Understanding Graber Window Shades: Premium Custom Solutions for Every Home
Graber window shades are premium custom window treatments manufactured by Springs Window Fashions, a company with over 85 years of expertise since 1939. These shades combine innovative design, energy efficiency, and child safety features with a limited lifetime warranty.
Quick Overview: What Makes Graber Shades Stand Out
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Custom Design | Tailored to your exact window measurements and style preferences |
| Energy Efficiency | Cellular shades with honeycomb design trap air for maximum insulation |
| UV Protection | Solar shades block up to 95% of harmful UV rays (5% openness fabrics) |
| Safety Options | Cordless, motorized, and UltraLite lift systems eliminate cord hazards |
| Eco-Friendly | 40+ performance fabrics including 100% ocean-recycled PET materials |
| Lifetime Warranty | Limited lifetime coverage from installation throughout product life |
When you’re selecting window treatments for your Rhode Island home, the choices can feel overwhelming. Graber offers a comprehensive range of indoor window treatments—including cellular, roller, solar, Roman, and sheer shades, as well as custom blinds and draperies—each designed for specific needs like light control, privacy, insulation, or maintaining indoor comfort. The brand distinguishes itself through innovative lift systems like the UltraLite mechanism that requires just the lightest touch, motorization options for convenience and safety, and sustainable fabric collections made from recycled materials.
Solar shades excel at blocking heat and glare while maintaining your view, making them ideal for home offices and entertainment rooms. Cellular shades feature a distinctive honeycomb-shaped cell design that traps air for superior insulation and energy savings. Roller shades provide a clean, modern aesthetic with 68 new exclusive fabric designs ranging from simple to bold.
I’m Jean Hauser, owner and president of The Color House, Rhode Island’s premier source for custom window treatments including our full line of Graber window shades. For over two decades, I’ve helped homeowners navigate the selection process to find the perfect balance of style, function, and energy efficiency for their unique spaces.
Exploring the Versatility of Graber Indoor Window Treatments
When we talk about graber window shades and blinds, we aren’t just talking about simple indoor window treatments. We are talking about over 85 years of engineering excellence. Since 1939, Graber has been a leader in the industry, and their current lineup is more versatile than ever. Whether you are looking to save on your heating bill in a drafty Cranston colonial or trying to protect your hardwood floors from the harsh afternoon sun in Middletown, there is a Graber solution designed specifically for that purpose.
The Insulation Powerhouse: Cellular Shades
If we had to pick a “MVP” for Rhode Island winters, it would be Graber cellular shades. These shades feature a unique honeycomb-shaped cell design. This isn’t just for looks; those cells trap air, creating a powerful layer of insulation between your room and the window glass. This helps keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler during those humid Smithfield summers.
Beyond energy savings, cellular shades offer:
- UV Protection: They block harmful rays that can fade your expensive rugs and furniture.
- Versatile Opacity: You can choose from sheer to blackout, depending on how much light you want to let in.
- Sound Absorption: The honeycomb structure even helps dampen outside noise, making your home feel like a quiet sanctuary.
Solar vs. Roller: Making the Right Choice
One of the most common questions we get at The Color House is: “What is the difference between a solar shade and a roller shade?” While they look similar on the roll, they serve very different masters.
| Feature | Graber Solar Shades | Graber Roller Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | UV Protection & Glare Reduction | Privacy & Decorative Style |
| Visibility | Maintains your view of the outdoors | Provides total privacy (if using opaque fabric) |
| Material | Technical mesh with “openness” levels | Wide variety of 68+ new designer fabrics |
| Best For | Sunrooms, kitchens, and home offices | Bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas |
Choosing between the two depends on your “view” of the world—literally! If you have a beautiful backyard in North Kingstown that you want to see while blocking 95% of UV rays, go with an indoor solar shade (the 5% openness fabric is a fan favorite for this). If you want to block the neighbor’s view of your living room while adding a pop of color or a bold pattern, Graber Window Treatments in the roller category are your best bet.
Innovative Features of graber window shades
Graber doesn’t just stop at high-quality fabrics; they lead the way in how you interact with your shades. Gone are the days of wrestling with tangled cords or shades that won’t stay level.
- UltraLite Lift System: This is a game-changer. It allows you to raise and lower even large shades with the lightest touch. It’s smooth, quiet, and holds the shade exactly where you want it without any extra adjustments. It’s so quiet it won’t even wake a sleeping baby (or a napping spouse!).
- Motorization: For the ultimate in convenience, motorized graber window shades allow you to control your light with a remote, a smartphone app, or even your voice. It’s perfect for those hard-to-reach windows or for setting “scenes” where all your shades close at sunset automatically.
- Smart Pull with Wand: This system features a retractable cord that stays at a constant length. A simple pull on the wand lowers the shade smoothly, and a slight tug raises it. It’s elegant and, most importantly, safe.
Speaking of safety, the Window Covering Safety Council strongly recommends cordless options for any home with children or pets. We always advocate for Blinds Shades that eliminate the strangulation hazards posed by traditional cords.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable graber window shades
We know our Rhode Island community cares deeply about the environment—after all, we live in the Ocean State! Graber has stepped up with their Eco-Performance Solar Shades collection. This collection features over 40 performance fabrics, including options made from 100% ocean-recycled PET and 100% consumer-recycled materials. These shades aren’t just good for the planet; they are also antimicrobial and contribute to a healthier indoor environment. You can learn more about choosing sustainable options in our Window Treatment Showroom Ultimate Guide.
Visualizing Your Custom Window Design
We understand that it can be hard to imagine how a specific fabric will look in your actual room. That’s why we love the Graber Visualizer tool. You can simply upload a photo of your own window and “try on” different graber window shades virtually.
If you prefer a more tactile experience, you can use the Graber Visualizer Tool online or visit us at any of our Window Treatments RI locations to see full-size displays and feel the fabrics for yourself. We even offer free swatches so you can see how the color looks in your home’s specific lighting.
Selecting and Installing Your Custom Graber Treatments
The difference between “okay” window treatments and “wow” window treatments often comes down to the measurement and installation. Because graber window shades and blinds are custom-made to the 1/8th of an inch, precision is key.
The Importance of Professional Measurement
While you can download measuring worksheets to get a “ballpark” idea, we always recommend professional measurement for the final order. A window that looks square often isn’t! Our experts check for:
- Depth: Ensuring there is enough room for an inside mount.
- Obstructions: Checking for window cranks, handles, or molding that might interfere with the shade’s movement.
- Squareness: Measuring diagonally to ensure the shade will hang perfectly straight.
Once your shades are crafted, they are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty covers the product from the moment of installation throughout its life, ensuring your investment is protected. For those concerned about safety standards, you can review the Graber Product Cord Safety Sheet for detailed information on how Graber meets and exceeds safety regulations.
Safety and Convenience with Cordless Technology
As of 2024, the industry has moved heavily toward cordless standards to protect our little ones and furry friends. Graber has been a pioneer in this movement. Cordless lift systems aren’t just safer; they offer a much cleaner, more modern look. There are no messy cords dangling in your window, allowing the beauty of the fabric to take center stage. Whether you choose a manual cordless lift or a motorized version, you are choosing peace of mind. You can explore more about these options on our Window Treatments page.
Expert Guidance at The Color House
At The Color House, we pride ourselves on being more than just a store. We are your neighbors. As a women-owned business with locations in North Kingstown, Cranston, Wakefield, Middletown, and Smithfield, we understand the unique styles and needs of Rhode Island homeowners.
We don’t just hand you a catalog and wish you luck. Our team provides:
- Individualized Service: We take the time to understand your style, your budget, and your functional needs.
- Expert Advice: With decades of experience, we can tell you which fabrics will hold up best in a high-humidity bathroom or which shades will provide the best blackout for a nursery.
- The Largest Inventory: We offer a personalized alternative to the big box stores, with a selection that truly reflects the best of what Graber has to offer.
Ready to transform your home with the perfect window treatments? Schedule a consultation with us today. Whether you are looking for the energy efficiency of cellular shades, the classic look of blinds, or the elegance of custom draperies, we are here to make the process brilliantly simple. Let us help you bring the quality and innovation of graber window shades into your home.
