Understanding Window Covering Options
Choosing the right window coverings can be a challenging decision for homeowners, especially when weighing the options between tilting and lifting. Versatile sheer horizontal shades offer a perfect solution for those who don’t want to compromise on light control and visibility. While traditional blinds allow you to manage how much light enters a room, they can obstruct your view and are often heavy to lift. On the other hand, shades are lightweight and easy to raise but provide no in-between options.
The Rise of Sheer Horizontal Shades
With sheer horizontal shades, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—light filtering and the ability to fully open or partially cover your windows.
What about for the home owner who doesn’t want to choose between tilting and lifting? Maybe they want slats to let the light through as well as a shade that provides complete privacy. Maybe they want to be able to open the shade completely or leave it half drawn.
In 1991 Hunter Douglas introduced a new window covering that it called the Silhouette, that fulfills all of these desires. A number of companies now make shades like this and they are easily the most versatile window covering available. The modern name for these is sheer horizontals, or sheer shades. They are composed of horizontal vanes of light filtering fabric suspended between two layers of sheer.
When you fully lower a sheer horizontal then its light filtering vanes can be opened and closed, similar to a blind. With the vanes open, the sheer provides a pleasant view outside but without allowing full UV to enter the room. With the vanes closed, layers of soft light filtering fabric provide full privacy in the room. Because the shade is lightweight you can easily lift it to partially cover the window, or provide a wide-open view of the outdoors.
Often home owners must choose between function and aesthetic. But sheer horizontal shades provide functional versatility, and they are aesthetically soft and beautiful. The best of both worlds!
Sheer Horizontals alone in a window are simple and airy. Because of the depth of their layers they still provide a complete look. They are available in a number of different colors and textures, and a bold choice of fabric results in a clean modern accent. Because they are sheer, you can layer them with vibrant fabric panels without making a window look busy. This results in a more traditional look.
Versatile sheer horizontal shades stand out as the ideal window covering option for homeowners seeking both functionality and aesthetic appeal. They allow you to control light and maintain your view while providing complete privacy when needed. With their lightweight design, you can easily lift them for an unobstructed view or lower them to create a cozy atmosphere. At Made in the Shade, we are committed to helping homeowners in Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Mebane find joy and satisfaction in their investment. Choose sheer horizontal shades to elevate your living spaces with style and versatility for years to come!
Schedule a free in-home consultation today! Our Design Consultants would love to work with you.
