Buying Guide: Pleated Shades - What, Which & Why

Pleated shades are the chameleons of window treatments, all in all crafted from a single accordion-style fabric that effortlessly lets you dance with light and privacy. These custom wonders diffuse light, offer design flexibility, and rock energy-efficiency, making them the savvy choice for style enthusiasts who also crave practicality.

What are the different types of pleated shades?

No-Drill Pleated Shades

The perfect addition without commitment. Available with brackets for gluing or clamp holders in a range of designs and colors.

Pleated Shades with Drilling

Superior durability guaranteed with their small and sleek brackets for screwing. Shades that look like a seamless part of the window.

Skylight Pleated Shades

Made for an assembly with drilling on skylight and roof light windows, these pleated shades are equipped with side rails to prevent sagging. Cover your roof windows with class.

Honeycomb Cellular Shades

A true lifesaver all year round and the champion among window shades. Cellular shades with honeycomb cells provide maximum temperature control, room-darkening, privacy and energy-efficiency while keeping the classic look of traditional pleated shades. Stay cool in summer and warm as a steaming cup of cocoa in winter and lower your energy bills all at once. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed.

Solar Pleated Shades

Dip into the benefits of thermally coated pleated shades and enjoy pleasant room temperatures all year round without sacrificing the charm of sun rays.

Sheer pleated shades

Eliminate glare while still embracing the sun’s charm. With these shades you maintain natural light without sacrificing comfort and privacy.

Dimout Pleated Shades

Perfect for spaces where productivity, focus and concentration is seeked, as they eliminate harsh light and unwanted heat in a seamless way. These shades are great office and kitchen companions.

What are the best pleated shades?

The best pleated shades are those that seamlessly align with your desires and interior aesthetics. Thus, if your top focus is keeping summer heat and UV rays at bay, opt for solar shades. For skylight windows, our skylight pleated shades are engineered with extra guide rails to counter sagging. In case seeking the perfect office ambiance? Embrace the cool productivity of white Thermo pleated shades, striking the balance between gentle light and soothing coolness.

Color Extravaganza

What color pleated shades should I get?

Over 40 colors allow for setting accents or finding an exact color match for window, wall and decor.

Our suggestion is to either align the shade’s color closely with your window trim, walls, and decor, or to opt for a complementary shade that adds a dash of contrast and flair. This choice can therefore open up your space or infuse your windows with an exciting pop of color.

And in case you’re uncertain or in search of adaptability, neutral shades such as whites, beiges, or grays are always the go-to, offering a reliable and timeless choice every time.

A range of 4 fabric collections with about 40 colors gives you quite a good scope. When seeking privacy without sacrificing the beauty of light, opt for lighter hues. For a medium to high room darkening, choose darker tones and intensify this effect even further by choosing our Thermo Collection.

Aluminum profile rails

6 realistic colors in woody tones, silver, white or anthracite let you mix and match.

The color-play doesn’t stop here. For maximum personalization, you also have the freedom of choosing the color of the two aluminum profile rails between which the fabric is stretched.

With an array of 6 different colors, you’ll certainly find a perfect fit: from wood look-a-likes in Oak, Walnut or Brown, to a stylish Anthracite as well as classic colors like White or Silver. Match the profile rails to your window frame or make your shades pop with contrasting aluminum rails.

Brackets are color-matched to the profile rails, but by leaving us a little note with your order, you’re free to change their color as well. You’re one-of-a-kind pleated shade awaits!

How to measure for pleated shades?

Pleated shades can be mounted either on the glazing bead right in front of the glass pane or onto the window frame. Rest assured, measuring for both mounting options is as simple as ABC. See why:

Glazing bead fit

For the width, the glass pane width including the sealing rubber should be measured. Afterwards deduct about 0.12″ from the obtained width.
For the height, measure the glass pane height with the sealing rubber and add about 0.39″.

Window frame fit

For the width, measure the glass pane width including the sealing rubber and add up to 1.2” projection per side to prevent light gaps on the sides. Be aware of the position of your window handle as min. 0.2’’ of space between the fabric and handle should be left.
For the height, simply measure the height of the whole window frame and add up to 2’’ for a more comfortable assembly and use.

Side note: Drill or no-drill plays no role as measuring is identical within the fitting category.

Cleaning made easy

When wondering how to clean pleated shades and if pleated shades are easy to clean, we’re here to take all worries away with a step-by-step guide:

Slight dirt or dust:

First: Delicately sweep away potential dust using a dry brush. With cellular shades, dust inside the cells can be easily removed with a hair dryer on the cold setting.

Next: Mix a mild detergent with some lukewarm water and gently blot the affected zone using a soft, non-fuzzy cloth. Avoid rubbing.

For stubborn dirt (e.g. insect stains):

Remove dust with a dry brush or hair dryer.
Create a solution using a delicate fabric detergent not exceeding 30ºC (approximately 85ºF).
Fully close the pleated shade and immerse it in the solution, swirling carefully.
Rinse the shade with clear water, giving it a gentle squeeze to drain excess moisture.
Hang the shade closed for 12-16 hours to air dry. We recommend opening and closing it occasionally to prevent the individual pleats from clinging together.

Et voilà – restored to its original glory!