As the popularity of bamboo shades increases, hundreds of new bamboo patterns have emerged. Many of these patterns are unique; but when incorporated into a bamboo shade, these patterns also create a distinctive style and technical effect, which should be taken into consideration. These are most notably the amount of light, the level of privacy afforded and their technical performance. All of this has the same significance as the appearance.



The matchstick is among the most common kinds of bamboo used. These bamboo shades, whose name derives from the fact that they are as thin as matchsticks, are usually found in a few colors or in combination of two or more colors and will match any decorating scheme. Different thread colors can add some variety in matchbook bamboo shades. Keep in mind that because of the natural spacing that occurs between the “sticks", matchstick bamboo shades usually allow a lower level of privacy as well as light control. The combination of matchstick colors and threads, and the fact that they coordinate and are interchangeable, gives consumers a large selection of shades to choose from.

For example, where bamboo shades incorporate raw bamboo, as happens with tortoise shell bamboo shades, the beauty of the pattern is exaggerated by the larger sticks used in their fabrication, this in turn creates a color and decor scheme that can only be attained by using a natural product. More privacy and light control are available when using larger sticks in bamboo shades.

Natural bamboo "tubes" are included in the fabrication of bamboo shades, being consistent with the plant-derived natural look. Since these "tubes" have always been kept in their natural state, they appear to be a natural plant and usually have joined ends that make the sticks look longer. The combination of cuts and randomly placed sticks means a little less privacy and a reduction in the ability to control light especially when compared to other bamboo shades such as those mentioned previously that are made of tortoise shell bamboo. These bamboo shades add a different look in their beauty and style.

Because it is commonly acknowledged that a majority of consumers are mainly concerned about privacy and desire it, this bamboo shade incorporates a weed that provides privacy. This means the bamboo used in the bamboo shade must be woven in an overlapping fashion so that it reduces one's ability to see through the bamboo shade while increasing the ability to control the light, but still allows some natural light to filter into the room.

A different kind of bamboo shade is known as the grass weave shade. As their name would suggest these shades are not made from bamboo but from grass weaves, which are natural grasses, however, because of they are made from natural substances they are usually grouped together with bamboo shades. Grass weave shades are beautifully designed and have a pleasant appearance, but when compared to bamboo shades, fall short in their ability to provide privacy and light control.

When picking out bamboo shades, pay attention to appearance and the effect the shades create. It is redundant to say this, but the ornamental effect of the bamboo shade frequently comes first before the ability to manage light and managing privacy. Being aware that seclusion and light management are part of reason that you choose a bamboo shade, but sometimes you get less than what you need, although the window treatment business offers you an answer to this problem with blackout liners that give you privacy. These liners, which completely cover the exterior surface of the bamboo shade, increase the available choices of patterns and colors, with no decrease in functionality. There is an increasing popularity in the use of bamboo shades and grassweave shades, and it is expected even more people will use these in the future.

To be concise, you can still have your privacy and manage your lighting no matter what kind of design, textures and linings you choose, because there is so much variety. It's not surprising, then, that homeowners in the US and overseas increasingly choose bamboo shades for their windows.