5 Best Window Shades of 2023

Are you planning to give your windows a new look in 2023? Shades and blinds are among the most popular window treatments you can use on their own or with curtains. You can customize both according to the size and shape of your window. 

However, window shades can offer you more color (and even printed) options. Moreover, some models are safer if you have younger children or pets, as they do not have cords and slats that little fingers can play with.

Top 5 Window Shades to Go For in 2023

Here are the 5 best window shades of 2023 that you can consider for your renovation job or new home builds:

1. Silhouette shades

Silhouette shades are like a mix of shades and blinds. Each silhouette shade consists of S-shaped fabric vanes in between two sheer panels. 

You can tilt the vanes or slats much like horizontal blinds. These vanes can even "over-rotate" upward to light up the dark areas of your room, reducing your need for artificial light sources. Because silhouette shades have no tapes or cords, you get a clearer view outside your window. 

The vanes come in various sizes, while the lightweight fabrics are available in different opacities. Some brands offer a liner option—a solid roller shade you can lower behind your silhouette shade to further darken your room.

2. Folded fabric shades (cellular and pleated)

Cellular and pleated shades both use thin, folded fabric. Pleated shades feature a single fabric evenly folded in a basic pattern. Meanwhile, cellular shades are composed of multiple layers of two fabric pieces sewn together that form open cells when viewed from the side of the shade. The resulting honeycomb pattern has led to its alternative name, "honeycomb shades." The pull cords of pleated shades are visible, while those of cellular shades are inside their "cells."

You get more printed design options with pleated shades. Meanwhile, cellular shades offer more energy efficiency. The "cells" that form with each fabric layer trap air. Hence, the shades provide excellent insulation during cooler months and lower solar gain in the summer.

3. Zebra (banded, transitional, or dual) shades 

Zebra shades feature two layers of either fabric or vinyl with alternating solid or dark and sheer or light "bands" or stripes. The shades prevent light from entering a room when the solid or opaque panels line up one after the other. But when the sheer or lighter-colored stripes appear between the opaque ones, you get the effect of shutters or horizontal blinds with some light filtering through your indoor space.

4. Wooden shades

If you want more texture or a Boho feel, wooden shades made of bamboo, grasses, reeds, hemp, or jute may be for you. Woven wooden shades, such as matchstick shades, can exude a natural and welcoming look compared to plastic or industrial blinds. Just give your window treatment providers ample time, as customized wooden shades typically take longer to produce than cloth or vinyl shades.

5. Solar shades

Also called sunglasses for windows, solar shades use tightly woven sheer materials to protect your interiors from glare and ultraviolet rays. Unlike blackout shades that darken rooms, solar shades are light-filtering window covers that let you enjoy the view outside.

You can get them in various degrees of "openness." The higher openness factor refers to more loosely woven material, which permits more light to get through.

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Top-Down, Bottom-Up Shades: More Ways to Bring In the Light

Some shades—including cellular and wooden shades—come in a top-down, bottom-up (TDBU) format. You can raise and lower TDBU shades from either the top or bottom part of the shade. Thus, these shades give you more control of natural light and help you maintain privacy in places, such as the bathroom or bedroom. 

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Automatic Shades to Stay “Hot”; Classics Are Still In

The convenience of cordless, motorized shades will sustain their demand in 2023. Although more reasonably priced, cord-operated shades can be risky with children and pets. Meanwhile, automatic or smart shades (yes, some operate via voice assistant) look sleek besides having the ability to open and close on demand or based on a daily set schedule. 

Amid the emergence of new window shade formats, roller and Roman shades will continue to adorn homes due to their versatility. Suppliers offer various opacity options for roller shades, which can also come with a room-darkening or blackout panel. Meanwhile, you can pick Roman shades with a TDBU style.

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Entrust Your Window Treatments to Regency Shutter & Shades

With so many window shades to choose from, which of the 5 best window shades of 2023 would suit your room? You can contact Regency Shutter & Shade for a free consultation so we can discover the best solution for your windows. You can also view our past work through our Gallery and Facebook page.

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