Window Shades
Introducing Window Shades
Block the sun, not the view.
Keep out insects, not the breeze.
Filter light, but some light will still show through.
Create an ambiance, that reflects your style!
Window shades are distinctive and characteristic to the home they are framing. The correct window shades help turn a bleak room into a warm and decorated room. Window shades are a perfect way to decorate and protect your house from external factors such as sun and heat. They are often more romantic and stylish than blinds, as well as more compact and practical than most curtains.
Window shades are mainly made using fabric; however, other materials are also used depending on the desired effect, the level of privacy you want as well as the degree of light you wish to let in. If your intention is to completely block out light then a layer of blackout lining is usually added to the window shade.
Window shades are also now recognized as having energy saving properties, making them an excellent choice for the cost conscious consumer. Window shades help keep heat in the house during winter and heat out during the summer.
Window shades are inexpensive, easy to pack and work efficiently.
When selecting your shades, it is important that you consider the purpose of your window shades. Is it for privacy, decoration, filtering light or ambience? Your intention will affect your choice of shade fabric. Avoid highly textured or pile fabrics and stretch or loosely woven fabrics. There are fabrics that offer distinct degrees of privacy and light shading, from having a room filled completely with light, to opaque for complete light control and privacy.
Types of Window Shades
Roman Shades
Roman window shades fold from the bottom-up, into several sections when they are raised. They are also excellent for large windows that might be more difficult or challenging to locate window treatments for. Roman window shades can be flat or encompass horizontal pleating. Roman blinds absorb some sound, making them perfect for bedrooms. In order to create complete darkness, line them with blackout fabric.
Roman window shades are made with fabric, so your choice of colors and designs are endless. They can add style, flavour and class to any room in your home. Roman shades are a classic style that can complement many interior designs. These simple, yet traditional styles are often considered works of art in many homes.
Pleated Shades
Pleated shades were given a completely new face with the latest cellular shade variations. Provided that these 
practical window coverings are from a reputable manufacturer, the window shades promise to be an option that offers durability, stylish simplicity, and low maintenance as a result of anti-static properties. They are one of the most functional and fashionable window covering. Pleated window shades not only make your house look more appealing, but also work as a perfect light filter.
Solar Blinds
Solar shades may appear to look like the classic tropical window shades you remember, but these window shades are woven of an all-weather polyethylene fabric that keeps out about 88% of the sun's heat and glare, yet allows light breezes through. By using solar shades, you help lessen indoor temperature, while still allowing some light to filter in so you can keep an eye on the "goings-on" outside.
Bamboo Roll Up Shades
Bamboo roll up window shades are a popular style, and just as the name suggests, they roll up to permit light in. Roll up window shades literally roll up the window, much like your roll a sleeping bag. When used outdoors, bamboo will look perfect on your porch to help block strong sunlight on a bright day. Bamboo is a renewable timber that comes from nature, creating a natural tropical look for your home.
Indoor Bamboo Shades can be used in virtually any room in a house. For rooms with too much sunlight, bamboo shades with fabric backing adds extra protection from fading to room furnishings.
Roller Shades
Roller window shades come in a standard roller form or as automatic window shades that open and close at the touch of a button making for truly hassle-free operation. Roller shades come in black-out varieties, which block nearly all incoming light. This is a good choice if you are a night worker who must sleep during the day or you have young children who awaken at first light.
Cellular Shades
If you are looking for a shade with a high insulation value, then cellular window shades are probably the best choice. This is due to their honeycomb design which conserves energy and provides a level of insulation not equaled by other window treatments. The measure of the insulation level is the R-value, and it can vary according to the size of the cells cellular shades are made from.
Cellular window shades are a good choice for your house. They are less vulnerable to color fading, and are fire-resistant. Their cellular design allows filtered light to enter the room without the heat.
Curtains and Draperies
Curtains or draperies are not quite a window shade, but still worth mentioning as they will perform many of the functions that window shades do. Curtains and draperies not only provide privacy and management of light, but their major function is to decorate the wall and soften a room’s decor. These fabric window treatments can be used to control light or just to add distinction to the window. Curtains may be plain, tiered, or ruffled. Short curtains, are often used on half windows in the kitchen or bathroom.
