Chris faces a challenging window covering problem, but not an uncommon one. Below, we discuss some of the ways to cover a rather unique trapezoid window.

Hello Esther,

I’m hoping you can help me with a challenging window problem.

As you can see from the pictures below, I have large odd-shaped windows on the west-facing side of my house. Certain times of day – winter or summer – we are blinded and baked by the sun’s rays coming through these upper windows. I would love your advice on how to resolve this. Ideally the full window would be covered by a blind/shade, but even if only the rectangular sections of each window were covered that would be fine, as long as there’s no rail/bar across the center of the window. When the blinds are open, there must be no obstruction across the glass. We have a view that cannot be messed with.

I was hoping there was a bottom-up shade with rails on each side but no rail at top. Such a shade would then cover the rectangular section of the window. But I could not find such a shade.

All windows are 42 inches wide. The heights from longest to shortest are:

• 101 3/8
• 68 7/8
• 61 5/8
• 28 1/2

Please let me know what options I have.

Thank you very much.

Chris

Response after the jump!

Chris,

As beautiful as your windows are, they do pose a challenge. Trying to cover odd shaped windows is difficult, especially when you have a beautiful view like yours to preserve.

In the industry, these are known as trapezoid windows. The common and most popular solution for covering them is to employ Bali cellular shades. The blind will only raise to the lowest portion of the window, so essentially, to the top of the rectangle. You would place a triangular-shaped shade in the top portion of the window, which would be inoperable, and the bottom portion – the rectangular portion- would be fully operable.

Ideally, most people would opt for a honeycomb cellular shade and send in a template for the odd shapes, however, this would have to be broken up into what we call a “triangle over standard” within the Bali Diamondcell Collection. The rectangle portion below would be operable , and the triangle above the rectangle would NOT be operable.

The Maximum width for this type product would be 74” and max difference between the long rail and the short rail would be 9”.   The operable rectangle portion can only be controlled with a Standard cord.

A top down shade would be great, but there is no such thing without a top rail, even the comfortrack (with the side rail system) will have a top rail and will only cover the rectangular portion below.

That being said, if any obstruction in the view is not possible, his only choice would be choose an outside mount, and that might be very tricky because the ceilings are sloped and you would need to mount the outside mount on an even plain and not on a slant. Draperies are a logical option for you, in this case.

I consulted Design Consultant Dixie and she would love for you to give her a call at (800) 505-1905, extension 5301. She is familiar with your windows; give her a call!

I hope this helps, please feel free to email me again, or post a response in the comments.

Best,

Esther

P.S. Take a look at this post on window coverings for odd shaped or trapezoid windows for more help.

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