Say “roller shades” as a window covering and most people will think, “Boring!” Well, this traditional shade may be simple, but it doesn’t have to be boring.

After all, window shades of various sorts have been around for nearly 4,000, since people first began living in houses with openings in the walls. Roller shades were a much later invention, but the kinds we know today have existed for at least two centuries. And what an ingenious invention! A simple piece of fabric or vinyl wraps around a turning dowel made of wood or steel, and is lowered or raised manually or by using a cord. In moments a window can be opened to sunlight or shielded for privacy. If only everything in our lives worked as simply and as well!

Typical humans, we couldn’t be satisfied with the clever functionality of a simple shade, so we began experimenting with the materials from which these window shades are made. As a result, there are now four versatile variations on the worthy window blind.

Sheer window shades let in the most light and also give the least amount of privacy. They’re almost like not having a shade at all on the window.

Second, there are Light Filtering shades. These let in less light than sheer versions and give a bit more privacy, but they are no means opaque. That quality belongs to the next two classes of roller shades.

Room darkening shades are exactly what their name implies: They keep light out of the room. This type of roller shade is made expressly for bedrooms, so that the dawn’s early light doesn’t awaken sleepers too soon, and the harvest moon doesn’t shine into sleepy eyes.

Finally, there are blackout shades. These aren’t the kind that Grandpa pulled down to keep the enemy from finding you in World War II. These shades are made of thick, solid, opaque materials that keep out even the tiniest rays of sunlight from a room. They’re great for the bedrooms of day sleepers, and for family rooms to watch movies in the daytime.

In addition, roller shades are made to screen out sunlight, for privacy and against insects.

A solar screen is similar to a blackout screen, but it’s specifically design to keep out ultraviolet rays and heat. This kind of shade usually is made from three types of materials: vinyl coated with fiberglass, vinyl coated with polyester, or either of the first two types with added aluminum backing. Privacy shades typically are made of heavier fabrics such as cotton, linen, or polyester to keep out prying eyes. They can act like solar screens, but they don’t last as long because they lack a vinyl coating. Some people find them more attractive in home decor than a solar screen.

Other types of roller shades include insect mesh, paper and wood. Insect mesh roller shades often are installed on porches and patios. They don’t shield against sunlight or give privacy, but they’re excellent at keeping out flying pests. Paper and wood are less desirable as shades because their maintenance can be difficult. Paper tears too easily to last long as a shade, while wood needs special care of its finish.

Finally, humans often desire beauty in the same way they need air and water, and these aesthetic impulse extends even to roller shades. They can be custom-designed in any color or fabric to match any decorating scheme. Do-it-yourselfers often take a plain vinyl or fabric shade and decorate it with craft paint to create a one-of-a-kind artwork, especially for children’s rooms.

Roller shades are a classic window covering, but they can be as contemporary as a decorator’s imagination can make them.

Find out how to choose and save on window shades. Stop by Jerikat Jennison’s site where you can find out all about roller shades and what they can do for you when saving money is also an issue.