Modern Vertical Alternatives

Q: I'm hoping you can help me out. We have a house at the lake with huge windows that give us a great view. Unfortunately, they give everyone else a view inside our home, too...especially at night. Can you suggest a good shade? Hopefully something without vinyl slats?

A: Yes! There's two really good alternatives to traditional vertical blinds. Cellular shades and sheer shades both come in vertical styles.

Cellular shades have become one of the most popular alternatives to vertical blinds. These unique shades trap air inside vertical cells when they're pulled open, giving you light control and privacy while simultaneously helping you save energy through additional window insulation. They come in all kinds of colors and are available in both light diffusing and room darkening styles.

Sheer shades are available as panel tracks and come in a huge range of colors and textures. These unique shades block direct sunlight while still giving you full access to that wonderful lake view. If you want something to help control light during the day while still keeping your view, sheer shades are great! Tighter weaves provide a little privacy at night, but not quite as much as cellular.

Both, however, are great for modern or contemporary décor.

Enjoy the lake!

Shades and Blinds for French Doors

Q: Are there any blinds made for French Doors? I currently have French doors in my bedroom but can't seem to find anything except fitted drapes for them. I'd rather have something more contemporary and stylish rather than old and traditional. Any ideas?

A: Yes! There are all sorts of custom blinds and shades made specifically for French doors. In fact, a lot of the same manufacturers who make shades and blinds for the rest of your home, also make those same styles for French doors. For example, Hunter Douglas, one of the leaders in window blinds, makes cellular shades for French doors that come in the same colors and light filtering properties as their other lines. This means you can get a contemporary shade for your French Door and coordinate them with other windows as well!

Cellular blinds aren't the only door shades available, however. Slim, tailored door shades and blinds also come in wood blinds, faux wood blinds, natural and bamboo shades that lay flat and filter light, and roman shades. Some of these offer options for top down/bottom up controls and others are available to cover either the entire door or just the glass.

There's a lot of options out there and you can certainly find ones that fit any modern style. What a way to bring those beautiful French doors into the 21^st century!

Modern/Simple Style

Q: I'm looking for shades that match a modern style but without the trendy contemporary flair. I'm pretty picky about color, too. Any suggestions?

A: Cellular Shades come in all kinds of colors and have a great low-profile design that matches just about every style. The nice clean lines of cellular shades go great with modern rooms, and they come in all kinds of light diffusing and room darkening options, too. Not only do these shades look great, but they also help insulate your windows to save you energy! Cellular shades also hold up well over time and come with all kinds of control options and different shapes to help you coordinate your windows.

Cellular shades are some of the most popular shades on the market today and compliment virtually every style. There are lots of different brands that manufacture cellular shades and you'll probably want to compare your options before you buy.

Shades and Blinds for Modern Living

Q: I have a very contemporary/modern style to my home and am looking for shades that fit my style. Can you offer some suggestions?

A: Roller Shades, mini blinds, sheer horizontal shades, and especially cellular shades and pleated blinds are great for accenting modern décor. Roller shades come in all kinds of fabric and color styles and their sleek, simple look is fantastic to compliment modern styles. You can dress them up or down depending on the options you choose. Cellular shades are at the top of my list for this category because they have a very cool pleated style, awesome light filtering qualities, and use honeycombs to insulate your windows, too.

I'm suggesting sheer horizontal shades, too, because they give a lot of light flexibility but still maintain the clean lines associated with contemporary furniture. They can also add a slightly softer touch but still stay within the same style.

If you're on a tighter budget, mini blinds (those small horizontal blinds that you'll find in lots of homes and apartments) are also a great pick. They're simple, functional, and very affordable. Pleated shades are great, too because they combine the look of cellular blinds but for a much lower price.