Zebra shades, also known as layered shades or zebra blinds, are in a class all their own. They don't just have a bold appearance, they’re also highly functional. Just a quick adjustment of the alternating bands of opaque and sheer fabrics gives you complete privacy or a view to the outdoors.
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The unique banded design and excellent functionality has become more and more popular with eclectic and modern interior designers.
In this article, we’ll talk about the mechanics of zebra shades, their excellent functionality, and how to use them to make a real design statement.
Zebra shades are all about options. They come in a huge range of fabrics—from traditional to contemporary. They also offer a range of lift options. There really is a color, fabric, and control combination for every home.
Each layer of fabric has alternating bands of opaque and sheer fabric. By adjusting the shade, you can control how the bands of opaque and sheer fabric overlap. It’s incredibly simple—and effective.
When the sheer fabric of one layer is aligned with the sheer fabric of the other layer, light is allowed into the room. When the layers are adjusted so that the opaque bands cover the sheer bands, you shut out the light and the view.
The Dual Roller Mechanism
Layered or zebra shades are also sometimes called roller blinds due to their dual roller mechanism. The overlapping layers of fabric are moved by these two rollers to control the alignment of the colored bands. The whole mechanism might sound complicated, but it is actually simple—and this simplicity means the fabrics can be adjusted quickly and precisely.
The roller-based movement of the layered shade fabrics means light and privacy can be adjusted in an instant. That means the you can adjust the light coming in and the view to the outdoors easily with minimal effort. Let the light in—or shut out the sun—all in a simple adjustment.
Zebra shades control light in a visually interesting way. The bands of darker fabric reduce the light while at the same time creating shadows. As the sun’s position in the sky changes, the shadows and bands of light change. This everchanging pattern is one of the reasons why people choose layered and zebra shades.
Another reason why people choose zebra shades is the control these shades allow. At first, looking at the big bands of fabric, it would look like the only options were to be opened or closed. But the roller mechanism allows you to perfectly adjust the light and view through the shade—and quite quickly.
The amount of privacy you can achieve depends entirely on the fabrics you choose for the darker stripes of the shade. While you will not find blackout fabrics in the layered shade fabric selection, you’ll find numerous room-darkening fabrics. When they are in the closed position—when the darker fabric bands are covering the sheer bands—you get a huge amount of privacy. At night, only some shadows can be seen through the shades. For most people, this is acceptable. But if this is unacceptable to you, choose a roller shade, cellular shade, or Roman shade in a full blackout fabric—these options will give you maximum privacy.
The double layer of fabric that constitutes a zebra shade helps to provide some insulation against heat and cold. You’ll notice this insulating effect most in the winter.
And by being easily adjusted, zebra shades let you quickly control the sun coming into your home. Because of this ease, you’ll be more likely to adjust your shades to create the optimal environment (like reducing sun glare).
When a window treatment is difficult to adjust, people are less likely to make the adjustments necessary to create the most comfortable environment in terms of light and temperature.
Zebra stripes capture attention. That’s why the zebra shade works so well as an amplifier of color and pattern. That striped design can really shout a design idea. If you’re looking to set the tone of a room, start with a zebra shade.
But zebra shades can also be subtle. Designers take advantage of Graber’s many neutral fabrics that resonate with traditional décor. Take a look at our many fabrics and find one that makes the statement you’re looking to create.
Whatever fabric you choose, layered shades are highly durable. Your layered shade should provide you with many years of reliable service. An occasional light vacuuming with your upholstery attachment is all you need to maintain these beautiful shades.
The abundance of fabric choices makes Zebra Shades an outstanding way to transform the look of a room to perfectly suit your style.
Graber’s interior design experts have hand selected on-trend fabrics that complement the décor found in today’s most popular design styles, from modern and contemporary to traditional and eclectic.
Neutral Tones
Today’s interior design is dominated by neutral tones. From living rooms to bedrooms to relaxation rooms, homeowners are seeking colors that complement the décor—not overpower it—and create a sense of calm. You’ll find dozens of neutral-toned fabrics in Graber's fabric collections.
Bold Colors
A zebra shade can be a very strong design element when configured with bold colors. The zebra-striped pattern amplifies any color and broadcasts it to the room as a dominant element. If you’re looking to create a design scheme that really makes a statement, these shades are a great place to start.
Patterns and Textures
One of the best way build visual richness is to utilize patterned and textured fabrics. Choose intriguing fabrics for your layered shades to add some variety and detail to a room. You’ll find many options.
Graber Zebra Shades are professionally measured and installed by a Graber Design Expert. Like all Graber products, they are custom manufactured for a perfect fit. You’ll enjoy years of durability and flawless operation.
Inside Mount
An inside mount has a trim look that integrates seamlessly into your room design. It has the advantage of setting the window treatment back from the room and leaves the area around the window free to have furniture placed closer to the window and provides a bit more room for artwork and other décor. But, ultimately, it is a simple matter of preference—whether you like the look of a window treatment set back into the window casement or not.
One potential downside of an inside mount shade is that it allows more light to enter the room from around the edges of the shade. This is because inside mount shades always have a slight amount of space allotted on each side of the shade for seamless operation. For most people, this minimal light gap is not an issue, especially when choosing a zebra shade, which by its nature allows some light through even when closed.
Outside Mount
As mentioned above, whether you choose inside or outside mount is a matter of taste. An outside mounted shades is placed into the room and is wider than the window opening. An advantage of this design is that you can increase the width and even length of the shade to make the window look wider and longer or taller—which might help make some rooms look less cramped.
One advantage of an outside mount shade is that it covers the light gaps along the edges of the shade. This leads to better light control and privacy. But when it comes zebra shades, for most interior designers, choosing between inside and outside mount is really about look.
If you’d like to see what a layered and zebra shade looks like on your window, try the Graber visualizer—it allows you to see your shades in dozens of colors and configurations.
The corded option is a continuous-loop cord lift system, which includes a tensioner to eliminate dangling cords and to keep the cord out of reach of kids and pets. You can raise and lower the shade without changing the length of the cord—a real convenience that makes this an easy-to-use system.
The cordless lift eliminates all visible control cords. That means a cleaner look as well as a safer shade for homes with children and pets. Plus, raising, lowering, and adjusting a cordless layered and zebra shade is a breeze. And the UltraLite cordless lift system turns Graber Zebra Shades into marvels of ease and convenience.
The UltraLite cordless lift lets you raise and lower the shade with the lightest of touches. And it’s whisper quiet—you can draw the shades without waking a sleeping baby. Plus the system is precise: you’ll move the shade exactly where you want it the first time.
There really is only one thing better than an EasyTouch cordless lift zebra shade: a motorized zebra shade.
A zebra shade is a very modern-looking piece of décor. Its presence in a room adds sophistication and a fresh look. These modern shades are perfectly suited for the most modern of lift options—motorization.
Graber offers outstanding motorized options for blinds and shades. Automatic Zebra Shades can be operated with a remote control or from an iPad using an app and hub. You can control your shades from anywhere in the world, and integrate them into your smart home system. Motorization isn't just convenient—it's a lifestyle changer.
Learn more about motorization and how it can transform your home.
Windows aren't always the first thing you notice about a room, but they make a considerable difference to the overall feel and aesthetic of the room – whether you notice it or not. One of the most popular and effective window treatments is the zebra shade.
Zebra shades are versatile and can be used in a variety of rooms, from the bedroom to the living room. They come in different materials, colours, and styles, so you can find the perfect shade for your home.
Interested in learning more about zebra shades? Keep reading for everything you need to know.
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In s South Korea, where designers were known for their innovation and creativity, zebra shades were born. The unique design of these shades has made them a popular choice for windows around the world.
Zebra shades are high-quality light filtering roller shades made of one continuous loop of dark and sheer fabric. The name 'zebra' comes from their appearance; the fabric is made up of a series of horizontal stripes, alternating between solid and sheer shades.
The reason these shades are so popular and convenient is that they are totally adjustable. Since each shade is two layers of striped fabric, you can adjust the stripes to line up, partially overlap, or completely obscure the window. This means that you can control how much light comes into the room, and how much privacy you have.
Zebra shades are also versatile in terms of color and style. You can find budget-friendly blinds in a variety of colors, from muted neutrals to bright and bold hues. And, because they are a roller shade, you can choose from a variety of textures and patterns as well.
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In general, we understand curtains, shades, and blinds to be three separate window treatments. Curtains are drape-like fabric panels hanging from a rod, shades are fabric or vinyl roller shades that pull up or down to cover a window, and blinds are horizontal or vertical slats that can be opened and closed to control light and privacy.
Zebra shades are unique in that they can be thought of as a cross between curtains and shades. They have the drape and fabric panels of curtains, as well as the adjustable stripes of shades. Much like horizontal blinds, they allow light to come in evenly and fill the entire room. This makes them a versatile choice that can be used in a variety of rooms.
This means that you can generally use any term you want when referring to zebra shades – zebra shades, zebra blinds, or zebra curtains – and they also go by the name of combi shades. They all refer to the same type of room darkening window treatment.
As previously mentioned, the whole mechanic behind zebra shades is the alternating stripes of light and dark. The way these shades are built means that you have full light control – and the light covers the entire room, rather than hitting a particular spot (as Roman shades or roller blinds tend to do).
As the solid panels line up with the spaces in between the stripes, the light is entirely blocked and the room is darkened. When the panels are overlapping, the stripes of light will come through, brightening up the room. If you choose a light-blocking fabric, they can be just as effective as blackout roller shades – perfect for blocking out harmful UV rays.
To use zebra shades, there is a chain or cord loop on one side that is pulled to move the fabric loop around the roller. This will adjust the shaded lines to create the desired effect. For the smart home aesthetic, you can also find cordless zebra shades; they come with a motor and remote, making it easier to operate from anywhere in the room.
When looking for window coverings, you want to be sure that you are getting the most value for money. Zebra roller shades provide a number of benefits that make them a great investment, such as their versatility, customizability, practicality, and aesthetic appeal.
Both traditional and contemporary homeowners out there will love the look of zebra shades. With their alternating stripes of light and dark, these shades are sleek, stylish, and timeless; perfect for any decor. You don’t need to use a valance, because there’s nothing ugly or disruptive about the way these shades install.
Unlike some vertical blinds, zebra shades don’t let stripes of light into the room. They line up in such a way that all light can be blocked, and because they are made of fabric, you can customize them with blackout material to make it even more difficult for light to leak through.
And the material isn’t the only part of these blinds you can customize. No matter the size of your window frame – whether your style is large windows, floor-length windows, small windows, or another style altogether – you can size the fabric roller to match.
Wood blinds and other wood-based treatments can be a beautiful addition to your home, especially for a rustic or natural feel; however, if you live in a moist climate, you may prefer to steer clear of wood. Fabric stands the test of time (and mold) much better than wood.
Zebra shade installation is incredibly practical and simple. Most are mounted on two metal hangers, which means they’re easy to take off and put back on. When the time comes to change your window treatment, you won’t be wrestling with glues, screws, or other frustrating mounting methods.
These shades are also an excellent solution for complete privacy. The solid panels make it difficult for anyone outside to see in – ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms where privacy is needed. And, when it's time for some fresh air, the stripes of light will let in enough natural light without compromising your privacy.
Finally, zebra shades are one of the most versatile window blinds on the market. They can be used in any room, with any window, and they easily provide your preferred amount of light and privacy. It's rare to find a room in which zebra shades would not be a practical and aesthetic fit.
There are many benefits to installing zebra shades in your home, and there aren’t many downsides. This is why so many people have fallen in love with zebra blinds over other treatments.
To ensure you make the right decision, consider the following factors when buying zebra shades:
Zebra shades offer a unique combination of style and functionality compared to other types of shades. They have a dual-layered fabric design with adjustable sheer and solid stripes, providing versatile light control.
Unlike roller shades, which are a single layer of fabric that rolls up and down, they offer less flexibility. Cellular shades, on the other hand, can provide better insulation with their honeycomb structure, while zebra shades offer moderate insulation. Roman shades have different folding designs and provide various light-filtering options.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for style, light control, insulation, and budget - but zebra shades are certainly a viable option for most homes.
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Fabric is incredibly easy to customize, and as such, you can order zebra shades in different colors and patterns to suit your taste. You can also have them cut to fit any window size. This makes it possible to get a truly unique look for your home, and one that is specific to your needs and preferences.
Our zebra shades, for instance, come in both blackout and regular fabric varieties. This means that you can choose the level of light filtering and privacy that you need, depending on the room and situation. You can then customize them further by choosing custom colors, sizes, and prints.
If you're interested in ordering some for yourself, check out our custom blinds – we've got a wide variety of blinds to choose from, all backed by warranty at checkout, so you're sure to find the perfect set for your home.
It should be noted that zebra shades can only offer limited privacy when fully open, and they do not provide the depth of darkness that blackout shades can provide. They also require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance.
Zebra blinds and zebra shades are essentially the same product. Unlike traditional roller shades, they feature a unique design with alternating horizontal stripes of sheer and solid fabric. When adjusting using a cord or motor, the fabric rolls through the bottom bar, causing the stripes to overlap and control the amount of light entering the room.
If you’re looking for a versatile and stylish window treatment that provide just the right amount of light control, then zebra shades are worth considering. They offer a balance between privacy and natural light and can enhance the aesthetics of your space.
Zebra shades provide varying degrees of privacy depending on the position of the sheer and solid stripes. When the solid stripes align, privacy is increased. However, at night, with lights on inside, visibility from the outside may be possible, although it will be limited.