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Picture Window Blinds and Shades

Large dining room with long dining room table in front of large picture windows with Silhouette Original blinds.

As its name implies, a picture window provides a clear, unobstructed view to the mountains, ocean, lake—or whatever gorgeous setting lies beyond the glass. This single pane window, which literally frames the outdoors, is usually larger than a standard window and doesn’t open (which reduces the window frame size, enhancing the view).

For all the grandeur that a picture window provides, there may be times, of course, when you’d prefer privacy or when you’d like to block out mid-afternoon glare. And that’s where window treatments come into play.

Custom-made blinds, shades or drapes are all terrific choices for covering a picture window—which style you choose simply depends on your personal taste and the needs of your space.

Blinds for Picture Windows

Timeless vertical blinds, which are available in a range of materials, including fabric, aluminum and vinyl, are an ideal selection for picture windows. If you prefer the look of a traditional vertical blind but want the soft appearance that fabric brings to a window, consider Cadence® Soft Vertical Blinds. These elegantly styled blinds move smoothly and mimic the lush folds of drapery.

Desire the light control that a sheer provides? Check out Luminette® Privacy Sheers. These light-diffusing vertical sheer panels with fully-integrated fabric vanes are distinctly designed to control light, while creating privacy.

Shades for Picture Windows

While energy efficiency may be a concern with any window, it can be more of an issue with a picture window, due to its size. A large picture window can be a conduit for heat on sunny days and cold air on chilly ones.

For enhanced energy efficiency, nothing beats cellular shades. Designed for year-round comfort, the unique honeycomb design of cellular shades traps air in distinct pockets, for an extra layer of insulation.

You don’t need to sacrifice style when it comes to energy-efficiency, either. Duette® Honeycomb Shades, which provide superior energy efficiency, are available in a luxurious, high quality selection of fabrics, as well as three pleat sizes. And in addition to being extremely energy-efficiency, Duette shades also beautifully diffuse natural light.

Living room with a sofa, coffee table, and accent chair set in front of large windows with Duette Honeycomb Shades. Duette® Honeycomb Shades

Drapery for Picture Windows

Drapery, will its long, flowing fabric, is also an option for framing a picture window. Just keep in mind that drapery may take up more room on each side of the window when fully opened (called the “stack” or “stack back”) than a blind or shade may do.

The amount of stack back on each side also varies depending on whether you opt to have drapery open to the left or right, or from the middle. Also keep in mind that the thicker the fabric, the greater the stack back.

If you’d like to add drapery to your picture window, you’re sure to find a fabric that complements your room’s aesthetics, with Carole Fabrics Custom Drapery (a Hunter Douglas partner company). Choose from thousands of fabrics in pleated, non-pleated and Ripplefold™ drapery, along with premium hardware and custom finishes. 

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