Ordering a Perfect Fitting Roller Shade

Roller shades can bring style to any room with these three to help you order the right size.

1. Roller Shades are Ordered “Tip-to-Tip”

When you order a roller shade, the width you are ordering is that of the roller tube itself, from one tip to the other- even on an outside mount shade. This also means all inside mount roller shades, like the ones above, will have light gaps on the sides. These light gaps are typically more noticeable on blackout fabrics.

2. Even Outside Mount Shades Have Fabric Deductions

Since roller shades are ordered tip-to-tip, the fabric will always be about 1.5″ narrower than the tube. When you order a roller shade to be mounted on the outside of the window opening, you will need to add 1.5″ to the width of the window opening- then add the amount of overlap you would like to have on the width and the height. For example, if the window you are covering is 30″ wide and 30″ high, and you want to have 2″ of overlap on each side, you should order the shade in the dimensions 35.5″ wide and 34″ high.

3. Always Measure the Width at the Top of the Window for Inside Mount

Because roller shades have minimal deductions taken to the width of the roller tube, and the fabric is narrower than the roller tube, you only need to worry about measuring one place in your window for the width of your shade: the top of the casing. Measure the top of the window opening and round down to the nearest 1/8″, and use that measurement as your width. Since the bottom of the window is sometimes a different width than the top, measuring the top will give you the best fit for your width.

So pick up your metal tape measure, pencil, and paper. By remembering these three things, you can order a perfect fitting roller shade in a snap.

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Your Roadmap to a Dream Roller Shade

Ordering Roller shades can be a frustrating process. There are so many fabrics, technical terms, and options that the whole process can be overwhelming. Take a deep breath- and use this guide to find your dream roller shade.

1. Light Control

First you need to decide how much light control you need. Do you want to be able to see out while protecting your furnishings? Or do you want to make the room dark to enhance your home theatre experience? There are essentially three kinds on fabrics to choose from:

• Solar Screens

Solar screens keep a room bright by allowing light in and preserving your view while blocking most UV rays from damaging your furniture. Solar screens are displayed with their “Openness Factor”- the percentage of the weave that is open. The higher the openness factor, the more details you can see through the shade. Another thing to consider is the color of your solar screen. The human eye perceives light more easily through dark fabrics than light fabrics, so for an optimum view choose a dark color. Solar screens provide privacy in the daytime, but it’s important to note that you can see in at night as well as you see out during the day- so Solar Screens aren’t suitable for bathrooms or bedrooms, unless you are adding curtains for privacy.

• Light Filtering Fabrics

Light filtering fabrics come in a dazzling array of colors, patterns and textures certain to match any décor style. They allow light to enter and typically block all UV rays. The only time your privacy may be compromised is at night when the lights are on inside and you are standing directly in front of the shade, and then the only thing visible will be your shadow. Additionally, many light filtering fabrics meet GreenGuard or EcoTek standards for indoor air quality.

• Blackout or Room Darkening Fabrics

Most blackout fabrics are a dense polyester or vinyl for optimum light control. If you are trying to have total light control, it is best to mount your roller shade as an outside mount, since deductions on width for roller shades are larger than the deductions on other blinds and can result in dramatic light gaps. These gaps aren’t typically bothersome on light filtering or solar screen fabrics, but are very noticeable next to a blackout shade. Mounting on your wall allows you to overlap your window casing and almost eliminate light leaks.

2. Roll Direction

Just like paper towels, roller shades can come off the roller in two directions. “Standard Roll” means the fabric rolls off the back of the roller, so the fabric lays closer to the window. This is ideal for most mounting situations and reduces light gaps. “Reverse Roll” means the fabric rolls off the front of the roller, and is most commonly used to avoid an obstruction such as a window crank. It’s also useful when you don’t want a valance but don’t like the appearance of the roll.

3. Valance Choices

Cassette Valance on M&B Roller Shade

Most roller shades offer three types of valances: fascia, cassette, and square-corner valances.  Fascias enclose the entire roller shade and have an industrial style. Cassettes cover the top and front of a roller and are curved, and are designed for residential settings. A square-corner valance is a PVC valance with a strip of roller shade fabric inserted for a coordinated look. Some roller shades offer fabric valances with scalloped trim for a more decorative, custom look.

4. Hem Choices

Roller shades are available with three different hem types. The most common is a hem pocket. The pocket hem has a wooden or aluminum bar sealed inside. Another common option is an external hem bar, available with or without a fabric wrap. You may also choose a decorative hem to match a decorative valance. The hem is in addition to the length of your shade, so if you order a 48” shade with a scalloped decorative hem, the hem will add as much as 6” to the length of your shade for a total length of 54”.

5. Lift Systems

This is often the most difficult choice when ordering roller shades. There are two common lift systems for roller shades, and one unique lift system offered by Bali.

• Continuous Cord Loop

The standard control system on most roller shades, the continuous cord loop is operated by a pulley-clutch with a plastic or stainless steel beaded chain. When the cord tensioner is installed properly, this option is safe for homes with children and allows the easiest operation of your shades. The clutch stops your shade when you stop pulling on the chain, ensuring precise positioning with ease. Something to take note of: manufacturers take an extra fabric deduction on the side of the shade with the control loop, so the light gap will be a little wider on that side.

• Cordless Lift

Cordless lift on a roller shade is controlled by a spring system. The quality of the spring system varies based on the manufacturer, so some economy line rollers will rise very quickly and loudly, while other rollers have a tensioning device that slows the speed of the shade as the bottom rail approaches the top of the window. This results in smoother, quieter operation. The height of the shade can be adjusted on cordless rollers by raising the shade completely and then pulling the shade down to the desired height. Cordless lift shades have the smallest light gaps of any roller shade and are child safe.

Bali Smart Pull Lift

• Bali SmartPull

Available only on Bali Roller Shades, Bali’s Smart Pull system operates with a single pull cord that allows precise positioning of the shade while retracting back to a set length after each pull. This option is a convenient

alternative to continuous cord loop systems, but may be difficult for children or older adults to operate.

Deciding which features to use in your home is easy when you understand their uses and limitations. Join us next week for tips on how to order a perfect fitting roller shade!

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Picture of the Week: Great Prints, Good Housekeeping

Good Housekeeping light filtering roller shades, Floral Pattern in the color “Solitude”

What we love about this picture is how the light print adds life and whimsy to the room while letting in the perfect amount of light. Available in Rollers, Flat Panel Romans, and Cellular Shades, this pattern can pretty up any room and coordinates easily throughout the home. What’s more, the Good Housekeeping line of window coverings passed the vigorous testing of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, so their quality is guaranteed like no other shade on the market.

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Getting HGTV’d BlindSaver Style

In episode #201 of HGTV’s show HGTV’d, designer Antonio Ballatore transformed an out of date 50’s style living area and kitchen into the hip industrial scene the owners were looking for. To add the perfect touch to a newly modernized kitchen, his choice may intrigue you- it was our own BlindSaver Creations Roller Shades! A perfect choice for this room, BlindSaver Creations Roller Shades are available in over 50 different colors, prints and borders, and also in a Roman Shade style for a more traditional feel and softer fabric. When you choose BlindSaver, you aren’t just choosing a great price- you’re choosing high style!

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How to Treat Oversized Windows Without Breaking the Bank

Outfitting your home can get expensive. There is always furniture to buy, home improvement projects like flooring and kitchen countertop replacements to facilitate, and countless other expenses to worry about. Window treatments can also prove to be quite expensive since most homes have a lot of windows that require covering. With the wide range of custom blinds, staying within a strict budget can be difficult. Fortunately, BlindSaver.com has you covered from all angles. No one will guess you paid so little for your window blinds.

The key to staying within your budget is to know what type of blinds you are looking for. By comparing different styles in reference to your expectations of the blinds (light control, privacy abilities, ease of cleaning, ease of operation, overall appearance, etc.) you can get an idea of what you can afford while keeping in mind what you want.

Here are three of the most affordable yet attractive window blind options for large windows:

Vertical Blinds – One of the most popular options for large windows and patio doors is vertical blinds. They provide privacy, light control and protection form the sun’s damaging rays. They are available in a limitless range of styles from value priced vinyl to high end decorative fabrics. The 3-1/2” vertical vanes draw across the window like a drapery and rotate open and closed for light control.

Roller Shades – The simplicity and timeless look of roller shades offer an extremely affordable option for a window treatment. Roller shades are available in a wide variety of fabrics, from designer looks, jacquards, silk looks to cotton and vinyl which range from black out to sheer. They are simple to operate, never go out of style, and their value can’t be compared to other types of custom blinds.

Solar Shades – One of the hottest new window treatment choices are solar shades. The sun can be a particularly powerful nuisance for windows that face any direction and solar shades are an inexpensive and effective way to remedy the problem. While they do not offer any privacy, they will block the harmful sun’s rays so you can still enjoy your view. Bali, Levolor, Graber and BlindSaver brands offer functionality and affordability with solar shades.

Regardless of which of these blinds you may choose for your home or office setting, keep in mind that they can be affordable and still beautiful. You don’t have to compromise style for price. Envision the look you want and work around that vision to find something within your price range.

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