Window ShadesWindow shades are
a popular choice of window covering. Window shades help to
moderate the amount of lighting in a room as well as offer
beautiful decorative alternatives to some blinds that may not
be as aesthetically pleasing. There are many different types
of windows shades to choose from. Below is a brief description
of some window shades that are discussed here in more detail:
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Cellular or Honeycomb Shades
Cellular shades are
typically translucent so that when they are lowered, some light will
come through but you can?ˇĄt see through them. The most distinctive
feature of cellular shades is the hexagonal (honeycomb) shape of the
shades. This shape helps to retain air inside and offers more
insulation than other types of shades. When the shades are opened,
the hexagonal shades collapse to easily fold away.
Roman
Shades
Roman shades are made of fabric and fold to the top when
opened. There are two different types of roman shades. The classic
style has overlapping flaps when closed while the flat style closes
with the fabric straight.
Pleated Shades
Pleated shades
are made of pleated material that is spaced evenly horizontally.
They sometimes look like cellular shades except there is no
particular shape. The pleats hang naturally when opened. Pleated
shades also offer more insulation protection over standard shades.
Solar Shades
The purpose of solar shades is to shield
out heat and glare of the sun during the day. Solar shades are
sometimes called solar screens. Solar shades typically serve to
block out the glare of the sunlight and are not usually chosen for
decorative purposes. They usually come in dark or light colored mesh
type designs.
Motorized Shades
Motorized shades will
automatically open and close at the flip of a switch. Motorized
shades are not a type of shade but a special function of a shade.
Therefore, there are many types of shades that can be made into
automatic shades. Typically, solar shades or roller shades are good
to make into automatic motorized shades.
Roller Shades
Roller shades are one of the simplest forms of shades. They have
a roller on the top and the shades and open and retract by the
roller turning. Usually roller shades have a mechanism that will
lock the shade in place when the shade is not moving and open when
the shade is pulled down quickly so that it can retract.
Balloon Shades
Balloon shades are particular in that
when they are opened they look like clouds with rounded bottoms.
Balloon shades fit traditional room decors and typically need window
sills that allow for the extra spaces when then shades are raised.
There are many more types of window shades than listed
above. Before you decide what type of window treatment to use, make
sure you do your research and look at various designs and functions
that fit your particular room style. Have fun with choosing your
window covering.
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