blackout shades

What Are The Most Popular Types of Window Treatments? Part 2 (Shades & Curtains)

/ Jonathan Crowell
Image courtesy of Michelle Giglio, @wazhomedecor

Maybe your personal design taste calls for a traditional window style, or perhaps for something more modern. Regardless of what your personal style dictates, or what your budget is, we at SelectBlinds are pleased to tell you that we have the perfect custom solution for you. We offer you more than 170 different customizable products, in a selection of over 1800 colors, with countless feature combinations, upgrades, and add-ons available. Did we already say that we can make any budget happy? 

What are the most popular types of window treatments? In the first part of this article, we discussed popular types of blinds and shutters. What about window shades and curtains? Let’s discuss some of the most popular types of window treatments, shades and curtains in particular, and how they function.

Function vs. Form

You might not want window coverings that are merely functional. You might want something stylish, as well. It will likely be great news to you that you can enjoy window shades that are stylish and also that function smoothly, the way you want and need them to! What would work best in your home? 

What Is the Difference Between Shades and Blinds?

First, though the two terms are often used interchangeably, let’s distinguish shades from blinds.

Basically, shades hang down from the top of a window to the bottom, but they feature a solid, continuous surface that covers the window, and which can be raised or lowered to open up the view outward or to cover up for privacy. Shades are commonly crafted using fabrics, bamboo/woven woods, lightweight cellular material, and sheer fabrics. Curtains, though not technically shades, have similar qualities, in that they’re a solid, hanging surface that covers your windows.

Blinds are also hanging window treatments, but they feature either horizontal or vertical slats that can be tilted open or closed, usually with some sort of mechanism. Different kinds of blinds are crafted using various materials, including wood, faux wood, aluminum, and PVC. 

What Types of Shades and Curtains Are In Style?

Here are some examples of popular styles of shades and curtains, ranging from traditional to less traditional.

  • Roller Shades – Regardless of how you roll — casual, modern, Farmhouse — there are custom roller shades to match your unique sense of style. Layer roll-up window coverings in colors, textures, and patterns that fit any interior design.
  • Cellular / Honeycomb Shades – Keep the home vibe cool, calm, and quiet with energy-efficient cellular shades. With kid-friendly cordless lift options, they’re the safest choice for homes with little ones and/or pets.
  • Roman Shades – Can you be trendy and traditional at the same time? Of course! For example, take the classic, customizable Roman shade. This luxurious fabric window covering never goes out of style and works with the trendiest interiors.
  • Bamboo / Woven Wood Shades – Get your home Pinterest perfect with these natural-looking custom bamboo / woven wood shades in your windows. Personalize them even more with your own lined option selections for more light & privacy control.
  • Dual / Zebra Shades – Your home is your showcase. Show off your unique taste with stylish, unique sheer zebra shades. Enjoy the ease of a roller with the look of a horizontal blind to add dimension and texture to windows. Watch them operate, and you’ll be sold!
  • Solar Shades – You love bright sunlight streaming through your windows. And who wouldn’t? Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, though. Harmful UV rays can fade furnishings. Custom interior solar shades can help.
  • Exterior Solar Shades – Keep your cool and enjoy your patio and decks longer. Beat the heat while protecting your outdoor furnishings with a weather-resistant custom cordless exterior solar sun shade. You’ll also maintain your exterior view!
  • Sheer Shades – For the trendsetting home decorator, nothing beats the sheer elegance of sheer blinds. Impress your guests with this high-impact, custom flat sheer roller style window treatment.
  • Skylight Shades – Whether you live in a tiny house or a mansion, a skylight window is a feature worth showcasing. Show it off right with custom, sun-blocking shades that fit your style. Motorization options are available to make your life easier.
  • Arched Window Shades – Do coverings for your arched windows seem out of reach? Not with these custom shades for arched windows. Light filtering or blackout fabrics add function and elegance to even the highest arched windows. Motorization options are available to make your life easier.
  • Drapery / Curtains – Ever popular, custom drapes and curtains are a perennial favorite to dress your windows, or to layer with other types of window treatments (i.e. Roman shades, wood blinds or faux wood blinds, cellular shades, etc.). Updated grommet and pleated panels add a fresh spark, especially when used in trendy layered looks.

How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Window Treatments?

Image courtesy of Noby Howell, @howell.home

Quality shades, curtains, blinds, or shutters can last for several years (especially when installed correctly and maintained regularly), and there is no hard rule of thumb regarding how often you should replace them. Basically, replace them as needed, and according to your personal preference, as trends and fashions change and evolve.

Follow manufacturer directions when using and maintaining your window treatments, in order to preserve them as long as possible. Dust and/or wipe them down on a regular basis. Thoroughly clean your window treatments at least twice annually in order to reduce heavy dust accumulation. Curtains tend to be somewhat easier to maintain, as they can be removed for laundering, dry cleaning, or steaming as you need to. 

Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Space

If you’re looking for some recommendations for your home, be sure to keep on reading. We’ve made selections from each of our product tiers for you, to offer you excellent, customizable design solutions for any taste and budget. Spend some time window shopping to see what we have to offer!

Classic Vinyl Blackout Roller Shades (Essential Tier)*

Sleep better (and longer!) with budget-saving blackout roller shades crafted with flame-retardant vinyl fiberglass and then laminated with another layer of vinyl for extra strength and durability.

Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades (Essential Tier)*

Less cluttered, kid-safe, budget-friendly, and simply stylish, these energy-efficient cordless cellulars are the perfect finishing touch to any window and design aesthetic.

Classic Woven Woods (Essential Tier)*

Upgrade your windows with these trend-setting favorites! Clutter-free, stylish, and affordable, there’s virtually no limit to how good your windows will look.

*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 homeowners or renters that are looking for budget-friendly solutions.

Farmhouse Roman Shades (Signature Tier)*

Master that Farmhouse-style look and feel these beautifully crafted and easy-to-install-and-use Roman shades.

Select Light Filtering Dual Shade (Signature Tier)*

Alternating wide and narrow bands of durable, easy-care fabric combine to give this modern light control window treatment its distinctive zebra-stripe appearance.

2” Light Filtering Sheer Shades (Signature Tier)*

Picture these luminous, custom-made sheer fabric window treatments blocking up to 99% of UV rays when closed and up to 88% when open to help protect your furniture and interior, and to gently diffuse light. 

*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 Modern Solar Screen (Premium Tier)*

See it all more clearly inside and out with these interior solar shades. The 5% openness of the fade resistant fabric helps reduce harsh incoming light so you can still enjoy your outward views.

Lifestyle Outdoor Motorized Shade (Premium Tier)*

Elevate your outdoor experience with the convenience and ease-of-use of these motorized solars. Plus, they come with a gorgeous oil-rubbed valance along with cable tie-downs!

Jewel Tone Drapery (Premium Tier)* 

The perfect combination of fashion and function with these visually tantalizing jewel-toned window drapes. Manage light and privacy in style. Perfect for any room’s interior design. 

*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. Some upgrade features may be included.

Luxe Modern Room Darkening Skylight Shades (Luxury Tier)*

Your hard-to-reach skylight windows should be a breeze to cover with these room-darkening honeycomb shades. Several alluring colors, with optional motorization and other upgrades!

Luxe Modern Light Filtering Arch Shade (Luxury Tier)*

You’ll love this modern and functional solution for your arched windows in light-filtering fabric that comes in a wide selection of colors. A custom fit for even the most uniquely shaped arched windows. 

*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. Some upgrade features are included.

Take More Control Over How Your Dream Home Turns Out

DIY Design never meant “Do it ALL by Yourself.” For any space, a home design upgrade should never feel intimidating. 

Nothing makes a space look warmer and more inviting than beautiful new window treatments, and Select Blinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you tons of helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier, because we’re invested in your success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process. 

Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.

Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day. Only at SelectBlinds.com.

Go Window Shopping for Custom Window Solutions and Turn Your House Into Your Dream Home! >>

Get the Blackout Shades You Deserve

/ Larry Walker

Blackout roller shades are one of the best you can find to block out exterior light and keep your indoor space cool and dark. 

Whether you want to be able to sleep in better on weekends, or want to give your child’s room a darker ambience to help them sleep better, or whether you just want to be able to take a refreshing afternoon nap, blackout shades are your thing. These shades are perfect for media rooms, as well. Watch the big game with friends, or enjoy movie night, without any annoying daytime or sunset glare coming in through the windows.

What’s the Difference Between Blackout and Room Darkening Shades?

Our room darkening shades do a great job of blocking out up to 90% – 95% of incoming light, while our blackout shades can block out up to 99%. 

Roller shades will let light in through gaps between mounting hardware and the top of the shade. To achieve an absolute blackout effect with your window treatments of choice, try our Light Blocking Side Tracks.*

*Maximize your blackout shades’ darkening capabilities with our Light Blocking Side Tracks. Effectively black out that light that sneaks in from the sides of your shades.

And while we’re talking about a powerful blackout effect for your interior space, did you know that our Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades were selected 2021’s best blackout shades by the New York Times’ Wirecutter Reviews?

Wirecutter says:

“We like cellular shades because they look good, effectively block light, and are easy to install. Our panel unanimously agreed that the Select Blinds’ Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades [are] the [ones] they’d most like in their homes. The polyester shade looks and feels noticeably better in quality than other shades we considered. Among the shades we tested, it has one of the widest selections of sizes and colors, and it’s covered by a three-year warranty, the longest of any model we considered.”

Related: Are Room Darkening Shades Worth It?

Select Blinds Customer and Staff Blackout Favorites

Ready for some trendy, stylish suggestions? Here are some popular Select Blinds roller shades, known for their effective blackout capabilities:

Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades (Essential Tier)*

Yes! Our shades that won the New York Times’ Wirecutter Reviews endorsement as the best blackout shades of 2021. Get a better night’s sleep with these budget-friendly blackout window covers that block up to 99% of incoming light.

*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.

Select Blackout Roller Shades (Signature Tier)*

Get a top-notch blackout effect for media rooms, bedrooms, and anywhere else in your home where you need them with the clean-looking cordless convenience of these blackout rollers with a weighted bottom hems for smooth, wrinkle-free operation.

Light Blocking Side Tracks (Signature Tier)*

These Light-Blocking Side Tracks can be installed on either side of your roller shade to help maximize coverage and light blockage. Purchase them to accessorize most windows!

*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.

Architect Blackout Roller Shades (Premium Tier)*

Enjoy superior blackout fabrics in today’s most popular colors to keep out unwanted light without sacrificing any style. Order with optional side tracks for complete light blockage.

*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. Some upgrade features may be included.

Designer Elements Blackout Roller Shades (Luxury Tier)*

Don’t forget to top off your interior space’s look with an upscale design element to change day into night anywhere in the home with these elegant blackout rollers. Perfect for day sleepers and style seekers alike.

*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. Some upgrade features are included.

You Got This! Let’s Get More “DIY” Into Your Dream Home Upgrade

Make your house ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home. We are here to help! No need to break the bank to do it, either. Sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, and save yourself plenty of money in the process. You got this! 

And we got you! Free interior design consulting is just another way we can support you in all your home upgrade projects. Call us today at (888) 257-1840 to tap into our free design consultation resources. We want to make it easy for you. 

Free samples. Free shipping. Free design consulting. Every Day. Only at SelectBlinds.com. 

Go Window Shopping for Some Stylish New Blackout Roller Shades! >>

Self-Care and Sleep Hygiene: Get Ready for Sleep Awareness Week, 2021! Sunday, March 14 – Saturday, March 20, 2021

/ Larry Walker

by SelectBlinds

We’re about to time travel forward! Well, sort of. Just an hour ahead. In MOST of the country.

Daylight saving time (not “savings time”) 2021, begins at 2 a.m. (your local time) on Sunday morning, March 14, 2021. This is the annual time change when we “spring forward” an hour and you “lose” an hour of sleep. Be sure to retire an hour earlier on Saturday the 13th, unless you want to be dragging all the next day!

Speaking of losing sleep, this same Sunday also kicks off one of our favorite weeks of the year here at Select Blinds: National Sleep Awareness Week, “a weeklong celebration of sleep health,” March 14 through March 20th. You might also find it interesting to know that World Sleep Day (Regular Sleep, Healthy Future) is commemorated on Friday, March 19th this year.  

Getting a good night’s sleep consistently is considered healthy (there’s even a term for it: sleep hygiene), and is a key component of a solid self-care regimen.

Sleep Hygiene - Sleep Awareness Week 2021
Sleep Awareness Week, 2021 – Are you getting enough sleep?

Self-Care Ideas: Good Sleep for Good Self-Care

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF), the organization that brought us Sleep Awareness Week to coincide with daylight saving time, recommends somewhere between seven and nine hours of nightly sleep for most adults.

According to the NSF, as many as 40 million Americans have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or with waking up earlier than they would like. Common distractions from adequate sleep include disruptive noises and natural light coming in through the windows, especially early the morning.

How are you sleeping these days? Getting a good night’s sleep (maintaining solid sleep hygiene) contributes to boosting your brain’s activity, increasing your energy level throughout the day, bolstering your immune system, improving your overall mood, and increasing your productivity.

Tips for getting a good, solid, healthy night’s sleep include:

Seems like a lot to cover, but Select Blinds has plenty of solutions to help you out with minimizing your exposure to incoming light.

Sleep Hygiene - Celebrate Your Sleep Health
Sleep Hygiene – Celebrate Your Sleep Health

Do Blackout Shades Work?

Let’s talk blackout shades vs. room-darkening shades. Room-darkening shades reduce up to 95-99 percent of incoming light that enters a room through the window(s). Then there are blackout styles that can eliminate glare up to 100 percent. They may not necessarily make a space completely pitch black, but these shades can come pretty close to darkening your room any time of the day.

A good blackout shade can help ease your transition from night to daytime (or vice versa), thus helping improve your overall sleep quality. Blackout shades are also energy-efficient to help you cut the cost of energy spending in your home.

Blackout Shades to help you get a full night's sleep.
Select Blinds Blackout shades to help you get a solid night’s sleep.

What Are the Best Blackout Shades?

Customers love our products! Read up on our customer reviews. Speaking of improved sleep hygiene, consider the fact that from a 2020 review of the “best blackout shades,” The New York Times review considers Classic Cordless Blackout Shades its favorite out of its top three picks.

The review panel “unanimously agreed that the Select Blinds Classic Cordless [Blackout Shades are] the [ones] they’d most like in their homes,” citing the quality polyester custom shades’ look and feel as being “noticeably better in quality than other shades [they] considered.” In addition to top-notch look and feel, the NYT review also cited the shades’ wide color and customizable size selection, and the longest warranty of any other shades they reviewed. 

Select Blinds Classic Cordless Blackout Shades
Select Blinds Classic Cordless Blackout Shades were rated the best Blackout Shades by Wirecutter, and featured in the New York Times!
  • Maybe you’re interested in a recommendation that offers additional insulation and durability, you might consider getting the Select Blackout Cellulars.
  • If you’re looking for a shade that combines traditional and blackout shade functionality, consider the Top down, Bottom up style Modern Light Filtering / Blackout TriShades.
  • For our most complete blackout effect, try our Designer Sleep Shades, which features unique side tracks. They are very effective at blocking out 99 percent of incoming light.
  • If you need any more help in choosing a room darkening or blackout shade, check out our Select Blinds guides for properly equipping bedroom and nursery windows.

For more on getting good blackout shades to get better sleep, see NASCAR driver David Ragan discussing success and how to win that advantage over your day with a good night’s sleep. He does it with effective Select Blinds blackout shades for his RV:

NASCAR’s David Ragan discusses winning that advantage over your day with a solid night’s sleep, thanks to Select Blinds blackout shades.

Don’t forget to celebrate Sleep Awareness Week with us this year by getting into the habit of getting regular, great Zzzzz’s.

Nighty night.

#BlindsWeLove   #CelebrateSleep   #SleepAwarenessWeek #CelebrateYourSleepHealth

Media Room Ideas: The Best Window Coverings for Gaming Rooms and Movie Night

/ Larry Walker

by SelectBlinds

Gamers and home theater buffs: Does your gaming or media room have windows? When you’re online, on a roll playing your favorite RPG, or relaxing with your favorite film, you want nothing to do with the sun’s harsh glare. You might be considering window blinds or shades for your room’s windows to block out exterior light and glare, as well as to help insulate and soundproof your room. More fabric-style window treatments, like blackout cellular shades or Roman shades, also assist with dampening background noise and improving your gaming / media audio quality, too!

Gamer playing a video game in a darkened gaming room.
Gaming and media rooms with windows should have good lighting control for the best entertainment experiences.

Window treatments can also provide plenty of privacy, day or night. They can also help insulate against the heat or cold, to help save on your energy bills.

If your gaming/media room windows face the north, there’s a good chance you’ll rarely, if ever, have to worry about direct sunlight coming in. If your room’s windows face any other direction, you’ll likely get some direct sunlight coming in at some point during the day. Window treatments are specifically designed to control incoming light, but keep in mind there are different degrees of light blockage.

What Is the Difference Between Blackout and Room Darkening Shades?

Blackout shades, or room darkening blinds? Blackout shades are made with an opaque fabric intended to block out ALL incoming light. “Room darkening” window treatments typically block out between 95 to 99 percent of the outdoor light. Window coverings that block less than 95 percent of incoming light are commonly known as “light filtering” blinds or shades.

Maybe you prefer a total blackout effect. Maybe you like the incoming light most of the time, but just want to block out the setting sun’s glare for movie night. Knowing what you need and prefer can help you in your selection.

Window with blackout curtains to keep out sunlight glare.
Window coverings can protect your interior from harmful UV rays and annoying glare.

Consider some of these options for blackout or room darkening effects for your entertainment room:

What Are the Best Blackout Shades?

We take pride in all our products and customer service, and stand by them all. Consider the fact that from a 2020 review of the “best blackout shades,” The New York Times review considers Classic Cordless Blackout Shades among its top three picks.

The review panel “unanimously agreed that the Select Blinds Classic Cordless [Blackout Shades are] the [ones] they’d most like in their homes,” citing the quality polyester shades’ look and feel being “noticeably better in quality than other shades [they] considered.” In addition to top-notch look and feel, the NYT review also cited the shades’ wide color and customizable size selection, and the longest warranty of any other shades they reviewed. 

Regardless of what kind of window treatments you go with, keep in mind that your entertainment space is yours and should meet your needs, while reflecting your personal sense of style.

Marilyn C. Eats Up Our Snickerdoodle Shades!

/ Larry Walker
Two in one window brown cellular shades from SelectBlinds.com

“I just love my new blackout shades! We ordered them in Snickerdoodle, and they’re just great! So much easier to operate than the vertical blinds we used to have, too. Great job, SelectBlinds! You rock!”

A huge “THANK YOU” to Marilyn C. of Pennsylvania for sending in photos of her new honeycomb shades! She replaced her old vertical blinds on this wide double window to make way for two of our beautiful Select Single Cell Blackout Shades in Snickerdoodle. No more broken, swaying vanes for this front yard view! Our Cordless Lift and Lock system is easy up / easy down for quick privacy and light blocking! MJ even had great things to say about our customer service agents who helped her with custom sizing so her new window treatments covered her windows perfectly!

SelectBlinds.com shades block morning light in living room

“Just to let you know, your salesman Charles Arrington was AWESOME. We didn’t even think we were capable of measuring for these shades and he was so helpful! He guaranteed me these would fit and they  do — to a ‘T’! Thanks again for your awesome product and believe me, we looked all over. Even saw shades over $800 that were nowhere near as nice as yours!”

Thanks again, MJ! We look forward to working together and hope to hear more stories from the East Coast (the birthplace of many of us here at SelectBlinds) in the near future!

Can Window Coverings Be Poetic? Let’s Find Out for World Poetry Day

/ Larry Walker
Cup of coffee and writing pen on napkin with poetry terms

A poem for you, a poem for me. Let’s all celebrate a day for poetry!

Ha! We’re a poet and didn’t know it. Or did we? Did you know that March 21 is known as World Poetry Day? Founded in 1999 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the holiday, according to un.org, “recognizes the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind.”

Similarly, window coverings allow one to get quite creative when designing the look of their home. With so many styles, patterns and colors to choose from, the only limit is one’s imagination.

So in the spirit of the holiday — and our business — we’ve come up with some poems that  help tell the story of what we here at Select Blinds are all about.

Let’s start with some Haiku’s. For those who do not know, the Haiku is of Japanese origin and is a poem that contains 17 syllables, organized in a 5-7-5 pattern.

You visit our site
To find window coverings
You see them and smile

Do as the Romans
Lovely fabrics and colors
Roman Shades look great

Select Blinds is here
To help improve your windows
And make you happy

Let’s keep our kids safe
From the dangers of long cords
Choose a cordless look

The light blinds and my
Head hurts. Blackout shades are good
Happy vampiress.

Whatever you need
To make your windows look good
Is at Select Blinds

An old-fashioned look
With great durability
Shutters are for you

Your window’s ugly
But it does not need to be
Select Blinds can help

The sun is shining
But you don’t want UV Rays
You want Solar Shades

Another type of poetry is the limerick. According to Wikipedia, the rhyming scheme is  such where the first, second and fifth lines rhyme, while the third and fourth lines are shorter and share a different rhyme.

You want your windows to look good,
But to pay high prices, you’re  not in the mood,
So head to Select Blinds,
To get out of your bind,
And show off your windows, you would.

An ugly window is no fun,
But you wonder, what can be done,
At Select Blinds we are here,
With window coverings you need not fear,
Because they’ll look good when blocking the sun.

Window coverings need not be boring,
They can actually be pretty fun,
Just go to Select Blinds,
And what you will find,
Is an inability to pick just one.

Are we poetic or what!

Fine, we won’t quit our day jobs. Of course, we’re just having some fun here, taking some poetic license to put a little spin of our own on this creative holiday.

There are plenty of other forms of poetry, and no doubt much better poems than what you just read. But all types of poetry boil down to self-expression and people feeling something upon reading or hearing it.

Same goes for the many types of window coverings. Whatever you choose, you’re expressing your own unique style and creating a look that makes you feel good.  And there’s certainly a lot of poetic justice in that, isn’t there?