The Shade Store

Window Treatments for Tall Windows

December 27, 2019 By Will Brown

Window Treatment Ideas for Tall Windows

If you have tall or high windows in your home, it can be difficult to choose window treatments that will fit. Not only do tall window coverings need to be large enough to fit properly, but they also need to be structured in a way that they complement these bigger-than-average window sizes. To get the aesthetic right, it’s important to choose window treatments for tall windows that highlight the height of the window, while also providing enough privacy for your home.

If you are struggling to find window covering ideas for high windows in your home, don’t worry — this post provides ideas and options for choosing window treatments for tall windows. Read on to learn about the best window treatments for tall or extra large windows.

Curtains and Drapes for Tall Windows

If you’re looking for tall curtain ideas, consider using drapery for your large windows. You can customize the length of drapery and curtains to accentuate the height of the window. Long drapery panels make great tall window curtains because they help to draw the eye up to see the full height of a window, which creates a bold statement that highlights large windows, and can make your room look bigger, as well.

When choosing drapes for tall windows, it’s important to get the correct measurements and choose sturdy, eye-catching drapery hardware that will support the weight of the drapery fabric. As you’d expect, tall window curtains carry some extra weight with them (especially if you choose a thicker fabric), so you need to make sure your curtain rods are up to the challenge of supporting them.

Blinds for Tall Windows

Curtains and drapes aren’t the only options for tall window treatments. Blinds are also a great window treatment choice for covering the top or bottom half of a large window. It’s worth noting, however, that blinds for tall windows are not the best choice if you need to open or close your windows frequently throughout the day, as their control mechanisms may be difficult to reach and operate.

On the other hand, blinds for tall windows are a great choice for consistent light control or privacy in kitchens or bathrooms – rooms where you can expect to leave your blinds open or closed for extended periods of time. So, if you’re wondering, “what is the best blind for a large window,” the answer is one that you don’t have to adjust or open and close frequently.

Shades for Tall Windows

Shades can also make great window treatments for tall windows. Since shades come in a variety of styles and fabrics, they can be customized to fit the room’s style, location, or light coverage needs, as well as be modified to fit larger sizes. There are three great shade options that work best for tall window coverings:

Solar Shades: Since large windows naturally let in more light due to their large size, extra protective solar shades are a great treatment idea. Solar shades are an effective option to cover windows that receive a lot of sunlight throughout the day.
Roman Shades: Roman Shades are another popular tall window treatment option for to provide a dramatic look and more light coverage.
Top Down Bottom Up Shades: Top down bottom up shades provide light coverage without blocking the entire window. This allows you to block or let light in at the top or bottom of a high window.

Motorized Shades for Tall Windows

One of the inherent issues with installing shades on tall windows is that they may be hard to reach and manipulate. This is where motorized shades come in handy. Motorized shades are a popular choice for window coverings for high windows, or extra tall windows. Motorized window treatments are a great choice for tall windows, as the automatic control makes it easy to lower and raise the shades with the click of a button.

Installing Window Treatments on Tall Windows

Installing window treatments can be difficult, but it can be even more challenging project when you are dealing with tall or high windows, due to the height of the ceilings, weight of the drapery, and requirements for accurate measurements.

When measuring and installing window treatments for tall windows, it’s recommended to have a professional complete the process to ensure an accurate and secure fit. A shade installation professional can measure for tall window treatments with safety and accuracy, to ensure you are happy with the finished product.

Visit a Showroom to Find the Best Window Treatments for Your Tall Windows

Whether you need inspiration or some high window curtain ideas, or you want to get some professional input on measurement and installation, The Shade Store is here to help. If you’re ready to get started with selecting and installing window treatments for your tall windows, find a showroom near you to meet with a design consultant. They can help you find the best window coverings for the tall windows in your home.

How to Adjust and Operate Blinds

November 20, 2019 By Will Brown

Should You Close Your Blinds Up or Down?

Blinds may seem like a simple decoration to finish the design of your room, but they are also very functional in that they allow you to control the amount of light or darkness that comes into your home. You may wonder if there is a correct way to open and close your blinds for privacy, light control, and UV protection. The fact is, there are some rules you should follow for how to close blinds for maximum effectiveness. Here are some tips to make sure you’re using your blinds properly.

Which Way to Turn Your Blinds

One of the first questions homeowners have when it comes to their window treatments is whether you should turn blinds up or down. Blinds usually have curved edges that prevent light from getting through the slats, which makes them fit snug together. Because of this, there really isn’t a “proper way” to close your blinds. How to close window blinds depends on what you’re trying to avoid or control.

Which Way to Turn Blinds for Privacy

For maximum privacy in your home or a specific room, turn your blinds down. This position provides the most coverage and protection from the outside in.

Which Way to Turn Blinds for Summer Heat

To prevent harsh sunlight and uncomfortable temperatures, keep your blinds fully closed during the summer months and warm weather seasons. This will keep the sun from beating into a room, prevent fading on your furniture and surfaces, and keep the room cooler. At night or when you want to allow some light into the room, turn your blinds up to allow the warm air to escape.

Which Way to Turn Blinds for Winter Cold

Just as closing your blinds on warm days can keep heat out, closing your blinds in the midst of cool temperatures can keep cool air out, depending on the time of day. During the winter months, you should open your blinds to let the sunlight in to warm the room. However, if the forecast is cloudy, turn your blinds down to add insulation and help keep cool air at bay.

Which Way to Turn Blinds for Light Control

If light control is your goal, then your best option is to turn your blinds up. Turning blinds up allows more light to enter the room and gives you more control over the light and glare.

Which Way to Turn Blinds for Aesthetic Appearance

If the temperature is not a concern and your main goal is to create the best overall appearance, close your blinds down. Blinds facing downward provide clean lines and a more aesthetically-pleasing appearance.

Find the Best Blinds for Your Home

Regardless of the temperature or your decorating preference, we can help you find the best blinds for your home. Visit one of The Shade Store’s 85+ locations nationwide to meet with a designer to find the best blinds to match your personal style.

$5,000 Ultimate Room Refresh

October 23, 2019 By Jenna George

*No purchase necessary. Enter your email address for the chance to win the “Ultimate Room Refresh”. Sweepstakes prize includes a $2,500 gift certificate towards custom Shades, Blinds and Drapery at The Shade Store and a $2,500 gift certificate to use on Custom Closets from The Container Store. Entrants agree to receive marketing emails from The Shade Store and enroll in The Container Store’s POP! Perfectly Organized Perks Program. You can opt out at any time. TERMS & CONDITIONS OF THE SWEEPSTAKES

2019 Window Treatment Trends: 5 Popular Styles to Consider

April 1, 2019 By Kaitlyn Piccoli

When you visit a showroom or call The Shade Store, our Design Consultants are ready and waiting to provide expert design advice and help you choose the perfect window treatments for your home. Please welcome back our guest blogger Liz Irwin, a design consultant in our Garden City, NY showroom.

“What are people picking nowadays?” “What’s new in the window world?” “What’s trending?” I hear these questions, all the time.

Here’s the thing: I’m an enormous proponent of picking what’s right for you, and not being governed by a fleeting ideal. The quality of window treatments treatment we produce at The Shade Store is meant to last you for many years to come.

That being said, with our vast array of window treatments and our collection of more than 1300 materials, it’s easier than ever to incorporate popular design trends and styles into your home in a way that is both fresh and elegant.

Here is a roundup of the biggest trends we’re seeing right now, and how to translate them into your windows:

Sustainability

Concern for the environment and interest in sustainability is nothing new, but it continues strong in 2019. Many designers and consumers want to know that their purchase is environmentally responsible, and are opting for recycled or sustainable materials.

At The Shade Store, we plant a tree for every order purchased. We’re also proud to offer an extensive line of responsibly sourced Bamboo and Woven Wood Shade materials. To implement this trend in your home or office, browse our Naturals collection for Roller Shades, Panel Tracks, and Woven Wood shades. My personal favorite? Guthree in Beaded Pearl —you get rugged earthy-ness and polished shine, all wrapped up in one perfect textile.

If blinds are what you’re looking for, fear not! Our eco-friendly wood blinds are handcrafted in the USA using only the finest woods from sustainable resources.

Maximalism

Interior Design, like anything else, is a swinging pendulum. As an industry, we swung really far in the minimalist direction over the past few years. In 2019, we’re seeing momentum headed in the other direction, as designers and clients embrace a more maximal aesthetic. Designers are showing homes that are personal, curated, and meant to be lived in. Does that mean a space that is overdone or crowded? Not at all.

If you’re looking to break free from the minimalist mold, look to two of our designer partners who have mastered the Art of Maximalism: The Novogratz and Jonathan Adler. With bold prints and a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, these exclusive collections are the perfect solution for a modern eclectic home.

All Things Velvet

Is there anything more classic than Velvet? I submit, there is not. Yet, Velvet is experiencing an upswing in popularity like never before. Velvet Drapery is the perfect way to incorporate this trend—it instantly adds a sense of luxury to a room, while still remaining subtle and versatile. Our Velvet Drapery or Roman Shades in Grotto (somewhere between Tourmaline and Blue Topaz) and Garnet (like a gorgeous Ruby) are be the perfect rich tones to elevate a neutral space.

Layering

The layered look is a big trend from last year that continues to reign supreme. Layering window treatments is a wonderful way to introduce subtle colors, patterns, and texture to a room. There’s also the added benefit of customized functionality—you can add blackout or light-filtering materials for added privacy and light control to drapery or a woven Roman Shade.

Our newest collection, Alexa Hampton for The Shade Store, is an exclusive line of Blackout Roller Shade materials that were designed for layering. Each small-scale pattern in this collection is extremely versatile, and the blackout lining offers privacy and keeps light out.

Florals

From the runway to interior design, florals are certainly having a moment. Not only do floral window treatments bring the outside in, they also provide cheer and color to your space.

Channel the breezy, fresh style of the Hamptons with our AERIN for The Shade Store Collection, designed by Aerin Lauder.

If you’re in search of a floral pattern with a more masculine point of view, look no further than the Gemma, Freya, and Remy patterns from our exclusive Nate Berkus Collection.

Looking for more flowery inspiration? Browse our Floral Mood Board.

USE OUR EXPERTISE

Visit one of our 65+ nationwide showrooms to experience all that we have to offer. See the styles, browse drawers of material swatches, and even test out motorized shades. Each of our showrooms is staffed with expert Design Consultants ready to help you narrow down your choices and design the ideal window treatments to fit your space!

How to Mix and Match Window Treatments

April 16, 2018 By Lauren Murphy

Whether you’re looking for the functionality of added privacy and light control, or you just want to layer in some patterns or pops of color, it’s great to mix and match your window treatments. Here at The Shade Store, we have 12 custom products, and over 1,300 exclusive materials to choose from, so the combinations are endless! Keep reading for our tips on how to mix and match window treatments.

mix and match window treatments light filtering

Roller Shade in Boheme Blossom | Tulip Roman Shade in Silk Dupioni Ivory

LAYERING LIGHT

One of our favorite window treatment combinations is layering a blackout Shade with a light filtering Shade or Drapery panel. Not only does this create a beautiful finished look, but it also allows you to carefully control light and privacy, depending on the time of day or your personal preference. This is a great option for bedrooms and other commonly used living spaces.

Roller Shade in Raffi Onyx | Tailored Pleat Drapery in Herringbone Toast

PLAYING WITH PATTERN

Want to bring some excitement to your windows, but scared of going too bold? Pair a patterned shade with a more subdued solid, and you’ll achieve the perfect balance! We have beautiful Roller Shades for every décor style, including designs by Nate Berkus, Jonathan Adler, and The Novogratz!

mix and match window treatments textures

Design by Studio McGee

TWO TEXTURES

If a more neutral look is your go-to, try mixing your textures instead. We carry stunning Woven Wood Shades in four distinct styles and over 90 natural, bamboo, and grass materials. These shades are beautiful and versatile – they look lovely paired with Roller Shades, Solar Shades, or Drapery! Woven Woods are the perfect way to bring in some dimension, while still keeping your window scheme calm and neutral. This allows you to go bold with the rest of the space, too!

Ready to mix and match your window treatments? Our expert design consultants are here to help! Visit one of our 55+ nationwide showrooms, give us a call, or email us at design@theshadestore.com to get started today!

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