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Choosing Your Window Coverings
Window Covering Suggestions For Different Window Types
Windows With A Great View
If you're concerned about blocking the scenic view, look for window treatments that pull up as tightly as possible (if you're mounting them inside the window frame). Honeycomb Shades are a popular choice for this reason. In addition, the Top down-Bottom up option makes them so versatile when it comes to combining privacy with unobstructed views.
Note that Wood Blinds have the bulkiest stack, with 1" having the biggest because they have twice as much wood.
The other way to go is to mount your blinds or shades outside the window frame. So for example, with the product mounted above the window opening, any product can be fully raised so that it is stored entirely above the actual window, leaving you with 100% of that great view!
Very Big Windows
When it comes to covering a window that is very wide and long, the weight of the blind could become a factor when it comes to raising and lowering it. From a practical point of view, the weight may make it difficult to operate; from a mechanical perspective, the weight may overload the raise/lower mechanism and lead to malfunctioning. Fortunately, there are several options to avoid this.
Continuous Cord Loop is one option which will it make it easier to raise and lower the blinds.
Some blinds offer a Cordless option which also makes it easier to operate the shades.
Another option to consider is dividing one large blind into multiple blinds on a single headrail, or order multiple blinds and install them side-by-side. If you have multiple windows within a single opening, as is often the case, you may want to divide up the blinds to line up with the windows. When you do this, order ONE valance (referred to as the 'Common Valance' option on our site) to cover all the headrails to give the unified look of one single product.
French Doors
Dressing a door is really not much different from dressing a window. In fact, any blind that you would choose for a window can also be chosen for a door. So if you're looking for a consistent look for the room, don't hesitate to use the same products on the doors as you are on the windows.
And if you're worried about blinds flopping around as the door opens and closes, it's 'hold down brackets' to the rescue! Just specify these in the notes section when ordering your blinds, and this free option can be easily fastened at the bottom of the door. Your window covering can be easily removed from the bracket whenever you want to raise it.
Bay Window
Bay windows can be dressed the same as any other window. The key here is to make sure the proper measurements are taken, in order to minimize the possible gaps where products "meet". See our Measuring Instructions for details.
Sliding Doors
The most popular choice for sliding doors, commonly used as patio doors, are Verticals. They can be installed within the frame (as an Inside Mount) or over the glass (as an Outside Mount).
Growing in popularity are horizontal blinds with a two-on-one headrail option, to make it easier to get out (you can raise one side and leave the other down).
Second Story Windows
Products with the Top down-Bottom up feature are popular for windows on upper levels, since they allow you to cover the bottom half of your window while not blocking your view. For instance, for a bedroom or bathroom, you can still enjoy the outside view while at the same time blocking people from seeing into the room.
Strong Direct Sun
If you're looking for something that will 'beat the heat', Honeycomb shades (also known as Cellular Shades) are a great choice for their superior insulation properties. The more honeycomb cells (the most is 2) and the larger the cell size (the largest is 3/4"), the better the insulation. Also, keep in mind that Room Darkening cellular shades will block more sun than Light Filtering ones, with Blackout Shades offering the most sun blockage.
Hard To Reach Windows
Some windows may be in high up or hard to reach places, but they still need window coverings! One possibility is to simply order extra long cords or wands so you can open or close a product.
Another option is Motorized Shades. Many Honeycomb Shades and blinds can be made with a remote control. Some horizontal blinds also offer a remote control, motorized tilt option.
Dressing Your Front Of House Windows
Many people like the front of the house window coverings to have the same uniform look. But how uniform is something that is ultimately up to you and your personal preferences.
It is popular to have all the front products in a white or off-white colour. If that is the look you are after, keep in mind you can still have colour on the inside-facing sides of some shades (such as Honeycomb Shades) while still having all white backings facing the window towards outside.
If maintaining some symmetry to the look of your home is important to you, then you should probably stick to using similar products across the front. Another way to achieve a symmetrical look is to use one type of window covering for the first floor and another for the second. Remember, it's your house, so go with whatever you feel is appropriate.
Blocking Very Bright Outside Light
The Routeless Option, available on many blinds and shades, offers an extra level of light blockage as it eliminates route holes from the product. This option is ideal for window coverings in for example a TV room, for a window near a computer monitor, or to prevent a bright security light from shining through into your bedroom.
Blackout Shades are also an excellent choice where you need as much light blocked as possible.
Pets, Kids And 'High Abuse' Areas
The Child Safety Cordless option, available on most Honeycomb Shades, is one less thing to worry about when it comes to window coverings within reach of pets and children. The elimination of cords hanging down both increases safety while decreasing the chances of the blind or shade being mis-handled.
Faux Wood Blinds are also good choices to consider since they are more durable than wood blinds and are easier to clean.
Windows In Humid Areas
All quality blinds and shades are water resistant. Even good wood blinds are varnished and will perform well under humid conditions.
Non-wood products, such as Faux Wood blinds which are made of PVC, are preferred choices for very humid areas, and one of the only choices for extremely humid areas such as a window located in a shower.
Do you have a question that isn't answered on this page? We'll be happy to help you out, just contact us:
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