Finding the right shades for your needs

Zach Gibbs of the Shade Store joined Post staff writer Jura Koncius to discuss custom window treatments and motorized options.

Question: What window treatment do you recommend to keep my bedroom dark in the early-morning hours? I am a light sleeper and sensitive to light. I have room-darkening shades, but light still filters in from the sides. I do not want dark curtains.

Answer: If you’re opposed to adding side panels — drapery — then there are “side channels” that can be added to roller-shade applications to prevent light leakage. We often see these in hotels. Roller shades can also be motorized and controlled with a remote. If you wind up going with roller shades and side channels, consider adding a valance to really prevent all light from coming through, particularly across the top of the window.

Question: What are the latest trends in windows and window coverings?

Answer: I’d have to start with what is probably the most exciting thing to happen in window treatments in a while, and that’s motorization. With the touch of a button, you can control your entire home, so why not window treatments? What’s most exciting, at least for the Shade Store, is a new system we developed that is battery-powered. It’s quiet, able to handle enormous sizes, rechargeable and, last but not least, affordable. We really wanted to offer a motorized system for all product categories that is completely user friendly.

Aside from that, as we say, simple always sells. Whites, beiges and grays are what we sell the most. This approach allows the buyer to add accents through furniture, paint, carpeting, accessories, etc. Lately, however, our patterns have had tremendous influence from the world of fashion. We’ve partnered up with top design companies that offer unique, stylish prints, such as Kate Spade, Jonathan Adler, the Novogratz and Diane von Furstenberg.

Question: How long should you expect window shades to last?

Answer: If it’s a well-manufactured product and used correctly, a window treatment can last a lifetime. However, keep in mind that misuse can quickly break down the components and delicate details of some products. I always recommend when going through the buying process to have your salesperson show you how to properly operate a product so that it will last.

Question: I have a 14-foot-wide bow window (the actual wall and window are both curved), and I need help finding window treatments. I’d prefer to

have curtains on a track, but I would need a curved rod for this. Also, shades aren’t an option because the curve means they can’t be mounted inside the frame and align well. Do you have any ideas? Can the Shade Store help with something like this, or do you make referrals if there’s a job you can’t tackle?

Answer: Sounds like an interesting space. Yes, the Shade Store offers drapery and drapery hardware that can be used in a curved space. It would require one of our measure-and-install professionals to take a template of the curve. We would then have our workroom bend the hardware to meet the exact radius.

Question: What is a tasteful way to cover a huge wall of sliding glass doors?

Answer: Without seeing a photo, whenever I hear “huge wall of sliding glass doors,” I think there is some sort of beautiful view outside that we don’t want to obstruct. With that being said, there are ways to cover the sliders so you don’t feel exposed while adding some decorative elements to the room. Our ripple-fold drapery is a simple, modern style that is typically hung from a ceiling-mounted track system and can cover wide spans of glass and wall while still being fully functional.

A simpler solution would be some sort of roller or solar shade that would stay down when you need light control and privacy and then tuck up into a tight 3-inch roll when you want full view out your sliders. Once these shades are up, they are hardly noticeable.

Question: I am putting the finishing touches on a beach rental house. It is a new construction with big, vaulted ceilings and windows that offer great natural light. Right now, it has all white walls with a gray kitchen and sofas. I’m almost tempted to leave the windows raw, but it does look unfinished. I have white wood blinds with white fabric tape at home, but I can’t help but think that is boring. Any other ideas?

Answer: A simple approach would be to go with a roller or solar shade. They are clean, minimal and will not intrude on what sounds like a beautiful beach home. They are also easy to maintain (hello, renters) and are a cost-effective way to add function and detail into the space. There are a bunch of fun and unique material options out today that would fit nicely into a beach home if you don’t like the solar look.

Question: We have a large front window flanked by two smaller windows. We’d like something that provides complete darkness at night but also privacy and a pretty clear view during the daytime. Insulation would be a plus. Are we dreaming the impossible dream?

Answer: It’s certainly not impossible, but it may require layering two treatments to give you the best of both worlds. Perhaps a simple roller or solar shade to give you privacy during the day while allowing you to maintain your view, then adding a pair of blackout drapery panels to close at night. You could even add a layer of interlining, a fleece-like material, for additional insulation.

Question: I have a midcentury split-level house with large rectangular and trapezoidal windows. I want motorized shades and blinds because manual ones on tall windows can be a pain to open, and I want them on a schedule to let in more light when I get up. Is there a style you would recommend?

Answer: Given the unique design of the room and windows, I would say less is more when it comes to the window treatment you are adding. Solar or roller shades are a simple solution that can add subtle detail and great light control and can be motorized. The Shade Store has a motor that can work on a timer and/or handheld remote control, a nice solution for those hard-toreach windows.

Question: What is the best window treatment for a firstfloor bedroom requiring nighttime light control and privacy without curtains?

Answer: As you know, a bedroom, particularly one on the ground floor, requires privacy as well as room-darkening attributes. We typically suggest a “top-down/bottom-up” product, which could be Roman shades, cellular shades or pleated shades. They can be raised from the bottom up or dropped from the top down, providing privacy at eye level while allowing natural light to come in. All three product types come with a blackout option for terrific room-darkening functionality. It really gives you the best of both worlds.

Question: I have a modern house with several very narrow windows, each 10 inches wide, that I have been unable to find window coverings for. The windows are deeply set into the drywall, so mounting on the outside would look strange. Any suggestions?

Answer: If the windows are close together in a single run, then you might consider covering them all with a single large shade or pair of draperies. If the narrow windows are spread throughout the house, then individual shades seem like the best (and only) solution. Typically with a shade that narrow, the expectation is to pick a material that will be okay if left down most of the time, as it does become a little tricky to operate such a small shade frequently.

Question: How can you clean those honeycomb shades that seem to absorb dust and dirt?

Answer: It’s definitely tricky. A light vacuum attachment usually does the trick. Try knocking the larger particles toward the ends and then suck them out using the vacuum.