Roller Shades Offer Classic Style With Superb Function

Consider humble roller shades. Rarely has a home furnishing had such a distinguished history of success, yet been so easily dismissed when it comes to thinking of stylish window treatments.

After all, window shades of various sorts have been around for nearly 4,000, since people first began living in houses with openings in the walls. Roller shades were a much later invention, but the kinds we know today have existed for at least two centuries. And what an ingenious invention! A simple piece of fabric or vinyl wraps around a turning dowel made of wood or steel, and is lowered or raised manually or by using a cord. In moments a window can be opened to sunlight or shielded for privacy. If only everything in our lives worked as simply and as well!

In fact, the easy functionality of the roller shade led to experiments with various materials that have added to its value. Today there are different types of materials, a rainbow of colors and four types of uses to which we can put our shades.

First, there are sheer window shades. These are constructed of materials so light they’re almost transparent. They let in nearly every ray of sunlight. And by the way, don’t get flighty with your “nightie” in front of a sheer shade; the neighbors may faint from the lack of privacy.

Second, there are Light Filtering shades. These let in less light than sheer versions and give a bit more privacy, but they are no means opaque. That quality belongs to the next two classes of roller shades.

Room darkening shades are exactly what their name implies: They keep light out of the room. This type of roller shade is made expressly for bedrooms, so that the dawn’s early light doesn’t awaken sleepers too soon, and the harvest moon doesn’t shine into sleepy eyes.

Finally, there are blackout shades. These aren’t the kind that Grandpa pulled down to keep the enemy from finding you in World War II. These shades are made of thick, solid, opaque materials that keep out even the tiniest rays of sunlight from a room. They’re great for the bedrooms of day sleepers, and for family rooms to watch movies in the daytime.

In addition, roller shades are made to screen out sunlight, for privacy and against insects.

A solar screen is similar to a blackout screen, but it’s specifically design to keep out ultraviolet rays and heat. This kind of shade usually is made from three types of materials: vinyl coated with fiberglass, vinyl coated with polyester, or either of the first two types with added aluminum backing. Privacy shades typically are made of heavier fabrics such as cotton, linen, or polyester to keep out prying eyes. They can act like solar screens, but they don’t last as long because they lack a vinyl coating. Some people find them more attractive in home decor than a solar screen.

Additional variations include paper, wood and insect mesh. Paper and wood are desired for their aesthetic qualities, but they aren’t very durable because the materials can be fragile. Insect mesh shades frequently are installed for “outside” rooms such as covered patios and front porches. The fine-grain mesh keeps out flying pests such as flies, bees, wasps and mosquitoes, making the area more comfortable.

And for all its functions, roller shades also can be beautiful additions to any type of home decor. Crafters frequently will embellish a plain white or ivory vinyl shade by adding stencils or designs using craft or fabric paint. These kinds of shades made good additions to a baby’s nursery, a child’s room or the family room in a home.

Roller shades are a classic window covering, but they can be as contemporary as a decorator’s imagination can make them.

Many buyers wish to find out more about roller shades, and may visit Jerikat Jennison’s site to choose the best window shades for your needs and save money at the same time.