Window treatment help PLEASE!!!

9 years ago

This is the kitchen window that will overlook our backyard (with eventual pool) in our retirement home in Arizona. I would like to leave the top half bare so we can enjoy the view of the mountain in the distance. The window is 8 ft wide and 5 ft tall. I've investigated the top down/bottom up shades but it seems the window is too wide for one. We will have grandchildren visiting often so cord safety is required. Our style is very simple so no drapes to the floor. Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated! Thank you so much.

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PRO

Flo Mangan

9 years ago

You could also do solar shades with remote control or they have cordless type where you have a safe child design.

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Comments (16)

havingfun
9 years ago
these now come diy. you never have to open to see the mountain.
William Hefner Architecture Interiors & Landscape · More Info
top are sheers, go as low as you want.
rbhirano
9 years ago
How wide is your window? We used to have very wide windows - about 6 feet - and we had the top down bottom up ones. We were also able to get them to operate without the cords. We got them from Budget Blinds.
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visualizemaven
9 years ago
You could have 3 separate ones - one for each window.
I Fulton
Original Author
9 years ago
How difficult is it to keep the bottom up shades even across? Do they operate like the old pull down roller shades?
visualizemaven
9 years ago
I don't think it is difficult or even necessary to keep them even across. I would like the two side windows to be lower or above the middle one for interest.

I would visit a blind showroom with your photo - check out your options in person and feel how they operate.

Best.
rbhirano
9 years ago
It is not difficult at all to keep them even across the bottom. There is a "bar" that keeps it even across the top and the bottom. Another benefit is that you don't lose very much window space at all - with the regular or the bamboo blinds, you lose about a third of your window vision. With the top-down-bottom-up blinds, you only lose a few inches.
felizlady
9 years ago
There are narrow pressure-mounted curtain rods which may fit inside the window frame. No screws required. The maximum width should be four to six inches wider than the window. The instructions will tell you how it works if you are not familiar with them. Then find or make short sheer panels and gather five or six panels on the rod to obscure the wall. Or buy or make a pretty fabric "valance" twice the width of the window and long enough to hide the wall and gently gather it on the rod.
PRO
Flo Mangan
9 years ago
Not aware of expansion rod that will expand to 8+ ft. Usually for shower tub curtain rods which are typically 5' wide. I think the sheer top drapery style mentioned above would be ideal.
I Fulton
Original Author
9 years ago
All these suggestions are GREAT! Thank you for your input!!
felizlady
9 years ago
Flo, I believe you are right. I haven't used them for years. Thanks.
PRO
Sarah Robinson AKBD
9 years ago
Plantation shutters are great as they allow light in when you need/want it and since it's not fabric it does not hold in any odors (esp food odors from cooking) and they come in a variety of colors
PRO
Finishing Touches
9 years ago
Your window is not too wide for a top-down/bottom up cellular shade. Hunter Douglas offers a lift sytem called Ultraglide. It is a retractable cord and perfect for kid's and child safety. If you want shutters, you could do them just on the lower half. It looks like whatever window covering you do will have to be outside mounted based on this photo.
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Blindsgalore
9 years ago
Hi there,

What a beautiful view you have with many options for great window treatments. One thing to consider when purchasing blinds is the heat and sunshine there in Arizona. For that reason I would highly recommend cellular shades built for their energy-saving properties and insulating against the heat gain. We also have cordless and top down-bottom up options and of course a wide range of colors and styles for you to pick from. Here are some ideas for you:

Check out our website www.blindsgalore.com or give our customer service team a call at (877)-702-5463 if you have any questions.

Best of luck and congrats on your new retirement home!
PRO
Brenda Direen, Ethan Allen Palm Desert
9 years ago
I am so happy Pro's are getting on and letting you know that your windows are NOT too wide! Hunter Douglas will be able to provide shades that will insulate against the heat, look gorgeous and be cordless for child safety.

Let us see a picture of what you choose when the blinds are in!
PRO
Bonvue
9 years ago
I am located in Arizona and have many options that would fit in what you are thinking of. I have a store with samples that you could come see too! I think we could definitely split the window up and do top-bottom shades, or we could see if we can do a custom length and do it all in one.
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