A window shade is a soft fabric placed over the window to control the amount of light that enters. It also provides privacy and serves as an excellent home decor. Window shades come in various types, including roller, cellular, pleated, and Roman. The thickness varies from sheer to blackout. If one’s planning to install or upgrade a shade, learning about the types and uses and considering a few tips can help in the decision-making process.

What are the different types of window shades?
There are many types of shades, so you must understand what you need before heading to the market.

Automatic window shades
These shades have a motorized mechanism that allows them to be raised and lowered with the touch of a button. Automatic options are ideal for homes with children or pets who might accidentally open the blinds.

Blackout window shades
These block most of the light entering the window, making them ideal for bedrooms. You might also consider these options for home offices where light may disturb work productivity.

Cellular window shades
These have individual panels that can be opened and closed independently. So, you can control the light entering each panel.

Custom window shades
As the name suggests, custom shades can be made with any fabric, cut to any size, and have the design of your choice, allowing you to create a unique look. Most people consider this option.

Tips for choosing the right window shades
Selecting shades can be tricky if it is your first time. Here are a few things to consider:

Understand which type is suitable
As you have seen, there are various types on the market. You can choose blackout, roller shades, sheer fabric, or other options. Your preference will depend on what you want in a window treatment. To block out light and noise, you may want to use a blackout shade with foam backing material. It prevents light from entering the bottom of the shade and also blocks noise from outside your home or office. Shades made with fiberglass or vinyl are suitable to block out heat and glare while still allowing sunlight. In other words, they keep heat out while brightening up the room.

You may also want to choose between motorized and manual options. Manual shades are easy to open and close with just one hand, but they can be tricky when trying to open them quickly when someone comes over unexpectedly!

Measure your windows correctly
Window shades can be made to cover most window sizes but have a maximum length and width. If you do not measure the window correctly, the shades may not fit. They could be too long or too short to work on your windows and will not serve the purpose. Further, the wrong size can make them difficult to install, and you might have to buy new shades altogether.

Measuring your window size is easy. Take a string and wrap it around the upper part of your window. Ensure it is tight enough to be snug but not too tight. Then measure how long the string is. This is the length of your window!

Buy the appropriate amount of brackets
You can use fewer brackets to install the shade. But if it is made of heavy material, extra brackets will ensure the shade stays in place and does not fall. The best way to determine how many brackets you need is by measuring the length of the shade and dividing that number by two. This will give you the average distance between each bracket on the wall. If there are any areas where bracket placement is not possible (such as a concave surface or a room with no studs), add more brackets until all areas are covered.

Tips for installing the shades
You can either install them yourself or hire a professional for help. If you choose the DIY method, consider these tips for the best results:

Do not over-tighten any screws or nails
Over-tightening screws or nails can damage the shade. Even worse, it can make the windows susceptible to breakage. Tight screws are also challenging to remove if you want to uninstall the blinds later to replace them with new ones.

Use the right amount of pressure
Being aggressive with your hammering or screwing can lead to cracks in the walls. If unsure how much force is required for your particular shade, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for installation guidelines.

Now that you know all about window shades, you can decide what kind will work best for your home. Before heading to the store, research, compare options, and have a set budget in mind. Do not forget to choose something that will complement the color and aesthetics of your home.