Roller shades updated for today’s decorating styles

DEAR GAIL: Years ago when we lived back East we used roller shades on our windows instead of mini or vertical blinds which seem to be what is used here. I know there are all kinds of other types of fabric shades available, but we just liked our roller shades. Is it a huge decorating faux pas to use them now? — Mary Jane L.

DEAR MARY JANE: I so remember white roller shades. We bought them at the local hardware store on main street where they would cut them to size right there. Then to dress them up, we added decorative pulls. It’s funny, when I first came to town 25-plus years ago, I put them in my house as I didn’t like the mini or vertical binds. What a job it was finding them anywhere back then.

It’s true, Mary Jane, that people still think, plain white vinyl when someone mentions roller shades, but today’s roller shades are more than that. First, they’ve been called the industry’s most versatile window product. They are easy to operate, easy to clean, energy efficient and available in every color and pattern you can imagine.

Today’s roller shades have upgraded rollers and springs and can even be motorized. They are one of the easiest window treatments to operate as you just lightly pull down and up they go. There’s no confusion about which cord you need to use to open the blind or lift it up. Plus, there are no dangerous child safety cord issues.

Roller shades are very easy to clean as most are made from a soft laminated fabric; they’re much different than your grandmother’s vinyl. Many manufacturers offer 100 percent polyester with a Teflon coating, which protects the shade against humidity and moisture making it great for over a kitchen sink or in a bathroom — especially for those of us who want the bathroom warm and steamy when it’s cold.

Roller shades are used extensively in commercial buildings for their energy-efficient and glare-and-fade-reduction benefits. I’m sure you’ve seen transparent solar shades in your bank or favorite restaurant. They work so well because they still allow us to see out, but have all of the benefits mentioned above, especially glare reduction for the staff.

As with all decorative products today, we have many options to select from, which many people are finding more confusing and frustrating than ever. You’ll find roller shades are no different. Along with the multiple materials you can select from, they also have valance treatments, shaped hems and decorative trims.

Another advantage that roller shades have over other blinds and some shade treatments is that they work great on large windows. Long, large windows can be a challenge to treat because of the amount of square footage you have to cover. You have to be very careful to make sure you know exactly how the window treatment functions and if it will meet your needs.

Many of the horizontal treatments, like mini or wood blinds are not designed to be pulled completely up and off your window. They are made to have the slats opened and closed; they are too heavy to pull up and down. I’m sure you’ve experienced or seen one that has pulled out of the brackets or is sagging due to its weight. So if you want wood blinds but plan on pulling them up off your window every day, you need to consider something else.

You even have to be careful with pleated shades on a large window. The manufacture will advise at what point a window treatment has to be made into two shades to be covered under its warranty.

Roller shades are no longer the heavy ugly white treatments that need to hide under valances. Spend a little time doing some research and you’ll discover the unlimited decorative options and advantages that they offer.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 7380 S. Eastern Ave., No. 124-272, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.