Window shades are a beautiful accessory to today’s casual and traditional home. Bamboo is mostly imported to the American market from overseas, and bamboo shades are made by weaving together bamboo sticks to make a woven wood mesh fabric from a variety of jute, reeds and grasses that are hand fed into a processor. Bamboo shades are popular, particularly now, considering the environmentally friendly materials and processes that are involved. Bamboo is biodegradable and durable. It grows and matures in as few as three years and can be harvested many times making it an eco-friendly alternative to plastic or wood blinds. As there are many grains and textures to the bamboo, they present in a neutral style that can work with indoor and outdoor designs. In today’s economy, they are an affordable alternative to other window treatments. They work well with inexpensive store-purchased fabric toppings to create a warm and inviting look particularly regardless of the window size. Although they are usually purchased in a natural color, bamboo window shades last a long time and can be painted.
Window shades come in different textures and different natural, organic colors ranging from blond to dark. Matchstick bamboo is the most commonly used when creating window shades. To keep up with growing demand for new designs, more and more patterns have been incorporated using this bamboo. To create the pattern, “tubes” of natural bamboo are used to thread into the window shades and naturally enrich the color concentrations throughout. The more natural bamboo is used, the more privacy options. When materials other than bamboo, such as some other types of grasses or additional color are added and privacy is decreased, a blackout liner can be added to the blind to ensure privacy. Also, the color of the bamboo can sometimes change, even if slightly. It is important to have a conversation with your designer or salesperson regarding what color changes if any might be expected. The location of the blind in terms of what “weathering” it will receive from sun, or other outdoor elements it may be exposed to should be discussed. Different manufacturers provide different “care” suggestions, so a conversation with a knowledgeable representative will prevent any surprises concerning subtle changes in color or texture.
Although large panel tracks of bamboo can be ordered on-line to mount on tracks over sliding glass doors and over window, it is always good to test the bamboo shade for how much light comes through before purchase. The attractive feature of using bamboo shades for this purpose, besides those reasons already mentioned, is that one shade will slide behind the other and behind the other using a pull cord – creating an elegant effect.
Designers and store owners offer generally two types of bamboo shades: the basic bamboo shades and the roman style window shades. (Roman style fold and roller style)
o Basic bamboo shades offer the most natural and organic look to the window. They generally will work the best for bringing the “outdoors in.” Considering it’s flexibility and what is offers in terms of privacy, low cost processing and ease in insulation, it is becoming increasingly popular. Often the bamboo is stitched and is rolled up and down using a simple cord. Its natural structure allows light to enter while still offering privacy.
The shade lies flat when closed and has a ripple effect when “pulled” open.
o Bamboo shades are the most flexible when creating a unique style while still maintaining the environmental and economical benefits of the basic bamboo shade. The Venetian bamboo shade is available pre-cut for traditional size windows or can be custom-fitted to accommodate windows that are not standard size.
Bamboo shades create a relaxed look and an eco-friendly environment. Considering the popularity of “going green,” retailers can expect a growing interest of buyers in a variety of bamboo shades sold at stores and over the internet.