Window coverings – what started out as a means to protect your rooms from the external disturbances, has today come up with numerous other functions that of decorating and beautifying your homes. Starting from drapes and blinds to shutters and shades, there are numerous ways to decorate our windows and protect it from outside elements such as noise, heat, light and privacy. Roller shades are just another option to this otherwise huge list.
Roller shades
So what exactly are these roller shades? Simply put, roller shades are a type of window covering that are available in a large variety of materials and serve numerous purposes. They come with a rolling mechanism, hence the name. Usually fitted in the upper part of a window and are construed by cloth or vinyl. The shade, when not used, is rolled up in a tube leaving the window exposed. When in use these shades roll down to optimise privacy and light control.
As with all other shades, the roller shades too come in a variety of functions and causes. But their basic rolling feature is intact in all forms. For expert advice and guidance on roller shades, you can get in touch with H. Sewing Drapery, a leading window covering store in Toronto. Apart from an extensive range of window treatments they also offer installation services for perfectly fitting roller shades.
Types:-
To categorise roller shades in their most basic forms we can narrow it down to four basic categories:-
- Classic shade
- Standard rollers
- Reverse rollers
- Cassette head rail
They can also be categorised according to light filtration. The categories in this case will be:-
- Solar roller shades
- Translucent light filtering roller shades
- Blackout roller shades (also known as sleep roller shades)
The classic roller shade is elegant, simple, inexpensive and uncomplicated. They are also available, in the most basic form as light filters. They are available as light filters and are also used to darken rooms by using materials of varying degrees of opacity. Other than this one can also attach other ornamental stuff to these shades to make them far more interesting and trendy. This helps make the shade attractive while also giving them an adorned look. One can also upgrade the basic roller shades with remitting cord loops and advanced motorization.
Advantages of installing roller shades
- No pinholes or cracking and breaking
- They fit in with any sort of windows
- Various options in material with varying properties for enhanced functionalities
- They let in light and yet allow you privacy
- Available in numerous colors, varieties and options
- They fit in well with the budget of any household
You can always build your own roller shades just by getting a few things from the hardware store. Thereby instructions can always be found at any DIY websites. In fact you can also convert your old blinds into new ones, just by adding a few rollers. If you are planning to use the older fabric, it is best to ensure that it is still stiff or water resistant. Otherwise try getting new fabric. If you are planning to install roller shades on your own you can save on installation charges required for professional installations. Also ensure that you have the right equipment for a DIY installation of roller shades. Windows can be a wet place for roller shades to be.