3 min read
Roller shades vs zebra shades
Same clean line at the window; the difference is whether you want an adjustable view or true room darkening.
What each one is
A roller shade is a single panel of fabric on a tube. It comes in light-filtering fabrics (soft glow, daytime privacy) and room-darkening fabrics (blocks most light, privacy day and night). Chain, Precision Cordless or motor; cassette or open roll.
A zebra shade is a continuous loop of fabric with alternating sheer and solid bands. Align the solid bands and the window is covered; offset them and the sheer bands give a soft, open view. Chain, cordless or motor; square, curved or 4-inch cassette.
Choose a roller shade when
You want the simplest possible shade, true room darkening for a bedroom or media room, or the widest fabric choice.
- Bedrooms and media rooms (room-darkening fabric)
- Offices and minimal interiors
- Very wide windows — motorized to 108″
Choose a zebra shade when
You want daylight and a view most of the day but privacy on demand, without lifting the shade all the way.
- Living and dining rooms
- Street-facing windows you look out of
- Rooms where you adjust light through the day
Things they share
Both are made to the eighth of an inch, both can be motorized, both take light-block side channels and magnet hold-downs for a tighter seal, and both are made to order in about 3 weeks with free shipping. Order free swatches of each and hold them up to your window before you decide.
