Dressing Oversized Window Blinds with Roller Shades

Tips for Covering Oversized Windows

Tall, broad and expansive windows are attractive and visually appealing in any home or office.  In addition to providing more lighting inside the room, these windows can offer great views of the outside scenery.  However, as compared to normal windows, providing appropriate window treatments to such large windows is sometimes a challenge.  While covering these windows, you need to ensure that ambient lighting and privacy is maintained while retaining the beauty of the windows.  Here are some tips for selecting the window treatments for such large windows.

Before deciding on the Window treatment you need to find out exact measurements of the window.  Some of these windows may not be perfectly square or symmetrical and hence it would be ideal to take measurements at several places and average them if necessary.  Selection of window covering would depend on the size of the window.  You can mount blinds and shades inside the frame of the window. However, for curtains and valances you may have to fix a curtain rod which extends beyond the sides of the windows.

The type of window treatment would also depend on the type of rooms.  While for dining room or family room where privacy is not very important, you may select shades which bring in lot of light with more visibility. However for bedrooms and other areas you may have to select window coverings which controls or blocks light and provide you more privacy.

You have a choice of different types of window treatments.  Drapes and curtains would be ideal to provide a classical appeal.  These are made with variety of fabrics including lightweight ones to heavy brocades.  It is possible to create traditional and modern look using curtains as the fabric are available in many colors, shades and designs.  Curtains can be hung on curtain rods using rings and clips and controlled with ropes and pulleys.   Top of the curtains can be dressed up with valances and swags.

Blinds too are available in variety of colors and shades.  You can use horizontal or vertical blinds.  These are made with different materials including metal, wood or polyester.  Blinds can be adjusted in variety of ways to control lighting and privacy.  Shades are also ideal for oversized roller shades can be easily drawn or opened manually or using a remote control.  In addition to the traditional shades made of cloth or other fabrics, there are modern solar shades which control lighting while allowing clear outdoor visibility for those inside the room. 

It is not difficult to find a suitable covering for oversized windows.  However the selection would depend on your individual taste and specific requirements of lighting and privacy.