Getting to the Bottom of the “-Ettes” Window Treatments
In the window treatment world, products are often categorized into four main types: blinds, shades, shutters, and drapes. From there, these categories branch out into subcategories, such as Roman shades, faux-wood blinds, genuine wood shutters, and others. It’s wonderful to have plenty of options when designing your home, but we understand that it can feel overwhelming at first glance! Take Hunter Douglas, for example. If you’re considering adding their shades to your home, you’ve most likely encountered the “-Ettes” collection. That is, the subcategory of products within the shade category. We break down each product to help you understand which style is the right investment for your home:

Silhouette® Sheer Shades
The leaders in light filtration, Hunter Douglas shades, are ideal for spaces that receive a lot of sunshine. Featuring S-shaped vanes that appear to “float” between light-diffusing front and back sheer panels, Silhouette® Sheer Shades enhance light, reduce glare, block harmful UV rays, and provide daytime privacy.
Known for: Light enhancement, glare reduction, daytime privacy, and 150+ fabric colors.
Pirouette® Sheer Shades
Featuring adjustable, softly contoured vanes paired with a light-diffusing back panel, Pirouette® Sheer Shades change shape on demand to control light in a magical way. Providing UV protection, privacy, and light control, these shades are ideal for those who want the benefits of a sheer shade combined with a stately, sculptural look.
Known for: Contoured vanes, light diffusion, UV protection, and 90+ fabric colors.
Luminette® Sheer Panels
Luminette® Sheer Panels are specifically designed for large windows. Engineered with light-diffusing sheer panels and integrated vertical vanes, they offer smooth operation and effortless light control. Capable of enhancing light and providing privacy, these sheer panels are ideal for covering sliding glass doors or other expansive areas of glass.
Known for: Vertical applications, light diffusion, 80+ fabric colors.
Duette® Cellular Shades
Duette® Cellular Shades feature a honeycomb construction that provides superior insulation at the glass, making them an energy-efficient powerhouse that can help reduce your energy bills over time. Capable of beautifully diffusing light, these shades are minimalist yet powerful.
Known for: Energy efficiency, a Federal Tax Credit of up to $1,200 on select styles, and 150+ fabric colors.
Vignette® Roman Shades
Modern and elegant, Vignette® Roman Shades are known for their supple, uniform folds gently cascading down a window. With no exposed rear cords, these shades are also excellent for homes with small children or pets. Their modern operating systems also make these shades excellent for contemporary homes.
Known for: Stately style, modern operating systems, uniform design, and 25+ fabric colors.
Sonnette® Roller Shades
If you love the energy efficiency of a cellular shade but want something more simplistic in design, then you’ll love Sonnette® Roller Shades. Offering excellent insulation and light control within one minimalist design, these shades sit beautifully at the window for a crisp, contemporary look.
Known for: Minimalist design, energy efficiency, light control, and 50+ fabric colors
Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Shades & More Near Albuquerque, New Mexico
The world of Hunter Douglas -Ette shades may be vast, but with this guide, we hope you were able to find a style that best fits your needs. Of course, our friendly team of experts is always happy to answer any questions you may have!
Ready to learn more? Please contact us at Blindscapes to schedule your consultation. Additionally, visit our promotions page for savings on Hunter Douglas products.
Blindscapes offers high-quality Hunter Douglas shades, shutters, blinds, operating systems, and more, all available for convenient online shopping. We proudly serve Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the surrounding areas.
