Roller shades for windows come in countless different colors, textures, and patterns to perfectly complement and top off your own unique design style. Nothing adds the perfect finishing touch to a space better than beautiful custom window coverings, and stylish roller shades can make all the difference in this regard. Homeowners and designers alike should consider some key factors when selecting roller shades:
- Inside or outside mount
- Texture/weave/craftsmanship
- Color/pattern
What Are Roller Shades?
Basically, roller shades are simple, solid, continuous window coverings. They don’t open and close through their main surface, the way blinds can do when you open and close their slats or vanes, but rather they open and close up and down using a roller mechanism, retracting toward or unfurling away from their headrails. The materials used to custom craft our roller shades is not sheer (see-through) at all.
Roller shades are popular for their simple, clean appearance and stylish budget-friendliness. As with any fashionable window treatments, they can add depth and a nice, personalized accent to your space, with unlimited options for trendy materials, colors, and fabrics.
How Are Solar Shades Different Than Roller Shades?
Solar shades are also pretty simple window coverings, and they cover windows and function using a roller mechanism as roller shades do–without slats or vanes.
Solar shades tend to carry a slightly higher price tag than roller shades, mainly because of the materials used for their construction: woven material (usually PVC), similar to a window screen, is used to craft solar shades.
This loosely woven screen material allows for some transparency through the shade… it can reflect sunlight away from the screen, provide coverage from UV rays, and still allow for a view to the outside. Solar shades help protect your furniture and interior from UV ray damage, and help keep your interior cool. The “openness percentage” can vary, allowing for more or less coverage, in exchange for more or less outward visibility (e.g., the higher the visibility percentage, the more see-through capability).
Inside or Outside Mount?
Depending on your window frame’s depth and size, you can choose to mount your roller shades on the inside of the frame or on the outside (above the window, attached to the wall, or attached to the ceiling above the window). Keep in mind that outside mount usually allows more light in from the sides, and also leaves a bit of a wider gap for less privacy, but light blocking side tracks can help keep tighter closure for light and privacy management.
Texture/Weave/Craftsmanship
Textures can add a nice element of depth to an interior design motif. See what a lovely array of textures and fabrics you have to choose from for your roller shades. Creating a layering effect can also add depth to your window/space.
Speaking of craftsmanship, we at Select Blinds don’t sell “prefabricated sized” off-the-shelf window treatments. All of our window products are custom-crafted with care to fit your unique window sizes perfectly. We’ll also be there with you to help you DIY your house into your dream home, so you can save money and take pride in the newly designed gorgeous space you’ve created.
Colors/Patterns
You’ll also have a vast number of colors and patterns to choose from. If you want your window treatments to be the focal centerpoint of your room, then go with bolder colors or patterns. If you don’t want your roller shades to detract from any interior elements, go with more subtle colors and patterns.
A couple of things to keep in mind regarding your roller shade color of choice:
- Neutral Colors can help Roller Shades Blend Into Your Design
Creamy whites, natural browns, greys, charcoals–these are all good color selections to help your blinds blend in more seamlessly into your interior. Think balance. Colors like grey or silver can also add an additional metallic element of color to your interior if you have a design with primarily wood fixtures.
- Accent Colors Can Add Your Own Unique Touch To Your Design
Neutral tones can be difficult to top in regard to balancing out your colors in a space, but bright colors can help with balance, too. A splash of color can liven up an otherwise heavy, drab décor.
What Color Roller Shades Make a Room Look Bigger and Brighter?
If you are going for an enlarging effect in your space, you’ll want to select softer, lighter shades of color (e.g., white, off-white, cream, etc.), as darker shades can make an area feel more enclosed. Lighter colors always give an airy, spacious feeling to a room. Something else you might try is to paint your window trim and moldings in lighter shades than your wall color.
Select Blinds Staff and Customer Favorites
Care for some roller shade recommendations? Keep reading for some Select Blinds staff and customer favorites.
Need help measuring your windows for your new roller shades? We got you!
Learn how to measure your windows here.
Related: How to Install Roller Shades
Classic Fabric Light Filtering Roller Shades (Essential Tier)*
Deck your windows out with a vibrant vibe in the easily affordable style options available for these versatile, light-filtering cordless rollers. Lovely color selection of neutrals.
*Our Essential Tier products include simple designs in familiar styles. Made of materials known for strength, and easy cleaning, Essential Tier products are a great starting point for first-time home owners or renters that are looking for budget-friendly solutions.
Lifestyle Light Filtering Roller (Signature Tier)*
Affordable light-filtering roller shades that are made with crease-resistant fabric, and that you can install in a flash. Easy operation, including with motorized options. Nice selection of colors and patterns to help beautify your space.
*Our Signature Tier products feature thoughtful designs in trendy styles. Made with durable materials, Signature Tier products are the perfect place to start when looking for a beyond basic solution that is also affordable.
Premier Woven Roller (Premium Tier)*
Add some depth and dimension to your windows by weaving some magic in with the woven textures of these light filtering fabric shades – free cordless lift. An impressive array of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from.
*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last.
Designer Elements Blackout Roller Shades (Luxury Tier)*
Add an upscale design element to your windows with these elegant blackout rollers. Perfect for day sleepers and style seekers alike. A vast selection of “eye-catchy” patterns and colors to choose from, as well.
*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Most, if not all, upgrade features are included.
“DIY” Your House Into Your Dream Home
Make your home all yours by turning it into your dream home. Without breaking the bank. Nothing fills a space or makes a home or outdoor deck or patio area feel warmer and more welcoming than our beautiful window treatments. Sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, and save yourself plenty of money in the process. It’s easy, and we’re here to help! Treat your windows right with the right window treatments.
