Remember those ugly old spring roller shades that Grandma had behind the shear curtains and the heavy drapes to block out the sun? Don't let go of that shade when you are raising it, or it will snap closed at break-neck speed and maybe never operate the same! The days of that old technology are gone...thank heaven. Here's what's new and wonderful about today's roller shades.
Roller shade mechanisms have been totally redesigned and engineered for carefree operation and longevity. If you like or need a cordless option, the new version of the spring roller operates much like the great soft-close drawers you have seen in the latest kitchens. A gentle tug releases the shade and it slowly raises itself to the rolled up position. You can also hold on to the shade to stop it mid way at any point. To lower it, just pull it down. The benefit of these shades are they are cordless and therefor child safe. This is what the mechanism that hides behind a short fabric valance looks like, but you'll never see it from outside or inside.
The other option for roller shades is a continuous cord operation. This choice provides a continuous loop cord on the side of the shade that allows you to control the height of the shade at any point--no spring at all. The cords themselves are selected to match the color of the fabric you select or you can match the cord to the color of the paint on the window trim if you want it to really disappear. The one thing to be sure of is that you request that your installer adds the child safety mechanism that attaches the loop cord to the trim. This is a mandatory safety device in most states now and it keeps the cord neatly out of the way.
What are the choices to hide the roller mechanism?
There are many types of top treatments - a rectangular metal valance, a wood valance that mimics the crown molding in the room, a fabric covered rectangular valance, a soft fabric valance, or a curved cassette valance. The right choice for you depends on the design of your room.
Soft Fabric Valance
Curved Cassette Topper
Fabric Covered Metal Fascia mounted over and exterior Solar Roller Shade