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Design Dilemma Home Decorating Windows

please help,with window covering for high awning window

3 years ago

My husband has FINALLY moved his “office” activities from our kitchen island to the actual den/office. What a relief! However, there is a high awning window over his desk, and we need a solution for sun glare. I’ve been considering a solar blind, because I really want something unobtrusive. My concern is how he will comfortably raise and lower it, since it is over the desk. We have actual blinds on the other windows, but prefer not to do something that bulky on this window. We don’t open this window, so airflow is not a concern. The window is roughly 24”x24”. Suggestions? Picture attached. Please excuse the mess. He has a creative mind, which generally results in messes in his spaces. I’ve learned to accept it after 46 years:)

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Comments (7)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
Since he probably only use the space during the day why worry about opening and closing it just leave the solar shade down
Jennifer Hogan
3 years ago
Window film.

There is one that darkens only when sunlight hits - like the indoor outdoor sunglasses -

https://www.decorativefilm.com/ultracool-ir8675t-75-30-vlt-transitional-ir-solar-film
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My first thought was some sort of blind that raises up from bottom to top. Do they have blinds like you have that could be made to fit like that? You would have to have a "stick" that hooks on to the blind to raise or lower it. Or put blinds like you have now and open and close them for light. I don't think fabric would be what you want.
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The back of our house faces almost due West. Parts of it get shade from trees, but the kitchen/family room windows don't. I'd suggest an awning - especially if heat build-up as well as glare is a problem. That room use to get too hot in the summer when the rest of the house was fine. We had vertical blinds on the big windows, but they didn't cut down the heat much. Then we bought big sun umbrellas to put on the patio during the summer. We still get a nice amount of light, but not the bright glare. The shade keeps the concrete outside from heating up and reflecting heat into the house. The rooms stay comfortable. I like the way the umbrellas look, but we have thought about putting in a retractable awning instead. That would save the job of putting out the umbrellas each spring and putting them away each fall. Since they don't obstruct the view, we leave them up all season. If you want to be able to open and close the awning easily, you could get a motorized one. Here are a couple of photos taken in the late afternoon.
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As you make your final lighting choice, remember that getting extra light and air flow can work both ways. Are you considering something other than clear glass? Perhaps stained glass for the window pane: something else you might consider is paying more attention to the stairwell side of the window -- perhaps having the window from that side appear to be framed art with a light over it with the switch for the light inside the new office w/loft.
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PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
3 years ago
Yep, I agree with the window film, however, are you sure that's the best location for the desk? I wouldn't want to face the wall. I'd want a view of something as I worked.
Sammy
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
How about hanging a piece of stained glass in the opening? I think something like this (or even this exact piece, which is 20” x 22”) would look beautiful:

From the description: Original early 20th-century salvaged Chicago arts and crafts style interior residential stained glass window fabricated by the Foster-Munger Company, Chicago, Illinois. Measures 22" (h) x 20" (w)

(one of two) Salvaged Chicago stained-glass window
smcf03
3 years ago
Why not get a solar shade with a remote? That way he can raise and lower it at his will without moving. And if you think his office is messy, you should take a look at my husband's home office. ugh.
ngcurt
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for all the suggestions. @patricia colwell consulting, just leaving it down is a likely option. I can always pull out the kitchen tongs for the few times I need to operate it lol. @jennifer hogan, film is an option to consider. @beverlyfladesigner, believe me, that discussion’s been had. I agree with you, but I’m just so glad to get all that stuff off my kitchen island, I’ll basically let him have this in whatever position he wants!:) FYI, it took seven years to get it out of the kitchen!!!! @sammy, that’s a good idea, but I like clean light into the room. @smcf03, I hadn’t thought about a remote, I’ll check that out. I appreciate everyone’s help.
PRO
Treeshades LLC
3 years ago
I would suggest a blackout if you don't want sun to get in. But if you'd like the sun in I will suggest to have a light-filtering shade or a solar screen roller shade which protects you from the sunlight. Here is an example of a light filtering and solar screens are similar. Feel free to contact us!

Residential Window Shades · More Info

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