Updated January 27th, 2025. Originally published December 21, 2022.

Zebra blinds are an affordable window treatment alternating sheer and solid fabric, allowing a single shade to transition from ‘open’ to ‘close’. A zebra shade, often referred to as a transition shade, offers privacy, light control, and insulation.

Zebra blinds offer a range of prices, depending on factors like fabric choice, brand, and operating system. For smaller windows, you can expect to pay under $200 for an installed zebra shade, but for premium fabrics and larger windows, costs can easily surpass $1,000. We carry a wide selection of zebra shades, with options across various brands to fit every budget. The price ultimately depends on the size of your window or door, with larger openings naturally costing more.

The window size plays a major role in determining the cost, so bigger windows will result in a higher price tag. When deciding between a single zebra shade for a larger window or multiple shades for a multi-panel window, a single shade is usually more cost-effective. However, some people prefer multiple shades if they want more control, allowing them to raise or lower sections of the window independently for tailored light and privacy. Zebra blinds are a versatile option, perfect for everything from standard windows to sliding glass or French doors.

Read more about how much zebra blinds cost in South Florida

Zebra blinds are incredibly low-maintenance, making them a convenient choice for any space. Made from durable polyester fabrics, they’re resistant to wear and easy to clean. For minor stains, a quick spot clean is usually all you’ll need to keep them looking fresh. These shades are also great for keeping dust at bay—thanks to their design, zebra shades collect very little dust on a day-to-day basis, which means less frequent cleaning compared to other window treatments. With their minimal upkeep and lasting quality, zebra shades are both practical and stylish for any home or office.

Zebra shades can be raised all the way to the top of a window for a full unobstructed view. Unlike other see through shades, you can also have a zebra shade halfway up and still open and close the veins. No other shade gives you so much light control.

While zebra blinds are primarily designed to enhance style and functionality, they still offer some benefits when it comes to heat reduction. While they aren’t as effective as specialized heat-blocking window treatments, any shade, including zebra blinds, can help reduce heat and keep your space cooler. If heat reduction is a priority, room-darkening zebra shades are a better option compared to light-filtering versions, as they have thicker fabric layers that provide more insulation.

Zebra shades are made up of two alternating layers of fabric that switch between sheer and private, offering a balanced combination of light control and privacy. However, because of this unique design, achieving complete blackout—like you would with a single-layer roller shade—is not realistic. It’s possible for a small amount of light to slip through the gaps between the bands. That said, with the right fabric selection and a properly fitted bottom rail, room-darkening zebra shades can effectively keep a room dark enough for most needs, making them a great option for bedrooms or media rooms where light control is essential.

Zebra shades are one of our most popular shades for sliding glass doors. Depending on the size of your door, we can install them as one large shade over your slider, or we can break them up into multiple shades. Placing individual shades over the panels is an option for those who want to open part of the slider and leave the other half closed and the shade down.

Most of our zebra shades are fully private at night when in the closed position. A few of our fabrics are sheer and can be seen through in the closed position, so it’s best before you order to take a close look at all of our different fabrics and see what works for you.

We offer special self service pricing for those who want to install their own zebra shades. For those who have experience with installation brackets, it is possible to install your new zebra shades yourself. If you are comfortable installing but would rather not be responsible for the measurement and fit, we also offer a package where we measure and you receive an additional discount to install on your own. Learn more about our installation services for shades and blinds.