Roller shades have changed! The roller blinds of today are not like Grandma's old vinyl ones. Today's designs are better, the rolling mechanisms are more user friendly, materials have a modern, sophisticated flair and they are a welcome addition to any decor.
The term roller "blinds" is rarely used today as these window shades are available in varying opaqueness. When fully extended, some filter light softly through them. Some provide complete blackout advantages while others provide a semi-opaqueness that allows only vague silhouettes to be seen through. Most manufacturers will offer lifetime guarantees for their products.
Installing these window shades yourself might have its disadvantages, but you can manage it. Almost all manufacturers include installation instructions with the product. On the other hand, it might be advantageous to have these window shades installed by a professional or by a person who is experienced at it to ensure their proper function and fit.
The correct fit depends upon accurate measurement. The width of the head rail is what you will be measuring for. When the fabric hangs from the head rail, it will be narrower by 1/2 inch on either side.
Depending on where the shade will hang, the head-rail should equal in measurement to the inside or outside of the window-casing. Just as with windows, there are standard width ranges for shades. Sometimes if a window is too wide for one shade and would require two, it would be good to consider a different window dressing altogether. Either that or decide to have a seam sewn down the middle of two shades to bind them together to get the correct width.
The shade's length is also important. Shades with plain hems are best if minimizing the amount of light leaking under them is your desired effect. If this is not a concern, scallops, fringes or some combination of both would make attractive finishes.
Due to technological advances, pulling a shade up or down need no longer be a frustrating manual process of yanking on a cord attached to the hem to trigger a spring mechanism. Some of today's shades are motor-operated. Some have remote controls providing convenience for the bed-ridden or the physically impaired. Many shades will have a continuous-loop cord, which facilitates hassle-free adjusting.
Some adjustment mechanisms have self-timers. As a safety measure, accompanying mechanisms or guides can be attached to the wall or inside the window casing. These modernizations help with consistent positioning and possibly avoid fabric staining or damage.
Today's shades are constructed from materials such as cellulose fiber, vinyl fiberglass, foam acrylics and polyesters. Foam acrylic layered on the back of window shades absorbs light to ensure an optimal blackout environment. White laminate on the street side can provide a uniform look or, alternatively, you may want the outside of the shade to look just as decorative as the inside face.
Panels are available as sheers, semi-sheers, semi-opaque, opaque or 100% blackouts depending on your needs or your preferences. The look and texture can be woven such as in canvas or cotton, mimic natural fibers like bamboo or suede, be patterned in paisleys or brocades, etc. They are available in any color imaginable.
Your home or will take on a trendy new look when you invest in today's beautiful roller shade window treatments.
Learn how to choose and save on window shades. Stop by Jesita Jerik's site where you can find out all about roller shades and what they can do for you when saving money is also an issue.