Skylights are gorgeous architectural elements that flood your house with natural light, making it feel spacious and light. But this lovely light also carries the risk of glare, increased heat gain, and diminished privacy. Layered or zebra shades solve these problems, enabling you to keep your living area functional and comfortable while taking advantage of your skylights.

The Advantages of Layered Shades for Skylights

Layered shades provide several key benefits when used to cover skylights:

1. Precise Light Control

One of the most significant advantages of layered shades for skylights is the ability to control the amount of light entering your space precisely. The alternating sheer and opaque fabric strips allow you to adjust the shade to achieve your desired level of light filtration. Whether you want soft, diffused light for a relaxing ambiance or near-complete darkness for a midday nap, layered shades give you the power to customize the light levels in your room.

2. Adjustable Privacy

Skylights can sometimes make a room feel too exposed, especially in spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms where privacy is crucial. Layered shades offer a solution by providing an adjustable level of privacy. When the opaque strips overlap, they create a barrier that prevents unwanted eyes from peering in, giving you the seclusion you need. Conversely, when the sheer strips align, you can enjoy a sense of openness and connection to the outside world without compromising your privacy.

3. Energy Efficiency

In the summer, skylights can provide heat gain, which increases your air conditioner’s workload and drives up your energy costs. By acting as an insulating barrier between your interior space and the skylight, layered shades can help lessen this problem. Due to the alternating layers of fabric, your room will be more comfortable and energy-efficient. In addition to reducing heat loss in the winter, layered shades can help maintain a more consistent interior temperature all year.

4. UV Protection

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause fading and damage to your furniture, flooring, and artwork. Many layered shades offer additional protection for your priceless furniture by blocking harmful UV rays with their design. Layered shades protect your room from harsh UV rays, extending the life and aesthetic appeal of the interior design of your house.

5. Streamlined Aesthetics

Layered shades offer a clean, modern look that complements the skylights’ architectural appeal. Zebra shades’ sleek lines and minimalist design blend seamlessly with a variety of décor styles, from contemporary to transitional. By choosing layered shades for your skylights, you can enhance the overall aesthetic of your space while enjoying the functional benefits they provide.

Skylight Layered Shade Solutions

a close up phot of gray Graber Layered shades

When selecting layered shades for your skylights, consider the following options:

Frequently Asked Questions about Layered Window Shades

Yes, regular dusting or gentle vacuuming makes layered shades easy to maintain. Spot cleaning with a mild detergent solution can be done for deeper cleaning, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Yes, many motorized layered shades can be integrated with smart home systems, allowing control via voice commands, mobile apps, or automated schedules for customized scenes and routines.

High-quality layered shades that are properly installed and maintained can last several years, often up to a decade or more, depending on material quality, usage, and maintenance.

skylights in a room

Layered Shades: Your Skylight's Best Friend

Although skylights are amazing features that can completely change a space, they also bring special difficulties regarding energy efficiency, privacy, and light control. Zebra or layered shades are a creative way to appreciate the beauty of your skylights without sacrificing a cozy and practical living space.

At Made in the Shade, (MITS) Eastern Shore, we recognize how crucial it is to select the ideal window treatments for your skylights. Our knowledgeable staff is committed to assisting you in learning about the many benefits of layered shades and making the best decisions for your house.

Don’t let the challenges of managing light and privacy in your skylights hinder your enjoyment of these architectural marvels. Contact MITS Eastern Shore today to schedule a consultation and learn how layered shades can revolutionize your skylight experience, enhancing your space’s style and functionality.