Ask the Expert: How Can Shade Fabrics Transform a Project?

First, consider color. The architect may have selected the perfect hue of reflective blue glazing, but if you select a white or light fabric for your shades, the glazing may end up looking greenish due to the iron content found in clear glass. That’s fine if that’s your desired effect, but if not, well, it’s less than ideal. It’s also important to consider how the shade will appear in relation to the spandrel glass, which is the glass between floors on a large building with a full-glass facade. That portion of glass is typically back-painted with silicone or ceramic frit so you can’t see through it. Will your shades complement or clash?

These considerations all relate to how the building looks from the outside. I call them out here since they too often get short shrift. The impact on the room’s aesthetic from the inside? The interior designer has typically thought about that at length. So be sure to contemplate both elements of the completed design when selecting shades.

Clearly, the shades you choose have a huge effect on the final appearance of a building. Putting in careful thought at the outset will help you select the shade that best complements the space—both inside and outside.