When you hear the term “zebra shades,” you might have visions of black and white striped fabric, or window treatment fabric printed with, well, images of zebras.

Zebra shades are anything but. Also known as layered or banded shades, these unique window treatments are a spin on a standard roller shade. They combine alternating sheer and solid fabric bands on a single window shade, for a solution that gives you two options for light control.

The Benefits of Layered Zebra Shades

Layered shades are all about light control. Unlike shades that you can only raise or lower, these window coverings let you easily control the amount of light streaming into a room, tailoring it to your needs. Simply align the solid fabric bands over top of one another to let the sheers diffuse natural light (they also filter the view from the outside in). When you desire privacy, shift the solid bands so they overlap the sheers. (Of course, you can also raise the entire shade for a wide open view.)

This distinctive design gives you lots of versatility—a view when you want it, along with filtered light, and privacy when you need it. Layered shades also pair well with many decorating styles; the clean lines, for example, complement a contemporary aesthetic, while the softness of the sheers marries well with traditional décor.

Rooms for Layered Shades

Practical for any space, these window coverings are ideal for rooms where you desire the warm, light-filtering glow you get from sheer shades, but also where you want privacy when you need it—like bedrooms and bathrooms.

The living room is also a great space for layered window shades, as you can create a darker room for relaxing in the evening or streaming your favorite movie.

Layered Shades from Hunter Douglas

The extensive line of Hunter Douglas window treatments includes layered shades, called Designer Banded Shades. Choose from small, medium and large band heights (the bigger the band height, the greater your exterior view), as well as light-filtering and room-darkening fabrics in an array of choices. Designer Banded Shades are also available in a geometric pattern, for modern interiors or where you want to add a hint of the unexpected.

Seamlessly transition from open to closed shades or create varying dimensions of light with the alternating sheer and solid fabric bands. The bands align on adjacent windows, so you can enjoy a clean, uncluttered look.