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Panel Track Blinds 101: Options & How to Order
Panel track blinds are a versatile window treatment option that feature a sleek modern look with flat, vertical panels that slide on a track system. Panel Track Blinds are ideal for applications like sliding glass doors and wide, wall-to-wall windows. Learn more about what panel track blinds are, their benefits as well as customization options when you choose custom panel track blinds.
What Are Panel Track Blinds?
Panel Track Blinds, sometimes called Vertical Blinds or sliding panel blinds, are a type of vertical blind where the panels are installed flat along the track system. The panels typically run on two to three channels, or lanes, in the same track system so that they overlap with each other for the best coverage.
At The Shade Store, we use the term Vertical Blinds to refer to Panel Track Blinds.
Benefits of Panel Track Blinds
Panel track blinds, or Vertical Blinds, have several distinct benefits, including:
- Softening natural light in your room thanks to the light-filtering material options that range in colors, patterns and opacities.
- Providing privacy for peace of mind and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Available in a wide range of material options including solid neutral colors and subtle patterns to woven woods, solar materials and Chilewich designer styles.
- Delivers a sleek, modern aesthetic ideal for modern and contemporary homes, but versatile enough to suit transitional, mid-century modern and other similar styles.
- Offers space efficiency, thanks to their minimalist, unobtrusive design.
- Ideal for covering large windows and sliding glass doors.
Material Types for Panel Track Blinds
All the materials for Panel Track Blinds from The Shade Store are light-filtering, with varying degrees of opacity for more or less light and privacy control. Learn about different material types, color options, textures and more.
Synthetic Materials
These synthetic materials come in both solid colors as well as patterns and textures so you can find the right look for your space.
Solid Colors
The solid colors primarily come in neutral tones like greys, tans, whites and black, but there are a few soft pastels if you’re looking for subtle color. Many of our solid colors are made from polyester or trevira, which is a type of polyester that is low pill, flame retardant and antimicrobial. Most solid-colored materials are OEKO-TEX® certified and a few are also GreenGuard® certified, both of which speak to the minimal, or lack of, harmful chemicals in the material.
Patterns & Textures
If you’re looking for a bit more visual interest in your panel track blinds, patterned and textured materials are the way to go. Primarily available in neutral tones, patterns still give you lots of visual interest with soft floral designs, geometric patterns and a couple abstract looks. Textured materials add depth to your design with both visual and tactile textures, from subtle micro patterns to tweed-like designs inspired by fashion to couture-inspired stripes.
Natural Woven Materials
Natural woven materials offer an organic look to your panel track blinds. Made of natural fibers like paper and jute, mixed with synthetic fibers like polyester, these materials deliver an inviting organic texture look along with the durability and longevity of synthetic materials. All colors are nature-inspired and range from light, off-white hues to deeply saturated wood tones.
Solar Shade Materials
Solar materials are uniquely made to block up to 99% of UV rays while still letting natural light filter through for an inviting glow. Solar materials come in different transparency levels from 1% which blocks the most UV rays and offers the lowest transparency to up to 10% which blocks 90% of UV rays and offers the best transparency so you can still enjoy your outdoor view. Solar shade materials are available in neutral tones with varying textures, so you’ll find a look to suit your space.
Chilewich Designer Materials
Chilewich options for panel track blinds are all solar materials, most with a 7% or 10% transparency. These materials feature sophisticated designs and textures that are quintessentially Chilewich. Plus, all materials are both GreenGuard certified and Microban® certified. GreenGuard means there are minimal to no chemical emissions from the material while Microban certification speaks to the anti-microbial properties of the material.
How to Order Panel Track Blinds
If you’re considering panel track blinds for your home, learn how to order them to ensure they’re the right size and application for your space. This ordering process is particular to the custom Panel Track Blinds you’ll get from The Shade Store, but some steps, like measuring, will help you with any sliding panel blinds.
Step 1: Choose Your Mount Type
Mount type refers to how your track is hung over your windows or doors. Mount type will determine how you measure for your sliding panel blinds:
Inside Mount
An inside-mount application means your blinds are installed inside the window frame, typically being secured to the top or “ceiling” of your window box. For an inside-mount application to be secure and work correctly, your window box needs to have a minimum depth of 1 ¼ inch.
Outside Mount
An outside-mount application refers to your blinds being installed on the wall or ceiling above your window frame for a taller and more dramatic appearance. There is no minimum depth requirement for a secure outside-mount application, so measuring for this application only requires a measurement for length and width.
Step 2: Measure for Your Ordering Length & Width
Measuring correctly is particularly important when you’re ordering custom panel track blinds, as you’ll want to ensure they’re made to fit perfectly over your window. Learn how to measure for sliding panel blinds, based on your mount type.
measuring for inside mount
Measure for Width – Since windows are not perfectly square, take 3 different measurements across the top, middle and bottom of your window and round all measurements down to the nearest 1/8 inch. The smallest of the 3 measurements is your ordering width.
Measure for Length – Take 3 different measurements across the left, center and right of your window and round all measurements up to the nearest 1/8 inch. The largest of the 3 measurements is your ordering length.
measuring for outside mount
Measure for Width – Measure the width of the area you wish to cover. If space allows, we recommend adding another 1 to 1 ½ inches to each side (2 to 3 inches total) to help eliminate light seepage.
Measure for Length – Measure the height of the area you wish to cover, from either the ceiling to the floor or from the wall above your window to the floor.
Step 3: Choose Your Control Type
Control type refers to how you’ll adjust your sliding panel blinds back and forth on their track. There are two options for your control type and both are very easy to use:
Continuous Loop
Continuous loop control allows you to adjust your blinds by pulling on one side of a looped cord. The cord is held taut by a tension device that you’ll install on your wall next to your sliding panel blinds.
Baton
A baton is a thin rod that hangs just behind the leading panel. To adjust your blinds with a baton, you’ll simply grab the baton and pull it in the direction you want to adjust your sliding panel blinds.
Step 4: Decide on the Direction to Open
Direction to open refers to which way you’ll pull your blinds to cover your window. You have three options to choose from:
Stack Left Draw Right
Stacking left and drawing right means all your panels will stack to the left of your window, and you’ll move them toward the right to cover your window.
Stack Right Draw Left
Stacking right and drawing right means all your panels will stack to the right of your window, and you’ll move them toward the left to cover your window.
Split Draw: Open from Center
Split draw means half of your blinds will stack on the left and half will stack on the right, and you’ll adjust them toward and away from the center.
Step 5: Select Your Track Color
You have two versatile options when it comes to your track color: White or Silver.
White – A matte white that is ideal for a ceiling mount application, as the soft white will blend into your ceiling.
Silver – Offers a subtle sheen and reflective quality helping it to blend into lighter wall colors or window frames.
Get an Estimate on Your Project Costs
Now that you know all the benefits and options of panel track blinds, as well as how to order them, request a free quote from our expert Design Consultants to get an idea of your costs. Your Design Consultant will take your preferences, window size and more into account to develop an accurate estimate of your product costs. Plus, they can answer any questions you have and help you make the right customization choices, so you get the perfect sliding panel blinds for your space.
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