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.

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!

Modern Vertical Alternatives

Q: I'm hoping you can help me out. We have a house at the lake with huge windows that give us a great view. Unfortunately, they give everyone else a view inside our home, too...especially at night. Can you suggest a good shade? Hopefully something without vinyl slats?

A: Yes! There's two really good alternatives to traditional vertical blinds. Cellular shades and sheer shades both come in vertical styles.

Cellular shades have become one of the most popular alternatives to vertical blinds. These unique shades trap air inside vertical cells when they're pulled open, giving you light control and privacy while simultaneously helping you save energy through additional window insulation. They come in all kinds of colors and are available in both light diffusing and room darkening styles.

Sheer shades are available as panel tracks and come in a huge range of colors and textures. These unique shades block direct sunlight while still giving you full access to that wonderful lake view. If you want something to help control light during the day while still keeping your view, sheer shades are great! Tighter weaves provide a little privacy at night, but not quite as much as cellular.

Both, however, are great for modern or contemporary décor.

Enjoy the lake!

Contemporary Vertical Alternatives

Q: I've heard that there are alternatives available to typical vertical shades and I'd like to know more about them. I'm hoping to find something other than conventional vertical blinds since my home is more contemporary. Can you help?

A: Of course! The most popular vertical blind alternatives are composed of cellular shades. Vertical cellular shades are comprised of pleated sheets rather than traditional vanes and provide a more contemporary and modern look to large windows and sliding glass doors. And vertical cellular shades come in a variety of colors and opacities which gives you even more control over the light in your home.

Much like traditional cellular shades (or honeycomb shades as they're sometimes called), vertical cellulars are made of rows of air pockets that expand as you pull the shade closed. These unique pockets, or cells, create an insulating layer between your home and the window, providing an energy efficient yet contemporary look to your windows.

Shades and Blinds for Modern Living

Q: I have a very contemporary/modern style to my home and am looking for shades that fit my style. Can you offer some suggestions?

A: Roller Shades, mini blinds, sheer horizontal shades, and especially cellular shades and pleated blinds are great for accenting modern décor. Roller shades come in all kinds of fabric and color styles and their sleek, simple look is fantastic to compliment modern styles. You can dress them up or down depending on the options you choose. Cellular shades are at the top of my list for this category because they have a very cool pleated style, awesome light filtering qualities, and use honeycombs to insulate your windows, too.

I'm suggesting sheer horizontal shades, too, because they give a lot of light flexibility but still maintain the clean lines associated with contemporary furniture. They can also add a slightly softer touch but still stay within the same style.

If you're on a tighter budget, mini blinds (those small horizontal blinds that you'll find in lots of homes and apartments) are also a great pick. They're simple, functional, and very affordable. Pleated shades are great, too because they combine the look of cellular blinds but for a much lower price.