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richard_sullivan

We need help in finding window treatments for modern house

Richard Sullivan
10 years ago
We have a modern home with large windows especially in the master bedroom. We love the openness of the room which has an ocean view but need privacy as well. We do not want to obscure the beautiful wood details of the windows. The corner windows seem challenging to cover and the two wood framed screens would not open properly if window shades or blinds were installed under the window head. Any advice?

Comments (21)

  • PRO
    JMittman Designs
    10 years ago
    Do only the two windows open that you show? You have some challenges, but I am thinking ripplefold sheers might work. Any more pics you can share?
  • PRO
    User
    10 years ago
    You might consider mounting blinds or shades above the frames and build a fascia or valance that matches the wall color to conceal them when not in use. You might also be able to get some draperies that can be drawn across the whole space. Then use the technique mentioned above to conceal the track. A local window treatment expert might be especially helpful with such a unique set of windows as this.
  • pcmom1
    10 years ago
    I think window film will give privacy during the day, if it is a bronze finish, not sure if it works at night. (We looked into it once, but decided against since it also reduces the light into the room.) But if it gives privacy as well at night, that would be great.

    The bronze finish actually will improve the outside view by making colors richer. Sort of like windows wearing sunglasses!
  • PRO
    Sustainable Dwellings
    10 years ago
    Window film. I have large doors in my master and living areas... if someone wants to look, they deserve what they see. hahaha.
  • ajj
    10 years ago
    If it's a living room, I'd leave the top windows uncovered but since it's a master bedroom, I'd look into a blind maker like Hunter Douglas. The corner window is tricky but you could either have two blinds with a bit of a gap, or install a column in the middle of the glass and make them into two regular windows.
  • Richard Sullivan
    Original Author
    10 years ago
    Thank you for all your comments. We are looking into privacy film. I can send more pics soon. This is a great site and I do appreciate all the advice!!!
  • PRO
    ResCom Designs
    10 years ago
    The issue with film is that you only have the privacy by day. Once it gets dark and the lights come on you are back to being "in a fish bowl." Consider using the film on the cathedral windows and find a roller that meets your tatse and decor to provide the evening privacy.You can also motorise using Somfy and thus truely beef up the room.
  • mdmomof3
    10 years ago
    Film on top if light heat/fading is an issue, otherwise it's wasted. Here's an idea from my house for the bottom. We have wooden crown valances with roller shades that completely are hidden if desired.
  • pcmom1
    10 years ago
    Windows usually need layers of different treatments for different times of day and night. Privacy film in bronze for day, gives richer color and prevents heat gain/loss. Then mdmomof3's terrific shade for nighttime.

    Also, cellular shades are really functional. If down during the day a lot of light still comes in. Great insulation value and they compress down when up to only a couple of inches.
  • Richard Sullivan
    Original Author
    10 years ago
    Nice idea. Thanks!!
  • fianou
    10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago
    Large linen or floaty silk curtains. we had massive windows in our house as a kid, My mum got old silk parachutes and turned them into awesome light floaty curtains. they were easy to pull out of the way, and they were warm, you could suspend them just above the large windows and run them all the way around the corner. you can get curtain track that goes around the corner. I think that will be easier than trying to fit blinds to each window. Either light silk or soft linen, that will filter the light through.
  • mdmomof3
    10 years ago
    Honestly, after looking at your photo again, I would use landscaping as a privacy screen if you have the property for it unless you have direct sunlight problems. The right planting would handle that as well, although maybe not for a few years. Knowing the price of window dressings, you might even save money with plantings.
  • fianou
    10 years ago
    Planting a screening hedge is a nice idea. Not too high to block your view, but high enough so no one is looking straight in. Sort of at mid height in the window. Clumping bamboo is a plant to use for a very narrow and tall hedge that grows quickly. They can be cut back with a chainsaw to keep them at a particular height. Clumping bamboo doesn't go insane and take over the whole neighbourhood. Its low maintenance and grows quickly.
  • PRO
    Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC
    10 years ago
    Richard - I have to second the statements that window films will give you some daytime privacy, and none at night, and disagree that they are a waste of money. Sun damage affects floors and fabrics, so the window films will help you protect your flooring and furnishings when you have the windows open to the view. The cost of the film is reasonable, and replacing your flooring is expensive. Sometimes sun damage is worse in the winter, when the angle of the sun is lower.

    Your corner windows are great from an architectural point of view, but you are correct in stating they are challenging to cover. I think many architects would prefer they never be covered. If you are pulling window treatments up into a fascia or other structure to hide them when they are up, you still are likely to have a gap at the corner where you have glass rounding the corner, if the shades do not overlap each other. One shade can overlap the other, but clearance is critical. Your architect also didn't give you a lot of space to stack anything pulled to the side. If you are located in the United States, I would suggest you find a window treatment specialist in your area by checking out the Window Coverings Association of America website, www.wcaa.org. This is not a DIY project.

    There are a number of choices which can give you daytime privacy, and still allow your view, but the general rule is, to the degree you can see out during the day, that is the amount others can see in at night. So you need a comprehensive strategy to ascertain the right level of privacy for you during the day, during the night, and when you are away on vacation and don't want passers by to know whether you have timers turning the lights on or persons doing it.... Since you have so many windows, consider an automated choice among your options.

    Best wishes,
    Linda

    Linda H. Bassert,
    Masterworks Window Fashions & Design,
    Fairfax, VA
  • pcmom1
    10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago
    Could something automated be mounted outside the house's windows? Think there are things out there that give you privacy plus security. Don't know how they look from inside, but then if you had them, you could just pull across some lightweight sheers at night.

    This shows sliding panels mounted outside:
    Michigan Barn · More Info
  • PRO
    Wheellok Smart Film
    10 years ago
    Have you ever considered Smart Film? The advantage of smart film is that when no current is applied the film is translucent. When a small voltage of 36v is applied the film becomes transparent. Take a look at our page to view some examples.
  • PRO
    Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC
    10 years ago
    That might be an excellent solution for your modern interior.
  • dpwbeach
    10 years ago
    I would suggest you look at GeigTech Shading Systems - they provide a patented Fascia Free system - no window pockets either; no visible screws or wires. www.Geigtech.com. Look at their YouTube video as well:
  • PRO
    Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC
    10 years ago
    Their corner bracket is impressive, dpwbeach. I would anticipate a small privacy gap at the corner window where the glass wraps around the corner, however. Glad to know about them, however.
  • PRO
    Blinds.com
    10 years ago
    Hi Richard! There are two ways to go with modern decor, mid century nostalgic, or contemporary and clean. For a mid century look we'd suggest pinch pleat drapes on a track across the entire lower level of windows. The drapes could meet at the corner window to give it sufficient coverage. If you're going more contemporary, solar shades or cellular shades will give you a sleek, clean look. Because these two options are so slim, they will be able to meet in the corner with a very minimal light gap.

    http://www.blinds.com/control/product/productID,108655
    Blinds.com Solar Roller Shades · More Info

    Bali DiamondCell Light Filtering Honeycomb Shades · More Info


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