Thoughts please:Blinds for these windows and doors?

7 years ago

Hi all those of you with open plan extensions,lots of glass,French doors,bifolds,sliders.....basically any type of open glass at all, how have you dressed the windows for privacy and cosiness? We are slightly overlooked from behind so need something to provide some privacy by day without blocking what will soon be a lovely garden view. At night I want to feel secure and be able to close all the blinds.

Company I'm going with have suggested either vertical blinds or a sheer roller panel which can see through by day but opaque enough for night but I'm not convinced it'll be private enough when lights are on in winter.
Love any suggestions thanks a mil!

Featured Answer

Mary Mary

7 years ago

We had the same dilemma and decided to have the curtains pulled back to one side so it's keeps the window free.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (61)

baskey1980
7 years ago
We have these from Thomas Sanderson, can be pushed to bottom or top so you hardly see them and can also be put midway, hopefully photo makes sense and shows options
PRO
Dub M
Original Author
7 years ago
Paul I'm having wood Venetian blinds across front of house in a stone colour so wanted something different across the back plus we are much more exposed at front so I wanted venetians to break the openness, not nearly as open at the back. Love the Sanderson blinds actually
Related Discussions
HELP: Small L-shaped kitchen with refuse chute on wall!
Q
Comments (10)
Are you saying that cooking next to the chute would gross you out even if its covered? Andd to use it for its intended purpose? In the first picture, it looks like the stove is directly underneath the chute, but I can see in other pics that it is not. I think it is far enough away. If everything is bagged properly, it shouldn't be that bad. You will have to check on local code regarding having the stove next to the window. Code may make your decision for you. People usually just put shorter cabinets above that type of range hood. I would recommend doing so because you need all the storage you can get. The hood--being different from the bank of cabinets--will provide relief to the eye. With cabinets above, it'll still feel balanced. And, as for covering the chute, do you want to cover it and restrict access or do you still need to use it for its intended purpose and just want to camouflage it? To help the room feel pleasant, cheery, and light, I recommend using a glass tile. Even though it's applied to a wall, the translucency still shows and evokes a sense of the adjectives above. I think it would help keep things light. Consider a slightly higher toe-kick underneath the lower cabinets. It helps to create a lighter-footed feeling. You could also consider cabinets that have furniture style feet. for a more open feeling. Your kitchen seems like an ideal room to use modern, lacquered cabinets. I don't know if you like the super-modern look, but I think it could be nice. Maybe just for the uppers. Use a medium-to-light toned wood on the bottom. A limestone floor might be nice. Or you can do wood or laminate. You could go with dark or light. I think it's mostly about preference.
...See More
Terrace revamp
Q
Comments (9)
I love your design I have a similar terrace that I always thought to install a trellis, but was never sure how it would look and yours looks great. On the floor a wanted to install the interlocking wood squares, but I'm afraid that they are too high maintenance. Any comments?
...See More
My first house! Need your insightful advice!
Q
Comments (19)
I very much agree with what Beverly said regarding adding shutters to your home. You don't have the space on either side of the windows to accommodate appropriately sized shutters. Awnings would definitely be an option. Since you're in the Caribbean, you can add color by using a brightly striped awning. One shutter option that you could consider would be a Bahama Shutter. Since they mount at the top of the windows, you wouldn't have any problem adding them if you like.
...See More
Living Area Layout - Dilemma
Q
Comments (8)
Hi Dagobert Duck (interesting name), I am assuming that this is a townhouse in Asia, as you mention the dry kitchen and wet kitchen (terms used mostly in Singapore) and also from the visible lift on the plan that you shared. I would definitly advice you to keep the dry kitchen and place the dining table close to the dry kitchen or close to the bay window on the left. The space here is rather large and can easily accommodate a regular 2 metre table with 8 chairs. If you are concerned about the view of dining table as you enter the house, you could always place a round table near the entrance to block off the view. I agree with Elaine about placing the furniture away from walls. Place a bunch of fresh flowers or art/sculpture above the round table like in a hotel entrance. So the the first view you see when you enter the house is the table with flowers. Its difficult to give you any further advice as we have no idea what your final vision of the place is? Feel free to contact us in Singapore if you need further advice? Hope you will have the home of your dreams soon.
...See More
jacksplash
7 years ago
I think roller blinds could be a good option for you..i find that they give you privacy when needed,but when pulled up they will nearly disappear,and will not interfere with letting the light in.
PRO
Dub M
Original Author
7 years ago
I think you may be right, for some reason I was looking for something other than rollers but they probably are the simplest and most cost effective solution for us. We can have them a third down by day for some cover and then fully up when needed and down by night
Trish
7 years ago
We have had same problem deciding what to put up, iv eventually gone with vertical because I didn't want view completely blocked out! With verticals you have different options with privacy.
PRO
Dub M
Original Author
7 years ago
Trish would you mind posting a photo?i can't find many images online of verticals in action. What material are yours like a linen?my husband thinks they're too office like so it's a hard sell! Here's a wider view of space we are filling
Helen C
7 years ago
Hi dub M, I think you posted re my windows and I forgot to reply... sorry. Anyway I have the same issue and have considered electric rollerblinds or the pleated blinds like the Sanderson ones. I have the bottom up top down blinds in the rest of the house and they are lovely. You can get them in different transparencies (take a look at luxaflex website). Not so keen on vertical blinds, they do look a bit office like and cold to me plus I think they are a hazard for children and pets (if you have any?!). Lovely room btw.
Bri Sullivan
7 years ago
I will post when they are up I'm having them fitted Tuesday , I've gone for sealed pockets at the bottom so you haven't got that chain . I have graphite doors like yours and have got them in grey , will post pics when they are up .
PRO
Dub M
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks campo for your thoughts, I've two little tots so have visions of sticky hands on vertical blinds but I also like idea that there is a degree of control with how open they are, the rollers are all or nothing really aren't they.
What did you decide in the end for yours?
Bri Sullivan
7 years ago
Dub M post above is from Trish I was on someone else's Houzz !!
Helen C
7 years ago
You could go for the day and night rollers. They just look more contemporary to me. Tots and verticals just sounds like potential for crumpled broken vertical blinds after a year or two! Found this image online of dual rollers but it's an Australian website. Very sleek looking though and gives you the option of filtered light or blackout. I still don't have blinds up in my kitchen, we aren't actually overlooked apart from through one small corner of the garden in the winter. I'll be rectifying that this winter with a bamboo screen. My blind quote for electric rollers was £5k so I need to be certain before I commit. Have you had any quotes?
Carol Williamson
7 years ago
Try true fit blinds. They look wonderful and can be easily pushed up and down as they sit in a small neat frame.
Lucy Mackie
7 years ago
Hi I'm having an extension starting next month so the blind suggestions have come in handy for me too!
Would you mind telling me who supplied your doors?
Carol Williamson
7 years ago
Here are the true fit blinds....mine were supplied by a company in Sunderland in the North called SECOND TO NONE BLINDS but most Venetian blind suppliers do them.
Carol Williamson
7 years ago
No idea of the doors though as were insitu when I moved in. Good Luck
PRO
Hillarys
7 years ago
Hi,

A bit of a follow up to my first suggestions. A few people have suggested blinds in a frame. These are a solution we call Perfect Fit blinds which are very lovely, but I didn't suggest in the first instance as they're made for uPVC window frames only and your windows didn't look to be. Are your windows aluminium? If so, they unfortunately won't be compatible.

Hope that helps,

Zoe
Trish
7 years ago
Hi Dub M iv got mine up now and very happy with them they do exactly as I wanted . I will put curtains as well in lounge.
Ryan Everitt
7 years ago
I would go for Window Shutters, try Clement Browne. They're really competitive on prices and are suppliers to John Lewis so you know you'll get quality! Mine look great!
shari39
7 years ago
I have been researching blinds for bi fold doors and saw some rollers blinds that have a pelmet at the front. They look sleeker when pulled fully up during the day as the blind sits behind the pelmet.
shari39
7 years ago
Pic below
LTS
7 years ago
Do you have a photo of your Ryan?
PRO
Dub M
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks shari I like the look of pelmet too although they are more bulky than fitting the simple roller inside the frame. I suppose I don't want to make a statement with blinds,don't want them to be really noticed just there to give us a choice for when we want it to feel more cosy. This open plan living with lots of glass front and back of the house is a new experience for me and feeling a bit like a goldfish in a glass bowl so need to cosy it up at bit.

For whoever asked I'm in dublin so our glazing is from Munster joinery, our windows are actually a "Future proof" uPVC, they were €€€ but very efficient for heat retention and noise so hopefully it pays off. I love them actually! Spent so long debating on bifolds vs sliders vs French doors but figured we would have limited opportunity to open up bifolds and the opening with sliders isn't actually as big as I'd imagined so the French doors gave the best compromise.
Thanks all for input I'll keep you posted!
Rona Gray
7 years ago
Roller blinds work for me - with pelmets or without or lighweight curtains as alternative
Rona Gray
7 years ago
Tuck away neatly when not needed
PRO
Appeal Home Shading
7 years ago
For large windows and
French doors, a pleated or roller fabric blind would work brilliantly. If
you’re after a streamlined and subtle appearance, you could go for roller
blinds, available in a whole variety of different colours and patterns to suit
your taste.

If you like something a
little more stylised, pleated blinds add a classic and timeless appearance to
any room. Whichever you choose, both options are available from Appeal Home
Shading with a backing for added privacy.

For convenience, child-safety
and a modern touch, our ULTRA Smart blinds can be operated with a remote
control, and set to open and close at a certain time or at a certain light. For more information
you can visit our website: http://www.appealshading.com/window-blinds/

Hope this helps!

Appeal Home Shading
PRO
Conbu Interior Design
7 years ago
I personally don't like vertical blinds in homes as too office like.

Roller blinds with a pelmet or a laminated blind using a gorgeous fabric would look great. Motorisation is much more popular, more reasonably priced these days and battery operation doesn't require additional wiring. A beautiful voile on a motorised track will work also.

Good luck, Angela www.conbudesign.com
Katie Wilkinson
7 years ago
@Basky1980 hope you don't mind me asking, but do your blinds run up and down on visible string held in tension in front of the window? I'm worried my toddler will rip them down. Really want top up/bottom down blinds for our bifolds and you're the only real person I've seen to own them!
Katie Wilkinson
7 years ago
@Baskey1980 hope you don't mind me asking, but do your blinds run up and down on visible string held in tension in front of the window? I'm worried my toddler will rip them down. Really want top up/bottom down blinds for our bifolds and you're the only real person I've seen to own them!
rabinakhanam
7 years ago
built in blinds .. Look amazing and you never have to dust the...
PRO
HBD Systems
7 years ago
Electric Roller Blinds could be a good idea? You can get them in individual panels as we have in our showroom or in larger panels, also the top casing can match the frame colour or the walls. Origin global have quite a few options available which look great!

Kind Regards

Hannah
PRO
HomebyHomer Interiors
7 years ago
Hi there
Have you considered a wave curtain ?
With such a large expanse it seems a pity not to dress and get the wow factor ! See examples attached
They can be made allowing for minimum stack back so that they not impede on your lovely views
You can also get electric tracks nowadays as well
Have a Look at forest drapery products
PRO
Equilibrando... Space Planning with Feng Shui
7 years ago
Hi dub M, I think curtains would work well in your space. It seems like you will be changing your garden. Would you consider installing some kind of additional fence that will secure more your privacy in your garden and your house? / Marcin
ianthy
7 years ago
We have the same issue and decided not too add curtains or blinds as we prefer the clean look and full visibility of the garden - during the day and evening. We have planted some bamboo at the rear of the garden. To be honest, I am not worried if the houses behind can see us sitting at the dining table.
PRO
Inkmill Vinyl
7 years ago
If you want to explore the option of frosted window film, this blog has some ideas. As well as readymade patterns we also create bespoke designs from your own artwork.

5 Frosted Window Film Decorating Ideas

Decorating windows - easy to apply and remove solution for privacy & pattern · More Info

Decorating windows - easy to apply and remove solution for privacy & pattern · More Info
PRO
The Blind Shop
7 years ago
Hi, we regularly fit sunscreen roller blinds to windows/doors in situations like yours. If you are concerned about being seen at night, then you could have double roller blinds, where you have blackout roller blinds too.

Sunscreen Roller Blinds | The Blind Shop | Made to measure from £90 · More Info
double roller blinds - blackout blinds with sheer blinds behind.
Holly Prewett
6 years ago
following
mml235
6 years ago
What did you decide on in the end, would love to see an up to date pic!
Christine Griffin
6 years ago
Have you tried integral Venetian blinds-they are maintenance free !!
Susie Campbell
6 years ago
I am interested in this conversation as having a large patio door of 5.5 metres (4 movable panes) on my new extension. I am just researching window coverings now. I am not concerned with privacy but as south facing want something to shade the tv etc. I don’t have the money for more roses. I have children. I am considering roller blinds or verticals and as I am at build stage I can arrange recesses at the sides or top to “hide”. If I go for rollerblinds I think I will need about 4. But how would I reach to pull them down? I think 4 pulley systems will look unsightly. So I am opting towards verticals even though I would like rollers. If anyone has ideas or photos I am very interested. I have enjoyed the other ideas so far. Thanks S
Christine Griffin
6 years ago
Our bifold doors are in our kitchen which is south facing. We concluded that because it was for the kitchen the main factor was as they were integrated within the double glazed units they would not attract any grease/dust and of course still look lovely.
Jacqueline Mack
6 years ago
I have 3 x2M electric rollers, across 6m opening with 3 sliding patio doors, run on battery and sit up in colour matched casing, in anthracite, blinds very pale grey, will try and post photo.
Helen C
6 years ago
They are lovely Jacqueline may I ask where you got them/approx cost (if that’s not too cheeky!)
PRO
HBD Systems
6 years ago
Campo73, we do these blinds, if you have sizes I can give you a cost for them no problem!

Hannah
PRO
The Blind Shop
6 years ago
Susie Campbell, in response to your comments, if you don't want chains hanging down, you could install electric roller blinds which you can raise and lower with a remote control. Feel free to browse our bifold door gallery page for more images of roller blinds on bifold doors.
Jacqueline Mack
6 years ago
Hi, we got from local company in Verwood, Dorset, called Blindwise, and they were great. I think they are louvolite brand and I am sure you will have suppliers local to you. They operate with remote control.
Jacqueline Mack
6 years ago
Hi, cost around £400 per blind I think. We got from Blindwise in Verwood, Dorset who were great but they are Louvolite make and I am sure you would have supplier local to you. They operate with a remote. We got ours mainly for sun but didn't want to block light and you can also see through ours when down but you can't see in from the outside in daylight, not sure about in evening with lights on, haven't looked!
Jacqueline Mack
6 years ago
John Lewis do something similar too and I think costs were comparable but you need to measure and fit yourself!! Or they can do fit you fir extra charge. Would let you see them operating if you have a John Lewis near you.
Helen C
6 years ago
Thank you Jacqueline that’s really helpful, have found a local supplier already. They seem very well priced for electric blinds. I also need for blocking out the sun so these seem perfect. Thank you for your help.
Helen C
6 years ago
No John Lewis near me unless I swim across the Irish Sea! Desperately want them to open a store here, particularly one with a massive home department like Oxford Street!
PRO
YES Glazing Solutions
5 years ago
We get asked this question a lot, and that is why we sell integrated or integral blinds which are totally enclosed within the glass cavity of the double glazed unit, and are available for most of the doors and windows we sell.

They can be manually or electrically operated, are available in a range of colours, and have Venetian or pleated versions. They can be closed for complete privacy, opened to any angle for different shading or raised up almost completely out of the way.

Aside from enclosing all the working parts (safe for toddlers), they enhance the thermal efficiency of the unit they are enclosed within and will never need cleaning!

You can upgrade existing doors and windows, although if you are purchasing new, ask your supplier about Uni-blinds Integral Blinds beforehand.