Shades can be both functional and decorative, and they can do this at the same time. Shades can be necessary for privacy, for comfort (blocking out light and heat). They can also visually warm up a room or make a statement.
Knowing how to choose the right shades can be a little hairy. There are many different options out there as well as styles. Here is some information to help you choose the right shades for your home.
Roller Shades
Roller shades are the traditional type of shade that most people think about when they hear the word shade. These shades roll, of course, and can be made out of paper, vinyl or fabric.
Roman Shades
A very popular type of shade is the roman shade. They used to be very expensive, but there are now all sorts of prices to fit any budget. With a roman shade, the fabric folds flat when the shade is raised. You can often find roman shades that also fold down from the top as well as up from the bottom.
Pleated Shades
Another simple style in shades, pleated shades form crisp pleats and can be a real design statement.
Balloon Shades
With balloon shades, the fabric of the shade gathers into balloon-like folds or poufs. It is a more dramatic style.
Honeycomb Shades
The newest type of shade to become popular, honeycomb shades are usually made out of polyester. The pleats contain air pockets that give the shade the look of a honeycomb when viewed from the side. The nice thing about these shades is that they offer insulation from the elements and even noise. While many different types of shades can offer insulation, the honeycomb type of shade is usually rated the highest in energy efficiency.
Shades are especially good for privacy. If you are looking for a great night’s sleep, opt for blackout shades that block almost all light. This way, it won’t matter if you live on a busy street or if the moon is especially bright one night.