Start with what the room needs
Ask what the room should do. Bedrooms usually need darkness. Living rooms often need glare control and view. Bathrooms need privacy. Home offices need screen-friendly light.
Popular shade styles
Each style has a different look and function:
- Roller shades: clean, modern and simple
- Roman shades: soft folds and a tailored look
- Cellular (honeycomb) shades: insulating pockets and a crisp finish
- Woven wood shades: natural texture and warmth
- Sheer or layered shades: soft light with privacy
- Drapery: fabric that adds height and softness
Opacity matters
Sheer fabrics keep the view and soften sun. Light-filtering fabrics add privacy while glowing. Room-darkening and blackout fabrics block light for sleep and media rooms.
Color and texture
Light fabrics feel airy and reflect light. Dark fabrics reduce glare and can look striking in media rooms. Bring samples home and view them in morning and evening light.
Measure properly
Custom shades are made to fit. Inside or outside mounts, window depth and obstructions all matter. A professional measure prevents gaps and light leaks.
Plan control early
If you may want motorization or Control4 later, tell your installer now so the right hardware and power are planned.
Opacity explained
- Sheer: soft filtered light, view preserved, little privacy at night
- Light-filtering: daytime privacy with a bright room
- Room-darkening: most light blocked, good for bedrooms
- Blackout: near-total darkness, best with side channels for theaters and nurseries
Inside or outside mount
Inside mounts sit within the window frame for a clean, built-in look, but a small light gap at the edges is normal. Outside mounts cover the frame and block more light, which is useful in bedrooms.
Common questions
Should I motorize?
For tall, wide or hard-to-reach windows, or anything on a schedule, yes. See motorized vs manual.
Which brands do you install?
Including Hunter Douglas, Lutron and Somfy-powered shades. See custom shades.