Those Challenging Windows and Doors

Although we would like to share solutions or measuring tips for every kind of window or door, we would simply run out of space. Here are a few pointers for common configurations:

Corner Windows

Corner windows are a challenge, especially if the window has a continuous piece of glass at the 90-degree corner. Unfortunately, there is not a single use of a hard treatment (horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, roller shades, pleated shades or cellular shades) that can resolve this dilemma. Because two treatments would be used, privacy may not be achieved completely. Consider extending one treatment to the corner and butting the other to the first treatment. Make sure there’s enough clearance for both treatments to stack properly.

If you’re considering soft treatments, panels can be easily hung from a 90 degree drapery rod or a swing arm, usually sold through a local workroom or decorating firm. Custom bends are also available for those more challenging corners (i.e. bay window and door.) Consider a combination of panels and hard treatments for ultimate privacy and insulation.

French and Standard Doors

Measuring for this window configuration can be quite simple. First, consider the type of door handle and its rear distance from the door. If you have a doorknob instead of a lever handle, window treatments can’t raise or lower behind the knob. Therefore, when measuring, make sure window treatment would stop short of doorknob and dead bolt lock but cover window and vertical trim. If your door has a lever handle, window treatments are able to operate behind the lever if their width is narrower than the distance from the rear of handle and the front of door. We suggest using the product depth guide to determine the clearance needed for a smooth operation. Hold-down brackets, usually included with the blind or shade, will be necessary to keep shade from “swinging” with the door operation.

A popular soft treatment for French or Standard Doors is sheer panels with a rod pocket top and bottom. Make sure length of panel is measured to the outside of any trim work. Panels flanking a door frame are another sophisticated solution that adds vertical interest. A combination of both hard treatments and soft treatments can be a great combination incorporating practicality with decorator fabrics.

Sliding Glass Doors and Windows

For years vertical blinds have been the “silver bullet” for this common window or door configuration. Verticals usually provide a complete stand-alone outfitting and are easy to operate and maintain. Becoming more popular are vertical blind alternatives that incorporate sheer fabrics, cellular shades or natural bamboo weaves. These treatments can be measured like traditional verticals. For mounting inside a window, follow the easy measure guide. If the operation handle of a window is an obstruction, flush mounting the blind is not an option and a minimum mount (minimum depth required to inside mount product) would be required. When measuring for an outside mount, consider width and height of window plus any trim work. Add at least 8" to the width of the window opening (4” each side) to ensure minimum light gap. Headrail of vertical blind can either be mounted directly to trim work or mounted on wall above. If mounted to wall above, be sure to allow for the height of the product's headrail in you measurements. Vertical vanes should clear floor a 1/2" to ensure proper operation.

Another practical solution for sliding doors is traversing draperies. Use a design professional’s expertise to help determine custom specifications.

Windows with Cranks and other Obstructions

Window treatments are often outside mounted to clear any obstructions. Quite often spacers are used with hard treatments to push the product further away from the wall opening. If insulation is a priority for your window, this fix is not a good option. If possible, reposition a crank to point upward instead of outward. Depending on type of crank, you may want to consider a crank replacement device. You’ll find “folding casement handles” on the web offered by a number of retailers. Another alternative solution to this matter is window treatments that have a “cut-out” option. Exact placement of the cut-out along the sides of the treatment must be specified and there is an additional cost for this option. Keep in mind that a notch cut-out window treatment will either remain in a fixed position or need your assistance if raised and lowered to position.

Soft treatments are another successful option for these types of windows. If using soft shades, specify the depth of the header to ensure clearance of obstruction. Soft shades can be the best option if you’re also trying to insulate a window.

Arched Windows

Arched windows look great with pleated shades, cellular shades or Venetian slats. The height of the arch is typically half of its width but we’ve found that this is not always the case. The best solutions for a perfect fit are use of a design professional or a template of the window opening to submit with your order.

Two-Story Windows

Two story windows are a wonderful feature to a residence and should receive special attention from their dominance in a space. Because the window height is not readily accessible, this should prompt careful consideration of important factors like natural light and insulation. Although we believe that any window treatment could stand alone, the trend and the “heightened” use of soft and hard treatments can beautifully resolve form and function. Soft treatments, while aesthetically pleasing (use of custom fabrics), can be practical by integrating thermal and UV protection linings. Hard treatments have a more “streamlined” appearance and can provide insulation and/or protection against the sun. When raised, hard treatments visually are the least obstructive in a view. Both soft and hard treatments can be outfitted with a motorized lifting system to make design possibilities endless. Consult with a design professional to learn options for your circumstance.

Tricks of the Trade

Tip #1 - Make a Wide Window Appear Narrower - by segmenting the window with multiple panels in front of it. This will give the appearance of “multiple” windows instead of a really large one.

Tip #2 - Make a Narrow Window Appear Wider ­ by extending the drapery rod well beyond the window opening. Draperies will need to begin slightly inside window opening to hide edge. Don’t forget to incorporate fuller draperies as well.

Tip #3 - Make a Narrow Window Appear Wider ­ by extending the drapery rod well beyond the window opening. Draperies will need to begin slightly inside window opening to hide edge. Don’t forget to incorporate fuller draperies as well.

Tip #4 - Make a Short Window Appear Taller ­ by using a taller cornice or valance. Hang the bottom edge just below the top edge of window opening. You can also install a drapery rod much higher than normal and allow draperies to flow and puddle onto floor. This treatment enhances the vertical perception.

Natural Lighting

Have you ever noticed inside your residence how dramatically different natural light impacts a room? Your window’s direction will determine how much or how little natural light will enter a room.

A northern exposed window offers the most consistent light but also loses 40% of your home’s heat if left unprotected. Use window treatments that filter light and insulate.

Southern exposed windows are at their best if they are scaled proportionally to a space. South-facing windows receive sunlight year round and provide a room’s interior with a warm golden glow. Because these rooms receive sunlight year round, it’s important to apply a window treatment that has UV protection.

Windows that face east receive bright sunlight in the morning. A room’s interior will heat up quickly with an eastern exposure. Use a window treatment with UV protection for the morning hours.

Windows facing west receive the most extreme light and UV rays in a day. Window treatments that provide efficient light, energy, and UV ray control are a must.

Return Investment in Window Treatments?

Does your residence lack architectural interest? Whether that interest comes in the form of arched windows, ornate millwork or a two-story living room, architectural interest is the foundation upon which to build your home’s décor.

Architectural enhancements can be a costly and time-consuming expenditure but are a worthwhile investment. One common, overlooked, instant investment is the use of plantation shutters. Plantation shutters add tangible value to a residence. They are a great balance between form and function and offer a higher value of investment than other window treatments. Becoming more popular with common consumers, shutters were once reserved for high-end installations. And because the market is saturated with local fabricators as well as importers, the prices have become more palatable.

Once manufactured solely of wood components, shutters are fabricated with synthetics or composites that virtually install in any room of the house. They are lifetime warranted against poor workmanship, they are crack, peel and warp resistant and easy to install with common household tools. If white shutters are not an option, wood shutters come available in various stains or unfinished for your custom stain or paint. Matching the surrounding trim or sill color can be more attainable with wood shutters.

Before purchasing the timeless look and value of shutters, consider the following:

Wood vs. Vinyl

Wood always gives inanimate objects like furniture or flooring a warm feeling. Whether staining or painting, wood is also more flexible to finish. Vinyl shutters are very durable and impervious to humid conditions. If considering a white finish, it may be advantageous to purchase vinyl shutters to cut back on cost.

What louver size?

Traditional sizes are usually 1 _”, 1 _” & 2 _”. 3 _” louver size can work as traditional or contemporary. The larger louvers at 4 _” or 5 _” only work in contemporary settings. A good rule of thumb is as louvers increase in size, the style grows more contemporary.

How many panels per window?

Windows up to 26” wide ­ 1 panel
Windows up to 50” wide ­ 2 panels
Windows up to 98” wide ­ 4 panels

Is a dividing rail necessary?

Dividing rails are optional. Use them to operate the top louvers independently from the lower louvers. Divider rails also add strength to your shutters.

What color paint or stain should I go with?

Generally, the shutter color is matched to the window trim; however, you can match to existing flooring or wall color.

What’s the difference between traditional shutters and plantation shutters?

Traditional shutters can be folded off the window while plantation shutters are fixed in place with operable louvers.

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