We had blinds on our patio doors for a long time too, and very much remember that noise. Had them growing up too,,the furnace vents made them move and the vets were always messing in them. Aaaanyway...I got a set of curtains that were thermal and blackout. They were much better.

Are they stacked on the side or pull down? I didn’t even think about thermal/blackout. That would be very helpful in the summer months here in Florida!

They pulled to the side whenever we wanted them open.

I have forever been looking for an alternative to the yucky but oh so practical vertical blinds so I am following. I LOVE your "CVS Receipt" blinds comment.Thank you for an excellent chuckle.

Hahahaha! My parents have some fancy automatic ones that are horizontal but I’m not looking to drop 5k on blinds lol.

I have just moved and had the same dilemma in my new home. At first I looked at the Hunter Douglas sheer verticals but they cannot be cleaned expect via an ultrasonic bath...$$$$. But then I found the SmartDrape by Norman. It is individual verticals, half solid fabric and half sheer fabric. They are washable, no clanking with the soft fabric and does the job. What do you think?

Looks good! Might go more light blocking!

what is the price range for the Norman Smartdrape? I have looked at the Veneta Dualdrape at HD that seems to be very similar.

Thanks for your quick reply. I'm going to look into it. The pricing seems to be in line with the Venata product at Home Depot.