When a product is initially developed and first introduced to the marketplace, a few options are available but as demand grows for the product the features available increase accordingly. Imagine the time when automobiles were introduced and how ?bare bones? these early models were specially when compared to the present automobile. This kind of evolutionary process has also occurred in the window treatment industry; perhaps this process should be named revolutionary. Besides the many choices available, there exists a wide range of styles, designs and colors within each category. And when focusing on bamboo shades the availability of styles, colors and designs is varied and able to satisfy any decor demand. No wonder bamboo shades are so popular.



Modern decorative trends, which include bamboo shades as a part of the decorative scheme, have moved in the direction of the unconventional. Historically, the American consumer has chosen the traditional white when choosing a window treatment. While bamboo shades are available in white regardless of the ?stick? pattern, modern decor is calling for more unique patterns. This ?call? includes different types of stick materials as well as enhanced weaving and interlacing of threads.

Because the main component of a bamboo shade is the stick, bamboo suppliers have dedicated a lot of effort to stick design and coloring in order to create new decorative options and also in an effort to increase sales to consumers. Also, natural bamboo colors, such as the tortoise shell pattern once considered unpopular, has now regained popularity perhaps because of the human trend to feel close to the earth and the ecology movement. What once was considered scraps from bamboo shade fabrication is now useful materials being recycle due to new production techniques. When all these factors are added together, the end result has been an increase in colors and designs and a reduction of cost.

Under close examination, the one component that brings the bamboo shade together and makes it possible to perform as a functional product is the thread. Over the years, new threads have become more durable and able to withstand the rigors of exposure to the sun and natural elements thus improving the longevity of the bamboo shade and contributing to its popularity. Threads are also available in all colors thus improving the aesthetics of the bamboo shade. This expansion in the availability of colors has been a major contributor to the increase in popularity of the bamboo shade.

While on the subject of the thread, the new and modern weaving patterns have also revolutionized this product line. The old-fashioned woven wood of years past was held together by simple threads of strings in a simple, traditional weaving pattern; this contributed to the ?look alike? appearance, which was common among woven shades. Today's bamboo shades are distinguishably different due in large part by the weave of the thread in addition to its color as previously discussed. Also present in modern bamboo shades is the combination of threads which woven differently thus creating a totally different expression.

As modern methods of decoration continue to evolve, bamboo shades will remain a part of this evolution. Not only because bamboo shades offer a large variety of designs and colors in a specifically natural manner but also because the method of expression cannot be replicated with any other form of window treatment. It is the uniqueness of this product that will enhance our homes and offices for many years to come in addition to bringing a certain sense of peacefulness to any setting. In summary, bamboo shades are here to stay.