At
their foundation, window treatments are meant to control light and
create privacy. For that reason, roller shades are very popular.
Their fabric ranges in opacity to control both of those factors.
However, most homeowners also want window treatments that are
attractive. Roller shades can work to that goal, too.
Below
are just a few ideas concerning how to incorporate roller shades into
your window dressing.
Consider
an Unusual Material
The
most budget-friendly material for roller shades is plastic. However,
more stylish options come in a range of fabrics. You can also choose
an unusual material to add style to your window treatments or to
stand alone.
One
unique material option is burlap. These roller shades feature the
characteristic rough weave of the fabric. They also come in the range
of browns typical of burlap sacks. One benefit of burlap roller
shades is that they filter the sunlight rather than block it. These
shades would be ideal for rustic décor.
If
filtered light is your goal but you want a more tailored look,
consider bamboo or matchstick roller shades. These shades are made of
bamboo cut into matchstick sizes — hence the name. They can roll up
from the top or bottom. They're sturdier than burlap shades. However,
they let in similar dappled light.
Choose
a Complementary Color
Fabric
roller shades come in an almost limitless variety of colors. So, one
approach if you're layering window treatments is to match the roller
shade color to something else in the room. For instance, many
decorators choose a color within the curtains and match the roller
shades to that hue. In that way, you get a cohesive window look.
Another
option, though, is to complement the interior of the room. To that
end, you won't choose roller shades to complement the rest of the
window treatments but rather by the way the light will filter
through. This idea is similar to choosing burlap or bamboo for
dappled light except you're choosing a color. Pink is always
flattering, but you might ask for samples to try different hues.
Customize
the Edges
When
you start looking at some of the more high-end roller shades, you'll
notice you have different edging options that affect how the shades
look when they're partially lowered. One edging option is in the cut.
You can choose from scalloped, wavy, and center point edging. Often
the manufacturers add cord or stitching to emphasize the shape.
In
that vein, you have a lot of trim options for your roller shades. In
addition to cords, you can emphasize the edge with beads. Tassels are
another common trim option for roller shades.
You
can choose to emphasize the shape of the bottom with complementary
cord or stitching if you want sleek window treatments that either
stand alone or blend with minimalist curtains. If you're going more
elaborate, consider the more ornamental trim to match trim in your
drapes and valances.
Look
Into Motorized Shades
Motorized
window shades are a high-tech method for incorporating light control
into your window treatments. The shades feature the same roller
method of going up and down. However, they're attached to a motor
that moves the roller. The motor can be powered by battery,
electricity, or solar. Depending on the model, you can control them
with an app on your smartphone, a wall switch, or a remote.
The
motorized shades come in the same colors and materials as standard
shades. The advantage here is that you can incorporate the shades
into more elaborate window treatments without having to move the
layers around to control the light. What's more, you can also hang
the motorized shades in hard-to-reach windows, such as those located
high up a wall or behind furniture.
Try
some of the above ideas to incorporate useful roller shades into your
décor. Visit Sylvan's
& Phillip's Drapes & Blinds
for
more inspiration and for design help.
