Roller Shades, Blinds, Tinting - Lots of Pics (Need Help)

17 years ago

I need your expertise regarding window coverings - Please!

I removed most of the vertical blinds that existed and some of the windows that face west have a tint film on them. It needs to be removed because it is showing signs of wear and I am going nuts trying to decide on what to do with the many odd shaped windows that get a ton of sun. I like the natural light and a more contemporary look. I also need to do something that helps keep cold and heat out. Is retinting a viable option that won't detract from the aesthetics? I would like some continuity with the window treatments since alot of the area is open as you can see in the pics below...

Living Room Dining Room and Loft Area Face West

Kitchen Faces West and North; Family Room Slider Faces North

Upstairs Bedroom Faces West

Front Door and Other Side of Living Room Faces East

The Hideouss Floor to Ceiling Drape Covers Master Bdrm Slider and Two Fixed Windows Above It

Slider and Fixed Windows are Other Side of Hideous Drapery and Face East

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Comments (3)

whenicit
17 years ago
First, I think you can get away with not covering those that face east if you don't mind the morning sun and don't need the privacy.

Second, I think re-tinting the top windows (west and east facing) should be an option, I am not sure of the aesthetics of it but the windows are so striking I just can't image covering them up.

I would cover the ones that face the brick wall (from the kitchen?) Maybe the new panel shades? Not sure that is what they are called? I have them on my basement slider and really like them.

Good luck! You've got a lot of challenges there...
livinwell
Original Author
17 years ago
whenicit - thanks for the suggestions. I'll do a search for panel shades to see what they are. I hope someone else chimes in about tint. I really would like to find a way to keep as much uncovered as possible.
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jakabedy
17 years ago
We have a big skylight (about 10' x 17') that cooks our house in the summertime. We moved in toward the end of the summer last year so just dealt with it. But we have to do something. I investigated the tints, and there are some very good ones out there now that provide UV protection and are not visible -- much improved from the old metallic-looking films of years past.

But what I found was that the DIY films you can buy at the big box stores are not of the same quality as those you purchase from pros who also do the install. The pro stuff can be pricy. 3M makes good films, and I can't remember the other big company.

For my skylight, I came across a company that makes UV-protection-fabric screens that slip on over the skylight. I can get one of those made for about $700 and the pricing for the film/install was going to be about $2,000. Unfortunately, I don't think that helps you with your vertical surfaces.

I like the idea of the panels. If I'm thinking of the same thing, IKEA has them. You have to be able to install a track, and the panels are about 18-24" wide and can be patterned or plain. You may be able to compromise by doing the lower windows and film on the upper wedge-shaped windows.