As Napa County homeowners consider window treatments, there is first the discerning between window shades versus window blinds. The simplest way to differentiate between the two is that window shades are constructed using soft materials like linen, cotton and silk while blinds use hard substances, like wood and aluminum.
Another differentiator is that blinds make use of slats or vanes that open and close for light adjustment. This is in contrast to window shades which are constructed in a continuous roll. This means that the only window shades adjustments for more light and view is up or down.
When considering window shades, here are some of the options that exist for Napa County homeowners.
Roller Shades
Although a little old-fashioned, roller shades are a practical and inexpensive option for Napa County homeowners. Roller shades consist of a material that is wound around a wooden dowel and is spring loaded for pulling up and down.
When considering how best to utilize roller shades there are a number of options. For example, when added behind draperies, roller shades can create both a sense of privacy as well as additional style to your windows.
Roller shades are available in a variety of, interesting materials. They also come in varying opacities, each of which can help set a different décor feel. Napa County homeowners can also consider roller shades with fringed and scalloped borders at the bottom, with a pull made from a tassel.
Roman Shades
Roman shades afford Napa County homeowners with more a visual presence than the basic roller shades. In terms of construction, the Roman shade gathers into neat accordion pleats as it is raised, providing an attractive, tailored look.
Similar to roller shades, Roman shades can be made from just about any fabric that would be appropriate for draperies. However, they are also a lighter and cheaper alternative to draperies.
Roman shades come in various styles for Napa County homeowners to choose from. Relaxed, hobbled and balloon each have different qualities and characteristics that can lend themselves to being a great choice.
Relaxed Roman Shades
- stylish yet informal and unfussy.
- unconstructed style creates a soft, finished look to windows.
- when raised, the center of the shade slightly bows down as the fabric stack comes together in gentle folds.
- can be difficult to raise and lower. If using, consider making the shades stationary rather than operable.
Hobbled (or Teardrop) Roman Shade
- works just like a flat Roman with one exception: the shade is constructed with soft horizontal pleats across the front at regular intervals.
- look the same as a flat Roman when raised.
- when lowered, the hobbled pleats provide extra texture and visual interest.
- easy to raise and lower because of the horizontal structure.
Balloon Roman Shade
- designed to puff out along the bottom when it is raised.
- can contain one balloon, which looks just like an exaggerated, relaxed Roman or it can contain several balloons, causing the baseline of the shade to produce a scallop.
- can bring a wonderful softness and romance to windows by being mounted on a board or gathered on a rod.
Austrian Shade
Napa County homeowners can create an Austrian shade by allowing the fabric to fall in a series of puffy festoons created by vertical rows of shirring. In other words, an Austrian shade is essentially a “souped up” Roman shade.
When raised, the Austrian shade gathers into full poufs; when lowered, it maintains a ruffled, shirred effect. For this reason, Napa County homeowners will want to keep in mind that Austrian shades work best sheer or lightweight fabrics.
Napa County homeowners can easily incorporate fabric shades to easily to fit nonstandard and curved windows. If you are considering window treatments for your Napa county home, this is just one of ways The Drapery Source can help you create the perfect look.