Bring in the Light with Bamboo Window Shades

If you’re looking for a way to add the natural charm and warmth of wood to your room, bamboo window shades may very well be the answer.

Bamboo has been used for centuries to provide natural window coverings. Traditionally the bamboo is harvested, dried and then braided together with rope. Today this ancient design technique is combined with modern technology to create a fabulous natural product available in many materials, colors and designs.

Bamboo window shades are also known by other names such as bamboo roman shades, bamboo window blinds, woven window shades and matchstick blinds. Each of these is a type of bamboo window shade and could be made of a variety of materials that fall under the category of bamboo such as rattan, jute, grass or reeds.

This natural material makes bamboo a popular choice for consumers who are concerned about the environment. Unlike some plastics and vinyl, bamboo is very environmentally friendly.

Bamboo is an all natural and totally biodegradable product and does not give off any toxic fumes into the air.

Bamboo is also popular because of its sustainability. As a fast growing plant, it can be harvested for use and then regrown again very quickly, in contrast to a hardwood forest for example, where it takes many years for the trees that we cut for manufacturing to re-grow.

The construction methods and materials also mean that these shades provide excellent insulation from heat and cold for your home and help to cut down on energy costs. When you combine those savings with the fact that bamboo window shades are relatively inexpensive in the first place, it is easy to see how beneficial these window treatments really are.

Something that many people like about bamboo shades is the fact that they are light and airy and give a feeling of openness to a room while still providing some privacy. For those that want more complete privacy, bamboo window shades can be purchased with a privacy lining.

You can also create an “elegant meets simple” kind of decorating statement when you install your bamboo window shades under fabric curtains. This allows you to purchase unlined shades for an airy look during the day, but you still get complete privacy when needed by drawing the curtains at night. These many design possibilities are what makes bamboo window shades such a popular choice for today’s decorating styles.

One of the most attractive features of bamboo is that it can be dyed almost any color and can even be patterned. You can actually buy bamboo shades that have an entire scene depicted on them. This can be a great design feature when you want to create a real theme in a room.

Bamboo window shades are super easy to install and to maintain. Simple regular dusting or vacuuming will keep them looking fresh and clean. You can also take them down and hang them outside for an airing out.

Be sure to look for a feature called smooth lifting capacity with the blinds you purchase. This simply means that the cord which opens and closes your blinds runs in a continuous loop to deliver smooth operation while also eliminating the dangers of loose cords hanging down the side of the window, something that can be hazardous especially if you have small children or pets.

Because they offer such a warm and natural appearance, bamboo shades make an excellent choice for outdoor decorating too; they look fantastic in a sunroom, patio or porch and can offer the same light filtering and privacy that they do in your home. They can greatly increase the comfort of an area that gets a lot of mid day sun and extend the use of the area without having to pull down heavy shades or curtains.

Bamboo window shades are readily available for purchase both online and in retail stores.

There are many options available readymade and you can also have them custom made for windows of an irregular size.

Prices vary a great deal and usually reflect the quality of workmanship and materials. If you are investing in high quality shades for your home, be sure to look for a good warranty.

Good quality shades will often come with a lifetime warranty of both the shades themselves and the lifting mechanism.

Without a doubt, bamboo window shades, with their many advantages and style options, are a great choice for today’s home decorator.