manufacturers can add liners to improve the privacy or room-darkening features of your shade. With roller shades your options are limitless!

Shades for Privacy and Light Filtration

Q: Can you recommend something that can both diffuse light AND provide privacy?

A: Sheer horizontal shades are probably your best choice for combining light filtration and privacy concerns. These unique shades have soft opaque slats that float between two vertical sheets of sheer fabric. When you pull the shade down and leave the slats open, you get soft diffused light. When you tilt the slats shut, the opaque slats act like a traditional blind and help block light and give you increased privacy.

Sheer horizontal shades come in a wide variety of colors and light diffusing options. Lighter colors give you adequate privacy when the slats are tilted shut and soft white light when they're open. Darker colors, on the other hand, will increase your privacy and room darkening options when the slats are closed.

Whatever color you choose, sheer horizontal shades are a great choice for combining privacy with the beauty and versatility of light diffusing shades.