Zebra Blinds: What to Know Before You Buy
Zebra blinds are a modern, functional option for your window treatments. With their sleek, linear design and easy operation, they make for a versatile choice. Yet, whether this type of window treatment is the right choice for your home will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve created a guide to zebra blinds, complete with the following topics:
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 that you adjust to either alternate and let light through or overlay them 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 and Double Roller Shades. At The Shade Store, we refer to them as Double Roller Shades.
What’s the Difference Between Zebra Shades & Dual Shades?
Typically, dual shades refer to the same product as zebra shades, zebra blinds and Double Roller Shades. However, sometimes, “dual shades” can refer to two layers of Roller Shades, on two separate tubes, one over the other, both installed on the same window.
Benefits of Zebra Blinds
No matter what you call them, these window treatments offer several unique benefits over other types of shades, including:
- Provides simplified light and privacy control with a quick, easy pull (with a continuous loop control) to alternate the sheer and opaque bands or overlay the opaque bands for privacy. You can also roll the entire shade up for a completely unobstructed view.
- Offers light-filtering and blackout options for the opaque bands so you can obtain the right level of light and privacy you need.
- Reduces glare and can help reduce heat buildup whether the bands are alternating or the opaque bands are aligned.
- Delivers a modern, sleek aesthetic with its minimalist, linear design.
- Made from durable material and high-quality components for a long-lasting shade you can count on.
- Easy to clean and maintain with a handheld vacuum and/or a soft, clean cloth.
Are Zebra Blinds Worth It?
When choosing well-made, handcrafted zebra blinds made from the finest quality components, they’re typically worth it in terms of upfront cost and long-term value. However, when considering value, it’s also important to think about the benefits of zebra roller blinds and how they meet your needs and wants. If they give you the right level of light and privacy control as well as the aesthetic you desire, then they’re likely well worth the cost.
Customization Options for Zebra Blinds
If you decide zebra roller blinds are the right choice for your home, you have several customization options to make them your own.
Keep in mind these customization options are specific to zebra roller blinds, or Double Roller Shades, from The Shade Store and may not apply to zebra blinds from other manufacturers.
Material Choices
To choose the right material for your zebra blinds, there are two main factors to consider:
- Aesthetics and how the material will complement your existing décor.
- Light and privacy control and whether you want the opaque bands to be light-filtering or blackout bands for a room darkening effect.
Options for your zebra roller blinds material includes:
Catalina
- Made from 100% polyester
- Light-filtering opaque bands for a soft glow of natural light
- Provides good privacy
- Comes in 8 colors with a smooth texture
windansea
- Made from a blend of paper and polyester
- Light-filtering opaque bands for a soft glow of natural light
- Provides good privacy
- Comes in 3 colors with a highly textured look
Pacifica
- Made from 100% polyester
- Blackout opaque bands for a room darkening effect when aligned
- Provides excellent privacy
- Comes in 4 colors with a smooth texture
Control Types
You have two control types to choose from for zebra blinds: continuous loop or motorization.
continuous loop
This control type features a looped chain that hangs from your zebra roller blinds’ 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 home automation system. Motorization options include plug-in and battery-powered systems.
Valance & Bottom Bar
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 holds the material in place and helps the material pass through 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.
When to Choose Zebra Blinds
As you’ve learned, zebra roller blinds are a versatile, attractive choice for your home and are suitable for a wide range of rooms and applications.
In particular, these types of window treatments are ideal for:
- 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 low traffic or activity like living rooms or bedrooms, thanks to their durability and easy maintenance.
- Modern spaces where you might want a chic, linear look for your window treatments.
When Not to Choose Zebra Blinds & What to Choose Instead
While they are very versatile, there are some situations where zebra blinds may not be the best choice, including:
- Very narrow, small or odd-shaped windows, as you may have less functionality to alternate the bands effectively. For small windows or narrow windows, try Blinds or Roller Shades that are often able to be sized to fit smaller or narrow windows.
- Rooms with a lot of traffic and potential for spills and stains like kitchens, as it may require professional cleaning to get any stains out. For these types of rooms, opt for Faux Wood Blinds, Roller Shades or Roman Shades made with performance material like Sunbrella®.
- As the only blackout window treatments for your room, since the blackout opaque bands will only provide some room darkening. For the best blackout effect, layer Drapery with blackout lining with blackout Roller Shades or Roman Shades with blackout lining.
Best Practices for Installation
If you’re considering a DIY install for your new window treatments, the installation ease of zebra blinds or Double Roller Shades will likely be a big factor in your decision. Luckily, installing zebra roller blinds is a relatively simple and straightforward process.
Review these basic best practices to get a sense of the installation process, but always be sure to review the full installation instructions before diving into the 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. The process for measuring will be different depending on whether you inside mount or outside mount your zebra shades. In other words, whether you’ll install your shades inside the window frame (inside mount) or outside your window frame on the wall or ceiling above your window (outside mount).
- Step 3: Mark where the brackets will be fastened. This process will also differ depending on whether you inside or outside mount your zebra blinds.
- Step 4: Fasten your brackets in the correct orientation based on your mounting application, using a drill and the provided fasteners.
- Step 5: Mount the headrail onto the brackets.
Care & Maintenance
To clean your zebra roller blinds, use a low-suction handheld vacuum and/or a soft, clean cloth to remove dirt and dust. 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 don’t 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.
Similar Alternatives to Zebra Blinds
Not sure zebra blinds are the right choice for your home, but looking for something similar? Explore these window treatments with similar functionality and aesthetics to see if they might be the right look for you.
venetian Roller Shades
This type of Roller Shade features S-shaped vanes between two sheer layers of material. The vanes are tiltable and come in either light filtering or blackout material, that you can tilt up or down between two sheer layers of material. You can also lift the entire shade up for a completely unobstructed view.
wood & metal blinds
Wood and Metal Blinds features horizontal tiltable slats made of either real wood, foam wood or aluminum, all of which are sustainably sourced. These blinds come in a wide range of colors and finishes so you can find just the right look for your space.
Explore Zebra Blinds & Other OPTIONS Further
With lots of insight into zebra blinds, their benefits, customization options and even similar alternatives, you likely have a better idea of whether or not these types of window treatments are the right fit for you. To further explore your options and actually experience the functionality of zebra blinds, or Double Roller Shades, visit a local showroom where you’ll find interactive product displays. Plus, all your material options will be available as free swatches and you’ll also meet our expert Design Consultants who can answer any questions you have.
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