Window shades are a type of window treatment that covers the opening of a window. There are a variety of different types of shades available, each with its own ability to convert the aesthetic appeal of a room into something completely different and unique.

Window shades are a versatile, highly-customizable window treatment that can be found available in a wide range of colors, shapes, textures, materials, and opacities that can also be adjusted for light filtering in a room.

All of the different types of shades on the market have their own set of features, advantages, and disadvantages. Some of them are easier to maintain, install, and clean, while others are a little more complicated.

Different Types of Shades:

Roller Shades

Roller shades are a great way to decorate the window with your favorite type of fabric. When your roller shades are raised, they gently lift and roll up toward above the window.

Features

Roller shades allow you to have complete control over the amount of natural light that gets into a room. If you want more light to enter a specific room, you can simply leave a gap between the frame of the window and the roller shades. Roller shades have a basic and straightforward design that makes them perfect for homeowners that enjoy minimalistic designs.

Advantages

• They offer a good mix of privacy and protection from the natural light
• They are available in a variety of different colors, textures, and patterns
• Roller shades are commonly used to provide a contemporary look to a room
• Very easy to use
• Lots of control over the natural light
• They can be customized to suit a certain look of a home
• They are budget-friendly
• Easy to install
• You can use them in conjunction with curtains or drapes

Disadvantages

• They might not offer 100% privacy during the night
• Window shades might not work well for windows that have a customized structure
• Not suitable for certain types of homes, such as Victorian homes
• They need to be cleaned regularly or else dust can become visible
• Not great in rooms that are subject to a lot of moisture

Preferred Materials

Roller shades come in a variety of different materials. If your goal is to prevent natural light from getting into a home, you can get blackout fabric roller shades. If you’re wanting to keep a certain room dimmed, you can go with translucent roller shades. For an environmentally-conscious person, eco-friendly roller shades are available.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Dust tends to collect on roller shades, so keeping them clean and free of dust is one of the key factors in having these window treatments look in good shape. Many people like to use a steamer to clean their roller shades. This is done by:

• Filling a steamer with water
• Allow the steamer to get to the right temperature
• Secure the brush attachment to the steamer
• Begin to navigate the steamer along the roller shades to get rid of the dust and debris
• Get a cloth and collect the rest of the dust off of the shades

Installation

• Get a pencil and make a mark around 1 inch from the upper corner casing of the window
• Screw in the bracket that the roller shades come with, ensuring they are properly aligned
• Secure the shade on the bracket, starting with the round pin end first
• Give your new roller shades a try

Solar Shades

Solar shades are fairly comparable to roller shades. The main difference between these two types of shades is the material they are manufactured out of. Both PVC and HDPE can be used in the manufacturing process for solar shades, while roller shades are manufactured from fabric and vinyl.

Features

Solar shades are effective at preventing natural light from getting into a room. The main purpose of solar shades is to prevent the harmful effects of the UV rays of the sun from causing damage to the floors and furniture in a home.

They increase the measure of privacy in whatever room they are installed in while also allowing people to look through them at the same time. Solar shades provide an overall openness to a room, making them a great option for those wanting to have a room feeling more spacious.

Advantages

• Solar shades reduce the amount of heat experienced in a room
• They provide UV protection from the sun, prolonging the integrity of floors and furniture
• They reduce glare without sacrificing the view
• Increased energy-efficiency

Disadvantages

• They don’t provide a full blackout effect for windows
• Solar shades don’t provide as much privacy as some of the other options on the market

Preferred Materials

Solar shades are manufactured from a tightly woven coated material that is typically manufactured from vinyl that helps to eliminate heat and UV rays from getting into a room.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Ensure you never put your solar shades underwater. To clean solar shades properly:

• Get a microfiber cloth and some warm water with mild soap added to it
• Gently wipe your solar shades

If you have a vacuum and a brush attachment, you can also easily clean solar shades by suctioning up the dust on the shades.

Installation

The installation of solar shades is quite similar to roller shades:

• Use a pencil to mark around 1 inch from the above corners of the casing
• Make a starter hole by tapping your hammer into the target location
• Screw and secure the mounting brackets
• Proceed to mount the solar shade onto the brackets and then try them out

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are also commonly referred to as honeycomb shades. Cellular shades provide a sleek and sharp look to any room they are installed in, and they’re able to match a wide range of interior designs. They are a multi-layered type of shade that contains cell pockets in each layer. The more pockets in each layer, the better the insulating and light-blocking abilities of the shades.

Features

Cellular shades are very popular among homeowners because of their insulating qualities. They have a honeycomb design that keeps air trapped inside, which can increase energy efficiency in the warm and cooler months of the year. Cellular shades have a light-filtering feature that creates a soothing, ambient glow in a room. When cellular shades are raised, they fold up into an organized stack that is able to keep your views of the outdoors maintained.

Advantages

• Cellular shades keep the warm air outside in summer and the cold air outside in winter
• They have a thin profile, improving the amount of window space you can look out of
• The layered structure of cellular shades increases the amount of privacy in a room
• They’re efficient at blocking out sound noise pollution from outside

Disadvantages

• Their honeycomb design makes them a little frustrating to clean
• You won’t get a full blackout effect with cellular shades
• They aren’t the most budget-friendly option available
• Some might not find them aesthetically attractive

Preferred Materials

Cellular shades are manufactured out of bonded polyester material. The paper-like material feels like a soft fabric that spreads out the light in a room.

Maintenance And Cleaning

The most common way to clean cellular shades is to dust them with a gentle feather duster. Compressed air or a blow dryer can also be used to blow any of the dust out of the cells in each layer of the shades. To get rid of the dust on the outside of the shades, use a microfiber cloth and gently wipe it away.

Installation

• Ensure the mounting brackets are installed 2.5 inches away from the frame at the apex of the window
• Get a pencil and mark where the brackets will be screwed in
• Screw the mounting brackets in place
• Secure the headrail in place and test out the shades by slowly lowering and raising them

Vertical Cellular Shades

Vertical cellular shades are similar to your standard cellular shades, but only in a vertical orientation. Because of their vertical orientation, it makes them perfect to install on sliding glass doors and bigger windows.

Features

Vertical cellular shades provide a great deal of insulation in the same way that regular cellular shades do because of their honeycomb, cell pocket design. These types of shades typically feature a backside that is completely white in order to reflect the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Advantages

• They are energy-efficient because of the extra layer of insulation they provide
• The honeycomb design increases privacy
• You have the flexibility of getting them vertical cellular shades in different fabrics for different effects
• Safe for children to be around
• Cleaning is easy
• Noise-canceling effect

Disadvantages

• They aren’t the most attractive type of shades
• They can get pricey

Preferred Materials

The bonded polyester material creates the fabric on vertical cellular shades.

Maintenance And Cleaning

The most common way to clean vertical cellular shades is to use a vacuum and a brush attachment. Glide the brush along the shades while following each cellular pleat. If you notice any dust falling to the ground, simply vacuum it up afterwards.

Installation

• Remove all of the contents from the box
• Align the mounting clips on each side, ensuring they are 2 inches from each side of the window frame
• Use a pencil and marked where the mounting clips will be installed
• Grab your drill and pop to secure each mounting bracket
• Attach the vertical cellular shades and then test them out

Transitional Shades

Transitional shades are a dual-layered window treatment that can increase the amount of privacy and natural light that flows into a room. Transitional shades combine the characteristics of both blinds and shades. This results in a window treatment that has the functionality of both worlds.

Features

Transitional shades feature a number of different fabric options. They are also available in a wide range of different colors and they can come in motorized options, as well. These shades soften the natural light that gets into a room, making them perfect for those that don’t want to completely get rid of all of the light that pours in.

Advantages

• Lightweight and versatile
• A good amount of privacy control
• Their fabric doesn’t collect too much dust

Disadvantages

• The view out the window sometimes feels too obstructed
• Cleaning stains on transitional shades isn’t the easiest task
• Not completely blackout

Preferred Materials

Transitional shades are typically made with eco-friendly fabric material, making them safe to install as a window treatment for your children’s room. The fabric is available in a variety of textures, colors, and patterns.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Using a vacuum with a dust brush attachment is the easiest way to clean transitional shades. Spot cleaning with a dry cloth and mild cleaner is also recommended.

Installation

• Install the mounting brackets 2 inches in from the headrail while using a level to ensure everything is aligned
• While tilting the transitional shades at a 45-degree angle, install the shades on the bracket
• You should hear a snap when the shades snap into the bracket
• Test out the transition shades

Roman Shades

Roman shades are a window treatment that has been around for hundreds of years. Their simple raising and lowering functionality makes them a popular option among many homeowners.

Features

Roman shades are another fabric shade that operates via a pull cord. There are many different styles of roman shades. Some are more contemporary, while others are more traditional. Roman shades are versatile window treatments that can be manufactured from many different types of fabric.

Advantages

• Roman shades are timeless and work with many interior designs
• They are versatile and work well in nearly all types of rooms
• Increased energy efficiency
• Straightforward functionality
• Customizable

Disadvantages

• They can get stained
• Sometimes they can hold the smell of certain foods

Preferred Materials

Roman shades are commonly made from cotton fabrics. This material is breathable, making it perfect for rooms that tend to get warm.

Maintenance And Cleaning

To maintain roman shades, they should be dusted every week. For those with a dust brush attachment for their vacuum, it can gently suction up excess dust.

Installation

The installation of roman shades is as follows:

• Mark out holes with a pencil where the mounting brackets will be screwed into
• To make sure the mounting brackets are installed straight, use a level
• Drill the screws into the mounting bracket
• After that, install the headrail
• Try out the new roman shades

Also, you should know complete details to measure roman shades.

Pleated Shades

Pleated shades are quite similar to cellular shades, and many people use pleated shades, cellular shades, and honeycomb shades interchangeably. They provide a warm, ambient glow of natural light in a room, and the majority of pleated shades have a 1-inch pleat size.

Features

Pleated shades feature a single layer of fabric. They operate with a pull cord and come in a variety of different sizes and colors. While they do provide insulating qualities for a window, it’s not quite as strong as cellular shades.

Advantages

• Available in many different fabric options
• They increase privacy and control over the natural light
• Budget-friendly

Disadvantages

• Pleated shades have a cord that inserts through them
• They aren’t as energy-efficient in comparison to some window shades on the market

Preferred Materials

Pleated shades are available in a variety of different fabrics, textures, and shapes. They can be fully customized depending on how much privacy you want for a specific room in the home. You can get pleated shades made from a liner that darkens a room for a peaceful sleep.

Maintenance And Cleaning

It always helps to look at the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning your pleated shades. The most common items used to maintain and clean pleated shades are a feather duster, a dust brush attachment on a vacuum, a bucket of lukewarm water, and a soft cloth.

Installation

To install pleated shades, you’ll need a screwdriver, drill, measuring tape, and a pencil. You can install pleated shades on the inside or outside of a window. Your mounting bracket needs to be aligned on the window between an inch and six inches from either end of the headrail.

• Use your measuring tape to ensure the mounting bracket is aligned on each side
• Make a mark with your pencil
• Drill the screw into the mounting bracket
• Attach the pleated shades onto the mounting bracket

Balloon Shades

Balloon Shades are a type of Roman shade that offers a soft and unique look to all different types of windows. They are a puffy window treatment that can add a great deal of personality to a home.

Features

Balloon shades feature soft, rounded curves that can be m manufactured out of many different types of fabric. They can be customized in a number of different options depending on the type of interior design of the room they will be installed in. This whimsical style of window shade can be a fun way to brighten up any room.

Advantages

• Balloon shades are timeless
• They can help a homeowner express their personality
• Commonly used to boost the interior design of French country and Tuscan homes

Disadvantages

• They can create a dated look if installed in the wrong room

Preferred Materials

Balloon shades are commonly manufactured from fabrics that hang down across the window. The fabric can be silky and thin, too thick and decorative.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Because balloon shades have a fabric material, they should be maintained and cleaned in a gentle manner with a soft cloth, warm water, or a vacuum with a dust brush attachment.

Installation

• Ensure the balloon shade is on a flat, horizontal surface to make sure that the rings are facing the right side up
• Slide one side of the plastic rings through the bottom side of the balloon shades
• Slide the other side of the split rings on the lower row of the balloon shades while sliding into the other ring right above it
• Install the mounting brackets above the window with the provided screws, ensuring they are perfectly aligned
• Install the rod of the balloon shades onto the mounting bracket

Tie-Up Shades

Tie-up shades are a window treatment that can increase the amount of natural light and privacy in a window. Due to how versatile and flexible tie-up shades are, many people create their own tie-up shades as a DIY project.

Features

Tie-up shades are great for those that want to add a bit of their own sense of style to a particular window. You can easily adjust the fabric at the apex of the window, whereas with other types of shades, you’ll be adjusting them from the side.

Advantages

• Many different types of styles and designs
• They are easily adjustable
• Budget-friendly
• They can be made from many materials

Disadvantages

• They can sometimes look cheap in certain rooms
• Sometimes untying them can become a nuisance

Preferred Materials

The materials of tie-up shades are typically semi-transparent fabric. Tie-up shades are made out of a variety of different fabric materials that are available in a number of different colors for a wide range of different purposes.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Tie-up shades can be easily spot-cleaned with a cloth and lukewarm water. They can be vacuumed with a dust brush attachment, but before any cleaning, ensure that the shades are untied and rolled down to prevent any potential damage.

Installation

Tie-up shades require a mounting bracket, screws, a drill, a pencil, and a tape measure.

• Get your pencil and make a mark where your mounting brackets will be installed
• Using your drill, insert the screws where your pencil marks are through the brackets
• Hang the tie-up shades on the mounting brackets
• Tie up the shades depending on how much natural light you want in a window

Skylight Shades

The main objective of skylight shades is to keep natural light from getting through skylight windows. Skylight shades can prevent a great deal of heat from getting into a particular room, especially in the hot, summer months of the year.

Features

Because skylights are out of reach, they typically feature a motor to retract the shades, but you can find ones that can be operated by a pole or a long cord. These can come in full blackout versions, or ones that are designed to provide an ambient glow to a room.

Their ability to increase the energy efficiency of a home makes them a wise option to consider for rooms that have skylights.

Advantages

• Energy efficiency
• They can reflect the sun
• Increased aesthetic appeal
• A great degree of control over the natural light

Disadvantages

• Motorized skylight shade options might not fit inside everyone’s budget
• Sometimes using a pole to operate the shades can get annoying

Preferred Materials

Skylight shades are available in a number of different materials. Many people like to choose skylight shades with the same material used to make honeycomb shades because of their pocketed, layered design that keeps out the natural light that can cause heat.

There are also PVC fabric materials that are effective in resisting the strong rays of the sun.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Providing routine maintenance and cleaning for skylight shades will ensure they will last longer, look better, reduce allergies, and prolong the investment. A telescopic duster is the easiest way to clean skylight shades.

Another method is to use a step ladder and a long feather duster or a cordless vacuum with a brush attachment. Ensure to use utilize safety precautions when cleaning skylight shades from a ladder.

Installation

• Determine the placement of the mounting brackets on the skylight
• Install the mounting brackets by initially penciling in where the screws will be drilled in, and then proceeding to drill the screws into the mounting brackets
• Install the headrail onto the mounting brackets that were just screwed in
• At this point, you can attach your skylight shades to the mountain bracket

Sheer Shades

Sheer shades have had longevity on the window treatment market that not many other types of shades have had the pleasure of. Their credibility has been backed up over the years by their versatility and customizability.

Features

Sheer shades usually feature a semi-transparent material that softens the natural light that gets in through windows. Many people use sheer shades underneath their primary shades to make a room feel a little more breezy and open. They are perfect for installing on many windows, including larger ones and even patio doors.

Advantages

• Budget-friendly
• Sheer shades prevent around 88% of the UV light from getting into a room
• Aesthetically appealing
• Tons of different design options
• Easy to install
• They can be layered behind other types of shades

Disadvantages

• Some types of sheer shades might look too formal
• They aren’t the great insulators
• They don’t provide tons of privacy

Preferred Materials

The preferred materials of sheer shades all depend on the purpose of installing them. If a homeowner wants to simply dim the light in a certain room, semi-transparent, white sheer shades can be selected. For a darker, blackout effect, darker material can be chosen.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Sheer shades can sometimes be subject to dust and debris. One of the great ways to clean sheer shades is with a simple feather duster or a vacuum and a dust brush accessory. For spot treatment, a cloth with some warm water can be used to gently rub away any soiled areas.

Installation

• Remove the sheer shades and hardware from the package
• Position the mounting brackets around 2 inches from the edge of the window at the apex
• Mark where the screws will be drilled into the holes on the mounting bracket
• Slide the headrail into the mounting bracket until it’s securely in place

Single Cell Window Shades

Single cell window shades consist of a single layer of stackable cells that almost appear like a honeycomb design.

Features

Single cell window shades are perfect for those that are looking for a clean and concise window treatment option. Single cell window shades aren’t as bulky as their double cell counterparts because they don’t feature that additional row of cells. The single cell design also makes single cell window shades more affordable than double cell ones.

Advantages

• They provide good insulation
• Their straightforward design compliments any room they are installed in
• Affordability
• Reduction in noise pollution

Disadvantages

• While they insulate a home well, they aren’t as good as double cell window shades
• Their design makes cleaning a little tedious

Preferred Materials

The preferred materials for single cell window shades are bonded polyester and spun lace material. The thin material feels like cloth and paper.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Single cell window shades feature quite a thin material, so caution needs to be exercised when cleaning them. Getting rid of dust, debris, or bugs can be done by using compressed air or a vacuum with a dust brush attachment. Ensure to move in a horizontal motion across the shades, ensuring to catch any lingering dust that falls to the ground.

Installation

All that’s required to install single cell window shades is a drill or screwdriver, pencil, and the hardware. Install the mounting brackets 2.5 inches from either side of the apex of the window. Marking your screw holes with a pencil is recommended for proper alignment.

Once the holes are drilled, attach the headrail into place and then test out the functionality of the shades.

Double Cell Window Shades

Double cell window shades are similar to single cell window shades, but the main difference is that double cell window shades consist of two intertwined cells instead of only one.

Features

The double cell design that is featured in these types of window shades causes them to be better insulators against heat and the cold. It also makes them better at keeping a room a little darker in comparison to the single cell shades. With double cell shades, the extra cell results in a reduction in noise that you hear from cars, people, and sirens outside.

Advantages

• The double cell design makes them energy efficient
• Noise reduction
• More control over light
• Increased privacy

Disadvantages

• More costly than single cell window shades
• Might not appear as sharp and concise as single cell shades

Preferred Materials

The same bonded polyester material and spun lace is used with double cell window shades, but the difference is it is doubled up.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Cleaning double cell shades is also quite similar to single cell shades. Spray the shades with compressed air or use a vacuum that has a dust brush attachment. If you notice any dirty spots, get a damp cloth and softly wipe those areas down.

Installation

Installing double cell window shades can be done in a couple of straightforward steps:

• Get a pencil and mark where your mounting brackets will be installed, ensuring you have a 2.5-inch gap between the edge of the window at the apex
• Get your drill or screwdriver and pop the screws into the mounting bracket
• Hang your headrail up and test out your new double cell window shades

Bamboo Window Shades

Bamboo window shades are perfect to install in homes where the design is more geared toward a tropical or lake-themed ambiance. Many homeowners install bamboo window shades on patio doors or on windows where they want to create a natural-looking appearance in the room.

Features

Bamboo window shades are manufactured from bamboo – a renewable resource. This makes them a perfect option to consider for those that are wanting an environmentally-friendly window treatment. They provide a good degree of light control and decorative touch because of their depth and texture.

Advantages

• Environmentally-friendly
• Good control over the natural light
• Bamboo window shades blend well into made environments

Disadvantages

• Cleaning bamboo window shades aren’t as easy as other types of window treatments
• Durability
• Sometimes bamboo cracks
• They can bunch up if they aren’t operated properly

Preferred Materials

Bamboo is a material that grows from the fastest-growing tree on earth. The antibacterial characteristics of bamboo make it a great option to consider for window treatments.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Bamboo window shades can be cleaned with a vacuum and a dust brush attachment. Because of their design, a cloth might not be able to get into every nook and cranny of these shades, but you can also use compressed air or a feather duster to get rid of dust and debris.

Installation

• Mark the openings where your mounting brackets will be installed with a pencil
• Drill pilot holes for the openings where the screws will secure the mounting brackets
• Screw in the mounting brackets to the markings
• Hang up the bamboo window shades and screw in the butterfly clips that typically come with the package
• Test out your new bamboo window shades

Motorized Window Shades

Motorized window shades have become a popular window treatment over the years, especially due to the ever-increasing growth in technology on smartphones. Motorized window shades automate the process of opening and closing the window treatments on your windows.

Features

Motorized window shades can be controlled with a smartphone, remote control, or even your voice. That means you’ll never have to get up to open or close your shades again. These shades also feature scheduled opening and closing at certain times of the day when you aren’t even home.

Advantages

• Very convenient
• They offer a good degree of security
• Privacy
• They can respond to the amount of light getting into a room

Disadvantages

• They are expensive
• They require more maintenance than other window treatments

Preferred Materials

Motorized window shades can be manufactured out of a variety of different types of materials. You can get motorized wood shades, motorized fabric shades, and other options that are geared toward what your purpose is for purchasing them.

Maintenance And Cleaning

It’s recommended to use a vacuum with a dust brush attachment for motorized window shades. If you notice a significantly larger portion of dust or debris on a certain area, use a dry cloth to wipe them down.

Installation

The installation process of motorized window shades is similar to other types of window shades, but where they do differ is in their source of power. Motorized window shades that are battery-operated follow the same mounting process as other shades, but they just require a battery that keeps the shades powered.

Hardwired motorized window shades need to be plugged into an outlet, but you’ll never have to worry about constantly changing batteries. It’s recommended to hire an electrician for this installation process as it can get complicated.

Solar-powered motorized window shades are powered by the natural light of the sun and are great in southern-facing rooms that receive a lot of exposure.

Cordless Window Shades

Cordless window shades are a durable and safe window treatment that prevents any risk of strangulation that can sometimes occur with other types of window treatments. These shades operate by pulling on them.

Features

The functionality of cordless window shades makes them a highly recommended window treatment for families that have kids and pets. They are easy to use, ideal for skylights, and don’t require a lot of maintenance or time in order for them to look great.

Advantages

• Straightforward to use
• Flexible
• They work great with many different interior designs
• Child and pet-safe

Disadvantages

If you’re not tall enough to reach the shades, they might not work for you

They aren’t ideal for extremely wide windows

Preferred Materials

Cordless shades come in a variety of different materials. You can get cordless bamboo shades, cordless roller shades, and many other options that can be customized in their own specific way.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Cordless window shades can be cleaned by suctioning up dust and debris with a vacuum and dust brush attachment. If your shades require spot cleaning, a cloth and some lukewarm water can be used to gently scrub them.

Installation

Cordless window shades come with mounting brackets that need to be properly aligned on either side of the upper part of the window.

• Get a pencil and mark where each side will be screwed in
• Drill the screws into the mounting brackets
• Attach the headrail and cordless shades along with it, ensuring everything is secure in place
• Pull down on the shades to make sure they operate properly

Panel Track Shades

Panel track shades are shades that operate on a track. They are a commonly used window treatment for larger-sized windows, patio doors, and sliding glass doors.

Features

Panel track shades feature a track where shades will slide back and forth on to ensure the natural light won’t make its way into a home, while also ensuring increased privacy.

Advantages

• Great at reducing natural light in a room
• Perfect for bigger windows and patio doors

Disadvantages

• They tend to collect dust
• They sometimes need to be taken down to be cleaned

Preferred Materials

Panel track shades come in a variety of different materials. You can get panel track shades in:

• Fabric material
• Solar screen material
• Woven wood material

Maintenance And Cleaning

Many people like to fully remove their shades from the panel track that they’re on in order to clean them, especially if they are extremely large. After the shades have been removed from the panel track, dust and debris can easily be vacuumed off them. For a deeper clean, use a damp cloth and some mild soap.

Installation

Panel track shades come with a track that needs to be mounted on either the inside or outside of a window. The mounting brackets should be marked with a pencil around 2.5 inches from each side of the window where they will be installed. Drill the screws into the mounting brackets to secure them. After that, secure the track into the brackets and then attach the wand. You can now slide your shades through the track and try them out.

Blackout Shades

Blackout shades are a popular window treatment for those that want to secure a full measure of privacy and light control in a particular room. They are commonly installed in bedrooms and living rooms where privacy is an utmost priority.

Features

Blackout shades feature the ability to completely block out light from the outdoors. This feature makes them perfect for shift workers. They also feature the ability to reduce noise from the outdoors quite well.

Advantages

• They keep a room dark no matter how bright it is outside
• Reduction in noise pollution
• Protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun

Disadvantages

• Some people might find that a room can get too dark
• Their decorative appeal might feel too bland for some
• Heavy

Preferred Materials

Blackout shades are usually manufactured from 100% polyester material. Sometimes they are also manufactured out of a combination of cotton and polyester.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Blackout shades can be easily cleaned with a cloth or dust brush attachment. Their polyester material doesn’t attract as much dust as some of the fabric window treatments, but they should still be cleaned regularly.

Installation

• Blackout shades can be installed in a few steps:
• Take the blackout shades and hardware out of the box
• Secure the mounting brackets onto each side of the window with the provided screws
• Attach the blackout shades to the mounting brackets and test for functionality

Conclusion

Because there are so many different types of window shades available, it can feel somewhat intimidating in figuring out which one to choose for your windows. By carefully considering the advantages, disadvantages, and features of each type listed above, you should have a better idea about which window treatment will work for your specific purpose.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How Many Types of Shades Are There?

There are a total of 18 different types of window shades on the market. Each type of window shade serves a purpose better than others, and educating yourself on each type will lead to a great decision on which one will work for you.

What Types of Shades Are Popular?

Roller shades are the most popular type of window treatment because of their affordability, variety of customization options, aesthetic appeal, and ease of installation.

Cellular shades are another window treatment that stands out on the popularity list because of their uniqueness, functionality, and ability to work and look well in nearly any room you put them in.

What Types of Shades Are Modern?

Roman shades are one of the most modern types of shades due to their texture and ability to combine well with such a wide range of design elements in a home.

Blackout window shades are also modern and serve the purpose of fully regulating the light that gets into a room, while also ensuring privacy and energy efficiency.