Window Shade

Posted on by John Briggs

Window shades have been around for many years and recently has seen a resurgence in their popularity.  There is a wide variety of window shade types on the market, they range from your typical roller shades, cellular shades, and the ever-popular roman shade.  Shades are typically made of a combination of fabrics depending on where and how they are to be used.

Roller Shade

Window Shade

Roller Shades

Perhaps the most well-known window shade style is the roller shade.  They are made from fabrics ranging from cotton to polyesters depending on environmental conditions, style, and opacity.  Roller shades are flat material that is rolled onto a tube at the top of the window and is unrolled to cover a window.  Roller shades are offered in a wide variety of functional and decorative options.  One of our featured manufacturers is Norman Window Coverings, Soluna™ Roller Shades Design Guide | Norman USA

Solar Shade

Window Shade

Solar Shades

A close cousin to the roller shade is the solar shade.  Functionally they are like the roller shade, but the solar shade offers visibility through the shade.  Often referred to as sunglasses for the home, blocking the sun but maintaining the view.  These solar-ray defenders can be used inside the home or on the exterior and are very popular on patios and decks to make being outdoors more comfortable.

Honeycomb Shade

Cellular Shades

Another popular window shade style is the honeycomb shade (also referred to as a cellular shade).  Honeycomb shades improve privacy due to their ability to provide a near perfect fit into a window opening, and with their air pocket design, they offer improved insulation against climate extremes.  They also come in a wide variety of colors, and styles.  We feature Comfortex Cellular Shades, offering over 800 colors Photo Gallery | Comfortex

Roman Shade

Window Shade

Roman Shades

Finally, the queen of the window shade industry is the roman shade.  Roman shades are most often made from fabrics and can be custom ordered to be flat, pleated, or hobbled.  Roman shades offer a unique and popular look when opened, the material folds neatly on itself as you pull the drawstring or lift the bottom rail when cordless or motorized.  Roman shades can be made from virtually any fabric, including grass-cloth, woven wood, polyester, cotton, or a combination of materials.  Check out our favorite Roman Shade manufacturer, Horizons Soft Roman Shades | Horizons Window Fashions (horizonshades.com)

Window Shade Versatility

Window Shades offer tremendous versatility in color, material, and styles and offer something for everyone.  Here are just a few of the options:

  • Corded or cordless (cordless offers safety for children and pets)
  • Variety of folds, colors, textures, and designs
  • Room darkening or light filtering
  • Opacity levels in solar shades (varies the UV light permitted to pass through)
  • Decorative valances to hide shade rolls
  • Top down-bottom up
  • Motorization
  • Home automation

Made in the Shade of Northern Virginia

Regardless of which window shade style you prefer, Made in the Shade of Northern Virginia can help with selecting the ideal window shade for you.  We predominately serve Prince William County, Fairfax County, and Loudoun County in Northern Virginia.  Give us a call at 703-330-6487 or request an appointment at Make an Appointment – Made in the Shade Nova.  We take all the time you need to choose your perfect window coverings, all from the comfort of your own home.