Father does know best!

5 years ago

A few years back, I asked my dad to remove all of the vertical blinds from my patio home insisting I wanted drapes of my own choosing. My dad told me, “You’re gonna regret it!” since the blinds provided a lot more privacy than I appreciated and drapes and window hardware are expensive for very large windows (not to mention my maximal decor style aspirational tastes on a modest budget.)

Well, father knows best!

After searching for endless 90” drapes to fit all the windows and then purchasing tons of them to actually cover each window. I am so over it! And dad was totally right, none of the drapes provide the same level of privacy as the outdated vertical blinds.

So time to put some vertical blinds back up -__-

I have 4 large windows to cover: one bedroom and one living room floor to ceiling window about 144” wide each (living room pictured); and one guest bedroom and one dining room floor to ceiling window about 116” wide.

I do prefer the vertical panels with 2 windows costing $1200. I can do the master bedroom and living room with the vertical panels (I spend most time in my bedroom and now use my living room to work from home), then save up and do the other 2 when I can afford it.

Or I can spend $675 for all 4 windows with new vertical blinds. and be done with this project. Dad said to make up my own mind, “Since I seem to know everything!” lol

What are your thoughts? Partially get what you prefer and wait for the rest? Or go with the 2nd best option that you can afford now? I could but prefer to use money in hand vs any sort of financing, even for a small amount.

Either way — I look forward to window treatments that I can close and feel secure knowing you can’t make out my movements while they are closed! Plus I get terrible migraines and these ‘light blocking’ drapes aren’t even sorta helping.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Vertical blinds (less than expensive but a lot nicer than the old ones!)

Vertical panels (more expensive, more esthetically pleasing)

Very large window to cover

Featured Answer

RNmomof2 zone 5

5 years ago

The vertical panels are never truly off the window unless you buy them big enough to stack them all the way off the window. Then this may make the windows look asymmetrical if that matters. Some times you just need vertical blinds and if you don't mind them, don't listen to the naysayers. I have not found them to be light blocking or room darkening though.

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Comments (14)

Mrs. S
5 years ago
Have you looked into window film and/or solar shades?
kculbers
5 years ago
I agree look into solar shades. I don’t care for the look of vertical blinds.
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Kate
5 years ago
I would also suggest solar shades. You could use one shade for the larger portion and on shade for just the door. This gives you the option of leaving the door open and rest closed.
Suzy Sandoval
Original Author
5 years ago
The solar shades are an interesting option. Do the non-motorized versions eventually get bent out of shape with regular use?

Also: No matter what I choose, they must be attached to the ceiling slighting in front of the window as the windows go completely to the ceiling.

I have a pretty aggressive HOA so everything needs to be consistent from the outside.

Do you have a favorite place to purchase window coverings?

Thanks for all the suggestions and feedback!
woodrose77
5 years ago
Go with what you can afford and wait for the rest. If you need vertical blinds, get them. It's your home, get what you like or need. I wouldn't go in debt for curtains either, and you're very smart not to do that.
mihelene
5 years ago
These are a bit more contemporary version of verticals. Ikea has several different types and very low price points and there are other manufacturers. Just search "panel curtain"

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/foensterviva-panel-curtain-blue-gray-50370503/
blubird
5 years ago
To those who suggested solar shades, the OP inidicated the need for privacy and room darkening, which the solar shades dont provide.

While I'm no style icon,, i have vertical blinds in several rooms where they meet my needs. Not many window treatments can provide privacy, light modulating, pet friendly and pretty much dust free service and look neat and trim and fairly unobtrusive when open. I'm not as fond of the panels as they don't let you adjust the amount of light coming into the room.

The claims of ’dated’ are very much undeserved for such a versatle product.
Mrs. S
5 years ago
I would shop locally for window coverings that have tricky hanging situations. you need a local place with experience and who cares about their local reputation, in case you have issues.
JJ
5 years ago
I did the panels in my old home. Bamboo and I had them lined. It was a great option.
Suzy Sandoval
Original Author
5 years ago
I agree @blubird.

Vertical blinds really do it all at a price that can’t be beat. The vertical blinds in my home when I bought it were cream and more than 30 years old. That was likely my real issue with them.

My house has white shaker cabinets and white baseboards and white ceilings now (CREAM POPCORN BEFORE!) so the cream vertical blinds did look dated. New, white verticals will freshen things up, I believe. I’ll likely keep the valance off for a bit less traditional look. Thanks for your response, all great points on why verticals have continued to be used. I do like the look of panel sliders but they likely will look dated soon enough, and they definitely don’t have all the benefits of good ol verticals (plus they are twice the price to boot.) for my needs, verticals will work best.
NagyMama
5 years ago
I voted for vertical blinds. I had them in our second home’s sliders. They aren’t the most beautiful things (sometimes ) but they do serve a purpose as others have said. 30 years on from that home, I’m looking at them with fresh eyes. I’d consider them in my next home if they served the purpose.
Maureen
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Do you need to use the same treatment; does HOA only require the same color or style as well. Can sides and back of house be different if say all white? Do you need to keep closed all the time in every room for your migraines, as that will affect choices.

I could’t wait to get rid of my vertical blinds and did one room at a time, taking time to compare costs and deciding on suitability per room.

Blinds and/or curtains (depending on room) can work well and try Ikea. If only curtains, there are black outs with liners, try Amazon and Overstock.

Zebra shades on smaller windows in bedrooms work really well.
Suzy Sandoval
Original Author
5 years ago
The shades just need to be one consistent color on the outside. The windows can be opened or closed (please tell me there are not HOAs that control the opening and closings of windows! I wouldn’t be surprised honestly….)

IKEA is a great idea. I just started looking now. I don’t have an IKEA in my area unfortunately but everything I’m interested in is available to purchase online!