When it comes to home improvement, choosing the appropriate window treatment is important. Aside from adding style to your interiors, they help protect furniture from fading and save on energy bills.
On that note, zebra blinds are a perfect amalgamation of beauty and functionality, and a popular window covering in modern households. Also referred to as layered, dual, combi or banded blinds, zebra blinds offer the light control of a blind and the classic beauty of a fabric roller shade.
What Are Zebra Blinds?
Zebra blinds combine sheer sunscreen and solid weave fabric. When the solid fabric strips overlap, sunlight is blocked out; when the sheer fabric strips overlap, light is let in. From a sunlit room to a darker, more private space, these shades can transition from open to closed in seconds. They operate in the same manner as roller blinds and come in motorized or non-motorized.
One of the biggest reasons behind their popularity is their simple design. They’re streamlined, provide clean visuals and complement the shape of any window. They’re also easy to operate, maintain, come in a range of fabrics, and don’t take up much space. Available in a range of rich colours, zebra blinds are one of the biggest home improvement products in 2020.
Benefits of Zebra Blinds
- Light Control
Their sleek design and light-control ability make zebra blinds ideal for any room. Pull down the blinds when you need some privacy or leave them open when you want more sunlight. You can also raise them into their valance for a view outside with no obstructions from the window.
- Versatile Design
Zebra blinds are versatile enough to fit into any interior decor. While their clean lines and minimalistic look work perfectly in contemporary settings, their soft sheer fabric complements traditional and antique decor.
- Fabric Options
Zebra blinds come in a wide variety of fabric, design and colour options. Depending on your taste you can either go bold with bright hues or simply keep it neutral. Available in both light-filtering and room-darkening fabrics, you can easily coordinate your zebra blinds with other room furnishings, including drapery and upholstery.
- Motorization
Do you often leave your windows either open or closed all day long because they’re too hard to reach or it’s a hassle to operate them manually? Motorized zebra blinds can be programmed to operate according to your needs. Simply schedule the time on your app and let the motor do its job. Aside from saving you the time and trouble of operating your window coverings manually, they also add value to your home.
- Interior Protection
Your home deserves the best care to make sure it looks great for years to come. But constant exposure to sunlight can cause your furniture and flooring to discolour and fade. It can also cause similar damage to carpets, upholstery, photographs, wallpaper, and artwork such as paintings. When closed, layered zebra blinds can block out 99% of UV rays and protect your interiors against harsh sunlight.
- Privacy
If you’re concerned about prying eyes, zebra blinds solve that problem. Thanks to the black-and-white sheer layers, you can enjoy looking outside during the day while outsiders can’t see in. This is in contrast to shutter louvers or horizontal blinds which require you to close them if you want daytime privacy.
- Child Safety
Corded window treatments pose a suffocation hazard for pets and children. Motorized roller zebra blinds are cordless, which means there are no dangerous wires or loops. This makes them perfect for nurseries, kids’ rooms, playrooms and even classrooms.
Drawbacks of Zebra Blinds:
- Zebra blinds with solar fabrics cannot provide complete privacy at night.
- These window treatments do not fit narrow or oddly-shaped windows.
- Since zebra blinds are made with fabric, stains require professional cleaning.
- They’re not suitable for spaces with a lot of moisture.
- Room-darkening fabrics do not provide complete blackout.
Whether you’re fond of minimalist interior decor or want something more lavish, zebra window blinds make a perfect addition to any space. Aside from adding a graceful look to your room, they offer a level of light control that no other blinds can.
