The Draper story begins in 1902. Luther O. Draper saw the problem of the sun’s heat and glare in schools—the largest buildings in most communities at that time. He addressed that problem by making and selling spring-roller window shades in Spiceland, Indiana, 40 miles east of Indianapolis.

Today, Draper is still owned and operated by Luther Draper’s descendants and manufactures all its window shades in Spiceland, Indiana. Draper FlexShades are used in commercial, educational, and residential markets, and the company is one of the country’s largest manufacturers of window shades. Draper interior solar control products include manual and motorized shades, recessed shades and a wide variety of control options, including radio control, IR and building automation interfaces.

After 109 years in the business, Draper is now introducing the company’s first exterior solar control products.

Exterior Solar Shades stop heat and glare outside, before they enter the window. They offer protection for windows, while preventing most solar energy from entering the building for maximum solar heat gain reduction. This also helps protect furnishings and floor coverings from fading.

Motorized Draper Exterior FlexShades can be quickly and quietly positioned to block unwanted sunlight and heat with numerous control options, including wall switches or IR or Radio Frequency remote control. The control of your shades can also be integrated seamlessly into existing home automation systems. In addition, controls to react to changing wind and brightness conditions are also available. Heavy-duty cable guides or side channels secure the shade fabric against wind and weather, with a weather- and insect-resistant solid aluminum headbox.

Draper Exterior FlexShades are also available with crank or clutch operation. Clutch-operated Exterior FlexShades are suitable for use on porches and patios in addition to windows.

Exterior FlexShades are offered in a wide range of fabric colors and openness choices (1% to 14%) from top weavers such as Mermet and Phifer.

Because every single Draper Exterior FlexShade is literally a custom product, pricing falls within an extremely wide range. Depending on size, operator, fabric, controls and other options, Exterior FlexShade costs can range from approximately $100 to $2000.

Draper Exterior FlexShades are available through Draper dealers, retail window coverings outlets and Draper Home Theatre distributors throughout the United States.

Each unit is custom made to fit a specific window measurement provided by the dealer. Every shade is tested for proper operation and flaws in the fabric before it leaves the Draper factory in Spiceland, Indiana.