Zebra Blinds, Adjustable Light Without Layers

Zebra blinds, also known as double roller or day-and-night blinds, use alternating sheer and solid fabric bands
to give precise control over light and privacy using a single blind.

Instead of choosing between open or closed, zebra blinds let you fine-tune the room.
Align the sheer bands for soft daylight and outward visibility, or overlap the solid bands for privacy and glare control.
One blind. Continuous adjustment.

• Best for: living rooms, bedrooms, apartments, modern homes, offices
• Primary benefit: adjustable privacy without adding curtains
• Key decision: correct fabric density and mounting method

Last updated: 27 January 2026

How zebra blinds work

Zebra blinds consist of a continuous loop of fabric with alternating transparent and opaque horizontal bands.
As the blind moves, these bands shift relative to each other.

• Sheer bands aligned: daylight enters, outward visibility maintained
• Solid bands aligned: privacy and glare control
• Blind raised: clear window opening

This system allows fine control without needing two separate blinds or additional window coverings.

Where zebra blinds work best

• Living rooms needing adjustable daylight
• Bedrooms where privacy matters more than darkness
• Modern apartments with clean interior lines
• Home offices requiring glare control for screens
• Street-facing rooms needing daytime privacy

Comfort logic:
Zebra blinds are about balance.
They soften light and manage privacy without visually closing the room.

Recess-fit vs face-fix for zebra blinds

Recess-fit (inside the window)

Recess-fit gives a clean, built-in look when the window reveal is deep and square.
Because zebra blinds have a fabric stack, depth is important.

• Best for modern, deep window reveals
• Minimal appearance
• Requires sufficient depth for smooth operation

Face-fix (over the window)

Face-fix improves privacy coverage and hides uneven frames.
It is often the safer option where recess depth is limited.

• Better privacy coverage
• Hides imperfect frames
• More forgiving on older homes

What makes a zebra blind feel premium

Fabric quality

• Even stripe alignment without distortion
• Stable hang with minimal waviness
• Balanced transparency and privacy

Hardware and control

• Smooth chain operation
• Consistent rolling and alignment
• Neat brackets and finishes

Correct measurement

• Accurate width to prevent edge gaps
• Correct drop so stripes align properly
• Allowance for handles and opening direction

Zebra blinds FAQs

Are zebra blinds the same as double roller blinds?
Yes. In this context, double roller refers to the alternating fabric design of zebra blinds,
not two separate blinds on one bracket.

Do zebra blinds block out light completely?
No. Zebra blinds manage light and privacy but do not provide full blockout.
They are not suitable where complete darkness is required.

Are zebra blinds suitable for bedrooms?
Yes, when privacy and light control are the priority.
For sleep or media rooms requiring darkness, blockout roller blinds are more suitable.

Can zebra blinds be fitted inside the window?
Yes, if the recess is deep enough.
Shallow or uneven recesses may require face-fix installation.

Are zebra blinds difficult to maintain?
No. They require light dusting or gentle cleaning with a soft, dry cloth.
Avoid over-wetting or harsh chemicals.

Technical overview

• Category: Indoor window coverings
• System: Single blind with alternating sheer and solid fabric bands
• Mounting: Recess-fit or face-fix
• Controls: Chain or motor (range dependent)
• Key risks if mis-specified: Insufficient privacy, shallow recess fit, stripe misalignment
• Best practice: Choose by room use and light behaviour, not appearance alone

Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings™ specifies and installs zebra blinds based on room outcome,
window construction, and usage requirements. Product options vary by specification and availability.