These vintage plastic window shades, which seem to be original to Todd’s 1961 house — are fabulous. They appear to be basket-weave plastic, on a track like a shower door, but accordian-style. I’ve never seen them before. Does anyone else have them? Does anyone know about them? Yum. Todd writes:
Does anyone know where I can get these types of plastic shades? Our house was built in 1961, its a mid century modern, and only 3 windows left have these as the previous owners junked all the rest (as we found pieces of them here and there in the back yard).
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I too had these plastic woven blinds in my house which we bought in 2007 the blinds were left behind by the previous owners. The house was built in the 60’s. We have since sold the house and left the blinds behind but I would love to have them in my new home. So please if anyone knows where I can find the company that made them or if they are still being made.
The company is long since gone I’m afraid. Someone bought it in the late 69’s and tried to revive it, but it disappears completely by 73.
Thanks for the feedback about my plastic shades. Very interesting ideas you all have. I hope to find some originals someday that I can retrofit into this existing home.
I just purchased a set from an estate sale here in Detroit. Here is my application. I was fortunate enough to get a double sized door wall section. My door wall is single sized, so I have plenty of spare parts….
[link broken]
Looks great!
This window covering product was produced by Jaylis in the late 1950s and 1960s. My interior design and decor dad was a vendor. I’ve tried to research them, but to no avail. I think they should be reproduced.
Good luck, folks. Althea, Oakland, CA
Thanks for the info, Althea — gives us something to start with!!!
They are called Jaylis and my parents made and sold them in the mid sixties in LA and for 6 months in Alaska. My grandmother had them in her home for many years. I am searching for any old sets I can find. Even as a 9 yr old I helped build them.
The corp name etc expired in 2000 even tho they haven’t been made in at least 40 yrs. I would love to see them enjoy a comeback
Hi Lesley. I need to repair a couple sections that have broken pieces. I have plenty of replacements but I’m having trouble figuring out how to repair the top and or bottom accordion sections. Any advice?
Yes I have several sections of this exact same style and color.
3 sections 7ft x 12ft Light Green
2 sections 6ft x 28 inches Light Green
2 sections 7×5 White
I had these Jaylis draperies when I lived in my house and they were in almost every room and in many colors. If anyone knows where I can get them, please let me know. They are the easiest to clean and provide privacy while letting in the light.
I’d get them again if only I could find them.
Micki
I just bought two sections in the jade green at an estate sale here in San Francisco. And I got three sections of track with them. Don’t know what I’m going to do with them since I don’t have a midcentury house; probably sell them if I can find a taker.
I have found a original receipt from 1963. in my parents paper work for a Jaylis purchase for the house I grew up in.
Jaylis center, Howard E. Nelson Co. 324 N. Citrus Covina California
Just picked up a bunch at a sale last weekend in Detroit area, not selling
UPDATE: I am closing the comments on this story, as basically what we keep getting is people trying to buy and sell on this comment thread. I really don’t want buying and selling via these comments, or it becomes chaos. Folks, I would recommend that if you have these to sell: Post them to craigslist or ebay. Buyers: Look there. Good luck, all!