What are Skylight Shades
As their name describes, skylight shades are shades that are specially designed for skylights and windows that are built into the ceiling. Unlike wall windows, skylights do not run perpendicular to the floor and require special window treatments designed to lay flat against window and flush with the ceiling. Most conventional window blinds and shades don't work well on skylights due to their tilted panes. Conventional drapes, blinds, and shades would hang at odd angles, droop in the middle, or be difficult to control or reach due to the height of the skylight. As a result, manufacturers have developed special skylight shades that provide maximum light control.
Most skylight shades are made from high-quality cellular shades. Cellular shades have been used for many years on windows of all shapes and sizes and are designed to maximize light control and conserve energy. Cellular shades have parallel panels of fabric that are pinched together at the creases to create tunnels of air pockets that run parallel to the window. These pockets, or cells, can range in size from large to small to provide a variety of light control options as well as differing degrees of energy efficiency. Some cellular shades have multiple layers of small cells that provide additional insulation between your room and the window pane.
Because of their construction, many types of cellular shades run along mounted strings on the sides of the windows. These “tracks” help keep the shade in place and flat against the window pane regardless of placement. This unique design feature makes cellular shades ideal for use as skylight shades since the strings or “tracks” keep the shade flush against the skylight.
Cellular skylight shades come in a variety of color options and are available as light filtering or room darkening shades. Skylight shades also come in different cell counts. Single layer cells provide a single layer of insulation and are available in small or large cell sizes. Remember, the larger the cell, the thicker the blind, and the wider the creases. A single layer of small cells is narrower in depth and has smaller creases. Multiple layers of cells provide maximum insulation but are only available in small cell sizes. Double or triple layer cellular skylight shades are thicker and best for deep skylights.
Cell size and count will also make a difference in the amount of space the skylight shades occupy when it is open and condensed into its head rail. Skylight shades with larger cells typically take up less space since there are less folds in the fabric and less creases to maintain. Smaller cells, although perfect for shallow windows, take up more space at the top of the window when you open the skylight shade.
Depending on the make and model you choose for your skylights, you'll also need to consider control options. Some models of skylight shades are only available in manual controls and the manufacturers have long poles available for purchase if your skylight is high and out of reach. Other manufacturers, like Hunter Douglas, produce cellular skylight shades that have remote control options to make controlling your blinds even easier.
Skylight Shades Help is here to make your skylight shades decisions easier at every step.
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