What is a zebra blind?
A zebra blind, also called a day-night or dual shade, is a roller shade made from one continuous loop of fabric with alternating sheer and solid horizontal bands. As you adjust it, the two layers slide past each other. Line the sheer bands up and light filters through; offset them so solid covers sheer and you get privacy.
Why people love them
Zebra blinds give you something a regular roller shade cannot: control without raising the shade. On a short December afternoon in Moncton or Dartmouth you can let filtered light pour in while the street still cannot see your living room. At night, one pull and the room is private.
They also look sharp. The banded fabric has a modern, layered texture that suits newer homes, condos and townhouses, which is why we fit a lot of them in places like Dieppe, Bedford South, Paradise and Stratford.
What zebra blinds do well, and what they do not
Do well
- Daytime privacy with filtered light
- A modern, tailored look
- Easy, intuitive operation
- Fit in tight window frames (slim headrail)
- Motorize beautifully
Do not do well
- True blackout. Even "blackout" zebra fabrics leave light through the gaps between bands and at the edges. For a bedroom you want dark, choose a blackout roller or blackout cellular instead, or add a blackout layer behind.
- Insulation. Two thin layers of fabric help a little. Cellular helps a lot.
- Very large windows. Over about 2.4 m wide the fabric gets heavy and the bands can bow. Two shades side by side works better.
We say this plainly because the most common complaint we hear about zebra blinds bought elsewhere is "I thought they would be dark." Set the right expectation and they are one of the most satisfying products we make.
Options
- Band width: narrow bands for a finer, subtler texture; wide bands for a bolder look and more light per opening
- Fabric: light-filtering, semi-blackout, textured linen-look, wood-grain effect
- Top treatment: open roll, square cassette, or curved cassette
- Operation: continuous loop chain (tensioned for child safety), cordless spring, or motorized
Where zebra blinds work best
- Living rooms and family rooms
- Street-facing front rooms
- Home offices
- Condos and townhouses
- Kitchens and dining rooms
Frequently asked questions
Are zebra blinds good for privacy?
Yes, during the day zebra blinds give excellent privacy when the solid bands cover the sheer bands. At night with lights on inside, some light and faint shapes may show through the small gaps, so for street-facing bedrooms consider a blackout roller or cellular shade.
Are zebra blinds blackout?
No, not fully. Even blackout zebra fabrics let light through the small gaps between bands and at the sides. They are best described as room-darkening at most. For a truly dark bedroom, choose blackout roller or blackout cellular shades with side channels.
Zebra blinds or roller shades: which is better?
Zebra blinds are better if you want to adjust light and privacy without raising the shade. Roller shades are better for blackout, very large windows and the cleanest look. See our full comparison: zebra blinds vs roller shades.
How much do zebra blinds cost?
Custom zebra blinds typically cost about $250 to $520 per window installed in Canada, depending on size, fabric and band style. Cassettes and motorization add to the price.
Can zebra blinds be motorized?
Yes. Zebra blinds motorize very well, and motorized zebra blinds can be set to open to the "sheer" position each morning and close to "private" each evening on a schedule.
Do zebra blinds keep heat in?
A little, because there are two layers of fabric. They do not insulate nearly as well as cellular shades, so for cold or drafty rooms we recommend cellular.
How do I clean zebra blinds?
Dust with a microfibre cloth or a vacuum on low with a brush. Spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak the fabric.
Pairs well with: Roller shades · Motorized blinds · Privacy solutions Read next: Zebra blinds vs roller shades