How to Choosing Roller Shade Fabric

Choosing the right roller shade fabric for your home or business isn't as difficult as you may think. It comes down to four primary factors: color, openness, weave, and construction.

You'll want to pick a color that works best with your room's furnishings. A light color will make the room look brighter. On the other hand, a dark color will reduce glare. A darker color will also improve visibility from inside.

The inverse of openness is the amount of UV light that is blocked by the fabric. You should choose a fabric that blocks at least 90 percent of UV light.

Another factor to consider is the amount of total solar transmittance. The amount of energy that is transmitted through the fabric depends on how the fabric is made. Polyester and fiberglass are generally heavier fabrics. They are great for tall windows.

Another option is to select a fabric with a heat-sealed or fabric wrapped hem. This method ensures that the edges of the fabric are secured to the rod.

A few other factors to consider are the tensile strength and tear strength of the roller shade fabric. If you need extra tensile strength, consider using a fabric stiffener. This will help stabilize the fabric and keep it from sagging.

There are also other considerations to make, such as the position of the shade and how the fabric will be attached. If you're replacing an existing shade, it will be necessary to measure the width and length of the old shade. You'll also need to use a framing square to be sure that the shade is square. You can buy one for $10 at your local home improvement store.