Find a Showroom
Custom Zebra Blinds: What to Know & How to Buy
Zebra blinds, also called Double Roller Shades, are a modern, functional window treatment for your home. They feature a sleek, linear design with easy, seamless operation, making for a versatile choice. Zebra blinds layer alternating sheer and opaque fabric bands on a single roller, so a small adjustment shifts your window from an open view to full privacy. Deciding if Double Roller Shades are the right choice for your home will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
To help you determine if these modern blinds are right for you, first learn more about what they are and why choosing custom zebra blinds is a good choice.
Cover Photo: Double Roller Shades, Pacifica in Char, photography by Paul Haverkort for Coulisse
Key Takeaways on Custom Zebra Blinds
- Zebra blinds layer alternating sheer and opaque bands on one roller, so a single treatment moves from open view to full privacy.
- Also sold as day and night blinds, dual shades or Double Roller Shades, they suit living rooms, kitchens and home offices where light changes through the day.
- Light-filtering bands give a soft glow, and blackout bands add stronger room darkening.
- Continuous loop or motorized control keeps operation clean and simple.
- For a bedroom or media room, layer them with Drapery or a blackout shade for better darkness.
In this article
What Are Zebra Blinds?
Zebra blinds, also called zebra shades, zebra roller blinds or Double Roller Shades are comprised of two layers of material with alternating sheer and opaque bands. You can adjust the bands to alternate and let light through or overlay them for privacy and light control. In short, how zebra blinds work comes down to those two layers: slide the sheer bands together for a filtered view, or overlay the opaque bands for privacy and light control.
What Is the Difference Between Zebra Blinds & Zebra Shades?
Zebra blinds and zebra shades refer to the same product comprised of two layers of material with alternating sheer and opaque bands. Other names for this type of window treatment include zebra roller blinds, day and night blinds, dual shades, dual sheer shades, transitional shades and vision blinds. At The Shade Store, we refer to them as Double Roller Shades.
Pictured: Double Roller Shades, Windansea in Coal, photography by Eric Piasecki
Why Choose Custom Zebra Blinds
Custom window treatments tailor-made to perfectly fit your window for an intentional, curated aesthetic. Plus, with custom zebra roller blinds, you get to choose the material and color, the control type and any optional customizations like valances and the bottom bar design. The result is a window treatment made specifically for you, that reflects your tastes and meets your needs.
Need a bit more guidance for the ordering process or still on the fence as to whether these custom blinds are right for you? Learn the steps for ordering custom zebra blinds to ensure you make the right choices at the right stage of the process. Then, discover additional considerations for choosing these window treatments for your home to ensure youāre making the best choice.
How to Order Custom Zebra Blinds
Ordering custom zebra roller blinds is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to create the perfect Double Roller Shades to suit your aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
Step 1: Measure Based on Mount Type
Proper measuring for your custom zebra blinds will depend on whether you plan to inside- or outside-mount your shades.
- Inside mount is when your zebra shade is installed inside the window frame, typically being secured to the top or āceilingā of the frame.
- Outside mount is when your zebra shade is installed outside of the window frame and secured to either the wall or ceiling above the frame.
Measuring for Inside Mount
Step 1: Measure the depth of your window frame (from the glass to the edge of the windowās interior trim) to ensure you have the appropriate depth requirement (at least Ā¾-inch).
Step 2: Take three measurements for length (from the right, middle and left of the frame) and use the largest number as your order length.
Step 3: Take one measurement at the top of your frame (because thatās the widest part of zebra roller blinds) and this is your ordering width.
Measuring for Outside Mount
Step 1: To measure width, measure the entire distance you want your zebra blinds to cover beyond the window frame on either side, making sure the shade extends the same distance on each side of the frame (2-3 inches beyond the frame is a good best practice).
Step 2: To measure for length, start at the point above your window frame where you want the headrail to be installed. If youāre installing it on the ceiling, start at the ceiling. Then measure down just past the window frame. This is your ordering length.
Step 2: Choose Your Material
To choose the right material for your zebra roller blinds, there are two main factors to consider:
- Aesthetics and how the material will complement your existing dƩcor.
- Light and privacy control and whether you want the opaque bands to be light-filtering or blackout bands for a room darkening effect.
The best way to make your decision is to order swatches of all your favorite materials and colors to compare in your own homeās lighting. Choose from three materials, all of which feature several neutral colors to suit your aesthetic.
Catalina
- Light-filtering opaque bands for a soft glow of natural light.
- Provides good privacy.
- Comes in 8 colors with a smooth texture.
windansea
- Light-filtering opaque bands for a soft glow of natural light.
- Provides good privacy.
- Comes in 3 colors with a highly textured look.
Pacifica
- Blackout opaque bands for a room darkening effect when aligned.
- Provides excellent privacy.
- Comes in 4 colors with a smooth texture
Not sure which material suits your light?
Order free swatches and compare Catalina, Windansea and Pacifica on your own window before you decide.
Step 3: Choose Your Control Type
Control type refers to the mechanism used to adjust your zebra blinds. You have two control types to choose from: continuous loop or motorization. Deciding on the right one for your space will depend on your functional needs as well as your budget, as motorization is an upgrade.
continuous loop
This control type features a looped chain that hangs from your zebra roller blindsā headrail and is kept taut by a tension device installed on your wall or in your windowsill. A continuous loop control is easy to operate: Simply pull one side of the chain down or lift it up to adjust the bands or lift the shade entirely.
motorization
With motorized zebra blinds, you control your window treatment with the press of a button on a remote, an app on your smartphone, or the sound of your voice when your motor is paired with a smart home system such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home. Motorized blind options include plug-in and battery-powered systems.
Step 4: Choose Your Valance & Bottom Bar Color
The valance and bottom bar are two metal components of your window treatment. The valance is a metal component that covers the headrail. The bottom bar is a functional metal component at the bottom of your zebra roller blinds that weighs the material down over your window and allows the two layers to pass through it as you adjust the bands
Valance & Bottom Bar Options
The valance and bottom bar come in three colors: black, silver and white. The bottom bar will always match the valance. You can also choose to have a fabric insert for the valance that will match the opaque bands of your chosen material.
Start Shopping
Now that you know how to order, start customizing your own zebra blinds to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Are Zebra Blinds Good?
Zebra blinds offer a modern, functional and highly versatile window treatment solution. And when you choose custom, handmade zebra roller blinds from The Shade Store, you enjoy a well-crafted product designed to last. Learn more about the benefits of these unique shades to determine whether theyāre worth it to you.
Benefits of Zebra Blinds
- Deliver simplified light and privacy control with their easily adjusted alternating bands.
- Offer light filtering and blackout options so you get the right level of light and privacy control.
- Reduces glare and heat buildup whether the bands are alternating or aligned.
- Offers a modern, sleek aesthetic with its clean linear design.
- Made from durable, high-quality materials so you have confidence in your investment.
- Easy to clean and maintain thanks to their high-quality materials.
Pictured: Double Roller Shade, Catalina in White
When to Choose Zebra Blinds
Zebra roller blinds are highly versatile and work in a wide range of applications. Some of the best rooms and applications for these window treatments include:
- Any rooms where you spend a lot of time and will frequently be adjusting your light and privacy levels because they are so easy to control.
- Rooms with high traffic or activity like kitchens, living rooms and kids rooms, thanks to their durability and easy maintenance.
- Home offices, where you can cut glare on a screen without giving up daylight.
- Modern spaces where you might want a chic, linear look for your window treatments.
When Not to Choose Zebra Blinds
While zebra blinds are a versatile window treatment choice there are instances where they may not be the best choice for your space.
- Very narrow, small or odd-shaped windows.
- As the only treatment in a bedroom or media room that needs room darkening, since a little light passes between the bands.
- Rooms with lots of moisture and humidity like basements and bathrooms.
For a bedroom, nursery or media room where you want darkness, we often recommend pairing zebra blinds with Drapery or a dedicated blackout window treatment rather than relying on the opaque bands alone.
Can You See Inside with Zebra Blinds?
It depends. If your zebra blinds are alternating, someone may be able to see through the sheer bands into your interior, though it wonāt be a clear view. For better privacy, ensure your blinds are adjusted so the opaque bands are overlaying each other. This will make it difficult or impossible for anyone to see inside. Be sure to choose blackout material for your opaque bands for the very best privacy, although the light-filtering options are also excellent in terms of privacy, while still allowing a soft glow of light through.
Zebra Blinds vs. Roller Shades
Because zebra blinds are built on a roller, they are often compared to standard Roller Shades. The difference is its light and privacy control functionality. A standard roller shade is a single panel you raise or lower, so control is mostly open or closed. Zebra blinds use two layers of alternating sheer and opaque bands that slide past each other, letting you fine-tune daylight and privacy while the shade stays down. We often recommend zebra blinds where light shifts through the day, and a single-panel Roller Shade where you want a clean, simple look with either light-filtering or blackout material.
| Zebra Blinds (Double Roller Shades) | Standard Roller Shades | |
|---|---|---|
| Light control | Fine-tune by sliding the sheer and opaque bands past each other, shade stays down | Open or closed as you raise or lower one panel |
| Daytime privacy | Adjustable, keep a filtered view or overlay the bands to close it | Set by the fabric you choose |
| Room darkening | Good with blackout bands, though a little light passes between the bands | Excellent with a blackout fabric |
| Look | Layered, linear, modern | Clean, single-panel, minimal |
| Best for | Rooms where light changes through the day | The simple look with either light-filtering or blackout material |
How to Install Zebra Blinds
If youāre considering installing zebra blinds on your own, get familiar with the best practices for installation to confirm whether youāre comfortable with the task.
Always be sure to read the full installation instructions before starting your project.
- Step 1: Gather tools needed for the job including a step ladder, tape measure, pencil, screwdriver and drill.
- Step 2: Measure the length and width you want your zebra roller blinds to cover according to the guidance above in Step 1 of the ordering process.
- Step 3: Mark where the brackets will be fastened.
- Step 4: Fasten your brackets in the correct orientation based on your mounting application (inside or outside mount), using a drill and the provided fasteners.
- Step 5: Mount the headrail onto the brackets.
Cleaning & Maintenance
To keep your zebra roller blinds in the best condition, regularly clean them using a handheld, low-suction vacuum, a soft, clean cloth or a feather duster. For embedded dirt or stains, we highly recommend trying any cleaning solution on a swatch first, which you can order for free online if you donāt have a swatch of material available. If the cleaning solution is insufficient or worsens the stain, you may need to contact a window treatment cleaning specialist who can often clean your window treatments onsite without taking them down.
Schedule a Design Consultation for Zebra Blinds
Now that you understand the benefits, styles and customization options for zebra blinds, the next step is getting expert guidance for your space. Schedule a free design consultation to review material options, control types and design details with a Design Consultant who can answer your questions and help you choose the right zebra roller blinds for your needs and preferences.
GET THE GUIDANCE YOU NEED
Schedule a free design consultation with our talented Design Consultants for guidance on product choice, material selection and more.
