How To Make A Decorating Statement With Roller Shades

Roller shades are one of the most recent types of window treatments, becoming popular in the nineteenth century. They offered an economical option to the homeowner, who often made them herself. Oilcloth was often used since it was not only the most inexpensive material but also the one offering the most privacy. More costly fabrics, primarily linen, were also used for a greater range of colors, even though it was more costly and yielded less privacy. Today, roller shades can be found in a variety of options, materials, and styles.

Most shades today use fabric, vinyl, or both. Vinyl is usually recommended for use in areas with high humidity, such as a sun room or bathroom. You can find ready made shades online at various dealers or locally at many department stores. Custom orders allow you to purchase exactly the patterns, materials, or colors that you want, and both aforementioned sources also provide custom shades.

You can liven up your shades with decorative trims and hems for little additional cost. The most common finishes for hems are rounded, colonial, and scalloped. Naturally, straight cut hems are also plentiful, and different variations can be found that are specific to an individual manufacturer.

Top lowering shades are also available that allow you to raise and lower the shade from either the top or bottom. With the top down, light can enter without any great loss of privacy. These styles, like most others, can be found with cords or cordless.

The material of the window shades determines how much light will be blocked. Some manufacturers have the same material pattern available in various weaves. The looser weaves allow more light to enter while tighter weaves allow less. Blackout backings are also to be found that will not permit any light into the room. This is a feature that is very popular with those who must sleep during the day. For those who want privacy but still want to be able to see out, there are sheerer styles that allow this.

Many decorators and homeowners use window shades underneath drapes and curtains. The extra layer of protection helps to prevent fabrics from fading in the sun. They also allow the selection of sheerer fabrics for the curtains for rooms where an airy feel is desired.

Shades can be used on windows that are too wide for a normal shade by installing more than one shade on the same head rail. Up to three shades can normally be mounted on one rail. Each will operate separately from the others. This is also an effective treatment for walls with several closely set windows. Mounting a rail for each window can clutter up the area, while one rail makes the entire wall look neater.

Most roller shades are mounted inside the window casement. This is the normal mount when window shades are used underneath drapes or curtains. However, they can also be mounted on the outside of the casement. You will need to make this decision before you measure for your shades.

Early shades required pulling the bottom rail or tassel to raise or lower them. Frequently shades were damaged or soiled from repeated handling. Newer styles allow you to choose the option of a chain to operate them. Chain operated shades are normally recommended for use in environments where toddlers are not present since they can pose a danger to youngsters.

Roller shades can add beauty and elegance to a room at an economical cost. Whether used as part of a treatment for the window or alone, they add both privacy and style. Furnishings, drapes, and rugs may also benefit from the filtration of the sun. With accurate measurements and proper installation, shades should provide years of practical beauty.

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