Roller Shades Buying Guide

You’re here because you need roller shades that actually work for your specific situation. Maybe your bedroom gets too much morning light, your TV has terrible glare, or you want privacy without blocking all natural light. Whatever brought you here, we’ll solve it.

Window roller shades are the most versatile window treatment you can buy. They work in any room, with any decor style, and solve virtually every light and privacy problem. After 25+ years of making custom window treatments, we know exactly what works and what doesn’t.

Our guide gives you the exact information you need to pick the right roller shades for windows without wasting money on the wrong choice.

Step 1: Identify Your Main Problem

Before looking at products, understand what you’re trying to fix. This determines everything else.

Problem: “My bedroom is too bright in the morning”

Solution: You need blackout roller shades. The Blindsgalore Classic Roller Shades: Blackout block 100% of light when properly installed. No more 5 AM wake-ups from streetlights or sunrise.

Problem: “I can’t see my TV/computer screen”

Solution: Light-filtering shades reduce glare without making rooms dark. The Blindsgalore Envision Light Filtering Roller Shades eliminate harsh sunlight while keeping rooms bright enough to function.

Problem: “Neighbors can see into my house”

Solution: Any roller shade provides daytime privacy. For nighttime privacy when lights are on inside, you need room-darkening or blackout options.

Problem: “My energy bills are too high”

Solution: When lowered, roller shades will completely cover your windows to reflect sunlight and help reduce incoming solar heat. Blackout and thermal fabrics will offer the best energy savings.

Problem: “I want convenience and smart home integration & Motorized: Convenience and Smart Home Integration”

Solution: Motorized roller shades integrate with Alexa, Google Home, and smartphone apps. Set schedules, control multiple shades at once, or operate them with voice commands. Our Motorize shades have: 

Technology Overview

Wireless Control: Bluetooth connectivity enables smartphone app control within a 30-foot range. No hardwiring or electrical work required.

Power System: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides 6-12 months of operation per charge. USB-C charging port allows convenient recharging in 6 hours.

Operation: Control via MotionBlinds app, optional remote, or manual override chain. Compatible with voice assistants when paired with smart home hubs.

Key Advantages

• Installation Efficiency: No electrical wiring reduces installation time and complexity
• Safety Compliance: Cordless design meets child safety standards
• Aesthetic Appeal: Clean lines with optional cassette housing for premium appearance
• Operational Flexibility: Precise positioning, scheduling, and multi-shade grouping capabilities

Step 2: Choose Your Light Control Level

This is the most important decision. Get this wrong, and you’ll hate your shades.

Light-Filtering: For Natural Light Without Glare

Light-filtering fabrics soften sunlight into a gentle glow. Perfect for:

• Living rooms where you want brightness
• Kitchens for cooking and meal prep
• Home offices to reduce screen glare
• Any room where you want to see outside

You’ll still have complete daytime privacy – people can’t see details inside your home. The Boutique Light Filtering Roller Shades offer designer fabrics that add style while filtering light beautifully.

When NOT to choose light-filtering:

1. Bedrooms where you need darkness for sleep
2. Media rooms where screen glare is critical
3. Bathrooms facing neighbors (you’ll want more privacy)

Blackout: For Complete Darkness

Blackout roller shades for bedrooms block 100% of light. The fabric has special backing that prevents any light from passing through.

Essential for:

1. Master bedrooms
2. Children’s rooms and nurseries
3. Rooms where shift workers sleep during day
4. Home theaters and media rooms
5. Any space where light disrupts sleep or activities

Pro tip: Mount blackout shades outside your window frame (not inside) and extend them 3+ inches past each side. This eliminates light gaps around edges.

Room-Darkening: The Middle Ground

Blocks 85-95% of light but allows a subtle glow. Good for:

1. Guest bedrooms
2. Rooms where complete darkness feels too cave-like
3. Spaces where you want substantial privacy but not total blackout

Step 3: Pick the Right Fabric

Fabric determines how your shades look, perform, and last.

Polyester: The Reliable Choice

Most of our roller shades use polyester fabrics because they:

1. Resist fading from sun exposure
2. Clean easily with damp cloth
3. Maintain their shape over time
4. Offer the widest variety of colors and patterns
5. Cost less than natural fiber alternatives

Natural Fiber Blends: For Texture and Style

Linen-look and cotton-blend fabrics add visual interest. They:

1. Create organic texture that looks expensive
2. Filter light beautifully
3. Work well in casual, farmhouse, or coastal decor
4. May cost slightly more but offer unique appearance

Vinyl/PVC: For High-Moisture Areas

Essential for bathrooms and kitchens where humidity is constant. These fabrics:

1. Wipe clean with any household cleaner
2. Never mildew or warp
3. Maintain appearance in steamy conditions
4. Often come in wood-grain or fabric-look patterns

Room-by-Room Roller Shade Solutions

Bedrooms: Darkness and Privacy

Primary bedroom: Blindsgalore Classic Roller Shades: Blackout in neutral colors. Mount outside the window frame for maximum light blocking.

Children’s rooms: Same blackout shades but consider fun colors or patterns. Motorization eliminates cords for safety.

Guest bedrooms: Light-filtering might work if guests don’t mind some morning light. Otherwise, stick with blackout.

Living Areas: Style and Flexibility

Living rooms: Blindsgalore Envision Light Filtering Roller Shades work perfectly. They reduce TV glare while keeping rooms bright and welcoming.

Dining rooms: Light-filtering creates pleasant ambiance for meals. Choose colors that complement your decor.

Family rooms: Consider dual roller shades – one light-filtering for daily use, one blackout for movie nights.

Kitchens: Function Over Form

Prioritize easy cleaning over appearance. Vinyl or polyester fabrics wipe clean easily. Light-filtering reduces glare on countertops while you cook.

Avoid:

1. Pure white (shows stains)
2. Delicate fabrics requiring special cleaning
3. Anything that can’t handle grease splatter

Bathrooms: Privacy and Moisture Resistance

Vinyl fabrics are non-negotiable in bathrooms. They handle humidity without warping or developing mildew.

For privacy, choose:

1. Room-darkening or blackout if bathroom faces neighbors
2. Light-filtering if you want natural light and have privacy
3. Top-down/bottom-up operation lets you lower from top for ventilation while maintaining privacy below

Home Offices: Glare Reduction

Computer and TV screen glare destroys productivity. Boutique Light Filtering Roller Shades eliminate harsh sunlight while maintaining enough light to work comfortably.

Motorized roller shades let you adjust light throughout the day without leaving your desk.

Measuring: Get It Right the First Time

Wrong measurements mean starting over. Here’s how to avoid mistakes.

Inside Mount vs Outside Mount

Inside mount: Shade fits inside window frame

• Pros: Clean, built-in look
• Cons: Light gaps around edges, requires adequate frame depth
• Best for: Light-filtering shades where small light gaps don’t matter

Outside mount: Shade mounts on wall above window

• Pros: Better light control, works on any window, makes windows look larger
• Cons: More visible hardware
• Best for: Blackout shades, windows without adequate depth, maximum light control

How to Measure

Inside Mount:

1. Measure window width at top, middle, bottom
2. Use the narrowest measurement
3. Measure height at left, center, right
4. Use the longest measurement
5. Check that frame depth is at least 1.5 inches

Outside Mount:

1. Decide how far past window frame you want shade to extend
2. Add at least 3 inches to each side for light control
3. Measure total area you want covered
4. For blackout shades, consider extending to ceiling for dramatic effect

Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid

1. Measuring only once instead of three times
2. Forgetting to account for window hardware like handles or locks
3. Not checking if windows are square (older homes often aren’t)
4. Assuming all windows in a room are the same size

Installation: Easier Than You Think

Roller shades installation guide shows it’s a 30-minute job with basic tools. You need:

1. Drill with bits
2. Screwdriver
3. Level
4. Pencil
5. Tape measure

Installation Steps

1. Mark bracket locations using included template
2. Level brackets – this is critical for smooth operation
3. Pre-drill holes to prevent wall damage
4. Screw brackets firmly to wall or window frame
5. Snap shade into brackets until you hear click

Visit blindsgalore.com/installing for detailed videos showing every step.

When to Consider Professional Installation

1. Installing on brick, stone, or tile
2. Motorized shades requiring electrical connections
3. Very large or heavy shades
4. Multiple shades needing perfect alignment

Motorized vs Manual: Making the Smart Choice

Manual Cordless: Simple and Reliable

Cordless roller shades safety makes them the standard for homes with children and pets. No dangling cords means no strangulation hazards.

Operation is simple: push up to raise, pull down to lower. Spring mechanism holds shade at any position.

Choose manual when:

1. Budget is primary concern
2. You don’t mind walking to each window
3. Windows are easily reachable
4. You want maximum reliability with fewer moving parts

Motorized: Convenience and Smart Home Integration

Motorized roller shades change how you interact with your windows. Battery-powered motors mean no electrical work required.

Benefits include:

1. Control multiple shades simultaneously
2. Set schedules for automatic operation
3. Integrate with smart home systems
4. Operate from anywhere in room
5. Perfect for hard-to-reach windows

Smart home compatible roller shades work with:

1. Amazon Alexa
2. Google Home
3. Apple HomeKit
4. Samsung SmartThings
5. Smartphone apps

Choose motorized when:

1. Convenience matters more than cost
2. You have large or high windows
3. You want smart home integration
4. You’re building or renovating (easier to add now)

Maintenance: Keeping Shades Looking New

Proper care extends shade life significantly.

Daily Maintenance

1. Close windows during dust storms
2. Operate shades gently – don’t force them
3. Keep pets from playing with shade edges

Weekly Maintenance

1. Light dusting with microfiber cloth
2. Check for loose screws or hardware
3. Ensure smooth operation

Monthly Maintenance

1. Vacuum fabric with brush attachment
2. Wipe hardware with damp cloth
3. Inspect for wear or damage

Roller shades maintenance tips for specific problems:

Fabric stains: Spot clean immediately with mild soap and water. Test on hidden areas first.

Uneven rolling: Usually means shade wasn’t installed level. Check brackets with level.

Won’t stay in position: Spring mechanism may need adjustment or replacement.

Motor not responding: Check battery level. Most batteries last 3-5 years.

Feel free to call our design experts if you need help troubleshooting your roller shades.

Understanding Warranties and What They Cover

Our 3-year warranty (upgradeable to 5-year) covers manufacturing defects and operational problems. It does NOT cover:

1. Natural fading from sun exposure
2. Damage from pets or children
3. Normal wear from daily use
4. Problems from incorrect installation

Custom roller shades ship in 5-7 business days with free shipping across continental US.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone

Cheap roller shades often use fabrics that fade quickly, hardware that breaks, or poor construction that causes operational problems. Quality shades cost more initially but last years longer.

Don’t Ignore Your Room’s Light Exposure

South-facing windows get intense sun all day – choose fade-resistant fabrics. North-facing windows rarely need blackout unless you’re very light-sensitive.

Don’t Forget About Seasons

Summer sun hits windows differently than winter sun. Consider how light changes throughout the year.

Don’t Mix Shade Types Inconsistently

Mixing light-filtering and blackout shades in the same room can look odd. Stick with one type per room unless you have a specific functional reason.

Making Your Final Decision

Order up to 15 free samples to see fabrics in your actual lighting. Computer screens don’t show true colors or textures.

When samples arrive:

• Hold them at your windows during different times of day
• Check how they look with your existing decor
• Feel the fabric quality and weight
• Test how much light they actually block
• Ready to order? Start with the shade type that solves your main problem:

Too much light: Blindsgalore Classic Roller Shades: Blackout

Glare but need some light: Blindsgalore Envision Light Filtering Roller Shades

Want premium designer look: Boutique Light Filtering Roller Shades