Natural light can bring warmth, visibility, and ambiance into any space. However, there may be times during the day when you want to darken your rooms to a more comfortable level.
In this case, window shades are ideal! With just a few quick motions, you can easily adjust the light according to your needs.
If you’re considering adding a few to your home, you may wonder which models are the best. There are many different types of window shades to choose from, and each will operate in a unique way.
Today, we’re breaking down some of the most common kinds and sharing the differences you need to know.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are made entirely out of fabric. While they function as a full window shade, they also have the look of elegant drapery.
Many homeowners prefer Roman shades because they offer nearly limitless design possibilities. You can create them from almost any fabric you desire, and they add a welcome pop of color, pattern, and personality to any room. If you’re looking for a way to bring visual interest and functionality into your home, this is a great way to do so.
In addition to customizing your fabric, you can also choose the type of pleat that your shade uses, as well as the stitching. If you want to go a fully-tailored route, you can design your own Roman shades with our team of designers! Or, browse the collections of gorgeous, upscale shades offered by our premium manufacturers.
At Shade Set Shutters, we offer different kinds of Roman shades depending on your preferred style and needs, including:
- Light-filtering shades
- Blackout shades
- Motorized shades
- Manual operation shades
Roller Shades
Roller shades are beautifully classic and will work with any interior style. As their name implies, they can roll up or down with ease. While they look great on their own, you can also pair them with drapery panels for a more finished, traditional look.
These shades work just as well on a big picture window as on a small window in a bathroom or child’s room. Most options feature sleek lines, neutral colors, and minimalistic features that allow the shades to blend into the window frame beautifully when not in use.
If you want shades primarily for their light-blocking function and you don’t want to add too much color or busyness to a room, these may be the best type of window shade for you. You can choose sheer ones that offer the slightest degree of filtering, all the way to blackout shades that totally darken the room.
Our team can install roller shades that operate via manual or motorized systems. If you have kids or small pets in the house, consider our cordless, child-safe option for the ultimate in safety and security.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are made out of multiple layers of fabric bonded together. Their primary design characteristic is their honeycomb-shaped cells or pleats.
Like most shades, these work great in any room in your house. They also give you the ability to raise or lower them from either end, operating in a top/down or bottom/up format. If you want to enjoy the view but still crave a little privacy, simply lower them from the top!
Another benefit of cellular shades is that air is conveniently trapped within the honeycomb cells. This gives them an insulating quality and makes them more energy efficient. You can enhance this feature by choosing shades with more cellular layers or changing the size of the pleats.
In addition to basic neutrals, we also offer cellular shades in a variety of bold, bright colors and patterns. Like our other shades, you can also specify the amount of light filtration you prefer, all the way to total blackout shades. Despite the room-facing appearance of your shade, most cellular shades include a solid white backing, so all of your windows will look uniform from the exterior.
Solar Shades
Does your home get a lot of direct UV light during the day? If so, then you may prefer the look and convenience of solar shades!
These shades are specially constructed to reduce the effects of sun exposure on your furniture and flooring. When browsing all of the different options, pay attention to the “openness factor” of each one, which will be listed as a percentage. The smaller the number (e.g. 1% or 3%), the tighter the weave.
Tightly woven solar shades let in very little light. If you want to reduce brightness and glare to an even greater extent, look for shades that feature special technology designed to reflect heat away from your home. When you use solar shades to keep your rooms cooler and darker, you can also save on energy costs!
Your HVAC system has to work overtime to keep your home comfortable during the warmest, sunniest seasons. Solar shades take care of some of that work, so you’ll spend less on your utility bill. At Shade Set Shutters, we offer solar shades in many different fabrics, textures, colors, and patterns.
Learn More About Different Types of Window Shades
Window shades can transform the form and function of your home. They can add visual interest to any space, as well as block or filter light, improve energy efficiency, and more.
If you’re interested in installing any of these types of window shades in your home, our team would love to help. We offer high-quality window shade installation services throughout Houston. Once you choose the shades you want, we’ll work with you every step of the way. From your initial consultation to the final, finishing touches, we’ll do it all.
Contact us today to learn more and let’s get started!
