Known for their simplicity and versatility, Roller Shades are a popular choice of window treatment. Whether you’re looking to block out the sun, add privacy to your home, or all of the above, there’s a style of Roller Shade sure to fit the needs of your space.
We’ve created the complete Roller Shade Buying Guide to guide homeowners through the options for Roller Shade customization. Let’s dive in.
What Are Roller Shades?
Roller Shades are a type of window covering made from a single piece of fabric or material that rolls up onto a tube at the top of a window. These shades can be operated manually or through motorized controls, depending on your needs and personal preferences.
Types of Roller Shades
While the design of the Roller Shade is certainly simple, selecting the right fabric for the needs of your space can make the ordering process a bit more complicated. Let’s get into it:
Fabric Type
The main factor to take into consideration when purchasing Roller Shades is how much light you want to enter your space. Light filtering fabric is ideal for those who wish to enjoy natural light while maintaining privacy, while blackout fabric is popular in spaces where darkness is essential. However, within the light filtering category, there are differing levels of fabric to choose from, depending on your light and privacy preferences.
Fabric that reduces UV rays and glare, known as Solar Shades, are another option that protects your interiors from sun damage while preserving the view outside.
Motorization
Motorization adds a layer of convenience and sophistication to roller shades. Particularly beneficial for large or hard-to-reach windows, Motorized Shades make control easy– a boon for accessibility while allowing for a modern, streamlined design.
Additionally, Motorized Shades can be integrated with smart home systems, such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit, allowing for features such as timers and voice control automation.
Factors to Consider When Buying Roller Shades
Before pressing “add to cart,” it’s important to think about your primary reason for buying shades. Is it to prevent sunlight from entering your space during the day? Or to increase privacy at night? These factors will influence your decision. Remember, you don’t have to select the same style of shade for every room in your home. Many people, for example, choose blackout shades for their bedrooms and light filtering shades for other rooms, because their needs vary depending on the space.
1. Style
While functionality is certainly important, there’s room to choose shades in line with your sense of style as well! The fabric and hardware of Roller Shades are available in a variety of colors, allowing you to match your shades with your decor.
2. Operation and Safety
As mentioned above, Roller Shades are available in motorized and chain operated styles, each with their own set of pros and cons. Chain Operated Roller Shades, for example, are easy to use and straightforward, but can be cumbersome for large or hard-to-reach windows, whereas motorized shades offer ease of use and convenience.
Safety is another consideration, particularly in homes with children or pets. Cordless options are available to mitigate any safety hazards, ensuring peace of mind.
3. Measuring and Installation
Just like every style of shade available at EcoSmart Shades, Roller Shades can be mounted on the inside or outside of your window. Decide which style you like best, and make sure to measure accordingly. Be sure to check out our guide to Measuring for Roller Shades for insider tips and tricks that will make the process of measuring your windows easier.
4. Budget
Every investment requires consideration of your personal budget, and Roller Shades are no different. The cost of Roller Shades vary based on material, size, and operation mode. However, keep in mind that while higher quality shades might come with a steeper price tag, they’re usually more durabile, making them a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Investing in quality shades elevates your home’s style while contributing to its comfort and functionality on a daily basis. Roller Shades are beloved for their ability to blend functionality, style, and simplicity, making them a fitting choice for any room in your home.
While our Roller Shade Buying Guide covers the basics, be sure to reach out to our Shade Gurus with questions specific to your space. However, if you’re all set to shop for Roller Shades, check out our Roller Shade Customizer below.