Window shades

Roller Shades, Roman Shades, Cellular Shades, Woven Wood, Solar, Vertical and even Zebra Shades fully custom designed for your home.

*Hunter Douglas Certified Dealer

We do shades…

Urban Environments is a full scale design atelier once located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park for 13 years, but now operating digitally with more offerings in more areas. Offering in-home consultations and all of our services, to the Chicagoland & Minneapolis areas, and digital consultations and offerings nation wide.

Our offerings include the Hunter Douglas brand, along with fabrication services of custom drapery, roman shades, upholstery (fabrication of pillows, cushions, ottomans, headboards, and more) and re-upholstery services. Our offerings would not be complete without our curated collections of textiles, drapery hardware, and both commercial and residential wallcoverings. We offer professional measure and installation services for all products to help streamline and ensure your project is fabricated at the custom sizes.

Please contact us by email or phone to let us assist you in all your window treatment, interior design, upholstery, and home organization needs. We are available Monday through Friday 8 am – 6 PM, and Saturday by appointment.

I highly recommend Kim and her team! I have worked with Kim on multiple projects over the last 9 years. I am an interior designer and she has played a crucial role in several of my client's projects. Kim has a great eye for design, has so much knowledge on all things window treatment related, is very responsive and always follows through. She is full of energy and a delight to work with. Don't hesitate to hire Kim and her team!

Lugbill Designs

Urban Environments has been such a pleasure working with on a client project on the north side of Chicago. Kim and the team bring professionalism and kindness into each aspect of the project from providing design ideas and coordination of install day. My client's words to describe the finished product were "breathtaking" from the family room roman shades and tall sliding door draperies. The master bedroom also had flat romans and one set of drapery that is truly stunning. LID Chicago will continue to work with the UE team and is looking forward to future projects with them. Thanks again!!

{lid} Chicago

They were fantastic. We had a particularly tricky job, fitting drapery into pockets that were quite tight, and not all even throughout the same room. They came up with creative solutions and then installed everything quickly and flawlessly. I liked how they were very keen to incorporate my wishes and make me happy, but also had useful professional opinions to share in order to create the best final result. I would HIGHLY recommend them. Great communicators and also just lovely people!

Melissa Quinn

Window Shade Roundup: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Needs

Window shades offer a stylish and functional way to manage light, privacy, and insulation in your home. But with so many options, choosing the right type can be overwhelming. Here’s a quick overview of popular shades to help you navigate:

Roller Shades: Simple and affordable, these shades roll up and down on a roller mechanism. They come in various materials like vinyl, fabric, and solar screen, offering light filtering to blackout capabilities.

Cellular Shades: Also known as honeycomb shades, these feature pleated fabric pockets that trap air, providing excellent insulation and noise reduction. They come in light filtering and blackout options, and some have cordless designs for child safety.

Roman Shades: These fabric shades fold up accordion-style when raised, adding a classic and elegant touch to windows. They offer light filtering to blackout options and come in various fabrics and patterns to match your decor.

Woven Wood Shades: Made from natural materials like bamboo or jute, these shades bring a warm, organic feel to your space. They filter light while offering varying degrees of privacy.

Solar Shades: Specifically designed to block UV rays and heat, these shades are ideal for sun-drenched rooms. They offer various openness factors, allowing some light in while controlling glare and heat gain.

Vertical Shades: Typically made from fabric vanes, these shades operate like blinds, rotating open and closed for light control and privacy. They’re well-suited for sliding glass doors or large windows.

Zebra Shades: Combining sheer and opaque stripes, these shades offer unique light control by alternating the stripes. They provide privacy when closed and light filtering when open, creating a modern and playful look.

Additional Considerations:

Light control: Blackout shades block all light, while light filtering shades offer varying degrees of transparency. Consider your privacy and light needs for each room.
Material: Fabric shades offer a softer look, while vinyl or roller shades are more water-resistant and easier to clean.
Operation: Cordless shades are safer for homes with children and pets, while motorized shades offer ultimate convenience.
Energy efficiency: Cellular shades and solar shades provide excellent insulation, potentially reducing your energy bills.

Remember, the best window shade for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like light control, privacy, style, budget, and functionality when making your choice.