Window Shades

If you need privacy for your windows but you’re on a budget, window shades are a great way to quickly give your windows some inexpensive coverage. Window shades come in many materials, most for a fairly inexpensive price. Here are some examples of window shades.

Bamboo Shades – Available at most home improvement stores, discount store and import stores, and bamboo window shades have been around for years and look great in casual rooms. The shades roll up and down simply and are opaque enough to provide privacy and block a lot of light. They are typically available in dark and light shades, and can be found both made in natural bamboo and a manmade material that looks like bamboo.

Roller Shades – These simple plastic shades used to be used on most windows for privacy. They’re made from plastic and will roll all the way to the top of the window when fully open, so they’re hardly noticeable. Roller window shades are likely the least expensive shades available. To customize them, you can cover them with fabric, wallpaper or even paint them if you want to achieve a high end look without spending a lot of money.

Blackout Shades – These shades are great for bedrooms because they provide complete privacy. They often look like other shades, but are designed to block all light when closed.

Honeycomb/Cellular Shades – These shades are made from a fabric that blocks light and are configured in a honeycomb pattern. These are durable shades that cost a bit more than vinyl roller shades, but are still fairly inexpensive. Honeycomb shades are usually available in a variety of colors.

Pleated Shades – These shades are made from soft fabric and form a stack at the top of the window when completely opened. These shades are also very affordable and available in many colors.

Roman Shades- Roman shades are made from high end fabrics, resembling drapery fabric. They have a very tailored look and feel but are raised and lowered like blinds. These are some of the most elegant shades you can buy, but they’re still significantly less expensive than draperies. Roman shades come in various fabrics, so that you can choose the amount of light that filters through.

There’s definitely a great shade for every window. No matter what the style of your room, you can find a shade to make its windows look great without spending a lot of money.