Tom Curnin
Apr 255 min
Updated: May 10
I. Introduction
What are Dual roller shades?
Dual roller shades are you mount two shades in one window, allowing you to control light and privacy like never before. Usually designed with a sheer fabric in front and a solid one behind, giving you the ability to create the perfect ambiance for any time of day. With a blackout or insulated fabric on one of the rollers you will also save on energy costs by keeping your space cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In this guide, we'll dive into the different types of dual shades, how they can benefit your home, and what to consider when choosing the ideal materials for your windows.
A. Light Filtering and Blackout shades:
One of the most common types combines a blackout shade and a light filtering shade. The blackout material is typically installed as the back shade, providing complete room darkening and a barrier from the hot or cold weather. Since the blackout shade is a heavier material, it will decrease cool drafts coming in through the windows in the winter. In the summer, they help block direct sunlight while keeping the cool air from your air conditioning trapped in your space.
The front shade is made from light-filtering fabrics, which come in many different openings. Depending on which fabric you go with, you can diffuse sunlight while keeping a view of your property or use a tighter weave to optimize privacy. This combination offers maximum light control, energy savings and versatility. Dual shades are perfect for bedrooms, media rooms, or any space where you need two different shade solutions in one window.
B. Solar and Light Filtering Shades
Another popular choice is combining solar shades with light filtering shades. Solar shades are specially designed to minimize glare and block out harmful UV rays while still allowing some natural light into the room. When paired with light filtering shades, this combination offers a perfect balance of light control and energy efficiency. It's an ideal setup for living rooms, home offices, and other spaces where you want to maintain a view of the outdoors while protecting your interior from excessive heat and glare. The solar fabrics also help prevent your furniture and flooring from fading due to prolonged UV exposure, ensuring your space looks beautiful for years to come.
C. Motorized Dual Roller shades
For the ultimate in convenience and safety, consider investing in motorized double roller shades. These are operated by remote control, wall switches, your smartphone, or even voice commands with smart home devices like Josh.ai, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. These are particularly useful for hard-to-reach windows that are behind a couch or high up in a foyer. With motorized blinds, you can easily adjust the shades with just a touch of a button or set up scenes according to the sunset and sunrise. These are also a safer alternative because they eliminate the chords that are being phased out due to choking hazards in children and pets. Many people also love them for their streamlined, clean look and not having to figure out which chord goes to which shade.
A. Light Control and Privacy:
By adjusting the position of each shade independently, you can create the perfect balance of natural light and privacy for any situation. Whether you need complete darkness for a midday nap or just a gentle filter for a sunny afternoon, dual rollers give you the flexibility to customize your space. These dual shades offer the best of both worlds when it comes to enjoying your beautiful outdoor scenery. By selecting a light filtering or solar fabric for one shade, you can maintain a view of your surroundings while still reducing glare and UV rays. When you desire complete privacy, simply lower the blackout shade to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
B. Energy Efficiency:
These shades can also contribute to energy efficiency in your home. By blocking out harsh sunlight and providing insulation with heavier blackout blinds which reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system. This means less maintenance which leads to even more savings on heating and cooling. You also have the advantage of solar and light filtering fabrics that are designed to reflect heat and UV rays, keeping your space cooler in the summer months.
C. Versatile Style Options:
With a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns available, double roller shades can complement any interior design style. From sleek and modern to warm and traditional, there's a combination to suit every style and aesthetic. You may can also use your own fabrics as long as they meet the manufacturer's standards in size, strength and thickness.
IV. Choosing the Right Double Roller Shades:
A. Fabric Selection:
When selecting fabrics consider the specific needs of each room. Blackout fabrics are a popular choice for their room-darkening capabilities in bedrooms and media rooms. In living rooms and offices, light-filtering or solar fabrics can provide a balance of light control and visibility. Don't forget to consider the style and color of the fabric as well to ensure it complements your existing decor. We recommend choosing high-quality fabrics that are durable and easy to clean for long-lasting beauty and functionality.
B. Mounting Options:
These can be mounted inside or outside the window frame, depending on your style and window frame architecture. Inside mount shades provide a clean, streamlined look, while outside mount shades can help conceal imperfections in the window frame or provide additional coverage for larger windows. You can also opt to have both shades concealed into the ceiling if there is room. Consider the depth of your window frame and the overall look you want to achieve when deciding on the mounting option.
C. Motorization and Smart Home Integration:
If you're considering motorized dual blinds, we can help you decide how to control them. Remote controls are a simple and straightforward option, while smartphone apps offer more advanced features and the ability to create custom schedules. For a truly seamless experience, look for shades that can integrate with your existing smart home system, allowing you to control your shades as part of a larger home automation routine.
V. Conclusion:
Dual roller shades are a stylish and practical window treatment solution. By combining two different types of shades, they offer excellent light control, privacy, and energy efficiency. With various fabric options and motorization features available which can be customized to suit any room or budget, making them a versatile choice for any home.
While this article is very informative, nothing beats seeing it yourself. Please call us to see up and appointment to experience our Window Treatment showroom.
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Contact
Bravo AV 80 Morristown Rd.
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Tel. (908) 953-0555
Tom Curnin, the owner of Bravo AV, is a CEDIA Professional Designer, a certified THX Level 1 home theater professional, and a member of the Home Acoustic Alliance trained to Level II. You can contact Tom directly at (908) 953-0555 or through email at Tom@BravoAV.com.