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DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Open
To Ideas
Sliding glass doors in a bedroom present a challenge with many solutions.
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE:
A client has sliding glass doors in her bedroom. I have suggested
that we order a type of soft shade treatment to cover it, which
would offer beautiful fabrics and privacy. However, the client and
I are concerned that one would be able to see through the space
where the two shades meet.
We also considered blinds. But when the installer came back from
measuring the door, he noted that the blinds would receive a lot
of wear because they would be pulled open every morning. Do you
have any suggestions?
SOLUTION: Sliding glass doors
in a bedroom can be a challenge when the correct window treatment
is not properly designed for the window. If a slider includes a
tinted window, it still may need a window treatment that offers
privacy. Also, the gap between a set of window treatments where
the two are installed under one headrail can pose a problem. Let
me offer you some solutions that will work, based on your client’s
style preference.
1. Sliding shutters are a possibility with many new and innovative
finishes to choose from. This type of installation would include
a built out frame that will provide a bypass track for the shutters
to slide back and forth on from the top. This type of installation
would appear outside the window frame and is aesthetically pleasing.
2. Another suggestion would be the traditional one-way pleated drapery
treatment that would include pleated draperies and sheers. (Yes,
they have made a comeback!) Allowing a fabric treatment on the window
would soften the look of the sliding window and provide a pleasing
effect in the bedroom.
3. A motorized soft shade or vertical blind will offer an airy feeling
with privacy along with the convenience and ease of opening or closing
the treatment automatically. Many motorization suppliers offer systems
that can handle heavier weight fabrics over the distance needed
to cover sliding glass doors.
4. Consider woven wood shades. These treatments offer many exotic
designs and some can be ordered up to 144 inches in width. Optional
features include room darkening fabric liner and clutch operation.
5. There also are panel track systems that operation in a similar
fashion as the sliding shutters, but with soft fabric panels instead.
Overall, the choice is yours. The shutters will give a look that
goes with most styles, while others are limited. By choosing a fabric
window treatment, such as the pleated drapery treatment, many different
style possibilities are at your fingertips. This type of treatment
is really versatile, based on the type of fabric chosen. A dramatic
formal look or a casual contemporary is your choice for this type
of treatment!
Too often we seem to overlook the fabric treatments that are available
from our custom drapery workrooms with all the new additions to
our pallet of choices in the past couple of years! Overall, whatever
treatment your client chooses, remember to not forget the style
the client prefers!
Editor’s note: This is a continuing series of articles
written by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many
questions we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well
as questions Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you
have a question you would like Anderson to address, please send
it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies & Window Coverings
1724 E. Grand Ave.
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Fax: (847)356-9013
Email: SharonAnderson_1@msn.com
 Sharon
L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience in the residential
and commercial areas of interior design. She is currently a faculty
member at two Southern California colleges. Anderson has been featured
in numerous books and publications. |
