Shades by Prestige Windows
Window shades are coverings for a window that is attached to the outside or inside used mainly for
privacy and to protection from sunlight, heat or cold. Although in the
same family, the main difference between blinds and window coverings are that
blinds are
typically a solid fabric that goes up and down or side to side.
There are four main types of window shades that are on the market today. The most popular is the cellular or honeycomb shade. Second, are pleated shades, then roller shades and lastly, roman shades.
Cellular (Honeycomb) are the most popular shades on the market today. Most are made of polyester. If you look at the shade from the side,
it looks like a bees hive. That is why it is also know as a honeycomb blind. Hunter Douglas invented this blind in the 1980's and has become huge mainly
because of its energy efficiency. There are several pleat sizes to choose from and tons of different options including top down, bottom up, cordless,
motorized and vertiglides which go back and forth. These are nice discount
window coverings.
Pleated
shades are very similar to the honeycomb blinds except there is not cell or
honeycomb. These were very popular before the honeycomb craze. Typically the
fabric is richer and more unique with many, many different textures and colors.
Most of the pleated blinds are made with fabric that allows light to come in.
You have the same options as with the cellular's such as motorization and top
down, bottom up. If you want to protect the fabric on pleated blinds from the
sun, most will add a backing that is either light filtering or room darkening to
the back of the blind.
Roller
shades are a solid piece of fabric that goes up and down on a roller. It can be spring loaded or used with the very popular cord loop system.
This blinds are typically made with light filtering fabric or room darkening
fabric. A new see through fabric called a sunscreen is becoming
very popular. You can see those in restaurants and banks across
the nation. With new weaves and colors, the sunscreen rollers is becoming more popular in houses.
A cassette valance is a nice decorative and integrated headrail where the blind will roll up into. It finishes out the
discount shades.
Roman shades are the last on our list of popular
blinds. They are the oldest of this category. Made to go up and
down in a hobbled or flat stack. They are typically made of fabric for the more traditional roman but now the woven and bamboo's are becoming
more and more popular. Some of today's romans can be motorized or come in the popular top down bottom up options. You can also put a backing
on most that will protect the fabric of the blind or darken the room.
Although there are many other types of blinds in today's market, this brief summary is a good
representation of the most common types of window covering.
