Roller Shades Bring Functional Window Covering To An Art Form
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In the late nineteenth century paper roller shades could be ordered from Sears Roebuck & Company or the Montgomery Ward catalogs. They were built on a spring loaded roller that allowed the user to adjust the shade at any level over the window, allowing as much or little light in as was desired.
Over the next fifty or so years, most shades came in a sturdier vinyl material. Overall, early roller shades were an opaque white. They were designed primarily to cover the window. They darkened the space and kept direct sunlight from overheating the room.
As times have changed, however, so has the use of roller shades. They remain a functional part of our lives, but also add flair and design. Still keeping out the negative effects of over exposure to the sun, shades can prevent fading of fabric, but also protect against the harsh ultraviolet rays. They can darken a room, but also create ambiance and those final touches that set a mood and finish a design.
Traditional installation fits inside the window frame, but allows light to seep around the edges. Outside installation sets solve the problem by placing the shade such that it covers the window frame as well, further darkening the room. Western facing rooms become easier to cool with less direct sunlight, thereby lowering the cost for cooling. Furniture and carpets will fade less if protected from constant sun exposure. Sunrise is no longer the morning wake up call for eastern facing bedrooms and day sleepers can rest in darker rooms.
Improvements are not limited to functionality, however. Options for color, texture and style abound. Paper shades are available for a delicate touch. Shades may be purchased with patterns, prints, designs, even pictures. Shades may be purchased in a variety of colors to match the floor, walls or furniture. Different textures are available. Bamboo or woven designs can provide a raw feel while lace may create a gentler look. An assortment of patterns can be found to match borders or themes: sea shells in a bathroom or bears in a nursery.
No longer limited to the window shades that roll around a top bar, flat window shades fold into graceful pleats when raised. Environmentally friendly shades are completely recyclable, containing no PVC commonly used in other types. Metal mesh fabrics add a clean, high-tech edge to a room. Solar protection shades are designed to block potentially dangerous UV rays, while still allowing for a view to the outside.
Motorized shades are controlled by a remote. They no longer have to be raised or lowered by pulling on them. For homes that have a skylight, roller shades are available for purchase and installation to cover these as well.
If, with all the options available, one still cannot find the ideal shade, kits are available at many local hobby and fabric stores. These kits allow the decorator to make their own roller shades. Depending on the kit, the shade may be included or may need to be purchased separately. The kits indicate what is included in each. For those who enjoy the pleasures of individualizing their lives through personal crafting, easy instructions are readily available for decorating roller shades using acrylic paints, stencils and stamps thus allowing the craft maker to mix colors and designs for a perfect finishing touch in any room of the house.
About the Author
Learn how to select and save on window shades. Stop by Jesita Jerik's site where you can find out all about roller shades and what they can do for you when saving money is also an issue.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
Word Count: 573
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