BUYING GUIDE:Roller Shades for Windows
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 window shade is the right choice for your home, learn more about this type of shade in our comprehensive buying guide. Discover what Roller Shades are, benefits, types, material options and so much more.
Cover Photo: Roller Shades, Naomi in Honey, photography by Darina Todorova
In this article
what are roller shades?
Roller Shades are a style of window treatment that feature a single panel of material that rolls around a tube at the top of your window. Roller Shades for windows are also available in two specialty styles: Double Roller Shades and Venetian Roller Shades.
Pictured: Roller Shades, Tea Leaves in Brown
Why Choose Roller Shades?
Roller Shades for windows come with many benefits making them an excellent choice for a wide range of applications and aesthetic styles.
- Offers customizations in terms of functionality and aesthetics so you can create the perfect shade for your space.
- Available in 400+ material options ranging from simple neutrals to bold colors and even exclusive designer patterns from Nate Berkus, Sheila Bridges, and more so you 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 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 fabrics.
- Deliver install flexibility which means Roller Shades can be mounted inside the window frame (inside mount) with a depth of at least ¾”, or outside the frame (outside mount).
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 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, Jackson in Sand, photography by John Bessler
Double Roller Shades
Also known as Zebra Blinds, Double Roller Shades feature two layers of material with alternating bands of sheer and opaque material. 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
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. They’re 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, Alexa Hampton and more, you’ll find a unique look for your space. Plus, you’ll find both light-filtering and blackout options in this collection, so you don’t have to sacrifice functionality for looks.
Pictured: Roller Shade Swatches, Alexa Hampton Designer Collection
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
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
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.
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 that’s 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, simple 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
If you’re looking for simple pull-down functionality for your roller window shade, choose cordless control. With a tension lock mechanism in the tube, cordless control allows 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 it’s 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
For truly effortless functionality, choose motorized Roller Shades for windows. 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 you’re 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 Store’s 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.* For truly effortless ease, 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, you’ll 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 doesn’t 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 décor 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.
Valances & Bottom Bars
A 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.
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.
Specialty Roller Shade Valanced & Bottom Bars
For specialty Roller Shades, you’ll 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.
Get Inspiration for Roller Shades for Windows
Get a sense for how all the customization options can come together to create unique Roller Shades for windows in a variety of rooms and aesthetic styles.
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 like Jackson in Grey for a subtle look and feel. Be sure to use other woven décor 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, Jackson in Grey
Blackout Roller Shades & Blackout Drapery in a Bedroom
Create a calm, cozy atmosphere in your bedroom with Blackout Roller Shades in a textured, off-white blackout material like Ava in Birchwood. Layer in lush drapery in a soft, elegant material like Chinoiserie 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, Martyn Lawrence Bullard Chinoiserie in Blush, design by Erin Fetherston
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 — and the shade offers easy functionality.
Pictured: Double Roller Shade, Windansea in Canyon
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
DISCOVER CURATED DESIGNS
Now that you’re familiar with all the customization options for your roller window shade and have a glimpse into the possibilities, explore our Photo Gallery for even more inspiration. VIEW THE GALLERY
Cost Considerations
Roller Shades for windows, with the exception of Venetian Roller Shades, are generally affordable when compared to other types of shades. However, the type of Roller Shade and category of material will affect your starting price. The following starting prices take into account the type of roller window shade and material, with standard continuous loop control.
| Solar Shade Material | Starting Price |
|---|---|
Light-Filtering Roller Shade  Pictured: Roller Shade, Light-Filtering Harlem Toile De Jouy in Multi White, design by Sheila Bridges, photography by William Waldron | $ |
Blackout Roller Shade  Pictured: Roller Shade, Cora Blackout in White, photography by John Bessler | $ |
Solar Roller Shade  Pictured: Solar Roller Shade, Sunbrella 5% Solistico in Slate, design by Sunbrella | $ |
Designer Roller Shade  Pictured: Roller Shade, Painted Lips in Red Lips, design by The Novogratz | $$ |
Double Roller Shade  Pictured: Double Roller Shade, Pacifica in Char, photography by Pail Haverkort for Coulisse | $$ |
Venetian Roller Shade  Pictured: Venetian Roller Shade material, Seaside in White, design by Sunbrella | $$$$ |
get a quick price quote
Simply enter your measurements and get estimated pricing for different product categories and price groups. QUICK PRICE QUOTE
Other Factors That Affect Upfront Costs
Beyond the type of Roller Shade and the material chose, there are a couple other factors that can affect upfront costs:
- Size – The size of your roller window shade will of course affect your cost, as the larger the shade, the more material is needed, and the higher the price will be.
- Control type – Standard continuous loop control does not cost extra, however, upgrades like cordless control and motorization will add an additional to your overall price.
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. Learn more about applications they’re well-suited to as well those where it may be better to choose another style of window treatment.
Inside-Mount & Outside-Mount Applications
A roller window shade is a great choice for either inside- or outside-mount applications, so the choice is primarily up to your preference.
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 ¾-inch for a secure mount, making them very versatile. For Double Roller Shades, a minimum depth requirement of 1 ½-inch is needed and for Venetian Rollers, the requirement is 1 ¼-inch.
Pictured: Roller Shade, Chilewich Quilt in Tuxedo
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.
Pictured: Solar Roller Shade, Sunbrella 3% Solistico in Ash
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 they’ll 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 — 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 Microban® 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 aren’t 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
Now that you understand customization options and the best applications for a roller window shade, you likely have a better idea as to whether these window treatments are right for your home. If you feel they are, 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.
Measuring for Inside Mount
First, measure the depth of your window frame (from the glass to the edge of the window’s interior trim) to ensure you have the right depth requirement (at least ¾-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 that’s 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 don’t 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 you’re interested in possibly DIY-ing the install of your roller window shade, it’s important to learn about the process so you can be sure you’re 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. You’ll 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 you’ll inside or outside mount your shades, which means deciding whether to place them inside the window frame (inside-mount) or outside the window frame on the wall (outside-mount).
- 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 doesn’t cause further damage. If it doesn’t 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 don’t work, we recommend you contact a local window treatment cleaning specialist who can treat your roller window shade on-site at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roller Shades
Get more insight into Roller Shades with these FAQ answers.
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