Old fashioned roller shades, a staple of Arts & Crafts period interiors, offer a timeless solution for privacy and shade – and they're just as relevant today! Cost-effective and practical, these shades were traditionally utilized to safeguard wood and textiles from sun damage while regulating room temperature throughout the seasons.
Despite their energy-saving benefits, the importance of window treatments like roller shades is often overlooked. For those who appreciate the simplicity of uncluttered windows yet desire occasional shade, discreet, inside-mounted roller shades prove to be an ideal choice. Particularly for rooms with intense sunlight exposure, such as west or south-facing windows, these shades not only protect curtains but also enhance sleep quality and bolster window insulation.
This energy-saving aspect of window treatments is often forgotten, but if you like the look of uncluttered windows and still need some shade from time to time, using discrete, inside-mounted roller shades are an excellent choice. If you have very strong sunlight coming through an unshaded west or south-facing window, shades can protect curtains, provide additional shade for sleeping and add to window insulation. An attractive and practical product in the spirit of the Arts & Crafts movement.
In keeping with the ethos of the Arts & Crafts movement, our roller shades seamlessly blend attractiveness with functionality. We also offer cord operated roller shades by using the bead and reel hardware. Below are samples of our stencils for a glimpse of our design offerings. Visit our stencil page for further inspirations.
ROLLER SHADES
Most shades are mounted within the window frame like this Classic Cotton - Ecru shade with our Blue Tree stencil. This style of mounting is called inside mount. This custom roller shade is a back roll that provides a close seal to the window.
This linen/cotton regular shade has a scalloped edge with matching gimp. The Iris border is in red and loden. It is front roll for a finished look.
The Classic Cotton - Ecru roller shade has the Large Aster stencil in red, dark red and antique gold with loden and blue. This classic old fashioned roller shade is a back roll with a pewter pull.
Here is a detail of our Small Gingko Border stencil in forest and mahogany on our Classic Cotton Light Blocking - White. Please note that this style of hemming is only for our light blocking fabrics due to the thickness of the fabrics.
This is a grouping of the Coffee Flower stencil on Naturals-Raw Linen. It is unusual to apply many stencils on a shade but our client plans to have this shade down most of the time, demonstrating how roller shades back in the 19th century were used to completely shade a room while providing a touch of whimsical design. Please see pricing for the coffee bean stencil on our flower stencil page
Shown here is a stenciled roller shade with the Iris Border stencil, in teal and forest and a coordinated guest towel.
How to order roller shades:
Ready to order your roller shades? Here’s a handy checklist to ensure we have all the information to prepare your estimate. Please send us an email at info@meltonworkroom.com with your information.
1. Measure the width and length of your window to within an eighth inch. Find some tips on measuring here.
2. Choose your fabric. Here is the link to order our roller shade fabric brochure. If you are considering a valance or curtains with your roller shades, order our fabric sample packet as it includes samples of our 100% linens along with the roller shade fabric brochure. Please note that mounting bracket hardware and traditional crochet pulls are included in the order. Many clients prefer inside mounting roller shades whenever possible, whether using light-diffusing or blackout fabrics. However, if you require maximum darkness, it's important to note that outside mounting roller shades might be necessary to reduce any glow that can occur around the fabric when mounted on your windows.
3. Decide if you want a front or back roll for your shades. Traditionally, shades have a back roll to minimize the space between the shade and any curtains. If you are using shades alone, you may want front rolling roller shades. If you will be adding curtains or a valance, you may want to choose a back roll.
4. Optional but highly enjoyable: Choose a stencil (view pricing on the stencil pages) by browsing through our collection. Pay attention to the details of the designs and explore the various ways they can be used. Refer to the design color card here and assemble any scheme that complements your interior.
View our stencil designs
5. Traditional crochet pulls are included, but you might want something special. Consider a shaped bottom edge for a vintage look on your roller shade, finished with a row of gimp.
View our roller shade pulls
6. When reviewing the price lists below, please ensure that you add 15 inches to the length of your window measurements for accurate pricing. This additional length is necessary to properly construct the roller shade. Please note that sizes in the shaded area are horizontally spliced. If you need assistance, feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to help you. Once we determine which roller shades you require, we will prepare an estimate for your review. Confirm your order with a 50% deposit, and you can expect to receive your shades in approximately 5 to 8 weeks, depending on the order.
7. While we have been offering most of our fabrics for nearly 30 years (including the Ann Wallace years), there may be, at times, slight differences in pattern, tone or color due to variations in new fabric lots, production changes and natural differences in the materials. If you are considering placing a large order or if you want to ensure that fabrics match across multiple rooms, please keep in mind these natural variations in our fabrics.
At any point in the process, feel free to call or email us. We’re here to help and we love hearing about your home!
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Shade fabrics
We have cotton and linen fabrics specially made for roller shades. We encourage you to order our roller shade fabric brochure (it’s free). We stencil on all these materials except the classic cotton - forest. Click here to view our roller shades fabrics.
Regular Roll/Back Roll
Scallop roller shade edge, Zig zag roller shade edge, & Traditional
Reverse Roll/Front Roll
Above, a rare vintage Arts & Crafts interior with roller shades and no curtains.