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BUYING GUIDE:Roller Shade Types, Materials & Best Options
Roller Shades for windows are incredibly versatile with their simple design, easy functionality and installation flexibility. They are a great choice for nearly any window and come in both light-filtering and blackout materials so you can get the right level of light and privacy control.
To help you decide if a Roller Shade is the right choice for your home, learn what Roller Shades are, how they work, the different types available, material options and key features to consider.
Key Takeaways
- Roller Shades suit nearly any window and need only a 3/4-inch frame depth for an inside mount where the shade is hung inside the window frame.
- Light-filtering materials soften daylight and provide good privacy; blackout materials block up to 99 percent of light coming through the shade, so are ideal for bedrooms and media rooms.
- Choose from three types: Standard for a sleek single panel design with the the widest material range, Double (Zebra) for a modern linear look with adjustable sheer-and-opaque bands and Venetian for a soft, elegant look with tiltable vanes between two layers of material.
- Control types include standard continuous loop, cordless and motorized which comes with app and voice controls.
- Roller Shades are one of the more affordable shades, with your selections of material, size and control type setting the final cost.
Cover Photo: Roller Shades, Naomi in Honey, photography by Darina Todorova
In this article
what are roller shades?
Roller Shades are window treatments made from a single panel of material that rolls around a tube at the top of the window. They create a clean, streamlined look and can be raised or lowered to manage light, privacy and visibility.
Roller Shades are available in standard and specialty styles, including Double Roller Shades and Venetian Roller Shades. Depending on the material and style you choose, they can soften natural light and reduce glare or block light for room darkening. They can also add pattern, color and texture to your interior design.
Pictured: Roller Shades, Tea Leaves in Brown
Roller Shades Vs Roller Blinds
Roller shades and roller blinds refer to the same window treatment, but Roller Shades are technically shades, not blinds. Traditional blinds have slats that tilt open and closed, while Roller Shades use one continuous piece of material that rolls neatly around a tube.
Types of Roller Shades
Roller Shades for windows are available in two specialty styles in addition to your standard Roller Shade. Learn about each one to determine which will best suit your needs.
Standard Roller Shades
The most common type of basic Roller Shades for windows, Standard Roller Shades feature the classic design of a single panel of material that rolls around a tube at the top of your window. This type of roller window shade offers the most choice in material options, including light-filtering, blackout, designer, woven and solar materials.
Pictured: Roller Shade, photography by John Bessler
Double Roller Shades
Also known as Zebra Blinds, zebra shades or dual roller shades, Double Roller Shades feature two layers of material with alternating bands of sheer and opaque material. You can adjust the bands to alternate for light filtration or overlap for privacy and room darkening.
They come in several neutral tones for design flexibility, and you can choose from materials that feature either light-filtering or blackout opaque bands for the right light and privacy control.
Pictured: Double Roller Shade, Catalina in White
Venetian Roller Shades
Featuring two layers of sheer material with S-shaped vanes between them, Venetian Roller Shades combine the best aspects of both blinds and shades. The vanes can be tilted up or down and you can also fully lift and lower your shade. These Roller Shades for windows are available in several neutral tones with an option for light-filtering or room darkening vanes.
Pictured: Venetian Roller Shade, Seaside in White
Benefits of Choosing Roller Shades
Roller Shades for windows offer a simple design, flexible functionality and a wide range of customization options, making them a strong choice for many rooms and aesthetic styles.
- Available in 400+ material options ranging from simple neutrals to bold colors and exclusive designer patterns from Nate Berkus, Sheila Bridges and more so you can capture a look you love.
- Choose from light-filtering and blackout materials to get the right level of light and privacy control.
- Cordless and motorized controls are available for sleek designs and effortless control.
- Available in two specialty styles: Double Roller Shades, also known as zebra blinds, which feature alternating bands of sheer and opaque material, and Venetian Roller Shades, which offer the perfect balance between blinds and shades with tiltable S-shaped vanes between two layers of sheer fabric.
- Offers installation flexibility, meaning Roller Shades can be mounted inside the window frame with a depth of at least Ā¾ inch or outside the frame.
Roller Shades by Room: Examples by Space
Roller Shades work in nearly any room, but the right material and style depend on how the space is used and your aesthetic preferences. Sunny rooms benefit from light-filtering materials, bedrooms and media rooms call for blackout and bathrooms need moisture-resistant fabrics. Explore Roller Shades by room below to see how the choices come together in real spaces.
Woven Roller Shades in a Simple Rustic Office
Soften the light in your office and cut the glare all while sticking to your rustic theme with Woven Roller Shades. Choose a material with lots of visual and tactile texture in a neutral tone for a subtle look and feel. Be sure to use other woven dƩcor pieces throughout your space for a sense of cohesion. You can also work in other rustic textures like an unfinished wood desk or simple wood stool with a potted plant for a touch of greenery.
Pictured: Woven Roller Shades
Blackout Roller Shades & Blackout Drapery in a Bedroom
Create a calm, cozy atmosphere in your bedroom with blackout bedroom shades in a textured, off-white material like Ava in Birchwood. Layer in lush drapery in a soft, elegant material and add blackout lining for an excellent room darkening effect. Choose bedding elements in pink and off-white tones with varying textures for a cohesive feel with your window treatments while still adding a touch more dimension to your room.
Pictured: Inner Layer: Blackout Roller Shades, Ava in Birchwood and Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, design by Erin Fetherston
Softly Filtered Daylight in a Rustic Living Room
Balance daylight and privacy in your living room with light-filtering living room shades in a soft neutral like 3% Thermo in Cloud. The open weave preserves the view and diffuses direct sun while cutting glare on TVs, artwork and screens. In a bright, contemporary space with lots of glass, this material also helps with energy efficiency by reducing heat gain through the window without darkening the room.
Pictured: Solar Roller Shade, 3% Thermo in Cloud
Patterned Roller Shades in a Bold, Floral Kitchen Statement
Turn your kitchen window into a design feature with a patterned Roller Shade in a rich, saturated color like Sheila Bridges Florentine in Grigio. A patterned Roller Shade works beautifully paired with a bold kitchen palette (turquoise cabinetry, warm wood tones or contrasting countertops) since the flat, minimal panel lets the pattern do the design work without competing with your cabinetry. Choose an easy-to-clean synthetic material so the shade stands up to daily kitchen use.
Pictured: Roller Shade, Sheila Bridges Florentine in Grigio
Layered Blackout Roller Shades and Drapery for Media Rooms
Get room-darkening control for your media room by layering a blackout Roller Shade in a clean neutral like Dakota in White under Tailored Pleat Drapery in a rich tone like Wool Blend in Grey Owl. The Roller Shade blocks up to 99 percent of light through the material while the drapery closes the gaps at the edges of the window for best room darkening possible. Neutral tones on both layers keep the room feeling modern and minimalist without pulling focus from the screen.
Pictured: Inner Layer: Blackout Roller Shade, Dakota in White and Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Wool Blend in Grey Owl
Minimalist White Roller Shades for a Modern Bathroom
Keep your bathroom feeling clean and open with a minimalist white Roller Shade in a moisture-resistant material like 1% in White. The flat, single-panel design suits a modern bathroom without adding visual weight, and the synthetic material is long-lasting in humid environments. For added durability against mold and mildew, look for materials with MicrobanĀ® certification.
Pictured: Roller Shade, 1% in White
Textured Double Roller in a Mid-Century Modern Dining Room
Mid-century modern design champions a mix of organic and geometric shapes as well as natural materials and textures. To complement your existing design, choose Double Roller Shades in a textured material and earthy tone like Windansea in Canyon. The combination of a modern linear design and nature-inspired textured material perfectly suits the mid-century modern style ā and the shade offers easy functionality.
Pictured: Double Roller Shade, Windansea in Canyon, Dining Room Shades
Elegant Venetian Roller Shades in a Creative Workroom
Elevate the look of your creative workroom with refined Venetian Roller Shades in a soft white color and light-filtering material like Seaside in White. The softness of the shades contrasts the hard linear lines of your cabinets and worktable for a balanced aesthetic. Plus, the tiltable vanes make privacy and light control a breeze so you can quickly get back to work.
Pictured: Venetian Roller Shades, Seaside in White, design by Sunbrella
Roller Shades vs Other Window Treatments
Roller Shades are one of the most versatile treatments we make, but they are not the only right answer for every window. Here is how they compare to the styles homeowners most often weigh them against, and when we would point you somewhere else.
| Compared with | How it differs | We often recommend Roller Shades when | Consider the other when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular Shades | Cellular Shades trap air in a honeycomb structure for insulation. | You want clean lines and a wide material range. | Insulation and energy efficiency are important. |
| Roman Shades | Roman Shades draw up into soft fabric folds for a tailored, decorative look. | You want a flat, minimal panel that recedes into the architecture. | The room calls for softness, fabric presence and a more formal, layered feel. |
| Solar Shades | Solar Shades are a Roller Shade built from an open-weave solar material. | You want a solid or patterned design with light-filtering or blackout options. | Glare and UV control with a preserved view are the priority in a sunny room. |
| Blinds | Blinds use tiltable slats rather than a continuous panel. | You prefer a smooth textile surface and quieter operation. | You want to angle light through slats or want a classic wood-slat look. |
One approach that works beautifully is to stop thinking of it as either-or. A light-filtering Roller Shade layered under Drapery gives you daytime softness and nighttime privacy in the same window, which is why we specify that pairing so often in bedrooms and living rooms.
Customizations for Roller Shades
When choosing custom Roller Shades for windows, you can fully customize your shades to look and function the way you want them to. From material selection to control type to valances and more, learn about all the ways you can customize Roller Shades from The Shade Store.
Material Options for Roller Shades
Roller Shades are available in over 400 different material options across standard Roller Shades, all made from durable, long-lasting, easy-to-clean hard textiles. Specialty Double and Venetian Roller Shades also have their own material selections. Learn more about all the options available to get started finding the right fit for your shades.
Light-Filtering Materials
Available in neutral colors, rich hues and subtle to bold patterns, light-filtering materials offer a range of options to suit your aesthetic style. These materials all filter natural light to flood your home with a warm glow, but they also reduce glare and heat buildup and offer great privacy.
Pictured: Roller Shade Swatches, Savoir
blackout materials
Blocking up to 99% of light through your window, blackout materials provide a room darkening effect and excellent privacy. Theyāre available in a wide range of neutral colors, rich hues and subtle to bold patterns so you can find just the right look.
Pictured: Roller Shade Swatches, Irving
Designer Materials
Featuring designs by top interior designers including Nate Berkus, Sheila Bridges and more, youāll find a unique look for your space. Plus, youāll find both light-filtering and blackout options in this collection, so you donāt have to sacrifice functionality for looks.
Pictured: Roller Shade Swatches
woven materials
Made of natural materials like paper and jute mixed with synthetic blends for strength, woven roller window shade materials offer an organic look with great durability. Choose from soft blends or highly textured materials to capture the right look for your space.
Pictured: Roller Shade Swatches, Mesa Verde
Solar Materials
Made of unique material that blocks up to 99% of UV rays while still letting natural light through, Solar materials are great for sunny rooms to soften the light. When using a solar material for your Roller Shades, the shade is often called a Solar Shade, although the two feature the same components and functionality.
Pictured: Roller Shade Swatches, Chilewich Collection, Bamboo
Double Roller Shade Materials
Double Roller Shades have their own selection of materials. Catalina and Windansea both have light-filtering opaque bands while Pacifica offers blackout opaque bands for more of a room darkening effect. Colors are versatile neutrals, with some texture variation.
Pictured: Double Roller Shade material, Windansea in Canyon
Venetian Roller Shade Materials
The unique materials available for Venetian Roller Shades are all beautiful neutral tones ideal for their design versatility. Choose from two main material collections: Seaside, with light-filtering S-shaped vanes; or Seaside Room Darkening with opaquer S-shaped vanes for a room darkening effect.
Pictured: Venetian Roller Shade material, Seaside in White, design by Sunbrella
Not sure which is best for your room?
Order free swatches and compare materials at home before you decide.
Roller Shade Control Types
Control type refers to the mechanism that lifts and lowers your shade. Roller Shades for windows come with three main control types: continuous loop control, cordless control and motorization. These control types are specific to the standard type of Roller Shade. Venetian and Double Roller Shades only come with continuous loop control and motorized control. For homes with children or pets, we often recommend cordless or motorized control, which removes the operating cord entirely, and many of our materials are Best for Kids certified for added peace of mind.
Continuous Loop Control: Comes Standard
The continuous loop control comes standard with your Roller Shade. It offers a simple way to lift and lower your shade with a looped chain thatās connected to the tube at the top of your window and is held taut by a tension device installed on your window frame or wall next to your shade.
To adjust your shade with continuous loop control, simply pull down on the front of the chain to lift your shade and pull up on the chain to lower your shade. You can also lower your shade by pulling down on the back of the chain.
Continuous loop is available for all types of Roller Shades, including Venetian and Double Roller Shades.
Cordless Rolling Shades
If youāre looking for simple pull-down functionality for your roller window shade, choose cordless control. With a tension lock mechanism in the tube, cordless shades allow you to lift and lower without the use of chains or cords. To operate a cordless roller window shade, pull it down and toward you to release the tension lock in the tube. Then pull it down or let it rise until itās in the desired position. To lock it back into place, simply push the shade away from you, toward the window. Cordless control is only available for standard Roller Shades.
Motorized Roller Shades
For truly effortless functionality, choose motorized Roller Shades for windows, sometimes called electric or smart Roller Shades.
With a motor in the tube, you adjust your shades by pressing a button on a remote. You can also pair many motor systems with an app on your smartphone or tablet to control your shades even when youāre away from home. Or pair your motor with a smart home device like Google Nest or Alexa to control your shades with just the sound of your voice. You can even set timers for your shades, so they lift and lower right when you need them to.
As for powering your motor, options range from a rechargeable battery to plug-in options to low-voltage wiring that often requires an electrician to install.
Motorized control is available for all types of Roller Shades for windows. Standard Roller Shades are compatible with all motor systems, Double Roller Shades are compatible with The Shade Store motors (battery and plug-in) and Somfy plug-in motors and Venetian Roller Shades are only compatible with The Shade Storeās battery-powered motor.
Quiet. Discrete. Effortless.
Motorization from The Shade Store comes with a quiet motor with either a rechargeable battery or a plug-in option. To control your shade, use our sleek remote, or our app on your smartphone or tablet.* Pair your motor with your smart home device and control your shades with the sound of your voice.*
*To pair your motor with a smart device, youāll need our wireless link which converts the digital signal from your smart device into a radio signal that the motor understands.
Reverse vs Regular Roll
Reverse and regular roll refer to which way the roller window shade material falls off the tube: front or back. This customization is only an option for standard Roller Shades with a single panel of material falling off the tube. It doesnāt apply to Double and Venetian Roller Shades, both of which feature two layers of material falling off the tube.
REVERSE ROLL: FRONT
The material rolls off the front of the tube.
Best for:
- Concealing the roller tube for a clean, minimalist look.
- Doors or windows with handles or cranks, as the material will clear these obstacles.
- Clearing the windowsill so you can leave dƩcor or plants up regardless of shade position.
REGULAR ROLL: BACK
The material rolls off the back of the tube.
Best for:
- Material will sit closer to the window to filter or block more light and provide a tailored look.
- Allows for easy layering with another shade or drapery.
- Pairs nicely with a valance which covers the tube for a polished, finished look.
customize your design
Start with your material, then go on to choose your mount type, control type and more to create the perfect shade for your space. START CUSTOMIZING
Valances & Bottom Bars
A window valance is a piece of material that covers the very top of your window treatment for a clean, polished look. Valances are optional for Standard Roller Shades but come standard with Venetian and Double Roller Shades. The bottom bar is the piece of metal at the bottom of your shade that weights down the material and makes gripping the shade easier. Bottom bars are essential to each type of roller window shade design.
Valance and bottom bar options vary between the different types of Roller Shades for windows.
Standard Roller Shade Valances
Standard Roller Shades for windows come with two optional types of valances.
metal valance
Metal valances come in five finishes, and you can choose to include a fabric insert to match the material of your shade. Inside-mount and outside-mount options are available.
upholstered valance
A 4-inch wooden valance, this valance is handmade and fully upholstered in the same material as your shade. Inside-mount and outside-mount options are available.
Standard Roller Shade Bottom Bars
When it comes to the bottom bar, you can choose two styles: sewn-in to conceal the bar, or an exposed designer bar.
Sewn-In Bottom Bar
The bottom bar is fully concealed within a sewn hem of your chosen shade material, creating a clean, uninterrupted look at the bottom of the shade. Best for a seamless, minimalist finish that lets the material color and pattern do the talking.
Exposed Designer Bar
A slim metal bar visible at the bottom of the shade, available in a range of finishes to complement your hardware or dƩcor. Best for a more architectural, tailored look where the bar becomes part of the design.
Specialty Roller Shade Valances & Bottom Bars
For specialty Roller Shades, youāll choose the valance and bottom bar together since the colors are coordinated between the two.
Double Roller Shade Valances & Bottom Bars
Double Roller Shades have White, Silver or Black metal valances and bottom bars, with the bottom bar always color-matched to your chosen valance. You can also choose to have a fabric insert for the valance that will match the opaque bands of your chosen material.
Venetian Roller Shade Valances & Bottom Bars
Venetian Roller Shades have White, Black or Ivory metal valances and bottom bars, with the bottom bar always color-matched to your chosen valance.
How to Get the Best Light Control from Roller Shades
Roller Shades give you excellent control over daylight, but the material is only part of the story. Where the shade is mounted and how it rolls decide how much light slips around the edges.
- Choose the material for the job. Light-filtering materials soften the sun and preserve privacy while keeping a room bright. Blackout materials block up to 99 percent of light through the material itself, which is what makes them the right call for bedrooms and media rooms.
- Understand the side light gap. Because an inside-mount shade sits within the window frame, a thin band of light can appear along the sides where the material stops short of the wall. This is normal for any roller-style treatment and has nothing to do with the material.
- Close the gap when you need greater darkness. We often recommend an outside mount that overlaps the frame, which minimizes light gaps. A regular roll, which sits closer to the glass or wall, also helps minimize gaps by providing a more tailored, light-blocking fit. For the best room darkening, layer the Roller Shade with Drapery so the drape fabric covers any gaps.
Cost Considerations
Roller Shades are one of the more affordable custom shade options. Standard and Double Roller Shades sit at the lower end of the range, while Venetian Roller Shades come in higher. Your starting price depends on the style of roller shade you choose, as well as the material you select. A few other factors affect your final cost:
- Size ā Larger shades require more material, which increases the price.
- Control type ā Standard continuous loop control is included. Cordless and motorized controls add to the total.
- Customizations ā Add-ons like valances, upgraded bottom bars and reverse roll can also affect the final price.
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Best applications for Roller Shades
Roller Shades for windows are a highly versatile style of window treatment that work in many different applications and room types. However, depending on your desired aesthetic or function, they may not be the best choice for certain applications.
Rooms Roller Shades Are Best For
Roller Shades for windows are ideal for the following types of rooms:
- Living rooms and dining rooms with lots of sunlight where you likely want to both enjoy some privacy as well as some natural light. Light-filtering Roller Shades for windows are a great option as theyāll still let some natural light through for a soft glow as well as provide you with excellent privacy.
- Office and media rooms where you either need reduced glare or a room darkening effect so you can better enjoy your screen time ā light-filtering or blackout Roller Shades for windows can give you the effect you want.
- Bedrooms where you want excellent privacy and a room darkening effect for better sleep. Blackout Roller Shades, especially when paired with another type of blackout window treatment like drapery, can provide you with the sleep environment you need.
- Bathrooms where you need excellent privacy and a moisture-resistant material, as many Roller Shade materials are made from synthetic fibers that are long-lasting and not prone to mold and mildew growth. Some even come with MicrobanĀ® certification.
- Casual gathering spaces, like eat-in kitchens, breakfast nooks or family rooms where you need easy functionality as well as durable, easy-to-clean material. Light-filtering Roller Shades or Double Roller Shades are great for these applications.
Rooms Roller Shades Are Not Ideal For
While Roller Shades are a versatile window treatment option, they may not be best suited to the following applications:
- Drafty rooms, like basements, with poor insulation as Roller Shades for windows arenāt the best choice to block hot or cold air from the outside. Instead, consider Cellular Shades or layer your Roller Shade with Drapery or a Roman Shade with interlining.
- Formal, opulent living and dining rooms, since Roller Shades may appear too simplistic in style for these rooms. Instead, opt for Drapery or an elegant Roman Shade like Pleated Roman Shades.
How to Measure for Roller Shades
If Roller Shades feel like the right fit for your home, learn how to measure your window so you can place your custom order. Measuring varies based on whether you plan for an inside- or outside-mount application.
The same three-point method and mount decision apply across our products, so if you are measuring more than one window type, our guide on how to measure for blinds and shades walks through the shared steps.
Inside-Mount & Outside-Mount Roller Shade
A roller window shade can be installed in an inside- or outside-mount application, which affects how you’ll measure.
Inside Mount
Inside mount is when your shade is installed inside the window frame or window box, typically fastened to the sides or ceiling of your frame. Inside-mount applications have a depth requirement to ensure a secure mount. For standard Roller Shades, the depth requirement is only Ā¾-inch for a secure mount, making them very versatile. For Double Roller Shades, a minimum depth requirement of 1 Ā½-inch is needed and for Venetian Rollers, the requirement is 1 Ā¼-inch.
Outside Mount
Outside mount is when your shade is installed outside the window frame, either from the ceiling or on the wall above your window. Outside-mount applications have no depth requirement, and so are always an option, whether you choose standard, Double or Venetian Roller Shades.
Measuring for Inside Mount
First, measure the depth of your window frame (from the glass to the edge of the windowās interior trim) to ensure you have the right depth requirement (at least Ā¾-inch).
Then, measure your ordering length and width.
Length
Take three measurements for length, in the right, middle and left of your window frame. The largest number is your ordering length. Three measurements for length are important for ensuring the shade covers your entire window, as no window is completely square.
width
Take one measurement at the very top of your window frame since thatās where Roller Shades are widest. That is your ordering width.
Measuring for Outside Mount
The process for measuring for an outside mount application is even simpler as there is no depth requirement and you donāt have to worry about the squareness of your window.
Length
Measure length starting at how high above the frame you want your shades to be. Then measure down to the bottom of your window frame.
width
Measure width based on how far you want your shade to extend beyond the window frame. Two to three inches is a good rule of thumb for the best coverage.
Best Practices for Roller Shade Installation
If youāre interested in possibly DIY-ing the install of your Roller Window Shades, itās important to learn about the process so you can be sure youāre comfortable with the project. These steps for installation are general best practices that will apply to standard Roller Shades for windows as well as specialty Double and Venetian Roller Shades. However, always be sure to review the full installation instructions for your chosen shade before beginning your project.
- Step 1: Gather tools. Youāll typically need a stepladder, pencil, tape measure, level, drill and screwdriver, but check the specific install instructions for an exact list.
- Step 2: Decide whether youāll mount your shades inside or outside the window frame.
- Step 3: Measure appropriately based on your mount choice and mark where the mounting brackets and tube will go.
- Step 4: Install the brackets in the right place with the appropriate tools as indicated in the installation guide.
- Step 5: Attach the tube to the brackets.
standard roller shade
Review the full steps for installation of Standard Roller Shades for windows.
double roller shades
Review the full steps for installation of Double Roller Shades for windows.
venetian roller shade
Review the full steps for installation of Venetian Roller Shades for windows.
Cleaning & Maintenance
For all Roller Shades for windows, clean regularly with a low suction, handheld vacuum or dust with a soft, clean cloth or feather duster.
For stains or embedded dirt, the process for cleaning differs a bit between Standard, Double and Venetian Roller Shades:
- For Standard Roller Shades: Try a Mr. Clean magic eraser to spot treat the affected area.
- For Double Roller Shades: Try a mild cleaning solution on a swatch of your chosen material first to ensure it doesnāt cause further damage. If it doesnāt then it should be safe to use on your shade. Remember: Do not use liquids on the sheer portion of the material.
- For Venetian Roller Shades: Dab your shade with a clean damp cloth or sponge and warm water. Mild soap may be used as needed.
If the above solutions donāt work, we recommend you contact a local window treatment cleaning specialist who can treat your roller window shade on-site at home.
FAQs About Roller Shades
Get more insight into Roller Shades with these FAQ answers.
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