Zebra Shades / Layered Shades

Zebra shades, also known as dual or transitional shades, are a modern window treatment that combines the functionality of both sheer and solid fabric panels in one shade. These shades feature alternating horizontal stripes of opaque and sheer fabric that you can align to adjust light, privacy, and visibility with a simple roll. They provide an elegant, contemporary look that blends the best features of blinds and roller shades, offering flexible light control while adding style to any room.

Key Features and Benefits of Zebra Shades:

Adjustable Light Control

  • Zebra shades allow for precise light control. By adjusting the position of the opaque and sheer stripes, you can easily control how much light enters the room.
  • Aligning the sheer panels allows soft, filtered light to pass through, while aligning the solid panels blocks light for added privacy and darkness.

Stylish and Versatile Design

  • The alternating sheer and solid fabrics create a layered, dynamic look that suits modern, minimalist, and transitional decor styles. Zebra shades are available in a range of colors and fabric options, making it easy to find a style that complements your home.
  • They add visual interest to windows with their unique stripes, offering an updated alternative to traditional blinds or roller shades.
Gray window shades in a home office.

Easy Operation

  • Zebra shades are simple to operate, with both manual and motorized options available. With motorization, you can control the shades remotely, which adds convenience and is particularly useful for hard-to-reach windows.
  • They function similarly to roller shades, where you can roll them up for an unobstructed view or adjust the stripes for various lighting effects.

Room Darkening and Light Filtering Options

  • Zebra shades are available in both light-filtering and room-darkening options. Light-filtering zebra shades allow some light to pass through even when closed, creating a softer, ambient glow.
  • Room-darkening zebra shades block more light, offering increased privacy and better control for spaces where you need to reduce glare or enhance privacy, like bedrooms or media rooms.
Kitchen with modern blinds and a dining table.
Gray and black striped window blinds.

Low Maintenance

  • Zebra shades are typically made from durable, easy-to-clean materials like polyester, making them relatively low-maintenance. Dusting with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner on a low setting usually keeps them looking clean and fresh.
  • Their fabric construction resists warping and fading, which helps them maintain their appearance over time.

Certified Best for Kids™

An independent laboratory has tested and certified that this product has options without operating cords or where inner cords are inaccessible and won’t form a loop based on industry safety standards.

White sheer shades in a living room.

Comparison to Other Shades

  • Vs. Roller Shades: Zebra shades offer a similar minimalist profile but allow for more control over light and privacy than single-fabric roller shades.
  • Vs. Blinds: Unlike traditional blinds, zebra shades don’t have slats that can get misaligned. The continuous fabric design of zebra shades is smoother and easier to operate while still offering adjustable light control.
  • Vs. Sheer Shades: Zebra shades provide more privacy and darkness than sheer shades but maintain a similar, soft look.

Summary

  • Zebra shades are a versatile, stylish, and functional window treatment that offers a unique combination of light control and privacy options. With their modern design, they’re an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their home’s aesthetic while adding functionality and comfort.

Stress-Tested in Extreme Environments

From testing adhesive strength in high heat to UV testing painted components and textiles, we ensure finished window treatments perform consistently for years to come

Dual-Layered Light Control

  • Layered shades give you the ability to filter light or achieve near-opacity, depending on the alignment of the sheer and opaque layers. Aligning the sheer sections allows sunlight to softly filter through, while aligning the solid bands blocks light for greater privacy and room darkening.
  • This versatile design offers precise light control, making them suitable for a variety of rooms and lighting needs.

Contemporary Aesthetic

  • The unique layered design of these shades brings a modern, sophisticated feel to any room. With a wide selection of colors, textures, and finishes available, layered shades can complement various decor styles, from minimalist to traditional.
  • The structured, horizontal bands give windows a clean, linear look, adding an element of visual interest and depth.
Living room with brown and white blinds.
Living room with white blinds and a rug.

Privacy Without Sacrificing Light

  • Layered shades provide privacy while still allowing for natural light, thanks to the sheer bands. This makes them a popular choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and offices, where you may want daylight without fully exposing your space.
  • The alternating bands allow you to adjust the view both inside and out, giving you the perfect balance of privacy and visibility.

Energy Efficiency

  • The two-layer fabric design offers some insulating properties, helping to reduce heat gain in warmer months and retain warmth during cooler months. This added insulation can help improve energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs.
Living room with gray patterned curtains and blinds.

Low Maintenance

  • Made from durable, fade-resistant materials, layered shades are easy to maintain. Regular dusting with a soft cloth or gentle vacuuming helps keep them looking fresh and clean. The continuous fabric construction also means fewer moving parts, reducing the chances of wear and tear.

Airy & Modern Shades

  • Adjust the vane alignment to fine tune light control, or raise the shade completely
  • Sleek, fabric-wrapped cassette comes standard and creates a cohesive appearance in the window
  • Shades raise completely in the cassette for a perfectly open view
  • Free vane alignment, when requested at time of order, ensures a consistent look across windows in the same room

Ideal Applications

  • Living Rooms and Family Rooms: Layered shades are perfect for spaces where you want to enjoy natural light while maintaining privacy. Their modern design also adds a sophisticated touch to communal areas.
  • Bedrooms: With room-darkening fabric options, layered shades can be a stylish choice for bedrooms, providing privacy and darkness for restful sleep.
  • Home Offices: These shades help manage screen glare and reduce sunlight without blocking the view, creating a productive work environment with adjustable lighting.
  • Dining Rooms: Layered shades add elegance to dining areas, allowing you to create a bright atmosphere for daytime meals or a cozier setting for evenings.
White living room with sheer blinds and chandelier.

Customization Options

  • Fabric Choices: Layered shades are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to customize the look to suit your style.
  • Openness and Opacity: Options for light-filtering or room-darkening fabrics let you choose how much light and privacy each shade provides, helping to optimize comfort in different rooms.
  • Control Options: Choose between manual, motorized, or smart-home-enabled controls to make operation easy and convenient.

Installation Options

  • Inside Mount: An inside mount gives the shades a built-in look within the window frame, ideal for a streamlined appearance if the window depth allows.
  • Outside Mount: Outside mounting can cover more of the window and help reduce light leakage around the edges, making it a good choice for increased light control or if windows have minimal depth.
Bedroom with gray blinds and two beds.