Complete guide on Blinds and Shades
Cellular shades
Cellular shades appear similar to pleated shades and are made of similar materials as well. Cellular shades, however, are composed of two separate pieces of material, unlike a pleated shade. In the middle, the front and back sections of the cellular shades are open, creating a pocket that provides insulation. Cellular shades are available in a wide variety of cell sizes tailored to suit various window needs. Such shades are an ideal way to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Also, cellular shades provide sound insulation.
Roman shades
Roman shades are a very conventional covering of windows consisting of fabric or materials such as jute or seagrass. There are many different types of Roman shades available, but they all have one thing in common: It folds into itself when a Roman shade is lifted, similar to how a Venetian blind works. Because a roman shade’s fabric begins to fold into itself, it can build quite a big stack of fabric at the top of the window when it’s completely lifted. So, while Roman shades give a stunning and timeless appearance, when lifted, they do eliminate a portion of your window’s viewable area.
Roller shades
Roller shades are among the most common styles of window blinds. Roller shades are available in various types, made of natural or synthetic materials and they’re just as they sound like: rolling up or down from the top to let the sun in or block it out! The more inexpensive roller shades are installed with all the hardware exposed to the top of the screen, while the more sophisticated alternatives include buttons or other methods to cover the moving parts and keep the window display appearing very smooth and almost transparent. Like with other blinds on this series, there are roller shades with additional features such as thermal or blackout linings.
Tie-up shades
Tie-up shades are something of a cross between a shade and a curtain. Tie-up shades are available in a wide variety of colors. These shades are made from a piece of fabric that features ties that stretch beyond the shade’s edge. By rolling it up, you will raise the cover, and then lock the cover in place. This shade style gives a relaxed or country-like look that combines effortlessly with other decor types.
Solar shades
If your main concern is to minimize the amount of overt sunshine, haze, and heat coming in through your windows, sun shades are a less intense twist on roller shades, which could suit your needs exactly. Instead of being a rigid cloth, solar shades are made of transparent material — similar to a silkscreen — which will do the same for your living room as sunglasses do for your eyes on a sunny day — you’ll still be able to see from the curtains, but the blinding afternoon sunshine won’t spoil anybody’s vision of the TV or reflect on anyone’s skin.
Outdoor shades
Outdoor shades are typically made of high duty fabrics and are weather tolerant. On patios and decks, the exterior shades are used to minimize the amount of sun exposure and heat reaching the area. Solar outdoor shades are particularly popular.
Skylight shades
Skylight shades are offered in a wide range of types including roller, pleated and cellular. Such shades are built to cover hard to reach skylights. Due to its insulating properties, cellular shades are particularly common for skylights. The shades of the skylight usually feature a largely removable rod used to raise, lower, or adjust the shade. Often colors of skylight are lifted or lowered with a handle instead of a pin. Automatic models are available, too.
Smart blinds
They may still look like something out of a science fiction book, but thanks to smart home technologies, smart blinds are becoming ever more popular. Smart blinds and curtains, as well as modern, high tech models, are available in several traditional styles.
Smart blinds are compatible with a mobile program, which can be operated individually or in groups. Also, they can be configured to open and close during the day at some stages. Not only are smart blinds some of the market’s most visually pleasing, but they can also help you save on energy costs.
There are still smart controllers available if you are interested in smart blinds but don’t want to fork out the cash to retrofit your house with them. Such remote devices provide you with the same form of smart technology that precious smart blinds use to match your current blinds.
Natural fabrics
Natural fabrics are common materials used to create shades. However, the emergence of various synthetic materials has reduced its market share significantly. The most popular materials you can see used are cotton, jute, and seagrass. Typically such fabrics are available as tie-up, roller, or Roman shades. Natural fabric shades are relatively easy to clean and durable. They are not, though, immune to fading, and over time they will take quite a beating out of the sun’s UV rays.
Synthetic fabrics
Synthetic fabrics are the most common materials used to manufacture other types of shades, such as tie-up, roller, or Roman. Like natural materials, they are sturdy and easy to scrub. But synthetic fabrics are typically particularly resistant to fade and continue to preserve their appeal for longer than natural fabric colors.