Blinds or curtains?

8 years ago

Can anyone advise what window treatment would work best for this large sliding door and adjoining window. We love the wall of glass in the daytime and don't want to lose the look of the wood frame around the window /slider but we need some shade from the sun, and don't want to fade furniture etc. Also we are somewhat overlooked and would like some privacy in this room which is a kitchen living diner and where we spend most of our time.

I'm considering a light curtain but fear that when pulled back it will cover a good bit of the window on either side.

We're also looking at roller blinds in 3 sections, 2 over the slider and one at the window hung just beneath the wall above the window. There's a few issues with this also in terms of the dangling chain for the middle blind and making sure they aren't too heavy for the wall..(plasterboard)

What do you think looks best curtains or blinds? And which is more practical?

Any other ideas welcome!
Also please ignore the messy layout..not finished yet and new couch ordered for the space!

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PRO

Shutterly Fabulous

8 years ago

Hi Jen - this looks a great space. I'm here to speak up for shutters - of course - as you could indeed fold then right back to show the frames and the whole of the glass. Here's a pic to show you what we mean. And regards the price, you might be surprised. They are an investment but they really do last and according to reports add to resale appeal too. We also have sister companies that offer DIY options, so do have an explore on our Houzz page if you like the idea. Thanks and all the best with your project.

Kitchen shutters for doors · More Info

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Comments (23)

Natalie Patton
8 years ago
Have you thought about shutters. I think they would really suit your room. If not I'd go with blinds
jen1215
Original Author
8 years ago
Yeah I thought they might look to clumsy or heavy against the wood but I do really like white shutters just not the price!!
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You can get a wide enough kit. I’ve seen them up to 2.4 m wide, such as this one below. https://www.curtainsandblinds4homes.co.uk/Deluxe-Roman-Blinds-Kits-Cassette-1-1-Ratio-upto-6Kgs/Roman-blind-kit-cassette-240cms. I’ve recently finished one that’s 210 wide & it doesn’t sag in the middle at all so a bit wider should be ok. Just a pain to join the fabric for a wider blind. However, as the window is quite low, I wonder whether long curtains might provide a better finish. Agree that eyelet curtains wouldn’t create too much bulk & look nice stacked back at the side of the window. I found eyelet curtains much easier to make than Roman blinds!
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I would go for both and set your curtains higher up with a rail and not a pole so there is less gap at the top (to stop as much light coming through) Otherwise curtains over a blind as the blinds let light in at the sides. There are companies who do cassette blinds which bloc out all the light but wow, they are super expensive.
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Natalie Patton
8 years ago
That's a fair point I'd go with blinds then I think curtains will take away from the window
jen1215
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks, you have me thinking now! I really do like the look of shutters so will arrange for a local supplier to come out to at least measure and price up..depends how well they stack up to the side / if there's enough space for them. A light curtain could prob do the same job but would prob take up too much room either side as well which brings me back to blinds.

What do people think about roller blinds only coming part the way down / 3/4 ways down?
PRO
Bloc Blinds
8 years ago
Hi Jen,

You could go for one or two roller blinds over the sliding doors (depending on the size) and then a separate one over the door.

We have a great range of plain and patterned fabrics which you can easily swap as Bloc Roller Blinds feature hook off, hook on fabrics.

Also take a look at our Zebra range which is perfect for adjusting privacy and lighting levels without compromising on style.

http://www.blocblinds.co.uk/window_blinds/premium_zebra_blinds

Our Customer Service team would be happy to go through your options with you on 0800 107 5535 and they can also advise you on how to measure for blinds.

It's a lovely room so no doubt what you choose will look fantastic!

All the best,

Kiera
Kerry Donnelly
8 years ago
Jen, get more than one person out for prices for shutters, I got 3 out, two of the big names came in roughly the same, small local family business came and I got them half of the price. Because you have sliding doors there are shutters on tracks that slide rather than stack at the side. Have you thought about getting the blinds inside of the glass then you will still see all the frame? Or how about the privacy film that goes on the glass, you can see out but people can't see in.
jen1215
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi Kerry, good idea to get a few quotes..reckon shutters would still be most expensive option though..not too keen on any film going on the window pane and not possible to put blinds inside windows now but thanks for the suggestions!
Kerry Donnelly
8 years ago
The blinds inside the glass can be done, they just remove the inner sheet, fit the blinds then put the glass back on, have a look on google. Yep the shutters are expensive but they'r going to last years, but I agree with you, I wouldn't want to cover the doors up because they look great. Only other thing I can think of is a pelmet up on the wall above the window, then you could fit the blinds in the pelmet, then when blinds are pulled up you won't see them as they will be hidden under the pelmet.
Kerry Donnelly
8 years ago
Just thinking, what about outdoor shutters/ wooden panels that will slide across on the outside, this will keep the look your after on the inside and still privacy when needed.
jen1215
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks Kerry! Great suggestions, had thought about an awning or outside shutters but not really enough room for them to stack up..will have to look at these inside glass blinds sounds interesting! Thanks for all your suggestions..one thing is clear no point in rushing it!
Kerry Donnelly
8 years ago
Nope, take your time, your room looks great so take the time and get something that will make it look fab rather than take look away from it. Good luck
Najeebah
8 years ago
hi there. I'd generally say blinds for a room like this, but the only downside (unless they somehow fit perfectly) is that they may disrupt the (almost) symmetrical appearance.
eg. you have two equally big main glass sections (+small sect on the right). if three equal sized blinds are used, they will not align with either of the centre posts of the glass door
something like this would bug me.. would it bug you?
PRO
VC Design Architectural Services
8 years ago
Or a silentgliss wave curtain that fits within the door reveal but stacks all the way to the left because of the door on the right? Here's mine which goes both ways
PRO
Property by Design
8 years ago
Hello Jen, I am so surprised that no one has mentioned vertical blinds to you? They are very much back in fashion and work beautifully in a room such as yours. They come in 3.5" veins, which mean they will fold back and tuck into each recess when fully open. They turn to let as much light in as you need and then close when you want full privacy. They will be fitted in the recess above the windows. You can either have one complete rail length or two so you have a separate section over the door. You can have what's know as a middle split, i.e: half goes left and right. Personally I would suggest one length that opens to the left, therefore leaving your door completely uncovered when open. The pulley system is very much like a roller blind and are safety fixed to the wall so children can not get caught in them. They come in a huge rang of colours and materials and better still they are very affordable. I am working with a number of new developments in Hertfordshire at the moment and these are what the clients are all asking for. If you would like some idea of price, please email me your measurements and I will give you an idea, amanda@propertybydesign.net

Good luck and enjoy! :0)
jen1215
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi All, I really appreciate so many weighing in on this one! Lots of food for thought. Just to update you we had a shutter rep in and he was very helpful. Although he would have loved the job! he couldn't advise us to go ahead with shutters as given the distance (5meters) we would need a track running along the ground which would be a trip hazard and seeing as we would want the shutters open / stacked up most of the time they would just be in the way.
I'm really leaning towards roller blinds now as I think they are the neatest solution. Najeebah I note what you say about the symmetry but I think the blinds in 3 sections will work as they will mirror the existing window layout.
I had completely ruled out vertical blinds, (or a wave curtain) thinking they were officey and old-fashioned but I will look at them again as you make such a good case for them! Still think they might be a little fussy or won't pack away as neat as a bind! The pursuit for perfection continues...!
PRO
Blinds 2go
8 years ago
Good afternoon Jen, looks like you've been giving lots of options already on here. We do something similar to what Kerry was probably thinking but without having to dismantle the doors.
They're called EasiFit blinds and they fit onto the frame of the windows (so you still get to see the lovely wood like you wanted to) and they can be stacked at the top just like normal venetian blinds when you want even more light.
Take a look and let us know what you think http://www.blinds-2go.co.uk/conservatory_blinds.htm
PRO
Pavilion Broadway
8 years ago
In our experience we have found that dressing large windows works very well with floor length curtains. These will make the room feel cozier, warmer and smarter than a blind.

PB
maggieandrichard
8 years ago
I would save up for shutters if you possibly can. Can't afford them myself!
jen1215
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks PB, curtains are certainly a good way to inject warmth but as this is also the kitchen I think blinds are more appropriate, the look is quite modern.
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hi Jen. Have you considered external roller blinds? Our sleek external blinds allow you to control the amount of light that enters your home to deliver a naturally cooled and passively lit space. They also maintain a clear outward vision whilst providing privacy from onlooking buildings and passers-by, so they could be a great choice for your home. Better still, unlike other window treatments, they won't clutter the clean inside lines. To find out more information, check out our Houzz profile or visit our website. Hope that helps!
External Roller Blind Installation · More Info

External Roller Blind Installation · More Info

External Roller Blind Installation · More Info

External Roller Blind Installation · More Info
turquoisetree53
8 years ago
i think fine, almost transparent floaty fabric (is it called lawn) long white or cream curtains would be great - soften the lines and give a tropical look when the sun shines. big green plant nearby and you could believe you were in Mustique!
PRO
Hamilton interiors
7 years ago
Curtains google silent gliss wave system

Blinds or curtains?

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