A Complete Guide to Shades: Features, Styles, and Benefits

by | Jan 14, 2026 | Window Treatments 101

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By Fashion Windows – Serving Salt Lake City, Park City, Heber City, and surrounding areas Free in-home consultation: 435-882-8979 

Shades are one of the most versatile and customizable window coverings in Park City. They offer options for light control, privacy, insulation, and aesthetic design—all while fitting seamlessly into both modern and traditional Utah homes. At Fashion Windows, we offer a full collection of shade styles, each with its own strengths and ideal use cases. 

If you’re trying to decide which type of shade is right for your home, this guide breaks down the features, benefits, and design possibilities of every shade style we carry.


Roller Shades

Roller shades remain one of the most popular window coverings for Utah homeowners, especially in the Salt Lake Valley and Park City.

Features 

  • Single continuous sheet of fabric that rolls up when opened 
  • Available in multiple fabric opacities 
  • Comes in hundreds of textures, patterns, and colors 
  • Optional motorization for effortless control

Benefits

  • Clean, modern appearance suitable for any room 
  • Great for large windows and groups of windows 
  • Light-filtering fabrics soften harsh sunlight, ideal for bright Utah afternoons
  • Light-blocking materials increase privacy and darken the room
  • Motorized options are perfect for tall or hard-to-reach windows

Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades

Cellular shades are the most energy-efficient shade style thanks to their insulating honeycomb structure.

Features 

  • Unique air-pocket cells trap heat or cold 
  • Available in a variety of cell sizes and fabric opacities 
  • Control options include top-down/bottom-up and motorization 
  • Works with specialty shapes and skylights

Benefits

  • Excellent insulation for Utah’s cold winters and hot summers 
  • Soft, diffused light when using light-filtering fabrics 
  • Blackout cellulars provide near-total darkness for bedrooms 
  • Reduce outside noise—helpful for busy Salt Lake neighborhoods

Sheer Shades

Sheer shades combine the softness of fabric with the functionality of blinds.

Features 

  • Horizontal fabric vanes suspended between two sheer layers
  • Vanes tilt open or closed like a blind while maintaining a soft look
  • Open the vanes for filtered light and close the vanes for privacy

Benefits

  • Softens harsh sunlight while preserving outdoor views 
  • Smooth, quiet operation 
  • Elegant appearance ideal for upscale interiors 
  • Great for reducing glare in living rooms and dining spaces

Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood shades add warmth, texture, and natural beauty to a home.

Features 

  • Made from natural materials like bamboo, grasses, and wood fibers
  • Optional liners for added light control and privacy 
  • Multiple control options available

Benefits

  • Bring an organic, earthy feel into the home 
  • Perfect for balancing modern or minimalist interiors
  • Add visual interest and depth to any space 
  • Pair beautifully with drapery for layered design

Roman Shades

Roman shades in Salt Lake City offer a fabric-forward, classic look.

Features 

  • Fabric folds that stack smoothly when raised 
  • Available in modern and traditional Roman styles 
  • Choose from room-darkening or light-filtering options

Benefits

  • Adds softness and elegance 
  • Customizable with countless fabrics 
  • Great for homeowners prioritizing design

Banded (Zebra) Shades

Banded shades offer a sleek, modern alternative with dynamic light control.

Features 

  • Alternating solid and sheer bands that shift to open or close 
  • Smooth continuous-loop or motorized operation 
  • Wide variety of colors and textures

Benefits

  • Easily adjust between filtered light and full privacy 
  • Ideal for modern and contemporary homes 
  • Work well on large or wide windows

Why Shades Are a Top Choice for Utah Homes 

Shades offer more customization, light control, and design flexibility than almost any other window treatment type. They can be tailored to: 

  • Manage bright sunlight in the Salt Lake Valley 
  • Insulate mountain homes in Park City or Heber Valley 
  • Provide privacy in busy neighborhoods 
  • Complement modern, rustic, or traditional interior styles 

From simple roller shades to high-performance cellular shades and elegant Roman styles, there’s a perfect shade for every window and every lifestyle.