One of the more common questions we hear in the shade department … especially among new or recent dealers … is about shade fabric choice. There are so many possibilities from which to choose that it can seem overwhelming.
To help answer some of those questions, we have developed a white paper on the subject. I’m pleased to be able to share this new educational tool with you today.
Del Norte High School, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Clutch XD FlexShades with Phifer SheerWeave SW2703 3% Oyster/Pewter. Dealer: Motorized Sun Solutions. Photographer: Matt Oberer, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Choosing the correct window shade fabric is the most important part of shade selection. The choice you make will depend on your desired outcome. Do you want a certain look, or is obtaining a specific performance outcome your goal? There are hundreds of options from which to choose: differences in color, openness factor, material, and weave all determine the look and performance of each fabric, and the different combinations mean that, whatever your desired outcome, there is a fabric solution for you.
But how does one find that solution?
Looks vs. Performance
First, ask yourself a simple question: What is more important—aesthetic considerations or performance? If your concern is mainly to fit in with a specific design scheme, then the choice is probably a simple one. By looking at sample swatches, or using Draper’s online Window Shades View-Through Simulation Tool, you can soon identify the look you are going for.
Even if you are more interested in aesthetics, however, you should take some time to think about performance. Shade fabrics have a big impact on the room. They can reduce glare, keep solar heat gain to a minimum (thus reducing utility costs), allow or restrict view-through to the outdoors, or provide privacy. So, even if the choice of a certain color or pattern and weave gives you the look you want, does it create other problems, such as too much glare at certain times of day, or too much of a view into the space from the outside?
To finish reading this white paper, or to download a free PDF copy, click here.
