We all love it when natural light flows in through our windows. It just creates an airy, serene environment. Nonetheless, sometimes the natural light coming in through the windows causes havoc.
Take, for instance, the sun in Aurora, which can sometimes be a real pain and bothersome, not to mention people seeing inside, which can feel invasive. You can solve this problem with various window treatment options, including shutters, blinds, and shades.
We have narrowed this article to window shades, what they are and how they differ from the other window covering options, the benefits of window shades, and the various types.
Let’s get to it!
What are Window Shades?
Shades are window treatment options made of fabric stretched across the window frame to cover them and block the light. They are usually made of fabric, though they can also be made of wood and other materials.
There are various types of shades available on the market: Roller Shades, Roman Shades, Pleated Shades, Cellular Shades, Panel tracks, Natural Woven Shades, and Dual shades.
Let us examine each of these in detail.
Roller Shades
- It rolls up into a canister when open
- Best light control
- Disappears when rolled up to give a full undistracted view
- It can be paired with a drape or used alone. Also an excellent layer to other cover options
- Available in translucent and opaque options
- It comes in different colors and textures
Roller shades are fabric or vinyl shades attached to tracks on your top and bottom window frames. The shade features a weighted bottom that can be smoothly rolled up or down. The roller shade is the best option if you want more light control than the other options.
Roller shades are versatile among different home setups. Be it a traditional or contemporary style; they are available in various colors, patterns, and textures. This window treatment option is easy to install and move around and is an excellent layer to other cover options.
Roman Shades
- They fold up when open
- Come in several types, including tulip, cascade, flat, pleated, relaxed, etc
- Come in different colors and textures
- Usable on bay windows
- Allows for multiple light control levels
- Usable with valances
- Generally, comes available only in an opaque material
While roman shades are available in various types, they are specifically made of fabric, not plastic or wood-like material. Unlike roller shades, roman shades are folded up when opened.
These are versatile as they come in various types, making them suitable for different room setups and window types. However, they only disappear partially to give an undistracted view.
A valance is an excellent layer to roman shades as it hides the exposed inner part of the shade.
Pleated Shades
- Compresses into a compact stack when opened
- They can be of either fabric or vinyl material
- Easily customizable
- Usable with drapes and curtains
- They can be corded or cordless
Pleated shades are similar to cellular shades, only that they are lighter. They are made of fabric that compresses into a compact stack when open, leaving you with a full view of the outside. They are mostly made of cloth, though some are vinyl.
They come in various colors and patterns, including neutral tones and pastels. You can add them to your windows to achieve a unique style look.
Being as light as they are, pleated shades are best for places with less intense sunshine and glare.
Cellular Shades
- Honeycomb design that compresses into a minimal stack
- Best insulation and temperature control
- Top Privacy
- Various fabric options
- Two designs; top-down and bottom-up
Cellular shades can help reduce energy loss by up to 65%. They are made of fabric stretched over an insulating material, creating a honeycomb design that covers more surface area with the same fabric and traps air in it, making them an excellent insulator.
Cellular shades are available in different fabrics, with an optional dark lining to block visible light and provide privacy. A few options include honeycomb and satin.
The shades come in different colors, including white, silver, and black. Roman shades can be combined with other window covering options to give a unique style.
They are also best for privacy as they cover the entire window, preventing prying eyes from the outside. A dark lining hides the inner parts of the shade and prevents the light from reflecting on your window.
Panel Track Shades
- Come in large fabric panels that slide to open and close
- Ideal for oversized windows and patio doors
- Available as cord control or cordless (wand control)
- Available in multiple colors and textures
- Creates a clean and uniform look
- Usable as a ceiling-mounted room divider
Panel track shades come in large fabric panels that have an effortless operation. The panels slide back and forth on a track and can stack completely, giving you an almost complete view. They are the best option for oversized windows and sliding or patio doors.
They come in both cord and cordless options. The corded panel track allows you to control the shade from any end of the window. The ward control option is perfect for homes with kids and pets to ensure safety.
Panel tracks come in multiple colors and textures and give your entire house a clean and uniform look.
This shade type can also be used as a room divider, placing it at your desired height between two rooms or parallel to a ceiling fixture as an extension.
Natural Woven Shades
- Made of wolves of wood, like bamboo
- Easy installation
- They give a rustic look and a natural aesthetic
- Available in natural and custom colors
- They provide a light-filtering option
Natural woven shades are made of several thin wooden pieces to create a fabric-like appearance. They are available in a single plain weave, a basket weave, and a herringbone weave.
They are easy to install and come with brackets, allowing them to install on different types of windows. This makes them suitable for both standard windows and French doors.
Natural woven shades give your home a rustic look and an earthy, natural aesthetic that blends in with your home decor. These natural shades are available in a wide array of custom and natural colors that help you achieve the style and look you want for your home.
Natural woven shades also come with a light filtering option, giving them an additional layer of window cover that allows light to filter through but keeps the direct sun out.
They are great for rooms with small windows and give an overall cozy feel to your home.
Dual Shades
- Two separate shades that slide to open and close independently
- Can be designed to stack when opened
- Can choose from single or double-cell pairings
- Creates a natural light effect
Dual shades feature two panels, allowing them to slide back and forth. Each can be controlled independently of the other, letting you choose how much light you want in your home.
Dual shades are available in different designs of stacking when opened or not. The choice depends on your personal preference and the window size.
They come in single-cell or double-cell pile combinations. A single-cell dual shade is the most common and best for homes that receive excessive sunlight. Double cell dual shades reduce glare more effectively and are best for homes with two or more large windows.
There are more window shade types, but these are the most common and best.
With so many window shade types available, picking one that suits your home can be challenging. But consulting a professional is a great way to get the best option that performs well in your home.
That’s settled; let’s see what the main benefits of window shades are.
Benefits of Window Shades
Window shades have many benefits that make them a great addition to any home. They include:
Privacy and Light Control
Many homes need extra privacy without sacrificing light. With different styles, fabrics, and colors available, adding blinds can help you find the best solution.
Energy Efficiency
Window shades reduce energy loss through your windows. They can also reduce the heat in your home and keep cold air from escaping. With many options available, you are sure to find a window shade that suits you perfectly.
Window Shades for Decor and Style
Window treatments are not just about functionality. They are also about decor. With the numerous styles available, you can choose the one that suits your home best.
Cost Efficient
Window shades are relatively more affordable than other options, such as curtains and shutters. They are also easier to maintain, making them cost-effective in the long run.
Window shades offer many benefits you can count on to make your home much more fun and stylish.
With the wide variety of options available, it’s easy to find the perfect window shade for your home.
Get Top Quality Window Shades in Aurora, CO
Window shades serve several purposes, mainly to block out the light and provide privacy. They can also help keep the heat out in the summer and reduce any glare from the sun.
You can enjoy all these benefits if you choose the right option for your home.
At Sterling Shades and Shutters, we offer a wide variety of window shades to fit your unique style and decor.
Whether you need light-filtering blinds for a child or heavy-duty roller shades for your outside patio, our professionally trained staff is ready to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect option to match your needs and home.
We back our products with a limited lifetime warranty and personalized service to match your needs.
Our service areas include
Besides shades, we also offer other custom window coverings, including window shutters and blinds.
Our window shutters include plantation shutters, panel shutters, louvered shutters, and vertical shutters.
As for window blinds, we have motorized blinds, wood blinds, vertical blinds, and custom binds.
Contact us at (720) 507-8996 to learn more about our window treatments. We guarantee quality service, reasonable prices and great customer service.
