Window Covering Trend: Zebra Blinds Offer Blackout or Light Coverage

Home decor and design for window coverings now trend in black and white with an exotic name. Zebra blinds (also known as "zebra shades" or "dual roller shades") are the new solution for homeowners who want full control of the light in their room. Don’t be confused by the exotic name; these shades lean more neutral and less safari.

Learn more about the light-filtering capabilities of zebra shades and discover stylish design ideas to integrate them into any room.

Key Takeaways:

Zebra blinds (also called "zebra shades") are a popular window covering that lets homeowners control the light coverage and privacy in any room. Homeowners need to be cautious when searching for the product, as zebra print shades also are incredibly popular.

What are Zebra Shades?

The shade's animalistic reference nods to the black and white duality of this window coverage. Zebra shades feature alternating layers of non-transparent and sheer panels  of fabric, allowing homeowners to control the amount of light that enters the room.

How Do Zebra Blinds Work?

Zebra blinds integrate layers of dark opaque and light transparent fabric. When the shades are pulled up, full light coverage enters the room. If the blinds are pulled down, light is filtered through the lighter sections to create a subtle glow and moderate privacy. These shades can also be adjusted to create a full blackout impact and privacy.

Using Blackout Zebra Shades

The zebra shades' versatility appeals to homeowners who want (or need) to control the light and privacy entering their room. These blinds offer a blackout impact when homeowners adjust the fabric to utilize only the opaque layers of black fabric.

The Best Rooms for Installing Zebra Roller Shades

Zebra shades provide adjustable coverage, making them ideal for almost any room. However, many homeowners install zebra blinds in rooms where privacy and light control are crucial to comfort.

Living rooms and bedrooms are the most popular choices for zebra shades. During hot summers, homeowners can adjust the light in their living room and control the impact of the sun’s heat. These blinds also provide complete coverage and concealment, making them ideal for the bedroom.

Zebra blinds also are perfect for nurseries and children’s rooms. During the long summer days, the blackout coverage of zebra shades enables parents to create a calming, dark environment more conducive to sleeping. Parents can switch the shades to sheer coverage when blackout coverage is no longer needed.

Are Zebra Shades Window Blinds?

Zebra shades are not blinds. However, the varying shades of light and dark fabric trick the eye, making these shades appear more like blinds.

Blinds are typically made of connected slats of wood, vinyl, or fabric. Homeowners control the light in the room by opening or closing the individual slats. Some blinds are nearly fully opaque, although the design of most blinds allows some small streaks of light to enter the room.

Design Ideas for Styling Zebra Blinds

Zebra shades are often designed in the standard dark and light neutral colors of fabric. The design allows for ideal light control and blackout coverage. Homeowners cannot style these shades in florals, colorful hues, or other patterns. However, these shades can (and should!) be paired with other coverings to create interest and unique design impact.

A Dynamic Duo: Zebra Shades and Drapery

Install zebra shades beneath classic draperies in fabrics that complement the room decor. While colors and patterns are not an option for zebra blinds, homeowners can integrate customized designs for draperies.

Sunshine Drapery's interior designers work with every homeowner to help them discover the most beautiful, stylish, and ideal fabric and drapery design for any room. Choose from more than 40K fabrics and trims for contemporary, classic, elegant, or whimsical window coverings.

Can Cornices Partner with Zebra Shades?

Cornices are another type of decorative window covering. Some homeowners install cornices as a standalone element, but, often, these coverings pair with drapery to create an impactful and highly elegant design.

Homeowners who want to pair a cornice with zebra shades should work with a designer at Sunshine to bring their vision to life. While cornices and zebra blinds may be a bit of a unique pairing, the right design will create a stunning visually effective window covering.

Don't Confuse Zebra Blinds with Zebra Print Shades

Zebra shades are a newer window-covering product. Homeowners searching for this product may stumble upon pink zebra shades, floral zebra shades, and many other unique designs.

True zebra shades do not include vast colorways. Zebra print shades are not "zebra shades." Sunshine Drapery offers private-label zebra shades as well as products from Hunter Douglas and Custom Brands Group.

Schedule a consultation with Sunshine Drapery's interior designers today to explore popular zebra shades and discover how this window covering provides versatile light control for any room.