on June 24, 2025
Zebra shades, Silhouette® shades, and Pirouette® shades share some similarities in look and function, but each has unique pros and cons. Let's break down their features to help you decide which one fits your needs best.
What are Zebra Shades?
Zebra shades, also called double roller shades or banded roller shades, feature alternating solid and sheer fabric bands. You can slide them to block or filter sunlight—adjust the overlap to control how much light enters your room. When the solid front bands overlap the sheer back bands, they work like blackout shades for privacy and sun protection. When the front and back stripes align, sunlight gently brightens your space.
What are Silhouette® Shades?
Silhouette® shades are a type of sheer shade from Hunter Douglas, and this style is the most common design among sheer shades available today. These shades have three layers: sheer front and back fabrics with soft fabric vanes floating between them. You can tilt the vanes open for sunlight and views, or close them completely for privacy. However, you need to lower the shade all the way down before adjusting the vanes. These vanes can’t be tilted as they run up and down.
What are Pirouette® Shades?
Pirouette® shades are another style of sheer shades from Hunter Douglas, available only from this brand. They pair front fabric vanes with a sheer backing. You can lower the shade and adjust the vane shapes to welcome natural light or shield your space—no extra layers needed!
How to Choose Between Them?
Still unsure? Consider these factors before buying:
Light Control
All the three window shades manage light well, but Zebra shades win for simplicity. You can adjust their fabric bands at any height, but Silhouette® and Pirouette® shades need to be fully lowered first. Zebra shades also allow you to control the amount of light entering your room by adjusting how the bands overlap. However, the fabric vanes of Silhouette® shades can’t be tilted to different angles.
When compared to Silhouette®, Pirouette® shades offer a clearer outside view thanks to their single-layer sheer. Plus, their fabric vanes can be shaped in different ways to create various looks and light level.
Ranking: Zebra＞Pirouette®＞Silhouette®
Easy to Maintain and Clean
You can easily clean zebra shades with a soft cloth or sponge. In contrast, Silhouette® shades require a vacuum, hair dryer, or compressed air to remove dust and insects on the vanes. However, Pirouette® shades are a bit different—they can’t be cleaned with a hair dryer or compressed air. If needed, you can call in a professional for cleaning. For regular maintenance, simply dust them or spot-clean to keep them looking their best.
Ranking: Zebra＞Silhouette®＞Pirouette®
Budget-Friendly
Zebra shades are the most wallet-friendly, with straightforward mechanics keeping costs down. Silhouette® shades hit a mid-range sweet spot—balancing features and value. Pirouette® shades command a premium for their exclusive design and innovative appearance, placing them as a luxury investment.
Ranking: Zebra＞Silhouette®＞Pirouette®
Modern Look
Pirouette® shades lead with their sculpted vanes and gallery-worthy depth, creating striking light patterns that elevate contemporary spaces. Silhouette® shades bring refined elegance through their layered softness, complementing both classic and transitional decors. Zebra shades offer clean, minimalist appeal through their tailored stripes—versatile but less visually dynamic than the others.
Ranking: Pirouette®＞Silhouette®＞Zebra
Effortless Control
All three offer corded, cordless, and motorized options, but zebra shades excel with their intuitive one-touch operation: simply raise/lower the bottom rail to adjust height and light simultaneously. Both Silhouette® and Pirouette® shades function similarly but require full lowering before tilting vanes.
For cordless shades, Pirouette® shades are the most complex to operate. Both zebra and Silhouette® shades are easier to handle—you can simply pull or push the bottom rail to adjust them. Pirouette® shades, however, require a wand that involves a few more steps to adjust the shade.
Ranking: Zebra＞Silhouette®＞Pirouette®
So, Which is Best?
It depends! Prioritize light control ease & budget? Go Zebra. Want the clearest view & modern look? Pirouette® shines. Need a balance of features? Silhouette® sheer shades are a solid middle ground. Consider what matters most in your space!
