Zebra blinds or roller shades: which suits your room?
Zebra blinds or roller shades? Compare how each handles light and privacy, and which suits living rooms, bedrooms, offices and tall windows.
Zebra blinds and roller shades look similar when they are rolled up, and both sit neatly inside a window frame. The difference shows once they are lowered.
How zebra blinds work
A zebra blind has two layers of fabric, each made of alternating sheer and solid bands. Line the sheer bands up and you get a soft view outside. Shift them so the solid bands overlap and the blind closes for privacy. You adjust light without raising the blind at all.
How roller shades work
A roller shade is a single piece of fabric. The fabric you choose sets the light: sheer screen fabrics keep the view and cut glare, light-filtering fabrics soften the room, and blackout fabrics block light completely. To change the light, you raise or lower the shade.
Which to choose
- Living rooms and kitchens: zebra blinds, because you can adjust light many times a day.
- Bedrooms and media rooms: blackout roller shades, because they close fully with no light lines.
- Home offices: screen roller shades, to cut screen glare while keeping the view.
- Large or tall windows: either, motorized so you never reach for a cord.
Many homes use both. We bring samples of each to your free in-home visit so you can see them in your own light.
