Window Shade Primer

There are so many window shade and blind options; how do you decide what is right for your décor and lifestyle? Design and function can be two of your guides. Do you want insulation, UV protection, more/less light or privacy? Some shade options include cellular, solar, Roman, roller, bamboo, sheer and pleated styles.

Here’s a primer:

• Cellular/Honeycomb shades reduce your home’s total thermal loss. The individual cells hold air, making a barrier between the window and the room. These shades are practical, and come in a wide variety of color and customization options. Top down/bottom up versions provide maximum light control. Cordless styles help keep young children and pets safe.
• Getting a balance of warmth and light can be a challenge–particularly in rooms that face the morning or evening sun. Solar shades cut heat and glare while maintaining your view out the window. These coverings are durable and bacteria-resistant, and they reduce the amount of UV light coming into the room. That slices your energy bill and protects your furniture, décor and family.
• Beautifully loomed fabrics and precise craftsmanship come together in Roman shades, a classical window treatment with durable style. The perfect shade for high-traffic rooms, the hardiness of Roman shades keeps them looking new for years. Roman shades come in a vast array of fabric colors that can soften a room or add a pop of color. Best of all, these shades are energy efficient.
• Whether you want to filter light or block it out completely, you can’t go wrong with roller shades. Find the right match for your décor with a wide range of high-quality, durable material choices in light-filtering fabric, light-blocking fabric or light-blocking vinyl. You also have a huge range of colors, textures and patterns from which to choose. The matte appearance of roller shades gives them a sleek, built-in look when installed inside window frames. Customizations include cordless lift, cassette valances, blackout liners and a variety of hem choices.
• Woven wood bamboo shades bring a feel of the outdoors into your home.
• Sheer shades provide the style and light control of a horizontal blind with the softness of a fabric shade.
• Pleated shades create an inviting warmth with beautiful, diffused natural light.

With so many choices, it makes sense to consult with a Cincinnati window shade company that can bring samples to your home and help you decide what will work best.