How to Pick the Best Blinds for Large Windows
Does your home have really tall windows or several side-by-side windows like that of bay and bow styles? Or maybe you have wide picture windows that give you an unobstructed view of the outdoors. No matter what type of windows you have in your home, large windows can keep a room illuminated with natural light, showcase a beautiful view, and be focal points in your home’s design.
However, there will be times when you want to reduce or eliminate the amount of light that gets into a room or prevent curious eyes from being able to see inside your home, so you’ll need to invest in a set of blinds to give you the coverage and privacy you need.
Large windows can be difficult to cover, especially since many window treatments aren’t available in those sizes unless you have them custom-made. If you aren’t sure what to look for, you could end up compromising on style just to find blinds that fit your windows. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way, especially if you know what to look for and where to shop.
How to Choose Blinds for Large Windows
Shopping for new window treatments? If you’re looking for blinds or shades made for large windows, here are a few recommendations to get you started:
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are a stylish and practical option for covering your patio, sliding glass door, or large windows throughout your home. They’re made out of a variety of durable and light-weight materials and come in many unique styles, including fabric, vinyl, and faux wood grain finishes, as well as a variety of colours to complement your home’s decor.
This type of window covering offers exceptional light control, energy efficiency, and privacy. You can purchase them in cordless varieties for added safety. What’s more, the vanes are easy to clean, they require very little upkeep, and they are suitable for a range of budgets.
Wood Blinds
If you’re looking for blinds that offer elegant style, versatility, and enhanced security, then wood blinds are the perfect solution. Wood blinds can transform any room into a modern and luxurious space. They’re available in an assortment of colours and texture choices and work well with virtually any style.
Because wood is an opaque material, your privacy is practically guaranteed. While many other materials are translucent, wood will block out anything you don’t want to be seen inside your home.
Faux Wood Blinds
More and more homeowners are discovering the benefits that faux wood blinds have to offer. For starters, they’re a much cheaper alternative to their real wood counterparts.
You can expect the same level of attractiveness and beauty from faux wood blinds as you would from blinds made out of natural wood, but at a fraction of cost. Plus, they’re extremely durable, easy to clean, and can be installed in spaces that are exposed to moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Wood blinds, on the other hand, would not perform well in these areas and could warp and swell.
Cellular Shades
For large windows that are taller rather than wide, honeycomb shades or cellular shades are a stylish choice. They’re easy to use and create a warm and cosy atmosphere in any room.
Choose from a variety of fabric options and opacities, including light-filtering, room darkening, and blackout options. Because the fabric that cellular shades are made out of is extremely lightweight, they can be custom-made in large sizes without being too heavy.
A good rule when shopping for window treatments for large or oversized windows is to opt for lighter materials, such as single-cell cellular shades, real wood blinds, or sheer shades, which will prevent bowing that heavier materials could cause.
Roller Shades
Roller shades are a good choice if you’re looking for something simple and functional. They’re made from a single piece of fabric that rolls up when you raise the blind.
Roller blinds are available in a wide range of fabrics and colours, so you can find something to match your decor. They’re also easy to operate and, like Roman blinds, can be made in blackout fabric if you need to block out light.
Horizontal Blinds
Venetian blinds are the most common type of horizontal blind. They are a classic choice for large windows, made up of horizontal slats that can be tilted to control the amount of light and privacy. Venetian blinds are available in a variety of materials, including wood, aluminium, and PVC.
Aluminium Venetian blinds are a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms because they’re easy to clean and resist moisture. PVC Venetian blinds are a good budget-friendly option that are available in a variety of colours and styles. PVC blinds are also lightweight and easy to install.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are a classic choice for large windows. They’re made from a single piece of fabric that folds up when you raise the blind, and they offer a clean, elegant look. Roman blinds are available in a wide range of fabrics, so you can choose something that matches your decor. They’re also easy to operate, and you can get them in blackout fabrics if you need to block out light.
Solar Shades
Solar shades are a great option for large windows because they can reduce the amount of heat and UV rays that come into your home. They’re great for rooms which see a lot of sunlight throughout the day, especially in warmer climates where temperature control is important.
These shades are available in a variety of colours and opacities, so you can find the perfect balance of light filtration and privacy.
Draperies & Curtains
For a classic look, search no further than curtains. The great thing about curtains is that there are no bounds to the number of designs; you can order custom curtains in just about any pattern and colour you’d like, as well as dress them up with a decorative valance.
Pleated Shades
And finally, one of the simplest yet most elegant choices for window treatments – pleated shades. These shades are typically made of strong paper or a light fabric; they are pleated, meaning they’ve been folded back and forth to create a slinking effect. Pleated shades can simply be raised or lowered, and they are fitted within the window frame for a neat, modern aesthetic.
Blinds and Shades For Wide Windows
Sometimes, the weight of a blind limits the range of sizes available. For example, faux wood blinds are very heavy and usually have more size restrictions than a cellular shade. But there is a way around this!
Roman shades, woven wood Shades, Wood and faux wood blinds can all be ordered as 2-on-1 or 3-on-1 headrail, meaning there are two or three blinds hanging from one headrail. All blinds can be operated independently of each other.
A setup like this can help increase the range of sizes without the excessive weight and strain on the mechanisms.
Blinds and Shades For Tall Windows
For particularly tall windows, such as French doors or floor-to-ceiling windows, some people our selection of Levolor motorized blinds and shades may be the right solution for you. Motorized window treatments take the grunt-work out of raising and lowering a tall set of blinds.
With a motor, you are also less likely to face the rapid wear-and-tear often associated with corded blinds. This longevity makes them a well worthwhile investment.
Measuring Your Window Blinds
If you plan on purchasing custom blinds directly from a manufacturer, then you’ll need to measure your windows yourself beforehand. This is easy to do and only requires a measuring tape, pencil, and a notepad.
First, you’ll need to decide whether you want inside or outside mounts, and then take measurements of the width and length of your windows accordingly. Be aware of any obstructions, such as doorknobs or moulding, and make sure to not take any deductions from your measurements.
Write your measurements down and make sure they follow the width by height format (W x H). Once you’ve selected the style of blinds you want, as well as your preferred material, colour, and control mechanism, you can provide the manufacturer with the measurements, and they will help you create blinds that are custom-tailored to your specifications.
Once your blinds arrive, simply follow the instructions for installation, and you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful new window treatments in your home. If you have any questions or need help selecting the right blinds for your large windows or glass doors, the team at Factory Direct Blinds is here to help. Contact us today!
Free Samples
At Factory Direct Blinds, we are only interested in offering you the very best window treatment for your needs. That’s why we’re committed to offering our customers up to ten free samples per person (one sample per product). With a sample, you’ll be able to see how the design fits your needs before actually committing to a purchase.
So, are you ready to find the perfect window covering for your large windows? Get in touch with us today!
FAQs
How do you cover a giant window?
Finding the right cover for a large window in your home really depends on where the window is. If you’re looking to cover a window somewhere more humid, like the kitchen or a bathroom, that will have different material limitations than the living room or a bedroom.
You also want to make sure that the window treatment you choose matches your decor and does what you need it to do. A bedroom will need something that keeps the light out and helps with insulation, while in a living room you might want something that lets in more light.
What is cheaper curtains or blinds?
That really just depends on what kind of curtains or what kind of blinds you want to buy. Some curtains that are thicker and made of more luxurious materials can be expensive, while some blinds made of cheaper materials will be less expensive.
On the flip side, wooden blinds can be expensive, and you can find curtains made of polyester or other cheaper materials that are less expensive.
What blinds suit big windows?
That depends on what room your window is in! If you’re trying to cover windows that are floor to ceiling, or perhaps windows that lead up to a sliding glass door onto a patio or balcony, vertical blinds might be a great choice as open horizontally, matching the way the door opens. They also offer great control over how much or how little light is let into a room.
Are Roman shades good for large windows?
Roman shades can be a great choice for large windows! They come in a majority of colours, patterns, and materials for any part of your home and, while a little harder to install than some other types of blinds, are easy to clean and great at helping regulate temperature if you get thicker ones.