Lose the Drapes: How to Dress Your Windows Better
Got drapes?
They may accent a room beautifully, but they’re also a huge design commitment that blocks light completely and requires a lot of upkeep.
And for those living in sunny climates or with south-facing windows, they can make rooms too dark & depressing for many hours of the day. Like everything, drapes age too, so they’ll need to be dry-cleaned or replaced—which is costly.
Tired of your drapes? Need a change in your home? Maybe you’re looking for something new. Something that speaks today: modern, minimalist, convenient.
Your answer: blinds and shades. They give you more control, keep your home looking fresh, match many settings, all without the headache. In this article, we’re going to cover your three best drape alternatives as a modern-day homeowner: Zebra Blinds, Roller Shades, and Triple Shades.
Blinds vs. Draperies: What are the main differences?
Blinds have a very thin profile, which makes them less visually obstructive. They can be raised and lowered as desired without ever putting a rod into the wall.
Blinds also have some of the biggest ranges of colors, patterns, and textures that will coordinate with your existing décor or serve as a strong contrast. They’re typically made of durable materials that are designed to last and can be easily cleaned in the future with a simple dusting or wipe down.
On the other hand, drapes are heavy, which means they require careful hanging and often need to be dry-cleaned or professionally cleaned. When lowered completely, drapes provide total darkness in a room, whereas blinds always allow a small amount of light to filter in.
So which is the better option for you?
Generally speaking, blinds are a more flexible and less expensive investment that can be easily altered or changed over time. They’re also an ideal choice if you plan to relocate (blinds can be removed relatively painlessly). That said, drapes offer a lush, textured presentation that embodies a room’s traditional look and feel.
Zebra Blinds, Roller Shades, and Triple Shades are all worth considering as alternatives to drapes. Why? Because they let you enjoy the features of both blinds AND drapes without requiring major design commitment or upkeep!
Try Roller shades
Roller shades have a very thin profile, making them less visually obstructive and easy to lift and lower as desired. They can be raised and lowered without ever putting a rod into the wall.
We offer roller shades in more styles than any other window treatment out there—from classic to contemporary! Roller shades are also more versatile than drapes because they can be made with blackout materials to block out incoming light, making them ideal for blocking the glaring sun during summer. And like blinds, roller shades can be easily cleaned for maintenance with a simple dusting or wipe down.
On the other hand, drapes are heavy, require careful hanging, and often need to be dry-cleaned or professionally cleaned. Drapes provide total darkness in a room when lowered completely, whereas roller shades always allow some light to filter in.
So which is the better option for you?
Generally speaking, roller shades are an ideal choice if you plan to relocate (roller shades can be easily removed and reinstalled). They’re also perfect for those who want to enjoy light filtering into the room without compromising privacy.
Try Zebra blinds
Zebra blinds are cutting-edge roller blinds that provide superior light protection to any other window shade or cover. The Zebra roller shades act as a sunshade while also adding an artistic tone to the room. It features horizontal woven lines in different colors and materials to block light in dark colors and fabrics in rooms.
But unlike some other blinds, zebra blinds are very easy to install. They have hardware that helps it stay flush against the wall—plus, they deliver blackout protection, which helps shut out light during daytime hours. All you need to do is roll it up or down, depending on your needs.
As for drapes, alongside the mentioned points like heavier weight, careful setup, and need for professional cleaning, are also prone to overtime fading because fabrics can wear out when repeatedly exposed to light. Zebra blinds with their materials are therefore a more sustainable option.
Try Triple shades
In a true one-of-a-kind design, triple shades close the gap between blinds and curtains. Using fabric slats suspended between two transparent fabric facings, triple shades offer complete light control and privacy.
The shadings may be opened for a mild view, closed for maximum seclusion, or tilted for flexible light management.
The use of antistatic fabric makes them long-lasting and simple to maintain. Daylight is better diffused and distributed throughout the space, so you can turn off artificial lights to save energy and costs. There are also no wires running through the cloth to detract from its basic beauty.
Although drapes boast a full array of benefits—rich textures, cozy hangings, and total privacy—they also introduce one major problem: the potential to collect dust. The fabric used in drapes is very absorbent, meaning that it traps dirt and allergens. With triple shades, there are no hanging cords to become encrusted with dust over time.
That makes them the ideal way to protect against allergens and maintain an allergy-free household!
Conclusion: So which is best?
All three of these options are great for controlling incoming light, but they each emphasize different benefits. Roller shades are lightweight and easy to maintain, zebra blinds block out light without sacrificing privacy, and triple shades provide a stylish way to protect your home all-around.
No matter which way you go, Sunny Shutters makes beautiful blinds and shades to accommodate every homeowner’s situation. Choose from our wide collection of options, so you’ll have a much easier time maintaining your window shades and flex a modern look for your beautiful home.
Book your free in-home consultation with us today to get your new customized recommendation now.
