Recommended Blinds For Wide Windows

Few things compare to a picturesque view through a large, wide window, but the wrong window treatment for a wide window is often an eyesore. Long, horizontally slatted metal or plastic blinds can sag in the middle of a wide window, and wood blinds are often too heavy. Ideally, choose something lightweight with vertical slats or pleats or with flat panels or sections.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are appropriate for large-scale windows--evidenced by their frequent use with sliding glass doors. Unlike horizontal slats, vertical slats mimic the drapery folds of curtains. Vinyl vertical blinds are available and typically come in white or pale colors. Faux wood vertical blinds are also available and come in a wide range of natural wood tones. You typically open and close vertical slats by twisting a wand while a track allows you to slide the entire blinds open or closed.

Cellular blinds provide the look of horizontal blinds but instead of slats, they have pleats. Cellular blinds are often made of semi-sheer fabrics, making them lightweight and giving them an airy, weightless quality. They also have a unique ability to filter light, unlike opaque blinds that completely block the light when closed.

Bamboo blinds are similar to mini-blinds, but with skinnier slats that are more tightly woven together. The tight slats allow a bit of light to trickle in and, for extra-wide windows, it is possible to use more than one blind. The quality of bamboo also adds a natural touch to a room and complements wood and leather home furnishings. Bamboo blinds roll up in a way similar to Roman shades, with deep, repeating folds.