Design Dilemma...Patio Door Window Coverings

Patio doors.  Many homes have them, but what do you use as window coverings on them? 

In the past, most people purchased Vertical Blinds.  They did the trick but drew to one side to open which left the vanes hanging awkwardly and occasionally getting in the way.  They had little chains at the bottom attaching each of the vanes which tended to break fairly early on.  If you had a dog or cat, they LOVED to play with them.  The vanes were mainly made of plastic and had a "office" look to them.  The valance at the top was one of the vanes placed horizontally across the track to hide it but was very unattractive. They tended to twist and not close at the same angle as the others which caused gaps in the blinds.

Thankfully, blind manufacturers are cleverly coming up with solutions.  There are now several options to this dilemma. Here are a few options...

Levolor Perceptions.  These are a soft window covering that have built in vertical vanes that are wrapped in a fabric.  They look like a sheer drapery treatment.  You can close the blinds but leave the vanes open to have a view to the outside or you can also close the vanes to give you complete privacy.  The fabric is sheer to allow light coming in and some view of the outside.  The vanes come in light filtering or room darkening depending on your needs (ie.  Living room or Bedroom).   There are several colours of fabric to choose from and also different valances to coordinate with your décor style.  You have the option of the blinds to open by splitting in the middle or drawing to the left or right.  One thing to consider...if you are thinking about these for a kitchen, these are fabric and will not be easily wiped down if food is splattered on them.

Maxxmar Vertical Shades. These are a new and innovative option.  They are similar to vertical blinds but have some really unique features.  When the blinds are down you can stagger the vanes so that you can see out of them like vertical blinds.  When the blinds are down you can close the vanes to give you complete privacy.  You can also pull the blinds up to any level and open the vanes or keep them closed depending on your need.  And lastly, they will disappear into a head rail at the top of the blind to keep them completely out of your way when you don't need any blinds at all.  They have a large selection of fabrics to choose from and have a horizontal version of this same blind to coordinate other windows in the room.  You can also motorize these blinds and operate them on a remote.  Very cool.

Screen Shades.  These blinds are available from many different manufactures.  Sometimes these are called "Tim Hortons Blinds" because these are the blinds that everyone is seeing in the Tim Horton's windows.  During the day, when these blinds are down, you can see out but no one can see in.  The greater the openness of the fabric the greater the view, the less openness of the fabric the less view through you have.  They will stop some of the sun glare in your windows and make it more comfortable in your home without having to close yourself off completely.  BUT, at night when you have lights on in your home, these blinds allow someone outside to see in.  Again, depending on the openness of the fabric will determine how much you will be showing to your neighbours.  They also roll up into a head rail at the top of the window so you will not see them unless you want to.   They come in many different colours and textures. 

I hope this helps.  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me, or if you would like an at home consultation I would be happy to show you more options. 

Michelle