Things To Know About Roller Shades

Roller shades have once again become a popular window covering. These shades are often inexpensive but are also versatile as window shades. They offer a quick and easy way to increase privacy and to prevent light from entering your home.

At the top of a roller shade is a dowel rod that serves to support and store the shade. Storage is accomplished using a spring mechanism inside the dowel that is wound when the shade is lowered and the stored energy in the wound spring is used to roll the shade back onto the dowel. A ratcheting device allows the shade to stop wherever the user wants it to stop along the way.

Roller shades may be installed either inside the window frame or flush on top of the window frame. The inside mount gives window shades a more finished look, but mounting window shades on the surface of the window frame is better for privacy as well as room darkening.

The window frame needs to be measured for inside mounting of the shade. It should be measured to the nearest 1/8 inch less than the size of the frame. You should always round the measurement down to ensure that the dowel will fit inside the frame. The plastic or fabric of the shade may be up to a half inch smaller than the size of the window.

For shades that will be mounted outside the window, you will again need the width of the window. To this measurement, you will need to add four inches. This will give sufficient overhang on either side of the window to give privacy as well as allow for your room to be darkened.

A cornice that is located at the window top will add a decorative touch to the plain shade. If it is mounted in the window frame, the shade makes a nice accompaniment for curtains that are tied back. Shades can be opened and closed as needed for privacy or additional light and the gap at the edges is covered with the curtains. This window treatment works well with a room air conditioner as it allows for air flow while still preventing solar heating from adding to the air conditioning load for the room.

Plastic shades work well in bathrooms where moisture may be a problem. They can give privacy and still resist the water. If there is a window over the tub that needs to be covered the shade makes a perfect covering.

In the bedroom, room darkening shades are an excellent choice. They can prevent the bright sunlight from waking you on your day off or if you must be a day sleeper due to your work. Blocking of the sunlight will allow you to get better sleep.

A shade added to the home office can prevent glare from the sun from blocking your view of your computer screen. The reflected sunlight will not prevent you from seeing all there is to see on the screen. The shade can also be adjusted as needed to prevent the sun from being in your eyes while still allowing you to see outside of the home.

Roller shades may be the window treatment option you need in your home.