For rooms that have a view, roller shades are a great window treatment. You’ll want shades that can easily be rolled up, so you can enjoy the magnificent view on the other side of your window, whether you have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean or a bay window facing your private backyard.
With roller shades, the bottom end can be adjusted to whatever height you prefer, while the top head rail always stays in place. The shade wraps around a rail at the top of your window and easily unrolls or slides down to cover as much or as little of your window as you’d like. They are cost-effective to cover your windows in many size options and cordless options for child safety.
There are many benefits to installing modern roller shades on your windows, but you should weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether they are the right choice for your home. We will discuss the pros and cons of roller shades in this blog so that you can make an informed decision about roller window shades.
Pros of Investing in Roller Shades
There are several pros that are associated with roller shades
Energy Efficiency
Reducing your energy bills by using roller shades as energy-efficient insulation for your windows is possible. This can keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving you money on your heating and cooling bills. For the maximum effect on saving on your energy bills, choose a fabric for your roller shade that is thick or add a liner on the rear of the fabric. Roller shades also give you added benefits of noise reduction and UV protection for your indoor furnishings.
Light Control and Privacy
With roller shades, you can customize the amount of light that enters your room. Depending on your preferences, you can select fabric options from sheers, semi-opaques, and blackout fabrics. These options give you window coverings that are light filtering, room darkening, or anywhere in between. Additionally, roller shades can provide privacy for your home by blocking view from the outside. This is especially useful for windows facing a busy street or on the first floor. The privacy levels are also affected by the type and thickness of fabric you choose.
Aesthetic Appeal
Roller shades are also quite aesthetically appealing no matter what type of decor or design you have in your home. They mount inside the window frame for clean and straight lines that aren’t fussy. You can choose a printed fabric to make your windows the star of the room as a focal point, or you can use a solid neutral color option for fabrics to blend in with the surroundings.
Versatility and Functionality
Different fabrics can be used together in a roller shade, or you can customize it with fabric tapes to add a pop of bright color to an otherwise solid color shade. The traditional bottom hem is straight across horizontally, but you can have it scalloped instead to add more personality and style to your shade.
Cons of Investing in Roller Shades
As with all products, there are always some cons associated with them.
Limited Insulation
Even though you can choose a thicker fabric and a liner for your roller shades, they don’t give your windows as much insulation as a combination of sheer curtain panels and thick drapery panels or blinds. If your main idea is to save energy, this may not be the perfect solution for you.
Reduced View and Natural Light
Window shades of all types do not have slats in them, as blinds and shutters do. You can tilt the slats on blinds and shutters to have some filtered light come into your indoor spaces while blocking the majority of the heat and glare. Slats also allow you to see outside as well. Window shades don’t have these benefits because you can only raise or lower them to any height you wish for natural lighting control.
Potential Maintenance and Durability Concerns
These concerns are all interlaced with the type of fabric you choose for your window roller blinds. Vinyl fabrics are not as attractive as pretty florals or other types of fabric on roller blinds. However, vinyl can be washed thoroughly as a low-maintenance option with a bit of dish soap and water and a cloth to remove any types of splashes on them. For the other types of fabrics cleaning and care, you can choose from the thinner ones that will allow filtered light inside while they are closed, but they are more delicate and may tear after several years of opening and closing them, making them less durable than some other choices of custom window treatments.
Tips for Choosing the Right Shade for Your Home
Any size or shape of the window can be easily customized with roller shades that come in a variety of colors, textures, patterns, and fabrics. Any type of window treatment made of fabric gives you the most choices in matching them to your home decor and your style in every room of your home.
Consider the Style of Your Home
Roller shades should complement the style of your house. Choose shades with clean lines and neutral colors if you have a modern or minimalist décor style. Consider roller shades made of bamboo or wood if you have a rustic or traditional home decor.
Determine the Purpose of Roller Shades
If you are looking for roller shades for windows, decide what you want them to do. Are you looking for privacy, light control, or insulation? Knowing what you want will help you narrow down your choices.
Choose Suitable Material
Roller shades are made from a variety of materials, including vinyl, fabric, and natural materials like wood and bamboo. Choose a suitable material that fits your style and purpose. If you want to block out light and add privacy, choose a thicker fabric. If you wish to let in light but still have some privacy, choose a sheer or semi-sheer material.
Select a Color or Pattern
You can choose roller shades in a wide range of colors and patterns that complement the color scheme of your home. If your home has patterned curtains or rugs, choose a solid color for roller shades so that they won’t clash
Choose the Right Size
Ensure that your window frames are measured accurately before ordering roller shades. You don’t want them to be too large or too small. Consult a professional if you don’t know how to measure your windows
Consider Motorization Option
Roller shades can be motorized if you want them to operate more conveniently. This will allow you to control your window shades by voice or with the touch of a button.
The Bottom Line - Is it Worth It or Not?
These window treatments are also very easy to install, with only two brackets to be mounted in the window frame at the top. Roller shades are a good investment as long as you choose them correctly and ensure they will perform in the areas you need them to. Light and privacy control, straight and clean lines and the ability for customization of roller shades as well as the price point, which is very affordable, are items to consider.
If you decide to go with roller shades for your window treatments, The Shutter Source is the perfect place to start your search. We offer a variety of options ranging from classic blackout blinds to motorizable designs with modern technology. Explore all of these options today so you can find the perfect roller shade for your home!
