Zebra blinds are not a new style of window treatment and have been in use for well over a decade now. However, the popularity has increased as well as the variety of new styles available. The newer zebra blinds also feature increased functionality. Just to clarify, Zebra blinds are an offshoot of regular blinds, with slats that are constructed to make the blind. However, now instead of all horizontal slats, there are vertical slat blinds, as well as unique shades that combine either contrast colours or complementary colours. Therefore, the term “zebra” applies to these blinds, as the colours are interspersed in such a way as to mimic the stripes on a zebra.
Zebra blinds provide the functionality of blinds yet the beauty of curtains
The materials used today vary widely, from solid wooden zebra blinds to faux wooden blinds depending on price factors. Fabric blinds are also available in the zebra striping. Light control desired is combined with the amount of elegance someone is seeking. There are dozens upon dozens of choices in these blinds, with the variety of colours being just as large as the styles since each blind is made of separate slats. A customer can choose a definite contrast with stark white and black slats or more muted variations such as white with cream, cream with a light tan, light brown and dark brown, and onward. The slats are strung together in a one/one pattern, creating the zebra effect no matter what colours are chosen.
The prices will vary according to the functionality and size of the slats
Customers enjoy a myriad of choices with these options also. There is a variety of functions and sizes of windows/doors and slats that determine the overall price. The usual corded variety as is featured in traditional blinds exists, but there are also cordless varieties,and even motorized versions. Very thin slats exist as do wide slats, and extra-large windows and doors can also be fitted with zebra blinds. Horizontal blinds are perfect for smaller spaces while vertical zebra blinds can be used on a sliding glass door or patio entranceway. No matter which type is chosen the elegance of zebra blinds is immediately felt as the ambience in any room is enhanced and this has led to the increase in popularity of this style of blind.
Opacity options are limitless as well from light-blocking to sheer
The light-blocking shades can be made of either fabric or wood while light filtering very transparent shades are usually constructed of sheer fabric, although wooden blinds can be adjusted to allow degrees of opacity. Dual construction of very sheer fabrics interspersed with darkening fabrics is popular as it is a good choice between total room darkening shades and transparent shades of blinds. A whole-home look can be achieved with the choice of slats and styles, or a different look can be presented throughout each room lending some very modernistic and unique approach to varying spaces. Moderate privacy is the most often chosen style and this occurs with a choice of dual sheerness, aka, the light darkening, and light filtering choices of fabric discussed above.
Customers can stay within budget or go “all-out” with smart blinds
Even smart blind options are now available and can be remotely controlled. Most individuals do opt for the cordless lift style as the control of the blind is still hidden, and only the touch of one finger raises or lowers the blind. Continuous loops of cords are another popular option, with fewer cords on display as the cords are attached to a window or wall. The continuous loops are advised for larger, heavier zebra blinds, since the heavier the blind the more pressure on cordless or motorized blinds. It is totally up to each customer and the layout of the home. The size of the windows or doors to be covered is also a major consideration as a broken blind should always be avoided.
It is not just beauty that is making zebra blinds more popular
Zebra blinds are energy efficient and even the wooden ones are environmentally friendly. There is such a variety to choose from with some companies offering over 85 options of styles and colours, that the hardest choice a consumer might have to make is style and colour. The options available are:
- Standard-sized wooden and fabric blinds
- Mini-blind wooden and fabric blinds
- Cellular slat blinds which resemble cells of fabric
- Faux wood blinds that look like real wood but are more cost-effective
Older metals blinds were not environmentally friendly nor were the plastic ones as they do not decompose in a landfill. Zebra blinds, while more beautiful, are made from more organic and natural wood and fabric products and therefore pose no threat to the environment. Energy savings also is an environmentally friendly factor in zebra blinds.
Conclusion on the facts about zebra blinds
Not only for beauty, cost-savings, environmental salvation, and energy efficiency, zebra blinds are also safer for children and toddlers. The older versions of blinds, comprised of metal or plastic did garner a reputation also for being dangerous to children. Fallen blinds were very heavy. Sharp edges existed and led to many cut fingers in children as children like to “peek” out of blinds by pulling one slat down slightly.
Zebra blinds have solved all the problems that plagued traditional blinds of the past and are gaining more popularity each year. Remember also that these are easy to install for DIY individuals without all the heavy hardware and mounts that came with traditional older blinds. Changing the atmosphere and safety within a home is simple now with zebra blinds and one of the most cost-effective methods to save energy and enhance ambience no matter what type of décor exists in a home.
Not all companies are alike however, and not all blinds as well constructed so research should be done and a consultation with a customer service rep where blinds will be purchased is in order before proceeding.
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