Tricky Design Problem: Alternatives to Vertical Blinds

Q: I have a sliding glass door that I want to cover, but I think vertical blinds are ugly. What are the alternatives? – Brad D., Los Angeles, CA

A: Thanks for your question, it comes up a lot. Vertical blinds definitely aren’t for everyone. What’s great about them is they’re very durable, and they’ll last you a long time. If your child or rambunctious dog pulls out one of the vanes, it’s easy to replace. Plus, they block light and heat well when they’re closed. However, vertical blinds are very traditional. If you’re looking for something modern, you have plenty of other options. Here are my top picks for vertical blind alternatives:

Blinds.com Mystique Vertical Soft Shadings

Why I like it: Mystique Soft Shadings add a touch of the dramatic to décor. This is a very luxurious, soft product that will add warmth and create style. It functions as a vertical blind in that it blocks light and heat, but has all the aesthetics of a sheer or pleated shade. For an even more spectacular look, hang them from floor to ceiling. As pretty as they are, they’re still easy to install. They’re lightweight due to the sheer material. Ordering online will cost you around 1/3 of what you’d pay in a store, which is always a plus!

Blinds.com Woven Wood Sliding Panels

Why I like it: Woven Wood Sliding Panels are an energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and fashionable way to decorate large walls of glass or sliding glass doors. They’re always a conversation piece, because they’re quite striking, and not many people are familiar with them. What people love about woven woods shades, they also love about the Sliding Panels. They’re crafted from bamboo, sisal, rattan, reeds, grasses, and wood, and give the room that natural, modern feel. Light will filter in when they’re closed, but damaging UV rays will be locked out. Keep in mind that each material is different; some provide more privacy than others. Order free samples before you buy to ensure the panels meet your privacy needs.

Hunter Douglas Applause Vertiglide Shade

Why I like it: The Applause Vertiglide is, in essence, a cellular shade turned on its side that opens and closes left to right instead of up and down, making it perfect for patio doors. You get all the benefits of a blackout honeycomb shade: insulation, darkness when you want it, easy of use and installation, plus plenty of colors and options to choose from. If you already have Hunter Douglas cellular shades in the room, you can find a Vertiglide product in the same color, as the colors coordinate.

 

Blinds.com Solid Fabric Sliding Panels

Why I like it: Solid Fabric Sliding Panels are attractive and easy to use and install. They’re available in light filtering and room darkening fabrics, so you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to the fabric and color you choose. They instantly cool the room down by blocking UV rays and direct Spring/Summer sun. If you choose a light filtering fabric, you’ll still allow light to shine through while preventing glare on televisions and computer monitors.

 

Comments

[ashlor]

dangit esther, i wish i would have seen this. my new apt has ugly vertical blinds and these would be way better! :( oh well. lylas