Combi/Zebra Shades

Simply raise or lower the hem bar using the cord loop, wand, cordless lift or remote/app on motorized versions. As the fabric travels, the opaque and sheer bands shift in and out of alignment. Mid-position gives you a beautiful diffused glow; fully lowered with bands aligned blocks most light. You can stop at any point for infinite gradations.  Furthermore, the opaque horizontal bands come in a choice of light-filtering or room-darkening fabrics.

Yes — they are the same product sold under several names: zebra shades, dual-layer blinds, vision blinds, banded shades, and day/night shades are all functionally identical. The alternating striped pattern is the defining feature regardless of the brand name.

Standard zebra shades are not blackout. Even when the opaque bands are fully aligned, light passes through the edges and fabric weave. For near-blackout results, choose a sheer-to-room-darkening fabric variant (available from most manufacturers) and add side channels to close the light gaps.

When the sheer bands are aligned (open position), you get the same visibility as a standard sheer curtain — some daytime privacy, less at night when interior lights are on. Shift the fabric so the opaque bands align for complete privacy without fully raising the blind.

They excel in living rooms, home offices, and dining rooms where you want flexible, stylish light control throughout the day. Many homeowners also use them in bedrooms with a room-darkening fabric option. They are less ideal for bathrooms with high humidity unless specifically rated for moisture exposure.

Inside mount gives a clean, built-in look and shows the window trim; outside mount covers more of the window, suits shallow windows, and can make it appear larger. For inside mount: measure the inside width at the top, middle, and bottom and use the narrowest measurement, then deduct the manufacturer's specified deduction (usually ¼ inch). For height, measure from the top of the frame to the sill. For outside mount: add at least ¾ inch on each side of the frame to cover the window trim, then measure the desired finished width and height including any overlap. Always use a steel tape measure and record in millimetres for accuracy.

Yes. Most zebra shades ship with all necessary hardware and take 20 to 40 minutes per window with a drill, level, and measuring tape. The headrail clips or screws into brackets. The trickiest part is getting the first bracket perfectly level, then the rest follows easily.  We also offer professional check, measure, and installation services that may save you time and money in buying your own tools.

The Fabrics are anti-static and should not attract much, if any, dust.  However, over longer periods, basic routine care is needed with the use of a soft duster and a dry microfiber cloth. For spot cleaning, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can remove minor stains and marks.  Avoid soaking the fabric; most zebra shade materials are not machine washable, and excess moisture can cause warping.

With normal use and light cleaning, quality zebra shades last 5+ years. The cord loop and internal spring mechanism are the most common failure points. Many manufacturers sell replacement chains and parts, extending the life of the blind significantly beyond the shade fabric itself.

Uneven rolling is usually caused by the headrail being slightly off-level. Use a spirit level to check the brackets and adjust if needed. If the shade fabric has shifted on the roller tube, carefully unroll it fully and re-roll with even tension. Tip: Always roll and unroll the first few times slowly to train the fabric evenly.  If you get this professionally installed, we guarantee shades to be level.

Yes. Most major manufacturers offer motorized versions with battery-powered or hardwired motors. Battery motors (rechargeable via USB-C or proprietary chargers) require no wiring and suit retrofits easily. Hardwired motors are ideal for new builds. Both types can integrate with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings depending on the brand's hub or Wi-Fi motor chip.  They can also integrate with various professional Smart Home systems such as Lutron, Control4 and Crestron.

A rechargeable battery tube typically powers a motorized shade for 6–18 months depending on daily usage cycles and shade width. A low-battery indicator (usually a slow LED blink or an app notification) will alert you before the shade stops functioning. Recharging takes 3 to 5 hours.