How Banded Shades Work
Banded shades consist of two layers of fabric with alternating sheer and opaque (solid) horizontal bands. By adjusting the alignment of the front and back layers, you control light and privacy:
- Bands aligned (sheer to sheer): Light filters through, view maintained
- Bands offset (solid to sheer): Light softened, privacy increased
- Bands aligned (solid to solid): Maximum privacy, minimal light
All this happens without raising or lowering the shade—simply rotate the control to shift between modes. It's an elegant solution that offers the best of both roller shades and horizontal blinds.
Modern Aesthetic Appeal
Banded shades deliver a distinctly contemporary look that's become a signature of modern interior design. The clean horizontal lines and soft fabric create visual interest without overwhelming the room.
Design advantages:
- Fabric-wrapped headrails – No visible hardware
- Clean lines – Modern, minimalist appearance
- Soft texture – Warmer than aluminum blinds
- Custom colours – Wide palette to match any décor
The alternating bands create subtle visual rhythm at the window—even when the shade is static. Interior designers frequently specify banded shades for contemporary condos, modern renovations, and transitional spaces.
Hunter Douglas Designer Banded Shades
Hunter Douglas offers Designer Banded Shades with premium features:
- Quality fabrics – Sophisticated textures and colours
- Smooth operation – Precision engineering for reliable function
- Cordless option – LiteRise® for child-safe homes
- PowerView® Automation – Motorized control with scheduling
Designer Banded Shades are available in light-filtering fabrics for living areas and room-darkening options for bedrooms. The fabric-wrapped headrail provides a finished, cohesive look. Backed by Hunter Douglas's Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Alta Banded Shades
Alta Window Fashions delivers exceptional value in banded shades:
- Over 100 fabric options in contemporary colours
- Light-filtering and room-darkening fabrics
- Fabric-wrapped headrails for clean aesthetics
- Custom sizing for any window width
- BLISS™ automation available
Alta's AgileLift™ cordless system provides smooth, safe operation without exposed cords. All Alta products comply with Health Canada safety standards and are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Excellent choice for whole home installations or budget-conscious projects.
Light Filtering vs. Room Darkening
Choose the right fabric for each room:
- Light Filtering: Solid bands allow some light through. Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens where you want privacy without complete darkness.
- Room Darkening: Solid bands block most light. Better for bedrooms, media rooms, and nurseries. Note: Some light may still enter at the edges.
- For Maximum Darkness: Consider cellular shades with room-darkening fabric, or layer banded shades with blackout drapery.
Perfect For
- Modern condos – Contemporary styling suits urban aesthetics
- Living rooms – Versatile light control for all-day comfort
- Home offices – Reduce glare while maintaining natural light
- Dining rooms – Create ambiance for entertaining
- Bedrooms – Privacy with room darkening options
- Wide windows – Spans large widths beautifully
- Paired installations – Consistent look across multiple windows
Discover Banded Shades at Randall's
Visit our Glebe or Nepean showrooms to see banded shade fabrics and operation in person. Our specialists will help you choose colours and features for your space. Free in-home consultations available throughout Ottawa.
Visit Our Showrooms | Call: (613) 233 8441