Versatile horizontal fabric shades combine qualities of several window coverings

Horizontal fabric shades takes their look and function from three types of window covering - venetian blinds, roman shades and pleated shades.

"Our View Fabric Shades operate like a horizontal shade but look like a fabric roman shade," according to the Blinds Chalet website. "[They] can be raised and lowered as well as tilted like a horizontal blind. View Fabric Shades are made from print fabrics in linen and cloth designs."

Color choices for both solid and print shades include various shades of blue, brown, off-white, pink, green, gray and red.

Currently, the light-filtering and room-darkening insulating fabric shades are available with a special savings with a $25 mail in rebate on each shade ordered until December 17. A maximum of 10 shades may be ordered with the discount. A blinds rebate form can be downloaded from the Blinds Chalet website.

Both shades offer strong insulation that reduces heat loss in winter and solar heat gain in summer for a savings in the homeowner's energy costs. "Each fabric slat opens like a blind but offers the soft looks of a shade. The 1-inch cell compresses to allow a clear view [to outdoors]," the website states.

Both insulating blinds are GreenGuard certified for indoor air quality.