Advances To Blackout Roller Shades

By: Judith Persit

With the entrance of the horseless carriage, and the incredible ease at which production lines can be streamlined for simple production, there came a great level of innovation in many industries and categories. Among these innovations was the great improvements to the blackout roller shades used to darken rooms worldwide. As one would have seen old style roller shades used ugly plain designs, now one can select among the many options of high quality and attractive treatments using higher quality roller shade fabrics, ensuring not only a great appearance, but a long-lasting product.

To discuss blackout roller shades, let’s start by explaining the most basic. Plain blackout shades are made using a multiple layer plastic material. Newer higher quality roller shades use material that is cored by a fiberglass sheet, which provides strength to the shade fabric. Older fabric was thinner and more tearable, so these new versions are better, straight from the start. However, there are several other enhancements to consider.

Top of the line roller shades include a chain/cord operated control system which facilitates the operation and widens the user’s options. These controls allow the operator to raise or lower the shade to a specific point without ever having to touch the material thus keeping the shade material clean of finger prints and significantly reducing wear and tear thus prolonging the useful life of the product.

The control systems presently used in this type of roller shades include a continuous chain/cord operated geared clutch allowing the smooth and gentle raising and lowering of the shade. These chains/cords are available in many colors thus expanding the color coordination of the hardware and the shade fabric material. Chains are available in metal or plastic. It is worth mentioning that the use of plastic chains is fast becoming more popular than metal chains due to the strength superiority of the plastic chain over the metal chain. Plastic chains are generally able to withstand twice the pulling force of metal chain and are somewhat less obtrusive.

As an evolutionary benefit, blackout roller shade materials are available in a variety of colors to match any decorative need and create a desired ambience. The new available collections of blackout roller shade fabrics also include many dual-color materials which provide a neutral color to the exterior while providing the desired color to the interior of the room. This very important feature allows the use of these materials whenever neutral exterior colors are mandated by homeowner associations, deed restrictions, etc.

Whenever desired by the consumer, valance and fascia systems are available to enhance the decor of a specific setting. These systems hide the roller shade hardware and create a soft, aesthetically pleasing look. Although these valance and fascia systems are not necessary to the operation of the roller shade, they are fast becoming very popular. Additionally, the popularity of “media rooms” in today’s new homes, have increased the overall demand for “complete blackout” roller shades which include, in addition to a fascia, a side and bottom rail system which blocks all light from entering a room where darkness is desired.

The basic of the roller shades that are out there, those which use the plain vinyls, are often so very basic, that little can be done to make them gorgeous. However, the trims that are available out there help tremendously to accomplish the goal of making nice looking roller shades. Consider that attractive metal bottom bars, or fancy trims, are a fine finishing touch, and can make the bottom of the shade, the part that is always seen, appear to be contemporary, traditional, modern, or any other targeted goal in the decor.

In the end, we have come a long way from where we started. Basic, or plain roller shades, those which used a wooden slat bottom bar, and had only one color available, are no longer the norm. At this time, consumers have a wide range of options in the realm of decorative features for blackout roller shades. The collection of great colors, the new control systems, the potential for the use of a coordinated valance, as well as the sophisticated bottom bars are opening a world of decorative options for consumers.

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As an interior designer trained in journalism, Judith Persit specializes in window treatments. Judith writes about roller shades. Learn more about shades at her site.

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