Custom roller shades Gatineau
Three families of roller shades: solar, blackout and translucent. Cut and sewn to size with an aluminum headrail or fascia.
A roller shade is simple: a length of fabric winds around a tube to uncover or cover the window. Our custom roller shades in Gatineau come in three fabric families, solar, blackout and translucent, cut and sewn to your dimensions with an aluminum headrail or a fascia.
The fabric you choose mostly decides how much light, privacy and view you keep. Here is how to sort it out.
Three families of fabric
Solar shades: less glare, view intact
Solar fabric is woven to reduce glare and heat while keeping the daylight and a view of the outdoors. It suits living rooms, offices and sun-exposed windows. Its openness ranges from 0.5% to 10%, which is the share of light passing through the weave.
- Lower openness (0.5%, 1%): tighter weave, less glare, more limited view.
- Higher openness (5%, 10%): more light and a clearer view.
Blackout shades: for sleeping, movies and privacy
Blackout fabric blocks the light passing through the material and gives full privacy. It is the usual choice for bedrooms, media rooms and nurseries. For the darkest result possible, the installation matters, so ask our team.
Translucent shades: soft, diffused light
Translucent fabric filters light gently and gives it a diffused look. It suits rooms where you want brightness without direct glare.
| Type | Light | View out | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar | Filtered, less glare | Yes, depending on openness | Living room, office |
| Blackout | Blocked | No | Bedroom, media room |
| Translucent | Soft and diffused | Limited | Rooms that want brightness |
Headrail, fascia and valance
- Aluminum headrail: durable and discreet.
- Fascia: a cleaner, more modern finish that dresses the top of the shade.
- Matching valance, on request: hides the mechanism and blends into the decor.
Controls: bead chain, spring or motor
The bead chain is the classic control. The spring lets you lift the shade with a light tug. The Somfy motor, wired or radio, works with a remote. For more, see our guide to motorized blinds.
Large windows and patio doors
Every roller shade is cut to your window’s exact dimensions. For a very wide opening, the possible width depends on the fabric: an advisor checks on site and, if needed, suggests splitting the opening across two shades. For a patio door, vertical blinds or sliding panels may suit better.
Roller shade, Roman shade or day-night?
A roller shade is straight and streamlined. A Roman shade folds into pleats and adds softness. A day-night blind combines two fabric bands, translucent and opaque. Our guide compares the first two.
How to choose your fabric
- What is the room for? Sleeping, working, entertaining, watching movies.
- Which way does the window face? A south-facing window may need a solar fabric with a low openness.
- Do you want to keep the view? If so, solar fabric is generally the one to consider.
- Do you need privacy at night? A blackout fabric, or two shades layered, may be the answer.
Made in Gatineau since 1984
Our shades are made in our Gatineau workshop. Lead time is 2 to 4 weeks. Fabrication is guaranteed for life and the mechanism for 5 years. On request, an advisor measures each window to the 1/8 inch, included in the quote. Our guide to measuring windows explains inside and outside mounts. Our guide to measuring for a roller shade goes further, with diagrams.
Tip: if you are unsure between two openness levels, compare the samples against the window itself in the showroom or at home, in the light the room actually gets.
Request your free quote
Request a free quote or contact us. Our showroom at 865 boulevard Maloney Est in Gatineau lets you compare fabrics in daylight.
- Shade types
- Solar, blackout, translucent
- Solar openness
- 0.5 %, 1 %, 3 %, 5 %, 10 %
- Dimensions
- Made to measure for your windows
- Headrails
- Aluminum, fascia
- Controls
- Bead chain, spring, motor
- Lead time
- 2 to 4 weeks
- Warranty
- Lifetime fabrication, 5-year mechanism
Look closer
What we get asked most
How do I choose between solar and blackout?
Solar filters glare and heat but keeps the view out. Good for living rooms and offices. Blackout blocks the light that passes through the fabric, for bedrooms, media rooms, and nurseries. A quick visit to the showroom helps you compare.
What does the openness percentage on a solar shade mean?
It is the share of light that passes through the weave. Depending on the fabric, it ranges from 0.5% to 10%. A lower number means a tighter weave: less glare, but a more limited view out. Looking at samples in the showroom helps you decide. We are happy to talk it through.
What is the difference between translucent and solar shades?
A translucent shade diffuses light and gives it a soft look; it is not primarily designed to cut glare. A solar shade is woven to reduce glare and heat while keeping a view outside. Depending on the room, the two can complement each other.
Will a blackout roller shade block all light?
A blackout fabric blocks light passing through the material. Some light may still show at the sides or between the frame and the shade, depending on the installation. We can advise on the best mount for your bedroom or media room.
What controls are available?
You can choose a bead chain, a spring or a motor. Somfy motorization, wired or radio, is available, which is handy on large windows. A matching valance is also available on request. Our advisors can explain each option.
What are the lead time and warranty?
Lead time is 2 to 4 weeks. Fabrication is guaranteed for life and the mechanism for 5 years. Every shade is cut to your window's dimensions; for a very wide opening, an advisor checks what your chosen fabric allows. Quotes are free.
Three steps, nothing more
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Showroom consultation
Tell us about the project. We show you fabrics and mechanisms in person. Free estimate.
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On-site measure + Gatineau workshop
We measure at your home, then cut and sew in our shop on Maloney Blvd East. No subcontractors.
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Installation
Our team installs, adjusts and walks you through care. Warranty on every install.
