Roller Shades Raise the Curtain on Style
The humble window treatment is stealing the scene with fresh patterns, color and pizzazz
Mary Jo Bowling
October 15, 2014
Houzz Contributor; writer, reader, serial remodeler.
In the past the roller shade has perhaps received second billing to window coverings such as draperies or Roman shades. Traditional white roller shades have been the humbler, less flashy option. But a new crop of shades is changing perceptions of the window treatment. These models are equipped with pattern, color and personality.
There are many reasons to use roller shades, and this room in Nantucket, Massachusetts, by Stedila Design, demonstrates one. There are many windows in this room with a steeply pitched ceiling. Good news, as most people enjoy a light-filled space. But the wealth of windows leaves little room for artwork. The designers solved the problem by choosing shades crafted in the style of a vintage transit schedule. When they are pulled, they obviously block the light and enable sleep, but their graphic typography also adds energy and fires up the imagination.
Interior designer Alice Black added roller shades to this room in the Hamptons, New York, because the sun can blast through the windows during the day. Black chose rollers because she considers them the least obtrusive of all window coverings, but she added personality by having a pattern silk-screened on them. Her inspiration was traditional linens.
See the rest of this art-filled house
See the rest of this art-filled house
This roller shade in a room by Tom Stringer Design Partners is finished with a vintage-stye scallop, proving that fancy trims are not just for curtains. The window treatment also illustrates another reason to use rollers: Sometimes a sleek window covering is needed for a tighter space.
The fancy damask pattern on these roller shades, by ResCom Designs, shows how a traditional pattern can make the modern window treatment fit many environments.
The designers at Think Contemporary took the idea further by sourcing a brightly printed fabric online, having it laminated and turning it over to a local window treatment company to custom craft this kitchen roller shade.
The bright colors make this the very definition of a cheerful kitchen.
The bright colors make this the very definition of a cheerful kitchen.
These shades, from Blinds.com, are more about texture than color. Rollers like these can set the style for a room.
Rollers by Delia Shades show that monochromatic can also be dramatic. These shades are based on patterns on Moorish doors.
This pull-down map shows how one Portland, Oregon, family got creative with their window coverings. The architects at Arciform say the piece is not only a shade but homework inspiration.
See more of this nonconformist kitchen
Next: What’s the Right Way to Hang Roller Shades?
Your turn: So many patterns to choose from could mean it’s curtains for roller shade stereotypes. Have you used rollers at home? We’d love to see a photo in the Comments.
See more of this nonconformist kitchen
Next: What’s the Right Way to Hang Roller Shades?
Your turn: So many patterns to choose from could mean it’s curtains for roller shade stereotypes. Have you used rollers at home? We’d love to see a photo in the Comments.
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http://artsandcraftshomes.com/category/products-and-services-directory/curtains-carpets/curtains-and-shades/
It's interesting how you mentioned that getting roller blinds allows you to also add some decoration because of the blinds themselves. We are redoing one of our daughter's rooms and we have been worried that there isn't enough decoration for her. Taking her to pick out something to include on the blinds could be a fun family trip! We'll have to see what my wife thinks though.
http://www.blindsawningshutters.com.au/blinds/roller-blinds