Vertishades® — Sheer Vertical Blinds
The elegance of a sheer curtain. The precision of a blind. One system that replaces both. Professionally measured and installed across the Garden Route.
What are sheer vertical blinds and how do they compare to curtains?
- Sheer vertical blinds (also called allusion blinds, luminette sheers, or curtain voile blinds) combine soft fabric vanes with a rotating vertical mechanism that shifts from sheer to opaque in a single movement
- Each vane has two layers: a translucent sheer face and an opaque backing. Rotate the vanes for filtered light, angled privacy, or complete blockout, all from one blind
- They replace a traditional curtain-and-sheer combination with a single system. Less fabric, one track, lower cost, and far better light control
- Walk-through design: pass through the individual vanes at any point without drawing the blind aside. Ideal for sliding doors, stacking doors, and room dividers
- Available in two ranges: Vertishades Luxury (five colours, free-walk fabric, no weights or chains) and Vertishades Opulence (integrated weaving, stiffer drape, two colours)
- Garden Route consultation and installation by Duncan Kane. WhatsApp 079 523 5407 for a site visit
Garden Route homes: WhatsApp Duncan for a free consultation
You wanted the softness of sheers and the privacy of curtains. You should not have to choose between them.
Vertishades give you both. In one blind.
“Vertishades are the product I recommend when a client says they want curtains but need blinds. The sheer-to-opaque rotation gives you everything a curtain and sheer combination does, in a single system, at a lower price point, with better light control.”
Duncan KaneFounder, Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings
What are Vertishades and how do they work?
Vertishades are a modern hybrid window treatment that sits somewhere between a vertical blind and a flowing curtain. Each individual vane features two fabric layers: a translucent sheer face that filters soft light, and an opaque backing that blocks it. A simple twist of the operating wand rotates every vane between three positions: fully sheer for gentle filtered light, angled for privacy with daylight, or fully closed for complete blockout.
Unlike traditional vertical blinds with rigid PVC slats, Vertishades use soft woven polyester vanes that move with the air and drape naturally. The result looks and feels like a flowing curtain but delivers the precision light control of a blind. When stacked to the side, the vanes fold tighter than curtains, maximising window exposure and letting you enjoy the view.
The Luxury range uses a free-walk fabric with no weights or chains. You can pass through the vanes at any point, whether they are open or closed. They sway aside and settle back perfectly. This makes Vertishades ideal for sliding doors, stacking doors, and any opening where you move between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Two ranges: Vertishades Luxury and Vertishades Opulence
Vertishades Luxury
The Luxury range uses a delicate, free-flowing fabric that hangs beautifully without weights or chains. You can walk through the vanes at any point. Available in five colours: White, Stone, Fawn, Lindt (a warm chocolate), and Black. The fabric is 100% polyester with a semi-blockout shading effect. Maximum width of 5,198mm on a single vertical track. Maximum drop of 3,000mm, with higher drops available on request. The solid-to-sheer repeat is 120mm to 160mm. Three-year warranty.
Vertishades Opulence
The Opulence range uses an integrated weaving technique with non-woven fabrics, creating a stiffer, more structured drape. The vanes are more sculptural than the Luxury range, offering a contemporary, architectural feel. Available in two colours: Aluminium and White. Same 100% polyester composition, semi-blockout shading, and 5,198mm maximum width on a single track. The solid-to-sheer repeat is 98mm to 128mm, creating a tighter pattern. Three-year warranty.
Vertishades Luxury vs Opulence at a glance
| Feature | Luxury | Opulence |
|---|---|---|
| Drape style | Soft, free-flowing | Structured, architectural |
| Walk-through | Yes, free-walk | Stiffer vanes, less fluid |
| Colours | White, Stone, Fawn, Lindt, Black | Aluminium, White |
| Fabric | 100% polyester | 100% polyester, integrated weave |
| Shading | Semi-blockout | Semi-blockout |
| Max width (single track) | 5,198mm | 5,198mm |
| Max drop | 3,000mm (higher on request) | 3,000mm |
| Solid-sheer repeat | 120mm to 160mm | 98mm to 128mm |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
Why choose sheer vertical blinds over traditional curtains?
A traditional sheer-and-curtain combination requires two layers of fabric, two tracks, and significant wall space for stacking when open. Vertishades replace both layers with a single system. The sheer-to-opaque rotation happens within the same vane, eliminating the need for separate window treatments.
The cost advantage is meaningful. Less fabric, one track, one set of brackets, and faster installation. For a standard sliding door opening, Vertishades typically come in below the price of a quality curtain-and-sheer combination, with better light control and a slimmer profile when stacked.
Practically, individual vanes clip on and off the headrail for cleaning. Children and pets can pass through the Luxury range without damage. The slim stack means more glass is exposed when the vanes are drawn aside. And the wand operation is child-safe by design, with no dangling cords or chains.
Where do Vertishades work best?
Sliding doors and stacking doors. The vanes draw and stack to the side, giving full access to the opening. With the Luxury range, you can walk through at any point without moving the entire treatment. This is the product’s strongest application and the one Duncan recommends most often for Garden Route homes with indoor-outdoor living.
Large picture windows. Wide expanses benefit from the continuous sheer look when the vanes are open, with full privacy when closed. The fluid drape avoids the segmented, commercial appearance of standard vertical blinds.
Open-plan living areas. The soft, neutral aesthetic works across contemporary and classic interiors. The fabric moves gently with airflow, adding texture and life that a flat roller blind cannot match.
Bedrooms. The opaque position provides genuine light block for sleeping, while the sheer position lets morning light in gently. For complete zero-light conditions, a pelmet can be added to seal the top edge.
Room dividers. Vertishades can be mounted on a ceiling track to divide open-plan spaces. The walk-through design means you pass between areas without operating the blind.
How do Vertishades compare to other window treatments?
| Compared to | Vertishades advantage |
|---|---|
| Curtains & sheers | Single system, less bulk, lower cost, better light control, child-safe |
| Vertical blinds | Softer fabric, sheer-to-opaque rotation, more elegant drape, walk-through |
| Roller blinds | Walk-through access, no full-raise needed, better for wide openings |
| Zebra / day-night blinds | Better for sliding doors, individual vane access, side-stacking |
Can Vertishades be motorised?
Yes. Somfy motorisation can be integrated for automated operation, scheduled control, and app-based management via the Somfy myLink or TaHoma system. Motorisation is particularly useful for wide openings and high-mounted installations where manual operation is impractical. The motorised system rotates the vanes and draws them open or closed. Duncan specifies and installs all Somfy automation for Vertishades on the Garden Route.
How are Vertishades installed on the Garden Route?
Duncan visits your home to assess the windows, measure precisely, and discuss fabric options. He brings samples of both the Luxury and Opulence ranges so you can see the fabric in your own light conditions. Once you approve the specification, the blinds are manufactured to your exact measurements and installed by the Custom Blinds team. The entire process, from first visit to installation, typically takes two to three weeks depending on the scope of the project.
Vertishades are available for homes in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield, George, Wilderness, Mossel Bay, and surrounding Garden Route areas. WhatsApp Duncan on 079 523 5407 to book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions about sheer vertical blinds
Are sheer vertical blinds the same as allusion blinds?
Yes. Allusion is a brand name used by Louvolite for the same product category. Luxaflex calls their version Luminette Privacy Sheers. Custom Blinds supplies Vertishades, our own range of sheer vertical blinds, in Luxury and Opulence fabrics. The operating principle is the same: rotating fabric vanes that shift between sheer and opaque.
Are Vertishades suitable for sliding doors?
Vertishades are one of the best options for sliding and stacking doors. The individual vanes allow walk-through access at any point (Luxury range), and they stack neatly to the side for full opening. Maximum single-track width of 5,198mm covers most residential door openings.
Can Vertishades be motorised?
Yes. Somfy motorisation can be integrated for automated operation, scheduled control, and app-based management. Contact Duncan to discuss motorisation options for your Garden Route home.
How do I clean Vertishades?
Individual vanes clip on and off the headrail for easy removal. They can be gently hand-washed or professionally cleaned. For regular maintenance, a light vacuum with a soft brush attachment keeps the fabric dust-free.
Do Vertishades provide full blackout?
When the opaque vanes are fully closed, Vertishades provide strong light block comparable to a blockout curtain. For complete zero-light conditions, a pelmet can be added to seal the top edge.
What colours are available?
Vertishades Luxury: White, Stone, Fawn, Lindt (warm chocolate), and Black. Vertishades Opulence: Aluminium and White. Duncan brings fabric samples to your home during the consultation.
How much do Vertishades cost compared to curtains?
Vertishades typically cost less than a combined curtain-and-sheer installation because they replace two systems with one. Less fabric, one track, simpler installation. Pricing depends on width, drop, and fabric choice. Duncan provides a detailed quote during the site visit.
Where can I get Vertishades installed?
Vertishades are available for Garden Route homes in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield, George, Wilderness, Mossel Bay, and surrounding areas. WhatsApp Duncan on 079 523 5407 to book a free consultation.
Explore more indoor blinds:
All Blinds · Zebra & Double Roller · Indoor Blinds SA · Vertical Blinds · Honeycomb Blinds · Venetian Blinds · Automation
Book a Vertishades consultation
Duncan visits your home with fabric samples. See both Luxury and Opulence ranges in your own light.
Custom Blinds® is a Garden Route window covering specialist established in 2010, serving Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield, Wilderness, Mossel Bay, and surrounding areas. Vertishades® sheer vertical blinds are available in Luxury and Opulence ranges with professional measurement and installation. We also supply roller blinds, honeycomb blinds, venetian blinds, and no-drill blinds nationally via shop.customblinds.co.za.
