Not Your Grandma’s Roller Shades

When someone says “roller shades”, do you think white vinyl with decorative fringe on the bottom? I know! Your grandmother loved these practical window treatments. They provided privacy when you needed it and the rest of the time they wrapped around the roller at the top of the window – out of the way – if not attractive. Can you still get them? Of course you can, but there are so many more options today. Roller shade fabric is as varied as your decorating style. We offer our customers laminated fabric, woven woods, solar screens, and fabric individually customized with the pattern and colors of your choice. For sports lovers, we offer shades bearing the logo of some of their favorite teams. In addition, we can supply businesses with roller shades featuring their corporate logos. Some manufacturers also make two shades (called a dual or twin shade) for the same window. This usually includes a sheer or light filtering shade and another more opaque one for privacy. One decorative option is to upgrade the roller to include a cassette head rail. This style encases the roller when it’s in the up position and adds a self-valance to the shade at all times. The head and bottom rails can be wrapped in the same fabric or simply ordered in a complementary metal color. And, yes, on some roller shades you can add decorative trim at the bottom.   Although cordless spring mechanisms are still available, most customers choose a continuous loop cord or beaded chain to raise and lower their roller shades. Homeowners with extra tall windows may also choose to motorize them to make their life easier. Clearly, you don’t have to choose between practicality and attractiveness. Today’s roller shade blends both in a tried and true window treatment.