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Home Decorating

Help for Very Large Foyer Window Treatment

15 years ago

Hi,

We have moved into a new home recently ( new to us, that is) and I have a window dilemma. The foyer is 2 story and has a large, square window ( 67"x67" inside measurement). It is east facing and we get a lot of sun in the morning. I am concerned about fading of my furniture and the fading of a large picture that I would like to hang in the entryway.

The house is 20 years old and there was not one blind the entire house. I have a small budget and have purchased blinds for all the windows but this one. Because it is so high, a motorized treatment would be ideal. But that makes it too costly- about $800 to $1000 for a Silhouette-type of shade with motorization. I love the look of Silhouettes and the ability to control light as well as see though them when needed. My budget will only allow $400-$500 for this window, and I really hope I don't have to spend that much!

I would like to be able to open and close the treatment as needed. Does anyone have experience with a large window like this, and how have you covered it? If I don't go with a motorized shade, what are my options?

I don't want a fabric treatment ( like a curtain or vertical panel), but prefer something sheer.

FYI, I did have a lady from JC Penney custom come out, but she thought I needed something motorized.

Would appreciate any and all suggestions, links, and/or pictures.

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (6)

gk5040
15 years ago
We had a similar situation....we had it tinted by 3M. I really didnt want to have a shutter or blind that would get dusty. This allowed filtered light and kept the beautiful look of our paladian window.
daisyadair
15 years ago
If you order a blind you could order them with cords for both opening and lifting the blind long enough to control it from below. Use a cleat or something to wrap the cords when not being used.
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Amy, clearly this is a very "grand" style of house, with all the very elaborate millwork. You can put anything there. A lovely antique settee with tables/lamps on each side, is a classic in a large entrance hall. A spectacular high boy or chest-on-chest can also be used. Of a gorgeous, massive console table with mirror over it and lamps at each end. You need to hire a designer NOW! And you need to decide what your taste is and how you want this house to look. I'm well aware that people are mixing highly contemporary with classic, but that chandelier in the DR just doesn't do it for me. It's just trying way to hard to say, "I'm hip! I'm chic! I can break "rules"!".
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@Ely M Beautiful inside too! Gorgeous floors. Love those windows & would be a shame to hide any of the features of them on inside. I’m guessing windows are centered on the wall - looks off in picture but guessing that’s angle. I’ve never seen angled rods as @threers suggests. I also think any inside mount blinds would be custom & $$$$ due to shape & I don’t think outside mount fits these windows. I would go with drapes with the rod just above highest point on center window & with panels that split in middle & pull half to each side. I see the vent at lower right so you may need to use shorter length that ends just below sill. Even though the other window just like this one is evidently in another room, if you want to cover it at night, use same kind of drapes so the view is the same from street & the back side of drapes should be white. BTW, love the hanging light too!
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jkpita
Original Author
15 years ago
gk5040,

I had looked into widow tinting. There are some warnings out there about heat buildup in the glass and possible cracking. I am hesitant with this window because the morning sun is so intense and the window is 18 years old. It is in good shape, as far as I can tell; I'm afraid to risk having to replace the window down the line.

How long have you had the tinting and can I ask approximately what it cost to have done? Thanks.
patricianat
15 years ago
Have you considered plantation shutters.
jkpita
Original Author
15 years ago
I couldn't open or close them each day- too high. Probably too much for my budget, too. But I adore the look.
cliff_and_joann
15 years ago
daisy has the best solution, order wood blinds with extra long cords. It the most inexpensive way to go. I would not spend big money for a motorized blind/shade. I do have one, however we did it ourselves very cheaply.

Joann

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