Our window treatment experts are here to compare zebra shades versus sheer shades to help you better understand which covering would be a better fit for your space’s goals.
What Are Zebra Shades?
Zebra shades, also known as layered shades, are a modern window treatment characterized by alternating bands of sheer and opaque materials. As you lower these shades, the fabric aligns so the sheer bands position themselves in front of other sheer bands, and the opaque bands place themselves in front of the opaque bands. This alternating allows light to pass through while blocking glare and providing protection from UV light.
As the bands close, the opaque layer becomes misaligned, enabling you to experience privacy while darkening the room. You can also raise the shade to allow for an unobstructed view.
Graber® Zebra Shades also offer other advantages, such as:
- Increased privacy and light control.
- Enhanced customization with over 75 colors and fabrics.
- Improved energy efficiency due to the double layer of fabric.
What Are Sheer Shades?
Graber® Sheer Shades are like soft blinds with their clean and modern appearance. A layer of sheer fabric is closest to the window, blocking UV light and reducing glare, while a section of opaque fabric vanes is on the outside. You can adjust these vanes to find the perfect blend of light and privacy throughout the day.
These sheer window treatments have the appearance of shades, but their light control is similar to that of blinds or shutters. The fabric vanes can interlock, reducing stray light and increasing privacy.
Additional benefits of Graber® Sheer Shades include:
- Boosted customizations with over 450 color and fabric combinations.
- Improved fit to your window with three different vane sizes.
- Increased unobstructed view when entirely raised.
Similarities Between Zebra Shades vs. Sheer Shades
Although sheer shades and zebra shades are their own distinct styles of window treatments, they share several similarities, including:
- Using sheer and opaque fabrics to provide outstanding light control and privacy.
- Having two layers of fabric to contribute to
energy efficiency.
- Maximizing natural light with a modern aesthetic.
- Enjoying different spacing between the bands or vanes to accommodate the size of your window and figure out how much light you want.
- Choosing between three operating systems allows you to decide which method will allow you to use your window treatments the way you want.
- Blocking UV light and glare constantly.
Differences Between Zebra Shades vs. Sheer Shades
The most significant difference between these shades is that zebra shades roll the alternating bands to block or filter light, while sheer shades twist vanes to control the amount of light that comes in. Sheer shades provide a softer, diffused light, while zebra shades can either block or diffuse light. Both block light well to provide a darkened room, but the extent of darkness differs.The next big difference is in the view. If you like to have coverage but still be able to see out your window, sheer shades provide the best option because the narrow vanes are easy to see past. The zebra shade’s opaque layers slightly block the view, making it less clear.
The best way to experience the differences is to visit our showroom at
2220 West Dorothy Lane in Moraine, OH, and get a feel for how they look and operate.
Shop Zebra and Sheer Graber® Shades Near Dayton, OH
When you’re ready for window treatments that provide a blend of light and privacy, both sheer shades and zebra shades could be a good fit. Understanding the differences between them and learning the best ways to use them to achieve the desired light control and aesthetic is a great starting point.Request a consultation online or call us at
(937) 813-3430. Signature Shutters & Blinds serves the greater Dayton, Ohio, area, including Cincinnati, Moraine, West Chester Township, Hamilton, Lebanon, Mason, Warren County, Butler County, Greene County, Clark County, and Miami County..
