Zebra Shades: How Dual Shades Captured the Public Imagination

Dual shades are a cleverly designed type of roller shade made up of alternating bands of sheer and opaque fabric. Dual shades employ two layers of this fabric, so that the bands can be aligned to keep the sheer fabric open for light and vision to pass through or staggered to provide full coverage with the opaque fabric. These alternating bands are what led people to coin the term ‘zebra shades,’ and visually, it is a highly suitable moniker. The zebra stripes bring a classic look that adds a touch of old-school elegance into this highly modern product. That is just part of the reason why zebra shades have become such a popular form of window covering with the public.

In terms of function, dual shades offer one considerable benefit over other types of roller shades. While all roller shades can be raised to allow light and vision to pass unobstructed or lowered to block light and vision fully, dual shades add the third option of being lowered, but still offering alternating bars of fabric through which you can see and through which natural light can enter. Motorization has helped to enhance this advantage by allowing you to set favourite positions for your dual shades, making it easy to return to the exact level of overlap you prefer. This makes dual shades one of the best options for getting the light right in your space at any time of day and for any situation.

Like other roller shades, dual shades are simple to use and simple to clean. They have no complicated parts or pieces that are likely to break and cut down on their durability, so they are likely to last you a long time with minimal maintenance.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, dual shades offer a unique visual flair with a real-world connection. Dual shades have always had a sophisticated look to them that has drawn customers to the item, but once the pattern became associated with the stripes of a zebra, its charm and name recognition grew exponentially. This smart piece of branding or clever observation by an astute customer helped to get zebra shades the recognition and popularity they deserved. Today, they are among the most popular products that we sell here at Shadezone Blinds, and that is the case for many other stores like ours as well.